Not everyone goes on holiday with lots of cash to spend. Sometimes, you have more of a fixed budget but still want to have fun. Ibiza, like any holiday location can be expensive, though that's only if you choose it to be. If you're looking for an affordable trip with the girls, Ibiza can be as cheap as you want it to be.
To get you in the know, here is our second installment on how to do the ideal girls' getaway and have lots of fun without breaking the bank.
If you have the cash to splash, then there are plenty of ideas in the sister article to this piece.
STAYING
Accommodation is usually the biggest cost of any holiday. Ibiza has many hotels large and small though with a price tag that not everyone can afford, especially when holidaying on a budget.
It's good to know that there are many reasonably-priced places to stay that are nice and modern with essential facilities like free Wi-Fi, air conditioning and more. You will get some of the keenest pricing in and around San Antonio, where as well as its great nightlife, it has the setting of a huge and beautiful natural bay.
Relax like a goddess at the Florencio Hostel
In the centre of San Antonio Hostal Marí, is superbly-located, has an on-site restaurant for great food all day long and nicely decorated standard rooms. The Florencio Hostel further up, has a pool, a sun deck and a cycling centre to hire bikes. Standard rooms are very pleasant and can sleep up to four people.
If you're looking for a balance between relaxation and fun then, check out the Aparthotel San Marino in peaceful San Antonio Bay, only a stone's throw away from the beach. Standard rooms come with satellite TV, a kitchenette and can sleep up to three. A lot of quality for the price.
Peace at a great price at Aparthotel San Marino in San Antonio Bay
Ibiza's biggest resort Playa d'en Bossa is a big attraction for many as is its long sandy beach and closeness to Ibiza Town. The great value Arlanza Jet Apartments come in at a reasonable price and guests benefit from all the facilities of the Jet Complex with multiple bars and restaurants and regular pool parties.
In the same resort, great value, bright modern decor and fantastic facilities await you at Apartamentos Playasol My Tivoli. Choose an apartment with three beds and cut down on cost - all have small kitchens too. There's also a sun terrace and a pool. A great bargain.
Relax on a Balinese bed on the Apartamentos Playasol My Tivoli sun terrace
Our hotel and apartment pages have accommodation all over the island. Search by resort and select hotels of one to two stars to find more economical options.
If you plan ahead and there are enough of you, you might want to look at renting a villa, especially if you want more privacy, your own pool and maybe a barbecue area. You might get a villa a few days ahead of arrival, though booking ahead is advisable especially for July and August which may need to be booked a year in advance.
Since most villas are in the country, hiring a car is a must. Check out our budget villas and grab yourself a great deal.
DOING
A trip to Formentera need not cost the earth
If you want to avoid car hire, take one of the local buses, which even go to beaches as well as resorts and villages. In summer there are extra routes and regular services too. Water taxis go from resort to resort and to beaches too and you get to take in some great coastal views.
Clubbers and late night travellers can get the disco bus and avoid taxi fares. All the major resorts and super-clubs are linked and it's quite the adventure. Join in the merry singing and enjoy the ride.
If you want to get a little active, how about some early morning yoga? Great places to do it are Kumharas in San Antonio Bay or Aiyanna Ibiza next to Cala Nova beach in the east where you can practise in stunning outdoor locations. For a giggle, and for free, Ladies' Sunset on Wednesdays at Surf Lounge Ibiza offers free rides on the wave machine.
Sights are free, like the beautiful Es Vedra
Going further afield, a day trip to Formentera with Aquabus costs just a touch under €20 for a same-day return ticket from Ibiza Town. Ibiza's laid-back sister island is all about the beaches and you can stock up on food from the supermarkets on the main road just outside the port of La Savina.
Sightseeing is of course free. The citadel of Dalt Vila in Ibiza Town is great to walk around on ancient cobbled streets and as you ascend, expect breathtaking panoramic views. Make your way through the tunnel to the cathedral for the very best vistas. Harder to get to but worth it is the rock of Es Vedra and the best place to feel magic that we know if. Take some shots for an Instagram post with the most amazing backdrop.
Girls like to shop of course, so check out one of the street markets, in all major resorts or the famous hippy markets of Punta Arabí or Las Dalias, where you can buy an array of affordable items from clothing to jewellery to souvenirs.
EATING
The pizzas at Es Tanco are out of this world
Eating out can be as expensive as you want it to be and many options for cheaper eating abound. Our budget restaurant section has a good selection of places island-wide to give you a flavour.
