Let’s Be Real
For us, Ibiza has never been about rules. It’s about freedom, barefoot living, spontaneous swims, and dancing till sunrise. It’s a place where self-expression is sacred, and the island breathes a certain lawless charm.
But… lately, that’s been shifting.
The Balearics have introduced stricter enforcement in recent years — and while some of it aims to reduce noise, waste, and chaos from overtourism, much of it feels like a crackdown on the wrong people. Locals especially are feeling the squeeze: where the rules should rein in disrespectful tourism, they often end up policing daily life instead.
So yes, flip-flops behind the wheel can get you fined. And no, you can’t play music at the beach anymore without risking a visit from the Guardia Civil.
We’re not fans of overregulation. But we are fans of keeping your trip easy and drama-free.
This guide isn’t here to preach — it’s here to help you avoid fines, understand the island’s current vibe, and stay on the good side of the law (while keeping your soul intact).
🚫 No Flip-Flops While Driving
Yes, really.
Driving in flip-flops, or with any footwear that can easily come off, is technically illegal — and increasingly enforced.
- Fine: €80–€200
- Tip: Pack proper shoes for driving, or go barefoot (yes, that is allowed) — and swap back to sandals once you park under a palm tree.
🗑️ Waste Rules – Take Trash Seriously
Ibiza is struggling with illegal dumping, and the government isn’t playing.
- You may not leave trash next to containers — even if they’re full.
- Do not dump waste at night or outside official hours.
- Some towns only allow trash deposit between 20:00 and 22:30.
- Fine: Up to €10,000
- Tip: Always bring your waste to a container at the right time — and check posted hours in your area.
🎶 Music in Public Spaces – Guitars, Drums & Boomboxes in Ibiza
Let’s get real: if there’s one sound that once defined Ibiza’s soul, it’s the Sunday drums of Benirràs. The heartbeat of the island. A ritual. A vibe. And yet — even that is now under threat.
Over the past few years, authorities have been cracking down hard on all forms of public music, especially on beaches and natural spaces.
People have been fined or removed by police just for holding a guitar, even if it’s still in the case.
📍 Ibiza-specific enforcement
- Benirràs drummers — once an iconic Sunday tradition — have faced regular police intervention.
- Solo musicians, even peaceful acoustic ones, report being warned or fined on beaches like Cala Comte, Las Salinas, and Santa Eulalia’s promenade.
- Boomboxes and Bluetooth speakers? Almost universally banned in all public coastal areas.
🚫 What the law actually says
Municipal bylaws in Ibiza’s towns (Sant Josep, Santa Eulària, Ibiza Town, etc.) treat unlicensed music — even acoustic — as a disturbance.
- Public space sound regulation includes any musical activity without a permit.
- Fines: €100–€750 depending on volume, time, and location.
- In protected natural areas, any amplified sound is explicitly forbidden.
🔈 What is allowed?
| Activity | Allowed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Acoustic guitar on beach | ❌ | Technically not allowed without a permit. Risk of fine or warning. |
| Drumming in public | ❌ | Regularly stopped, especially in Benirràs. |
| Boombox or Bluetooth speaker | ❌ | Forbidden in public/coastal zones. |
| Busking in towns | ✔️ | Only with permit from town hall. |
| Private villa / campsite music | ✔️ | Within noise limits. Respect quiet hours. |
💬 Ibiza Soul’s Take
We don’t like it either. Music is part of the magic. But until something changes, it’s wise to play by the rules if you don’t want your holiday rhythm interrupted. Jam at your finca, not on the shoreline.
⛺ Caravans & Campervans in Ibiza – What You Need to Know
We get the appeal: waking up to sunrise over a quiet cala, sea breeze in your campervan, barefoot breakfasts with your dog. Total freedom, right?
Well… not quite anymore.
🚫 Wild Camping? Not Allowed. Anywhere.
Wild camping is officially illegal across Ibiza, including private land (unless with permit).
- No tents, campers, hammocks in nature
- No overnight parking at beaches, forests, rural roads
- Staying in one rural spot >3 days = still illegal
- Police are actively checking — vehicles can be towed
🛂 Entry Restrictions (June–Sept)
Between June 1 – Sept 30, 2025:
- All non-resident vehicles (including campervans) must register via IbizaCircular.es
- Permit: €1/day (or included with some ferry tickets)
- You must have a confirmed booking at an official campsite
- Limit: 20,168 non-resident vehicles/day
- No permit = No entry
🏕️ Where Can You Legally Stay?
Only at official campsites or designated motorhome parks:
- Cala Bassa Campsite
- Parco Ibiza (Sant Antoni)
- Es Canar Camping Zone
Tip: Book early — spots fill up fast in summer.
🔥 Why the Crackdown?
- Combat overtourism
- Reduce rural waste, noise & traffic
- Protect natural areas
Let’s be honest: the vanlife dream doesn’t work if it ruins the land it’s chasing.
✅ Travel Smart
- Register your vehicle
- Book your pitch ahead
- Don’t sleep in random places
- Expect police checks
- Keep documents handy
🌳 Respect Protected Nature
Ibiza’s nature is fragile — and fiercely protected.
- No fires outside BBQ zones
- Don’t take rocks, shells, posidonia or pinecones
- Stay on marked trails in nature reserves
Tip: Leave no trace. Take only photos.
🛥️ Other Local Rules to Know
- Drones are restricted near beaches, nature zones & private homes
- Unlicensed events (like raves, beach parties) are illegal
- Party boats must be licensed — and are often banned in bays near posidonia
Rule of thumb: If it’s loud, flashy, or mobile… it probably needs a permit.
🎭 Final Word – Be Free, Be Aware
We don’t believe in rules for the sake of rules. But we do believe in protecting Ibiza’s magic — its nature, its villages, its locals.
So live free.
But travel smart.
And let your respect be louder than your speaker.