Ibiza 2021 holiday season
Ibiza 2021 will be unique. This year’s summer season will see the island adapt to the many changes caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic.
If you’re one of the millions of people who regularly visit the White Isle, you’re probably wondering what these changes mean to any potential 2021 Ibiza holiday. And that, dear shipmates, is what this article is all about.
What’s the current situation in Ibiza?
At the time of writing, Ibiza is emerging carefully from a 3-month lockdown with no socialising between households having been allowed. It’s been a looong winter, m’hearties! But spring has brought good news – infection rates in Ibiza are now extremely low.
The weather is truly awesome and the beaches are busy with residents happily basking in the already warm sunshine. Masks are not required on Ibiza beaches as long as you stay in your own group and maintain a 2-metre distance from other households.
From April 10, two households will be allowed to mix, either indoors or outdoors. Daytime (09.00-17.00) alfresco dining with groups up to a maximum of 6 per table will be permitted. Shops will be open until 20.00 and essential shops until 22.00.
Presently, whilst shops, bars and restaurants are gradually re-opening, there is still a 10pm curfew in place. All current rules are due to be revised (and hopefully further relaxed) on April 23rd.
Editor’s note | update 11/05/21: The state of emergency in Spain has now ended. The exterior terraces of bars and restaurants can now open all day, until 22.30. Curfew is now 23.00, a restriction which will be revised again at the end of May.
What can you expect during summer 2021?
If you’re wondering what will be open and when, what’s allowed and what’s not, we’ve gone right ahead and done the leg-work and research for you. Whether you’ve got beaches, bars, the sea, restaurants, hotels, clubs, towns or countryside on your mind, check our list of locations, businesses & venues below to find out about opening dates, along with general advice and information about what kind of safety measures you can expect.
Detailed Ibiza 2021 listings
If a listing’s Ibiza 2021 opening dates have already been announced, you’ll find the details beside the listing. If the opening date has not yet been announced it will say ‚2021 opening TBC‘, and provide you with a link to either the company’s website or one of their social media channels so you can keep an eye out easily.
Even if a business is listed with a confirmed opening, we’d still advise you to follow the link and enquire directly, as sudden changes of plan are commonplace at the present time.
Here’s the order the info appears in, so you know roughly how far to scroll if there’s a part that you’re particularly interested in:
- Part 1: Travel to and from Ibiza
- Part 2: Restaurants and eating out
- Part 3: Beach bars and al fresco dining
- Part 4: Clubs
- Part 5: Hotels and accommodation
- Part 6: Towns and villages
- Part 7: The sea
- Part 8: The beach
- Part 9: The countryside
It’s a treasure trove of helpful information and links, leaving you free to plan your Ibiza 2021 holidays with all the latest info at your fingertips.
Let’s dive in.
Part 1 | Travel to and from Ibiza
The latest news regarding travel to and from Ibiza this summer is that the island will be open for 2021 holidays. International flights will be allowed, ports will reopen and Ibiza will most certainly be welcoming holidaymakers. However, as we all might expect, this year’s travel will feature some added considerations.
As this article goes to press, the UK government have placed restrictions on foreign travel, but this will be reviewed, we understand, on May 17th. Germany, on the other hand, is allowing foreign travel and the first visitors have already arrived to the Balearics on a ‚test scheme.‘ More about that below.
The golden rule is to check your country’s official government website and with individual airlines, before planning international travel this year.
Vaccine passports
The EU is currently proposing a ‚digital green certificate‘ to enable those who have been vaccinated to travel more easily. The message from the authorities is very clear. If you can get vaccinated, then this will make your travel plans easier.
Discussions are still ongoing, but it seems pretty clear that vaccinated travellers could well have more options than those who are not.
More info here.
COVID-19 safety test scheme
A pilot group of international visitors will be welcomed to the Balearic Islands, including Ibiza, over Easter. The safety protocols implemented by the airport, ports, accommodation providers and tourist premises will be rigorously tested and measured for effectiveness. If the test scheme goes well, it will bode very well for safe Ibiza 2021 holidays. As soon as we hear of the results of the test scheme, we’ll update this article.
