Exploring Ibiza by hire car
Many holidaymakers know Ibiza almost exclusively by night. In the clubs, people party until the early hours of the morning.
Famous DJs travel from all over the world to play here. But the island has much more to offer.
The best way to discover Ibiza’s beauty is by hire car. We have put together a few tips for renting and driving.
Taking over the hire car
Many rental companies can be found directly in the terminal. But there are also providers whose stations are located only near the airport.
In this case, a shuttle will take you to the hire car. This can take quite a while and cost you valuable vacation time.
It is best to find out before renting the car if your rental company also has its station directly at the airport.
Choosing the right car
On Ibiza’s roads, and especially in the villages and towns, it can get quite crowded. You are best advised to choose a small and manoeuvrable car. However, the car should already be large enough to hold your holiday luggage.
Hire car prices
For the most part, you can get a hire car in Ibiza at very reasonable rates. However, in the high season there can be shortages of vehicles.
And then the prices also rise. On the safe side, you are, if you book the car well before the trip. Then you can choose the vehicle category freely and usually get a good deal. The easiest way is with our practical price comparison.
hire car price comparison Ibiza
Insure the car well
Make sure that your hire car is adequately insured. You should definitely choose a fully comprehensive insurance without deductible.
In addition, it is advisable to take out insurance against tyre and glass damage. With liability, you should definitely pay attention to the coverage amount.
It should be at least one million euros. Because if people are injured in an accident or several vehicles collide, it can quickly become very expensive.
If your rental company’s coverage amount seems too low, you have the option of taking out additional insurance to provide further protection. Talk to your insurance company and ask for a so-called Mallorca policy. This will also help in Ibiza.
Control the car
Inspect your hire car for defects. These include scratches and dents. But also the light should be tested before driving. Be sure to have scratches and dents confirmed in writing by the rental company. If the lights do not work, you should insist on a change of vehicle.
The rental company is obliged to hand over a roadworthy vehicle to you. Shortly after you drive off, it’s a good idea to do a brake test as well. Find a clear stretch of road for this to avoid a rear-end collision.
All aboard?
Before your first trip, check that the hire car has high-visibility vests, two warning triangles, a spare tire, an anti-theft device and a first-aid kit. In the event of a breakdown or accident, you must only leave the car with a high-visibility vest.
Remember age limit
Some rental companies do not rent their cars to drivers under 21. Others charge drivers under 25 more. And then there are rental companies that won’t rent cars to drivers over 75. It’s best to inquire about the conditions before booking to be protected from unpleasant surprises.
Remember the tank regulation
Only rent from rental companies where you pick up the car with a full tank of gas and return it with a full tank of gas. This is always the fairest and most transparent method.
Free kilometers
Are you planning a beach holiday and only want to use the hire car for excursions in the local area? In this case, you can take out a cheaper rental agreement with limited kilometres.
But if you want to explore the whole island, you should definitely make sure to hire car with unlimited kilometers.
Cash with it?
Make sure you always have enough cash on you. If you are pulled over for a traffic violation, it often happens that the police collect directly. If you don’t have cash on you, you will have to leave the car or be escorted to your hotel by the police.
Remember no stopping
In Ibiza, yellow lines on the side of the road mark a no-parking zone. Be sure to observe this, wrong parkers will be asked to pay 90 euros. In the larger towns such as Eivissa, Santa Eulalia and San Antonio, it’s difficult to find a parking space.
It’s better to park your car on the outskirts of town and take a bus or taxi into the city centre. Wrong-way parkers in cities are usually towed, which means a hefty fine in addition to the unpleasant hassle.
Compliance with the blood-alcohol limit
Even if the alcohol is flowing in Ibiza, you should moderate yourself while driving. This is because the blood alcohol limit of 0.5 is quickly reached. Drivers who have held their licence for less than 2 years are only allowed to have 0.3 per mille alcohol in their blood. It is best to stay sober while driving, then you are on the safe side.
Customer Satisfaction Hire Car
Most customers are satisfied with the rental companies in Ibiza. However, some complain about long waiting times or attempts to sell more insurance on the spot. It is best to read the customer reviews on this portal before renting the car to avoid getting a black sheep.
Bail
For many, it is annoying when the rental company deducts the deposit from the credit card and only pays it back after a delay after returning the car. It is more comfortable if the deposit is only blocked on the credit card. In this case, the amount is simply released again upon return and is immediately available.
Suggestion of a round trip
Ibiza Town: Island capital with flair
Ibiza Town could be the first stop on a round trip by hire car. From the airport you are there in ten minutes.
In Ibiza Town you can expect turbulent life and a picturesque old town that has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999.
Santa Eulalia del Río: Lively town with exclusive marina
The next stop on a first round trip is Santa Eulalia del Río. You will need about 20 minutes for the drive with the hire car. In Santa Eulalia del Río you can experience a lively town and stroll along the pretty beach promenade to the magnificent marina, where the luxury ships of the rich and famous are moored.
Port de Sant Miquel
To finish the trip, head across the island to Port de Sant Miquel. In half an hour you will be there. The former fishing port has become a quiet resort with a picturesque sandy beach. Here you can relax in the sun, enjoy a swim in the Mediterranean Sea or buy souvenirs for your loved ones at home in a souvenir shop.
And before you head back to Ibiza Town you’ll have the chance to dine at the Port Balansat restaurant, which many locals call the best seafood restaurant on the island.
Conclusion
Ibiza is an ideal destination for a trip by hire car. The interesting destinations are all quite close together, so you almost never have to deal with a punishing drive.
And with our convenient price comparison you will always find a good deal too.