Hey everyone,
I am here to talk to you about Ibiza, an island world-famous for its nightclubs, its vibe, and the antics of jet-setters from all over the world. But that is not all there is!
I was lucky enough to spend a week there, and I have to admit that even though I actually set out to party, I saw a lot more than I expected. For those who choose to get around the island a bit, you will see that you can easily combine fun and culture!
Geography and History of Ibiza
First of all, you should know that the island is the third largest in the Balearic archipelago, off the Spanish coast. Located in the Mediterranean between Spain and Algeria, it belongs to the Spanish crown, functioning as an autonomous province alongside the islands of Majorca and Minorca. To be exact, the island of Ibiza, together with the island of Formentera, forms the Pityusic Islands.
Historically, the island has experienced numerous different dominations over the centuries. You can find traces of the Phoenicians, Greeks, and Romans, as well as the Muslims who invaded the region. And it did not stop there, because the island went through other hardships: invasion by the Norwegians, reconquest by the King of Aragon, the Turks, and then the War of the Spanish Succession. The region therefore followed the course of history, and Ibiza was forced to face many waves of attacks. The town of Ibiza thus quickly found itself protected by a wall, and all of this also explains the remains of watchtowers that you will see as you wander around.
After a difficult economic period, the Balearic Islands in general and Ibiza in particular experienced incredible growth thanks to the development of tourism starting in the 1950s. The island benefited from a massive communication plan and was subsequently popularized by hippie communities who came to settle there.
To this day, it is dubbed the "world capital of nightclubs" or even the "party temple" by jet-setters from all over the world.
Practical Info
Getting there couldn't be simpler: you catch a flight for around 35 to 150 euros, depending on the airlines and seasons. You can easily go with a low-cost carrier because the flight is not very long: count about 2 hours from Paris.
As for the rest, it is quite simple too: no time difference between France and Ibiza, no complicated formalities (a national ID card or passport, even if expired for less than 5 years!), no issues with money since credit cards are accepted everywhere, outlets are 220 V, internet connection is available, the sun arrives in April and leaves in November with a peak of heat and sunshine between July and September with temperatures hovering around 30 degrees maximum. In short, planning a vacation there is carefree and easy!
Choosing Where to Stay
Here is a link to compare hundreds of places to stay on the island.
Ibiza can be approached in two different ways, but as I did, they are complementary. You can enjoy the nightlife and split your time between the beach and parties, or discover the island's history and beauty in magnificent spots.
To begin with, I must tell you that if you are looking for peace and quiet, you will need to find your accommodation in the north of the island and not stay too close to Ibiza Town, where you will be woken up early or go to sleep late (it depends), even if you did not intend to party. Even the higher-end downtown hotels cannot always guarantee you a proper night's sleep: there is always an inconsiderate guest, a bit more energized than the others, who will make noise coming back to bed, their mind often clouded by some fumes or another. Added to this is the fact that if, by incredible bad luck, you end up in a place without air conditioning and are forced to sleep with the windows open, you run the risk of enjoying drinking songs and the shouts of partygoers. Not always fun!
Add to that the fact that thefts are numerous because pickpockets are attracted to money, so it is better to be able to sleep with the windows shut. I don't want to discourage you from going, but I prefer to warn you to avoid unpleasant surprises. I met a very nice young couple who unfortunately had to cut their vacation short and were forced to have money wired to them so they could return to France after having their cash and some of their administrative documents stolen from their hotel room while they were taking a shower!
A few minor precautions will therefore allow you to enjoy it twice as much: leave your original documents in the hotel safes if you have them, and only take photocopies with you. Keep your payment methods and cash stored separately on your person, and you will feel much more at ease.
Where to Go Out to Party
But despite all that, partying in Ibiza is something you just have to do at least once in your life! You surely know the names of the most exclusive and famous clubs: Pacha, Amnesia, Eden, Dome, Privilege, Space, and so on…
I thought it would be tricky to get in, but actually you can book your tickets at most hotels. You can also buy them on the beach where promoters (official or not, keep an eye out) hand out tickets, sometimes free for young, pretty girls… On the flip side, I was a bit let down: even with tickets in hand, you risk waiting in line for hours at the club entrances, especially during peak season.
Once you are inside, though, the spectacle is everywhere! It blew my mind. If you want to get an idea, go check out the videos on YouTube or Dailymotion: booming music, stage effects, lights… Total madness!!
