Discovering islands: Ibiza

Usually known as the White Island, Ibiza is not just worldwide known nightclubs but ancient heritage, paradisiac beaches, and hidden caves. All this together makes Ibiza a dynamic destination suitable for any traveller.

I am sure that just by reading the title your mind has travelled to either a pool party or a buzzing dancefloor, but Ibiza brings way more experiences than festivals and nightclubs. Do not get me wrong, the island is and will always be the number one destination for celebrations: going from a quiet wedding on top of a cliff to a bacchanalian beach party.

In this post, I will show you the different wonders that Ibiza holds, so next time you visit the island you can both enjoy its incredible nightlife as well as its hidden marvels. You can experience all of this no matter how old you are, what your budget is nor how many people you are travelling with.

Heritage

Explore the famous old town, Dalt Vila, while you admire its medieval architecture and especially the various museums spread in the area. The cathedral is another must-see. Do not forget to stroll around the area and admire the ancient ramparts as well as the cobbled streets adorned with arches and whitewashed walls. Your walk can end in the port area where you can contemplate the stillness of the Mediterranean sea. Yet there is still plenty of heritage to see. From Phoenician, Arab, and Roman patrimony to art from both the Spanish and Italian Renaissance.

Sports

Enjoy the wide range of activities that Ibiza offers. Parasailing, cliff jumping, aquatic bikes, boat trips, flyboarding, among others. If you want to boost your adrenaline or enjoy without rush, you have plenty of options to choose. Another activity you can try is snorkelling, around 250 different species make the impressive marine life around Ibiza. If you prefer activities on land, there is always a good time to try a yoga class on the shore or high up a mountain and release all stress out of both your mind and body.

Food and markets

Ibiza’s gastronomy is another treasure of the island. Taste the bullit de peix (a mouth-watering fish stew) while you quench your thirst drinking some hierbas ibicencas (a traditional liqueur). After delighting yourself with delicious food and drink, explore one of the many craft markets that can be found around the island. Here you will discover jewellery, candles and scents, vases, teapots, even handwritten old poems. I recommend you visit the markets of Las Dalias and Mercadillo de San Juan.

Sunsets and Calas

Ibiza has plenty of calas waiting for you to discover them. Everyone who steps on the island should visit at least Cala Salada, