Ibiza is the perfect destination if you're looking to sample its famous nightlife, tranquil beaches, or a combination of both. If you hire a car on Ibiza, you’ll find that the island is compact enough for you to easily hop between the clubs and the quieter resorts. It’s less than 30 miles long and just 12 miles wide.

Most visitors to the island arrive at the airport, where the E-20 dual carriageway leads you straight into Ibiza Town in just a few minutes.

The rest of the island is linked by a network of smaller roads. Some are good quality, like the C-731, a modern dual carriageway running from Ibiza Town on the east coast to San Antonio on the west. Other roads are smaller and often winding. You’ll even find dusty tracks linking some of the more out-of-the-way hamlets, especially in the north. Don’t worry, they’re all easily passable and can actually add to the fun of the Ibiza experience.

The rules of the road on Ibiza follow the standard Spanish system, as the Balearic Islands are part of Spain. You'll be driving on the right-hand side of the road and speed limits are displayed in kilometres per hour. Limits are set at 120km/h (around 74mph) for motorways and dual carriageways, 100km/h (62mph) for conventional roads, 90km/h (56mph) for other main roads and 50km/h (31mph) in built-up areas.

Driving from Ibiza Airport to Ibiza Town is just a four-mile journey along the Carretera Circunvalación Eivissa and then the E-20. San Antonio is around 14 miles away from the airport – expect it to take you around half-an-hour via Ctra. Eivissa-Sant Antoni and the C-731.

Take care if you’re driving on non-tarmac surfaces. Allow a little more time for braking and take it easy on corners. Nevertheless, the island is hilly rather than mountainous and driving around Ibiza can be a lovely way to discover sleepy villages of white-washed houses surrounded by ancient olive groves or a secret cove hidden among the rocks and pine trees.

In terms of parking, look out for 'P' signs indicating car parks. On-street parking spots are available but watch out for yellow kerb or road markings which indicate parking is forbidden and can result in a fine.

This small sun-baked island has become one of Europe’s trendiest places to visit. It’s hard to believe that Ibiza wasn’t always such a sought-after Mediterranean destination. In fact, it was originally the unloved member of Spain’s Balearic Island group.

How Ibiza became cool

The island was neglected by tourists because of the lure of its bigger neighbour, Mallorca, and the pretty island of Menorca.

The drier, less inhabited and developed island of Ibiza was largely ignored by early holidaymakers. The only visitors were a growing community of early hippies. For them, it was a tranquil sandy paradise – an escape from the developed world.

A liberal atmosphere duly flourished, with Ibiza becoming a place where people came to celebrate these freedoms. And soon these celebrations became rooted in the island’s culture, with some of the world’s top dance clubs evolving in Ibiza Town and San Antonio. Most of the hippies have long gone and it’s now known throughout the world for its clubbing scene.

Dance all night

Ibiza Town is the centre of this huge dance scene, particularly in the summer, and you’ll find there are lively clubs in San Antonio too. But away from the cities, Ibiza is generally very quiet, with family resorts and undeveloped beaches.

Major Ibiza nightspots include Pacha, on the waterfront of Ibiza Town, and Amnesia, to the north of the city. You’ll find different promoters, DJs and genres take over the clubs on different nights so there’s a varied style and atmosphere throughout the week.

Check local listings to find the highlights. And one of the latest trends is for joining dance parties aboard music boats. You’ll find these club boats cruising out of Ibiza Town and San Antonio harbours in the early evenings.

Ferry connections

Although Ibiza Airport caters for most visitors to the island, it is possible to arrive via the regular ferries from the Spanish mainland. These leave from the east coast port of Valencia.

And if you’re moving on from Ibiza to stay on the small neighbouring island to the south, Formentera, you’ll find ferries are the only option. These boats leave and arrive at the busy waterfront in Ibiza Town.

The island of Formentera makes for a great day trip from Ibiza too. The pristine white sand beaches here are even less developed than on Ibiza. It’s a perfect place to lay back and chill for a day.

The ancient sights of Ibiza

Be aware that the signage on the island often uses the old name Eivissa instead of Ibiza. Don’t worry, it’s the same place.

Whatever you call it, you’ll find the best sights of the island by touring around in a hire car. Historically, the island of Ibiza has always had a greater influence from North Africa than the other Balearics. Rome was more important on Mallorca. So you’ll still spot Arab water wheels and whitewashed, cube-shaped houses as you explore.

The island’s biggest historic sight is the massive wall around the old part of Ibiza Town. It’s over 25m high and you can walk around the top, enjoying great views as you follow in the footsteps of the Renaissance soldiers who built them 500 years ago.

Much more than a party destination, this is an island with history, culture and incredible natural beauty. Explore it all with car hire in Ibiza.