Hello everyone,
I’m here to talk to you about Ibiza, an island world-famous for its nightclubs, its vibe, and the antics of jet-setters from every corner of the globe… But there is so much more to it than that!!
I was lucky enough to spend a week there, and I have to admit that even though I went specifically to party, I saw much more than I expected. For those who choose to travel around the island a bit, you’ll see that it’s easy to combine fun with 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 as an autonomous province, along with the islands of Mallorca and Menorca. To be precise, the island of Ibiza, together with the island of Formentera, forms the Pityusic Islands.
Historically, the island has been under many 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 didn't stop there, as the island faced other turmoils: invasion by the Norwegians, reconquest by the King of Aragon, the Turks, and then the War of the Spanish Succession… The region has followed the course of history, and Ibiza was forced to face numerous waves of attacks. The town of Ibiza was quickly protected by a wall, and all of this also explains the remains of watchtowers you will see while wandering around.
After a difficult economic period, the Balearics in general, and Ibiza in particular, experienced an incredible boom thanks to the development of tourism starting in the 50s. The island benefited from a massive communication plan and was later popularized by the hippie communities that came to settle there.
To this day, it is dubbed the "world capital of nightclubs" or the "temple of partying" by jet-setters from all over the world.
Practical Info
Getting there is simple: you can fly for a ticket costing between 35 and 150 euros, depending on the airline and the season. You can easily go with a low-cost carrier since the flight isn't very long: count on about 2 hours from Paris.
For the rest, it’s also quite straightforward: 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 money issues as credit cards are accepted everywhere, outlets are 220V, Internet access is available, the sun arrives in April and leaves in November with a peak of heat and sunshine between July and September with temperatures around 30 degrees Celsius at most… In short, vacationing there is all about ease and peace of mind!
Choosing your accommodation
Here is a link to compare hundreds of accommodations on the island.
Ibiza can be experienced in two different but, as I did, complementary ways. You can enjoy the nightlife and split your time between the beach and the parties, or you can discover the history and beauty of the island in some magnificent spots.
To start, I must tell you that if you are looking for tranquility, you should look for accommodation in the north of the island and avoid staying too close to Ibiza Town, where you will be woken up early or go to bed late (depending on your perspective), even if you didn't intend to party… Even some of the pricier hotels in the center don't always guarantee a good night's sleep: there is always some inconsiderate guest, a bit more energetic than the others, who will make noise coming back to bed, their mind often clouded by some substance or other… Add to that the fact that if you are incredibly unlucky and end up in a room without air conditioning, forcing you to sleep with the windows open, you risk hearing the drunken singing and shouting of revelers… Not always fun!
Add to that the fact that theft is common because pickpockets are drawn to money, so it’s better to be able to sleep with the windows closed. I don’t want to discourage you from going, but I prefer to warn you to avoid disappointment. 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 documents stolen from their hotel room while they were showering!!
A few small precautions will allow you to enjoy it twice as much: leave your original documents in hotel safes if you have them, and only carry photocopies with you. Keep your payment methods and cash stored separately on your person, and you’ll feel much more at ease.
Where to go out to party
But despite that, partying in Ibiza is something you have to do at least once in your life! You surely know the names of the most select and famous clubs: Pacha, Amnesia, Eden, Dôme, Privilege, and Space, etc…
I thought it would be difficult to get in, but in fact, you can book your entry tickets at most hotels. You can also buy them on the beach, where vendors (official or otherwise, be careful) distribute tickets, sometimes free for young, pretty girls… However, a disappointment for me: even with entry tickets, you might end up waiting in line for hours at the club entrances, especially in high season.
But once inside, the show is everywhere! It was a real feast for the eyes. If you want to get an idea, go watch videos on YouTube or Dailymotion: loud music, stage shows, lights… Total madness!!
Some beautiful beaches to relax on
So, naturally, after all that, it’s nice to rest a bit. For that, you can enjoy the island's beaches. You’ll find them everywhere around the coves. One small piece of advice: don't be shy! Several beaches are reserved for or accept naturists, for example at Es Cavallet (it’s in the hippie spirit…). You can enjoy the water with or without a swimsuit. Just be careful with the sun on parts that aren't used to being exposed… :-))
You’ll find sandy beaches but also pebble beaches (Cala es Torrent, for example). For those who are hungry and want to recover from their hectic night, you will always find little restaurants (more or less expensive, as some really ride the wave of tourism) where you can order a cold beer or sangria and eat a good paella or fish caught that morning (for example at Cala Jondal). The water is magnificent; the turquoise blue will make you dream and appreciate your stay.
If you want a truly quiet beach, with a bit more of a "family" and less "bling-bling" vibe, you’ll find what you're looking for in the south at Las Salinas beach.
For families, there is also s’Arenal Gros and s’Arenal Petit, which are located near the village of Sant Joan de Labritja. You should know, however, that these beaches are located very close to a large tourist complex. So, it’s true that you’ll have plenty of activities, but depending on the season, you’ll have to get used to the crowds. A big advantage, 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 historical sites
The island has had several of its sites inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage sites since 1999. Thus, the old town of Ibiza, surrounded by the Dalt Vila wall, has been protected as the best-preserved coastal fortress in the entire Mediterranean. Dominating the entire upper town, the Ibiza Castle is open to visitors.
The old town of Ibiza is a perfect example of the preservation of the various civilizations present on the island, as you can find traces of the first Phoenician sites, constructions from the Arab and Catalan periods, all the way to the Renaissance bastions.
According to tourist guides, the 16th-century Italian-Spanish fortification model that can be admired here exerted a great influence, notably on the construction of city walls in what was called the New World, the domain of explorers.
You can also find the neighborhoods outside the walls of La Marina, Sa Penya, and Es Soto, where adventurers and artists from all over the world have lived side-by-side for centuries and contributed to the island's fame.
UNESCO has also protected the ancient vegetable gardens of Ses Feixes, the Phoenician site of Sa Caleta, and the necropolis of Puig des Molins, which can be visited at any time of the year.
Finally, nature lovers will be delighted to know that the meadows of oceanic posidonia that surround the island, which are responsible for the purity and transparency of its waters, are also on the World Heritage list.
Ibiza also has several fortified churches that you will come across throughout your stay on the island.
In the old town of Ibiza, you can go see The Cathedral, which dominates the city. Massive, it served as a spiritual site, a lookout, and a fortress all at once.
Museums to see
The vast majority of museums are located in the old town, within the Dalt Vila wall. 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 invite you to check the collections and exhibits before you go, because without wanting to denigrate the work done or deny the value of knowledge transmission, I must admit that I was bored during my visit to the Ethnographic Museum… The plowing tools and kitchen utensils quickly got the better of my patience…
On the other hand, the Archaeological Museum of Ibiza and Formentera interested me much more. It covers all the periods of life found on the island, offering remains and explanations starting from the prehistoric era.
I also really liked the Puget Museum, where I was able to admire superb watercolors, paintings, and drawings, all in an extraordinary setting.
Water Sports
It would be a shame to come to Ibiza and not enjoy the joys of the sea. And, be careful! I'm not talking about just lounging around!! I'm talking about everything you can do on the water: jet-skiing, kite surfing, catamaran, water skiing, etc…
Many ports offer sea excursions, some of which you can do on your own if you have the proper permits.
Markets and Souvenirs
When it’s time to leave, you might wonder what to bring back to France. In that case, don't hesitate, and for those who haven't done so yet, stop by one of the many markets where you can easily find gifts or stock up on souvenirs. Your only limit will likely be size and weight! Indeed, you can find furniture from all over the world (a lot comes from Morocco) that would look great on your patio… But there are also clothes, ceramics, jewelry, pottery, etc…
The markets are always lively and bustling. They will also allow you to taste the local gastronomy, whether it's the wine (try the Monastrell!), the oil, or the fish and seafood dishes.
I left the island with plenty of images in my head. Many things were intertwined: the modernity and superficiality of trendy parties and the traditions that the locals try to preserve through gastronomy, dance, and the arts in general.
Ibiza is truly an island apart, which, in such a small territory, reflects the diversity of cultures and ways of life.
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