IBIZA, Balearic Islands, SPAIN

For those who don’t know where Ibiza is...It is a part of the Balearic Islands close to the shore of Barcelona in the Mediterranean Sea. It is known to the world as THE party island, where the first discos and clubs started, amongst which the original Cafe del Mar, Pacha, and many others. In fact, during the warmer summer months it attracts the “party till you drop” mob, where the streets of Eivissia and Sant Antoni de Portmany, the 2 main towns of the island, are bustling with people 24/7. If you aren’t “that way inclined”, and prefer to enjoy the rich culture, food and history of a place, like me, then keep on reading...

I visited Ibiza in early May, when I could soak up the sun, without having to fight my way through crowds of people (Italians, Brits, French and mainland Spaniards), as the tourist season actually and rather luckily, began the day I left.  I arrived at the airport in the morning, where a bus takes you into the main town of the Island, Eivissa, (Catalan for Ibiza), on the south side of the Isle, from here you can take buses wherever you please. My hotel, The Marco Polo, was in the second largest town, Sant Antoni de Portmany, home to the legendary Cafe del Mar. You should definitely walk over there, as it is located on the sea side facing west, and the words “Spectacular Sunset” are written everywhere. At Cafe del Mar you will be accompanied by sophisticated lounge and jazz music while sipping beautiful fruity Sangria and watching the sun disappear for the day...I must admit, I repeated this rosary every evening I was there. Further along the coastline from the Cafe, there is a little natural Aquarium, which is actually a recovery centre for marine life, constructed in a cave. It is home to a little palm covered kiosk, where they serve more sangria, even at 10 in the morning... lovely way to start your day! I stayed In the Hotel Marco Polo, 100 metres from the main bus stops, the beach and the town centre. It is a 3 star hotel, with a lovely pool, Spa and restaurant, open for breakfast, which is included in the price, and dinner. It was remarkably clean, and the staff we’re pleasant and spoke English. I spent six days travelling around the entire island (by bus which was actually fantastic, as you get to absorb the country side you pass -I recommend buying a 5 day pass, as every time you get on one it will cost from 1.50 euro to 5 euro depending on the distance, and you will get the bus about 6 times a day on average. The town of Eivissa is the oldest of all, with the old town being surrounded by walls, located at the top of a hill. It was beautiful and so interesting! Once you make your way to the top there is an incredible view of the town, the port, and the crystal clear, turquoise water and beaches around you! Walking through the sand coloured streets, with red bougainvillea sprawling over every wall is an experience in itself, and although you are in such a busy area, being the Mediterranean which is always teaming with life, there is such a feeling of tranquillity that you actually feel a part of the “Spanish Siesta”.

 English is spoken throughout the island, but it’s good to go there with a little basic knowledge of Spanish. Catalan is the main language, which is slightly different to Spanish, but don’t worry!  Once you have seen the Old town, make your way down to the new city and the port. Eivissa should take up a day of your trip. Another day or 2 should be spent at the beach. There are many little secretive coves, where tourists usually cannot be bothered to go, which are stunning! White cobbled beaches, the richest blue sapphire waters, pretty shells, palm trees...Ask a local where to go-they know the best places!

The food in Ibiza is Spanish...So Tapas, Tortilla’s and Paella’s are the way to go! Go for seafood as it is fresh every day and is divine accompanied by a little sangria...Try this tapas-Squid marinated in its own ink, it’s not pretty to eat- but it is delicious! The best time to go to Ibiza is before or after the tourist season so the end of April, beginning of May, or September, still fabulous weather for those lovely beaches!  While you are there you can also take a day trip to the island of Formentera...Boats leave from Eivissa most days of the week!

The next time you are in Europe, pop by the Balearic Islands, most airlines fly there, or you can take a cruise from France or Barcelona, you won’t regret it! Hasta luego!