Conjure up Ibiza and thoughts will likely turn to hedonistic nights (and days) spent dancing your head off while the sun goes down; then proceeds to come up again – and that’s before you’ve even tumbled out of whichever super club you’ve decided is the place to be. As you exit Pacha, Space et al blinking blindly into the hot Mediterranean sun, your only thought is bed or beach. Sound familiar? It’s time to shelve those glory bygone days and rediscover Ibiza; Spain‘s third largest Balearic island has an awful lot more to offer than it’s (albeit world class) vibrant clubbing scene and legendary party reputation.
Ibiza Town
Granted Ibiza Town is not exactly under the radar; its rich cultural heritage, fantastic top-class gourmet restaurants, charming cafes, uber-chic bars and seriously stylish boutiques have been enjoyed by discerning tourists for many years now. But the beauty of Ibiza Town very much lies in its ability to keep surprising. Ibiza Town’s picturesque old quarter with its pretty port, stunning panoramic views, winding cobbled streets, fascinating history, striking architecture and lively colourful fiestas mean that this part of Ibiza is anything but boring. Furthermore, the UNESCO World Heritage site is home to the island’s iconic cathedral and some great art galleries and museums. Ibiza is deservedly known as one of the best party islands in the world but if you want to throw some grown-up imitable style and culture into the mix, head to Ibiza Town.
Off the beaten track
Follow in the footsteps of the Phoenicians, Romans, Moors and Catalans and venture away from the main resorts to explore the island’s impressive rural interior and lesser-known dramatic coastlines. You’ll soon start to see why Ibiza is as popular with nature-loving, boho types as it is with hardcore clubbers. On the northern side of the island in particular, you’ll discover beautiful unspoilt beaches, pristine pine forests and olive and almond groves. Instead of spending your days ruing the several shots you downed the night before and topping up your sunburn, why not spend your days walking, cycling, horse riding, kayaking and even abseiling. But if that sounds a bit too much like hard work, beeline to Benirràs beach and Es Portixol for sunbathing spots with a sense of solitude, well, apart from a scattering of in-the-know locals many of whom – you may like to be aware – enjoy getting an all-over tan.
Atlantis
Go in search of your very own Atlantis; it really is worth it on this island as you’ll discover an awe-inspiring stony cove opposite es Vedra off Ibiza’s west coast. Atlantis (also known as San Pedrera) is a truly magical place steeped in local mysticism and natural wonder. Used as a quarry centuries ago, the cut stones were used to build local homes, defensive towers and the sturdy walls of the fortified city. Today, the ancient quarry not only provides a seriously good photo op (definitely one for Facebook) thanks to an awesome array of extraordinary faces, dragons and other symbolic carvings carved into the rocky cliffs; it’s an enchanting, one-of-a kind experience that you won’t find anywhere else. Atlantis is near Cala Vadella and a hidden treasure to say the least; you can only access it by boat or via a vertiginous, tricky climb but once you do eventually reach its crystal blue waters and spectacular ancient stone work – you’ll be glad you did.
Hit the sack
Ibiza’s crop of luxury boutique hotels; lovingly converted and renovated old Ibicencan fincas, provide a stylish alternative to the island’s plethora of more conventional hotels, although the latter continues to be a hugely popular option, with hotels such as Hotel Gran Sol Ibiza and Ibiza Gran Hotel rating highly.
When to go?
Now! The weather is great in June in Ibiza with the average temperature sitting at a very pleasant 22°C, and potentially peaking at around 26°C. The Mediterranean Sea is inviting at 21°C, the chance of rainfall is minimal and there is a full 8 hours of sunshine to enjoy. Best book that flight…