For breakfast, you will find that most places offer breakfast deals of delicious pan con tomate or tomato bread, orange juice and coffee for a few Euros. Rita's Cantina in San Antonio is an institution as is Le Croissant Show in Ibiza Town and both are worth checking out in the mornings for their extra special atmosphere.
A smart way to play it is to head to restaurants where the locals go as most offer fixed-price lunch menus called menu del día in Spanish. For as little as €7, you can front-load your eating for the day with deals that offer three courses and a drink. If you ask for vino casera, you will get a whole bottle of red wine, with soda water - a local lunchtime staple. Pizzas always make a great budget meal option and for a truly great one, head to Es Tancó in San Rafael or Sant Jordi.
A hearty three-course menu del día for lunch could be the answer to fill your tummies
It's worth also heading to Santa Gertrudis's Bar Costa for cured hams, salamis and cheeses that are really well priced. For a big feed and lots of variety, the food at Flaherty's Irish pub in San Antonio packs a satisfying punch.
For food on the go Papizza in San Antonio has a happy hour from 18:00 with slices for just €1. In Ibiza Town's market in the old town, there's a stand also selling great organic pizza slices for little too. In Playa d'en Bossa Chopstiqs offers some superb and keenly priced Asian food for just over €5 for a bowl of tasty boodles with meat or seafood.
DRINKING
San Antonio's seafront promenade is where you will find style, fun and cheaper drinks prices
Drink prices in the clubs could set you back if you have a lot, so you might want to ease that burden and get in some drinks beforehand from a supermarket. Mercodona and Lidl's own brands are inexpensive and good for making a few mixed drinks or some easy cocktails. Just don't turn up to the club drunk or there'll be no dancing for you.
Cocktails that are not priced in the mid teens are not impossible to find on Ibiza. If you fancy listening to chilled house music with some great ones, head down to The Bay Bar Beach Club or try Pearl Ibiza where they offer two-for-one cocktails all night. Both are on the seafront promenade.
Exceptional cocktails at Number 5 in Ibiza Town that are really worth the treat
Of course, San Antonio's vibrant West End offers some of the best drinks' deals on the island. A good tip is to stop and listen to the pushy bar promoters. You might find yourself lapping up a free bar for a couple of hours at an awesome price - if you batter your eyelashes a little.
In Playa d'en Bossa, Dunes also offers some amazing quality two-for-one cocktails during its daily happy hour from 19:00 to 20:30 and is the perfect spot to people watch. If you want a glamorous place and don't mind paying a bit more, settle down onto one of the comfy sofas at bar Number 5 in Ibiza Town's harbour. The slightly higher prices are really worth it for the originality and quality of cocktails, plus the chilled atmosphere. A good one to save for your final night as a nice treat.
PARTYING
Boat parties are a big money-saving tip that many party-goers miss the ball on. Tickets often include free transport and entry to a big club later on giving you two parties for the price of one – a kick-ass deal.
San Antonio's Ocean Beach and Ibiza Rocks are famous for hosting some popping open-air parties from afternoon to early evening without having to part with lots of cash. Or, make your way to RUMORS for glamorous Destino where entry is free or even have a boogie at one of the cool events at Pikes. Guest list is free on its web page and big name special guests, like Mark Ronson are often playing. Shots here are a mere €4 - barman, rack 'em up!
Alternative sounds at Wax da Jam
Head north to Las Dalias for some alternative sounds. Wax Da Jam is a stand out party on the island and ticket prices are great value. Magical hippy-style Namaste in the same venue on Wednesdays is free to enter before 20:00 and has a great and buzzy atmosphere.
Everyone wants to go to a super-club at least once. You might want to save that trip for your last night and end your girls' getaway on an almighty high. Our advice is to plan ahead and purchase club tickets in advance. Ibiza Spotlight has many early-bird ticket deals and if you keep an eye out for these, you might even get half price ones.
Girls, it's going to be a holiday to remember. Don't forget our top tips to help you save money and you're sure to be able to afford more than just a Toblerone at the airport for your journey home.
Finally...
As well as having the time of your life, do remember it's always important to be careful especially when out at night. It's easy to get carried away and lose common sense in the moment. You're on a girls' holiday, so try to stick together.
Try not to let anyone in your group go and get cash out in the middle of the night on their own and if you are going to split up then stay in twos or threes. It is always important to be safe and savvy. See our holiday tips for women. More general tips can be found in the same section.
