Before You Move: Community & Social Life on Ibiza

Building Your Community on Ibiza

Moving to Ibiza is about more than finding a home and a job — it is about finding your people. The island attracts an incredibly diverse mix of nationalities, personalities, and lifestyles, and for newcomers, this can feel both exciting and overwhelming. Unlike a large city where you can remain anonymous, Ibiza is a small island where relationships matter deeply. Your social network will determine not only your happiness but often your access to housing, work opportunities, and practical day-to-day support.

This guide is Part 5 (the final part) of the "Before You Move to Ibiza" series. We cover everything about community and social life: the expat community, how to integrate with locals, social activities and groups, networking for entrepreneurs, and family life on the island. If you haven't read the earlier parts, start with Part 1: Living on Ibiza, Part 2: Working on Ibiza, Part 3: Cost of Living, and Part 4: Transport.

The Expat Community: Who Lives on Ibiza?

Ibiza has one of the most international communities of any small island in Europe. Alongside the roughly 80,000 Spanish residents who live here year-round, you will find significant populations from the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, France, Argentina, and dozens of other countries. The island has been attracting international residents since the 1960s, when artists, musicians, and hippies first discovered it as a haven of freedom and creativity.

Today the expat community is far more varied. You will meet young digital nomads working from co-working spaces, retired couples enjoying the climate, families who moved for a calmer lifestyle, seasonal workers in hospitality, DJs and musicians, yoga teachers, property developers, boat captains, and everything in between. This diversity is one of Ibiza's greatest strengths — within weeks of arriving, you can build a social circle that spans continents and professions.

Where Expats Tend to Cluster

Integrating with Locals: Beyond the Expat Bubble

One of the most common mistakes newcomers make is staying entirely within the expat community. While it is natural to gravitate towards people who speak your language and share your cultural background, truly integrating with the local Ibicenco community will enrich your experience immeasurably — and make practical life much easier.

Learning Spanish (and Catalan)

Spanish is essential for daily life, and it is the single most important step you can take towards integration. While many people in tourist areas speak English, official processes — from healthcare to banking to dealing with the town hall — require Spanish. Local Ibicencos also speak Ibicenco, a dialect of Catalan, among themselves. You do not need to learn Catalan, but understanding a few words shows respect and opens doors.

Participating in Local Culture

Ibiza has a rich cultural calendar that goes far beyond nightclubs and beach parties. Getting involved in local traditions is one of the best ways to build genuine connections with Ibicenco families who have lived on the island for generations.

Social Activities and Groups

Ibiza has a surprisingly active social scene beyond the clubs and beach bars. Whether you are into sports, arts, wellness, or simply looking for like-minded people, there are groups and activities for almost every interest. Many of these are organised informally through WhatsApp groups and social media, so being connected online is essential.

Sports and Outdoor Activities

Arts, Culture, and Learning

Networking for Entrepreneurs and Professionals

Ibiza has a growing entrepreneurial scene driven by digital nomads, remote workers, and small business owners. Whether you are launching a new venture or looking for clients and collaborators, the island's compact size and open culture make networking surprisingly effective — your next business partner might be the person sitting next to you at a café.

Co-Working Spaces

Co-working spaces are the primary hubs for professional networking on the island. They offer not just desks and Wi-Fi but a ready-made community of freelancers, entrepreneurs, and remote workers.

Professional Networks and Events

Family Life on Ibiza

Despite its party-island reputation, Ibiza is an excellent place to raise a family. The pace of life is relaxed, the natural environment is stunning, children grow up outdoors, and the international community means kids are exposed to multiple languages and cultures from a young age. Many families who moved to Ibiza "for a year or two" end up staying permanently because of the quality of life for children.

Schools and Education

Activities for Children and Families

Healthcare for Families

Ibiza has one public hospital (Can Misses) and several health centres (centros de salud) across the island. The public healthcare system covers basic paediatric care, vaccinations, and emergencies. Many expat families also take out private health insurance (from 50-150 euros per month per person) for faster access and specialist care. The main private clinic is Policlínica Nuestra Señora del Rosario.

The Seasonal Social Rhythm

One aspect of Ibiza social life that catches many newcomers off guard is the dramatic seasonal shift. The island essentially operates in two modes — summer and winter — and your social life will follow this rhythm whether you plan for it or not.

Practical Tips for Building Your Network

Navigate the Series

This is Part 5 of 5 (the final part) in the "Before You Move to Ibiza" series.

← Part 4: Transport on Ibiza

Also in this series: Part 1: Living, Part 2: Working, Part 3: Cost of Living.