Waohhhwe’re going to Ibiza…. This Venga Boys song from the late 90’s kept playing on my mind from the time I made a plan with me girlfriends to go to Ibiza. One always thinks of night-life and electronic dance music, which was supposed to have originated on the island and the summer club scene when the place Ibiza is mentioned. But interestingly it’s also the old town of Ibiza that is fascinating with magnificent views and terraces, meriting to be a UNESCO world heritage site.
Ibiza really does have something for everyone. The buzzing nightlife is legendary with the world-class restaurants and a great selection of bars. Ibiza has been in the forefront of Europe’s dance music and clubbing scene for at least 25 years now. You will also find a myriad of small boutiques, high-end fashion stores, shoe shops and all kinds of novelties. There are also art galleries, history museums and the pretty ancient citadel of D’Aalt Vila is a history lesson in itself. In the summer months, it is a great place to do some celebrity spotting. I guarantee you will be never be stuck for something to do.
Where
It is an island in the Mediterranean sea off the coast of Spain. It is part of the Balearic islands, which is an archipelago of more than 50 islands, mostly uninhabited. Its pristine waters and picture-perfect scenery make it one of the most beautiful islands in the world.
How to get there
The best way to get to Ibiza is through flight from Europe. It has an international airport and usually numerous flights from Barcelona or Madrid. It can also be reached by ferry from Majorca, Valencia, and Barcelona.
Weather
Ibiza has a hot summer Mediterranean climate. The temperature during the year varies from 15 to 30 degrees, mild throughout the year. The climate is typically warm, sunny and dry, with minimal variations between highs and lows.
Best time to visit
The best time, of course, is spring and summer(May to October) when there are no rains and the sea is warm and inviting. November to April are the rainy months, but not very heavy and the coldest month is January, again extreme temperatures are rare because of the influence of the sea.
Shop For
Ibiza is famous for its markets, craftwork as well as cosmopolitan and multicultural character. Ceramics, pottery, clothing, souvenirs, gifts, and handicrafts are the most popular things to buy. Hippie markets are also the in-thing here, most famous ones are in Santa Eulalia. Being an island holiday destination, beach-wear is very popular too, especially the Adlib fashion; the hippie- boho style of skirts and maxis (mostly in white) is the unique fashion and clothing of the island.
Eat Here
Both local specialties and international favorites are popular in Ibiza. A pork delicacy unique to the Balearic islands is well worth trying, Sobrasada is a kind of cured sausage akin to chorizo, made with soft ground pork seasoned with paprika. For a delicious and authentic main course try bullit de peix, a fish stew served at local restaurants around the island.
Although the island is relatively small, it is packed with attractions and things to do for everyone, one could be a lone traveler ora romantic couple or a group of friends or a family or part of the LGBT community or a follower of art and culture, you can always find what you are looking for in Ibiza.
It is tranquility before the sun goes down and post that whatever party frenzy one can imagine.
Must see must do
I will not hesitate to recommend the ‘riotous’ night-life at Ibiza town as one of must do activities when you go there. Amnesia, Ushuaia, DC 10, Pacha and Number 5 are some of the most popular clubs. It is about letting your hair down and partying like there is no tomorrow. It is a haven for bachelorette parties, perhaps bachelors as well. In ourvisit we saw a lot of to be brides and their brigade in every part of the town having a blast, celebrating the last few days of single hood and really getting very passionate about it. These parties are not just in the clubs but also on boats that take you around the island for a few hours with non-stop music, drinks(with atleast one free drink) and refreshments. One can’t but notice that partying is serious business here. Boat parties have become an important pillar of the Ibiza clubbing scene and no Ibiza holiday is complete without having experienced at least one party out at sea. Over the past few years, the boat party market has risen considerably and each brand presents their own concept, music, genre and route. Dancing to the biggest tunes in the sunshine, looking out to the sea and the gorgeous Ibiza coastline with beautiful people everywhere around you …. Can a party get any better than this?and yes it can! Most brands usually include entry to one or more club nights with each ticket, so make sure you read the detailed information well. The boat ride that we took was for 3 hours and the captain (of the party) welcomed each one with a sip of alcohol straight from the bottle, which is kind of a tradition. It was his main rather only duty to ensure the guests on board were having a great time, be it the music , dancing or just having fun ( especially if you’re getting married soon). Our party skipper gave a whole new meaning to work hard and party harder philosophy and went all the way out to make the bride brigades super happy. Just one rule … shed your inhibitions! Waohhh!!!!
Ofcourse the jaw dropping beaches will be an integral part of one’s visit to Ibiza. On summer days the beaches are aparadise for tourists, you can sleep off the night before under a parasol as relaxing low tempo music from the beachfront DJs waft over the shore. If you can work up the energy, jet skis and paddle-boats can be hired next to the beach and there are loads of places to pick up food when you’re hungry. Some of the most popular beaches are Play d’enBossa,Talamanca, Las Salinas and Cala Comte making Ibiza a holiday spot for families with kids as well. You can also take the boat to nearby islands like EsVedra and Formentara for an out of this world experience. The turquoise waters and sugar-white sands make you feel as if you’re walking on paradise. All the main beaches have water sportslike jet skiing, parasailing and water skiing. The island also has some of the world’s best spots for snorkeling and scuba diving. You can also charter a yacht or sail alone if you have the experience, or hire a boat with its captain to take you anywhere you want to go around Ibiza’s craggy coast. You can also take your adventure beneath the waves and it is sublimeas the water clarity is so high and there are all kinds of caves and under water drop off to see.
Ibiza is also known for some breathtakingscenery and it’s a photographer’s dream come true. With the green landscape, shimmering waters, soft sands and so much of happy vibes around, it makes way for some stunning photographs. The sunset scenes especially are fascinating. Places like Sunset Ashram and San Antonio in the West are unbelievable sunset points. My personal favorite Experimental beachis indelible in my memory. The golden ball sinking into the blue horizon across the aquamarine waters was pure poetry.This coupled with my favorite cocktail, while lazing on a deck bed, chatting sweet nothings with best friends made it one of the most relaxing evenings in my life. Speaking of relaxation, Ibiza is also very famous for its holistic spas and relaxation centers. The choice of treatment and activities alone is staggering. You can work out in the state of art gym, take a yoga class, float on the pool or pamper yourself with anything from peels, facials, manipedis and a variety of messages. It is alsoa hot spot fordestination weddings. Many couples plan their big day here, to capture their precious moments in a postcard setting.
Apart from the party and beach scene, the old town of Ibiza is a splendid place to walk around or to take a bike and explore the whitewashed villages in the rural interior. D’Alt Vila, the Unesco site is something that you cannot miss. This is the highest and oldest part of Ibiza town guarded by strong renaissance fortifications built in the 16th century.At theverytop if the old city is the cathedral, which sits next to a scenic outlook over the water.The gold ornate work and gothic paintings from the 14th and 15th century are a true visual treat.