In the meantime, the Balearic government is aiming to have at least 70% of its own population vaccinated by the end of May.
Check out Mixmag’s article with more info here.
Negative PCR tests obligatory
All incoming travellers must present a negative PCR test on arrival at Ibiza airport this 2021 season. The test must have been taken no more than 72 hours before arrival.
There is now a test facility at Ibiza airport too, so anyone needing to get tested before flying to an international destination can get a PCR test for €70, with results given 12 hours later. Rapid PCR tests cost €35, and antigen tests just €25. Always check which kind of test is required by your destination country.
You must make an appointment and you can book a test right here.
To be on the safe side, if you’re travelling from the UK, always check the travel advisory page of the UK government’s website before planning your trip to Spain. Visitors from other countries should check their own government’s official advice.
Travel corridors
Both the UK and Germany are in talks with the Spanish government to operate travel corridors between locations that have less than 50 cases per 100,000 residents. Ibiza is very close to these low numbers as we go to press. We have all our fingers and toes crossed that such low numbers become the new normal.
Part 2 | Restaurants & dining out in Ibiza, 2021
If you were one of the lucky few to visit Ibiza during 2020, you’ll know that the al fresco dining scene was ON FIRE!
In the absence of Ibiza’s famous clubs, visitors were instead enjoying eating out in any one of a huge variety of wonderful eateries doing a roaring trade.
We’ve faithfully checked the websites and socials of our favourite Ibiza restaurants and sure enough, many are now getting ready for what could be a very busy 2021 foodie season.
Restrictions
Social distancing and mask-wearing are here to stay for the foreseeable future. However, once sat at your table, with the permitted number of guests, you can remove your masks once either food or drink is delivered to your table.
Safety protocols
Please spare a moment for the hard-working hospitality staff who are working doubly hard to keep you safe and protected and your environment sparkling clean, whilst following all recommended safety protocols. Sure, it’s not always ideal to have to wear a mask, but imagine how much more challenging wearing that mask is for the staff who are risking their own health to serve you (and a hefty fine for not enforcing rules).
Hand cleanser is obligatory when entering most establishments and masks must be worn when leaving your table for any reason.
Smoking is not allowed on restaurant terraces. Whilst smoking in public is generally allowed, you must be at a very safe distance from others and certainly well away from other diners.
2021 opening dates and links to further info
Here is a list of some of the finest Ibiza restaurants, along with opening dates and/or links to further information. It’s by no means exhaustive. Be sure to book well in advance.
Amante, Cala Llonga | from April 23, 2021
Bambuddha | 2021 opening date TBC
Yemanjá, Cala Jondal | already open
Juan y Andrea, Formentera | 2021 opening date TBC
Beso Beach, Ibiza Salinas & Formentera | 2021 opening date TBC
STK, Marina Botafoc | opening May 27, 2021
Las Dalias, San Carlos | 2021 opening date TBC
7 Pines, Cala Conta | opening June 4, 2021
Part 3 | Beach bars & al fresco dining
Last year, during the (albeit very short) 2020 summer season, beach restaurants were so in demand that some had to be booked 2 weeks in advance. Be prepared, intrepid diners! If you really want to get an al-fresco table (or bed) on the beach at a nice restaurant, be 100% sure to get in there early with a booking.
Here’s a list of some of the island’s most popular beach bars offering al fresco dining. Once again, this list is not exhaustive, but it is pretty long!
