Ibiza is not just luxury villas, fine dining and mega yachts. It also hides something even more exclusive: not one, but three private islands, each offering their own version of Mediterranean paradise. One of them even has the most expensive rental villa in Ibiza, with a weekly price tag that can reach €300,000 in August.
It may sound like a billionaire’s fantasy (because it is), but these private islands actually exist and in some cases, they cost less to buy than a high-end flat in Ibiza Town.
Let’s take a look at the three private islands that take exclusivity in Ibiza to the next level.
Tagomago: Spain’s most expensive Airbnb is on a private island
Just off the coast of Santa Eulària, Tagomago is one of the most famous private islands in Ibiza. It covers around 60 hectares and is home to a single luxury villa. Those who rent it do not just get a beautiful house, they get the full VIP experience: private butler, personal chef and even a captain on standby to take them wherever they want by boat.
According to Expansión, the villa features a saltwater pool, jacuzzi, barbecue area and gym. It is currently managed by businessman Matthias Kühn, once the partner of entertainer Norma Duval. Many well-known names have stayed on the island, from Cristiano Ronaldo to members of the Hanover royal family.
Recently, the currency exchange company S Money published a report listing the most expensive Airbnbs in every country. The result? The priciest Airbnb in Spain is located on this private island in Ibiza, making it second in Europe and fourth in the world.
The villa, listed on Airbnb as ‘Private Island’, is located just under a kilometre off Ibiza’s northeast coast. At the time of the study (data from November 2022), staying there cost around $32,000 per night, or approximately €30,000, although prices can vary depending on the season.
The estate includes five double suites, a spa, several chill-out areas with panoramic views of the Mediterranean, a swimming pool and a gym. It is an experience designed for those who expect nothing but the very best.
S’Espalmador: nature’s untouched private island
Between Ibiza and Formentera lies s’Espalmador, a peaceful and protected private island that belongs to the Ses Salines Natural Park. It is a real natural haven: no clubs, no villas for rent, just pristine white sand and turquoise waters.
With a surface area of around two square kilometres, it is home to just a handful of structures: a traditional-style villa, a small chapel, another building, a lighthouse and an old watchtower. The current owners, a family from Luxembourg, reportedly paid €18 million for it.
But do not expect to rent it for a week or book it online, s’Espalmador is not for rent, and development is highly restricted due to its protected status. It is the kind of place that proves not all luxury has to be loud.
Sa Ferradura: the most expensive private island rental
Facing the Port of Sant Miquel, Sa Ferradura is another one of Ibiza’s spectacular private islands. It spans 35,000 square metres and is home to the most expensive villa for rent on the island, according to Expansión.
Russian billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov is said to be the current owner, and in 2018 the estate was awarded ‘Best Holiday Villa in Europe’ by World’s Best Boutique Hotel. And it is easy to see why.
This is not your average rental. The villa has space for 18 guests, including a luxury master suite and eight double bedrooms, each with its own en-suite bathroom. A team of 22 staff members is on hand to make sure every need is met.
The estate is listed on Vladi Private Islands, a platform that specialises in renting (and selling) islands across the world. Though the house was built in the 1970s, it has been renovated several times, most recently in 2017.
Among the villa’s standout features are a 750-square-metre terrace with views of the sea, two bars, pergolas, a DJ mixing desk and elegant interior touches, like handmade walnut dining tables crafted by an Amish community in New York and designer chairs imported from Japan.
The weekly rental price? Around €220,000, although in high season, July and August, it can reach €300,000 per week.
A reminder: you could (almost) afford one
While most people will not be holidaying on a private island anytime soon, the idea of owning one might not be as impossible as it seems. Some of these private islands in Ibiza have been sold for less than the price of a luxury flat in Marina Botafoch.
It is a niche market, but for the right buyer, a private island offers something you cannot get from even the most exclusive hotel: absolute privacy, total freedom and the bragging rights that come with owning your own corner of the Mediterranean.
