Ibiza is the second Balearic Island with more inhabitants. According to the latest data provided by the INE, in 2023 the island had 159,180 inhabitants spread over its 572 km². In addition, the number grows as the high season arrives, where tourists and people from abroad with second homes on the island begin to arrive to spend the summer.
In the Welcome Ibiza guide we have analyzed the profile of each of the inhabitants of the island to make this article about the languages spoken in Ibiza. Many of you ask us about which languages are the most spoken and here you have the answer. We hope you find it useful!
Official languages of Ibiza
In Ibiza, as in the rest of the Balearic Islands, there are two official languages: Spanish (Castilian) and Catalan. However, the Catalan spoken in Ibiza has a local peculiarity called Ibicenco or Eivissenc, which is a variant of Mallorquin, which is part of the linguistic domain of Catalan.
About 80% of the residents of the Balearic Islands are bilingual, speaking both Spanish and Catalan (including Ibicenco).
Spanish
Spanish, or Castilian, is one of the official languages in Ibiza. It is widely spoken by the entire population and used in public administration, schools and the media.
Mallorquín
Mallorcan is a variant of Catalan, which in Ibiza has its own version known as Ibicenco or eivissenc. Although Ibicenco shares many similarities with Mallorquín, it has particularities that differentiate it.
This language is mainly used in family and local environments, being the preferred language of the oldest residents of the island.
Language usage in daily life
Is the same language spoken everywhere, and are there places where you can speak English more fluently? In daily life in Ibiza, both Spanish and Ibicenco play a fundamental role, although depending on where you are it can vary.
In local communities
In smaller local communities and rural areas, Ibicenco is still a living, everyday language. Families who have lived on the island for generations continue to use this dialect at home and among friends.
In tourist areas
In tourist areas, Spanish is the language most commonly used in commercial establishments, restaurants and in interaction with tourists. However, due to the international diversity of visitors to Ibiza, it is not uncommon to hear a wide variety of languages in the places most frequented by tourists.
According to data from Turespaña and the Balearic Tourism Agency, the main countries of origin of tourists to Ibiza are:
- United Kingdom: approximately 30% of tourists.
- Germany: about 20%.
- Italy: around 10%.
- France and the Netherlands also account for 10% of the combined tourist inflow.
Most common languages spoken in summer
Ibiza receives around 3 million tourists every year, and the vast majority of them arrive during the high season (summer). What other languages can you find in Ibiza?
English
English is undoubtedly the most widely spoken foreign language in Ibiza, especially in the world-famous tourist areas and nightclubs. In the main tourist areas such as San Antonio and Ibiza Town, English is spoken by more than 90% of the hospitality staff during the summer months.
German
There are areas of the island, such as some beaches and hotels, where many local employees are fluent in German to serve these visitors.
Around 20% of German tourists visiting Spain choose the Balearic Islands, with Ibiza being one of the preferred destinations.
French
Although to a lesser extent than English and German, French is another language frequently heard in Ibiza, but it is also a language that employees of hotels, museums and transport rental companies tend to master.
Italian
Italian tourists represent an important part of the visitors in summer, so Italian is heard quite a lot, especially in restaurants and bars in the center of the island. Many locals have learned Italian due to the influx of these tourists.
Italian, French and Dutch are each spoken by 5-10% of tourists.
Practical tips for visitors
When visiting Ibiza, knowing some practical aspects about languages will help you to enhance your experience, especially if you are looking to interact with the local population or simply want to move around the island freely.
Communicating with locals
Although Spanish is enough to get you around Ibiza, learning a few words or phrases in Ibicenco can earn you a smile from local residents, especially in smaller towns.
If you are fluent in English, you will be able to communicate without problems in the most touristic areas of the island.
Useful phrases
Here are some useful phrases that will help you to get along better on the island:
-
Spanish:
- Hola, ¿cómo estás? – Hello, how are you?
- Gracias – Thank you
- ¿Dónde está la playa? – Where is the beach?
- Una mesa para dos, por favor – A table for two, please
-
Ibizan:
- Bon dia – Good morning
- Com estàs? – How are you?
- Gràcies – Thank you
- On és la platja? – Where is the beach?
With these tips you will enjoy your next stay on the island to the fullest, we hope you found them useful!
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us through our social networks.
We are waiting for you!