Blue Marlin, Cala Jondal | 2021 opening date TBC
Pikes Hotel, San Antonio | 2021 opening date & events TBC
Golden Buddha, San Antonio | already open
7 Pines, Cala Conta | opening June 4, 2021
Nassau Beach Club, Playa d’en Bossa | opening March 27, 2021
Kumharas, San Antonio Bay | 2021 opening TBC
Obeach, San Antonio Bay | from May 2021
Hostal La Torre, San Antonio | opening date TBC
Bora Bora, Playa d’en Bossa | from May 19, 2021
Beachouse, Playa d’en Bossa | 2021 opening date TBC
Jockey Club, Las Salinas | 2021 opening date TBC
Aiyanna, Cala Nova | from April 28, 2021
Tropicana Beach Club, Cala Jondal | 2021 opening TBC
Destino Pacha | from May 27, 2021
Cala Bassa Beach Club, Talamanca | 2021 opening TBC
Café Mambo, sunset strip | 2021 opening date TBC
Cafe del Mar, sunset strip | 2021 opening date TBC
Sunset Ashram, Cala Conta | Opening date TBC
Cotton Club, Cala Tarida | 2021 opening date TBC
Part 4 | Clubbing
For what to expect from the Ibiza club scene this coming season, the truth is, nobody knows yet. What we can say for sure is that last year the clubs were firmly shut & there was never really any talk of opening them that season.
Ibiza is older and (hopefully) a little bit wiser and this year. After a heroic year of sacrifice, both Ibiza Rocks and Amnesia have openings and events confirmed. Eden has announced plans to open in June, although a specific date is yet to be confirmed.
We’ve scoured for news of Pacha, Hï Ibiza and DC10, but so far, no one can confirm or deny anything. We wait with bated breath! Meanwhile, here’s what we know so far.
Amnesia | Paradise Lost, Jamie Jones confirmed, June 23 – Oct 7
Ibiza Rocks | Poolside Sessions confirmed, from May 17, 2021
Eden, San Antonio | | 2021 opening confirmed for June – details of parties TBC
Pacha, Ibiza Town | 2021 opening yet TBC
DC10, Las Salinas | 2021 opening yet TBC
Hï Ibiza, Playa d’en Bossa | 2021 opening yet TBC
Whilst no one knows what kinds of restriction might be implemented in the clubs this year, masks are likely to be obligatory in closed spaces. Although like anything else at this point in history, anything could happen!
As more information becomes available we’ll update this article.
Part 5 | Hotels and accommodation
As mentioned earlier, a tourism pilot plan will be launched over Easter across all of the Balearic Islands, including Ibiza.
If all goes to plan and the safety protocols are shown to be effective, then the following fabulous hotels have either announced an opening date or plan to open this 2021 summer season. Many are offering flexible bookings and no cancellation fees and if they don’t, then booking.com certainly do!
You can expect lower-than-usual occupation numbers, mask-wearing in some public spaces and hyper-cleanliness all-round. Indoor seating in bars and dining areas will likely have reduced capacity.
In terms of entertainment, hotels that usually feature DJs are expected to continue to do so, although music volume may be lower than usual and dancing may be restricted. That was certainly the case with events that were held last year, both at Pikes and W Hotel.
Without further ado, here’s our Ibiza 2021 hotel hit-list, ladies and gents. Again, not an exhaustive list, but establishments listed below are tried and tested, high-quality digs.
Ushuaia, Playa d’en Bossa | 2021 opening yet TBC
Pikes Hotel, San Antonio | Rooms available to book from May 19, 2021
Hotel MiM Es Vive, Figuretas | 2021 opening date TBC
Ibiza Rocks, San Antonio | opening May, 2021
Hard Rock Hotel, Playa d’en Bossa | opening Easter, 2021
W Hotel, Santa Eulalia | opening 22nd April, 2021
ME Ibiza, S’Argamassa | 2021 opening yet TBC
Palladium Group Hotels, multiple hotels and locations | check for individual opening dates
Ocean Drive, Marina Botafoc | open now
Aguas de Ibiza, Santa Eulalia | opening May 1, 2021
Atzaro, San Lorezo |opening April 22, 2021
Part 6 | Towns & villages
Outdoor terraces are already open, with indoor seating at a reduced capacity expected to return after Easter.
For towns and villages, mask-wearing in public places is obligatory. Shops, bars and restaurants provide hand-sanitiser for use upon entry and disposable gloves must be worn when touching fruit and vegetables in supermarkets.
Social distancing is very much observed, and all indoor premises have reduced capacity to allow for social distancing of at least 2 metres between customers.
In supermarkets, you’ll find clearly marked lines at the checkout, which ensure you’re at least 2 metres away from the next person in the queue.