Some gorgeous beaches to relax on
So naturally, after all that, it feels good to rest a little. For that, you can take advantage of the island's beaches. You will find them everywhere tucked away in a cove. Just one little tip: do not be shy! Several beaches are reserved for or welcome naturists, for example at Es Cavallet (it has that hippie vibe…). So you can enjoy the water with or without a swimsuit. Just watch out for the sun on parts of your body that are not used to being exposed… :-))
You will find sandy beaches as well as pebble beaches (Cala es Torrent for example). For those who are hungry and want to recover from their wild night, you will always find little restaurants (more or less expensive since some really ride the tourism wave) where you can order a nice, cold beer or sangria and eat a good paella or fresh fish caught that morning (for example at Cala Jondal). The water is magnificent, and the turquoise blue will make you dream and appreciate your stay.
If you want a truly quiet beach with a more family-friendly and less flashy vibe, you will find what you are looking for in the south at Ses Salines Beach.
For families, there are also s’Arenal Gros and s’Arenal Petit, which are located near the village of Sant Joan de Labritja. You should keep in mind, though, that these beaches are located very close to a large resort complex. So while it is true that you will have plenty of activities, depending on the season, you will have to deal with the crowds. A big plus in any case: the seabed slopes gently into the sea, which is reassuring when you have to keep an eye on your little ones playing in the water.
Must-see historic sites
Several of the island's sites have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites since 1999. Thus, the enclosure of Ibiza's old town, surrounded by the Dalt Vila wall, has been protected as the best-preserved coastal fortress in the entire Mediterranean. Overlooking the entire upper town, the Ibiza Castle is open to visitors.
Ibiza's old town presents a perfect example of the preservation of the various civilizations that have inhabited the island, as it features traces of the earliest Phoenician sites, constructions from the Arab and Catalan periods, right up to the Renaissance bastions.
According to guidebooks, the 16th-century Italian-Spanish fortification model that can be admired here exerted a major influence, notably on the construction of city walls in what was called the New World, the realm of explorers.
You can also find the extra-muros neighborhoods of La Marina, Sa Penya, and Es Soto, where adventurers and artists from all over the world have lived side by side over the centuries and contributed to the island's fame.
UNESCO has also protected the ancient market gardens of Ses Feixes, the Phoenician site of Sa Caleta, and the Puig des Molins necropolis, which can be visited at any time of year.
Finally, nature lovers will be delighted to learn that the Posidonia oceanica seagrass meadows surrounding the island, which are responsible for the purity and transparency of its waters, are also listed as World Heritage sites.
Ibiza also has several fortified churches that you will come across throughout your stay on the island.
In Ibiza's old town, you can go see La Catedral, which towers over the city. Massive in scale, it served a triple function as a spiritual place, a watchtower, and a fortress.
Must-see museums
The vast majority of the museums are located in the old town, within the walls of Dalt Vila. These include the Archaeological Museum of Ibiza and Formentera, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Madina Yabisa Interpretation Center, and finally, the Diocesan Museum and the Puget Museum. But I suggest checking out the collections and exhibits before heading over because, without wanting to talk down the work done or deny the value of sharing knowledge, I have to admit I got pretty bored visiting the Museo Etnográfico. The farming tools and kitchen utensils tested my patience pretty quickly.
On the other hand, the Museo Arqueológico de Ibiza y Formentera interested me a lot more. It covers all the periods of life discovered on the island, offering artifacts and explanations starting all the way back in the prehistoric era.
I also really liked the Museo Puget, where I was able to admire superb watercolors, paintings, and drawings, all set in an extraordinary environment.
Water sports
It would be a shame to come to Ibiza and not enjoy the pleasures of the sea. And pay attention, I am not talking about just lounging around! I am talking about everything you can do on the water, like jet skiing, kite surfing, catamarans, water skiing, and more.
Many ports offer boat trips, some even on your own if you have the proper licenses.
Markets and souvenir gifts
When it is time to leave, you might wonder what to bring back home. In that case, do not hesitate, and for those who have not done so yet, stop by one of the many markets where you can easily find plenty of gifts or build up a stash of souvenirs. Your only limit will likely be size and weight! Indeed, you can find furniture from all over the world (much of it from Morocco) that would look great on your patio. But there are also clothes, ceramics, jewelry, pottery, and more.
The markets are always lively and vibrant. They will also let you taste local gastronomy, whether it is wine (try the Monastrel!), olive oil, or fish and seafood dishes.
So I left the island with my head full of images. A lot of things blended together, from the modernity and superficiality of trendy parties to the traditions that locals try to preserve through food, dance, and the arts in general.
Ibiza truly is a unique island that, in such a small territory, reflects a diversity of cultures and ways of life.
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