Part 7 | The sea
Ah, that sweet Balearic Sea! One of the last bastions of freedom to be found in these times of Covid-19. With strict social distancing in public places, a day out at sea, on a boat with your favs, is a fabulous alternative and quite literally, a breath of fresh air.
Private boat rental is very popular in Ibiza and entry-level boat rentals start at just €595 for 7 guests on a half-day adventure. Complimentary drinks (bubbles, wine, beer and soft drinks) included. That works out at not-very-much per person to spend a glorious day, half-day or sunset on a boat.
Current guidelines say that private, outdoor spaces do not require social distancing, as long as numbers & households are within those permitted at the time. Nor are masks required onboard (since you’ll be outdoors, on a private charter, being served drinks throughout your trip).
Water toys, such as snorkel gear, canoe and stand-up paddle boards are usually supplied free of charge and you can groove to your own tunes via your boat’s onboard sound system.
Check out this Italian speedboat, Cranchi 31, for example. Or spend a few quid more and opt for a Sunseeker yacht.
Part 8 | The beaches
Those perennially beautiful Ibiza beaches are an ever sweeter vision of loveliness that usual. With smaller crowds and more space, this is one area of Ibiza bliss that the COVID-19 restrictions have had some positive impacts on.
The beaches and bays are clean & crystal clear. Their year-long break from the usual huge crowds of the Ibiza summer season has seen the return of whales, dolphins and turtles to the waters around Ibiza and Formentera.
The disappearance of large cruise ships and busy marine traffic has let marine life thrive whilst industrial pollution has dropped.
Restrictions on the beach
Social distancing is still observed on Ibiza beaches and a mask must be worn whilst moving around. Once settled into your socially distanced bubble however, at least 2 metres away from your closest neighbour, then masks can be removed. And beware, there are on-the-spot fines for not following protocol.
Masks do not have to be worn whilst in the sea.
Incidentally, many other regions of Spain, including Valencia, for example, have implemented obligatory mask-wearing, even on the beach. The regional government of the Balearic Islands, however, has rejected what it considers to be such an ‚excessive‘ step, so for now at least, you can sunbathe in Ibiza , Mallorca, Menorca and Formentera mask-free.
More info in this article by El Pais.
Even with these basic safety restrictions in place, it’s a wonderful time to discover the stunning natural beauty of Ibiza’s pristine, sun-soaked beaches and magnificent coastline.
Part 9 | The countryside
As you may imagine, there has never been a better time to get up close and personal with the incredible riches of the Ibiza countryside. There are many incredible walks and tours offered by passionate lovers of Ibiza nature who are immensely experienced guides.
The Ibiza countryside is packed with medicinal herbs, ancient trees and swathes of cool pine forest, a rainbow of wildflowers and so much more to explore. There are various discovery walks you can go on, suitable for all the family, many followed by workshops on making natural soaps, cosmetics, remedies and more. Check out Camino Verde to discover walks, talks and workshops that reveal the secrets of Ibiza’s abundant plant life.
Community walks & private tours
For wonderful group walks that include historical sites and a huge wealth of information, we absolutely love Walking Ibiza. Founded by Toby Clark, who has personally walked around the whole island several times (you can join him too), the Walking Ibiza team provide both community walks (donation-based) or private tours to accommodate up to 6 guests.
This year, Ibiza 2021, more than any year since mass tourism began, is a year for really getting to know the extraordinary beauty of the island. There will never be a year quite like this one, that’s for sure.
We hope you find the information curated here helpful and we hope some of you can join us for this very special, Ibiza 2021 summer season. We’ll continue to update this article as changes happen (as they so often do in these times). Until then, stay safe and take care.
Love from the whole Boats Ibiza team.
Images | Reproduced with kind permission: Cat Milton (lead image), Cotton Club, Space, Pikes Hotel, Blue Marlin.
Please note: the information provided in this article is correct at the time of publishing. Boats Ibiza cannot be held responsible for any subsequent changes to the law or to restrictions imposed by the authorities. We advise you to double check opening dates and events directly with the businesses concerned, using the links provided. Whilst we will make every effort to update this article as changes are announced, we can not be liable for any changes we are unaware of.
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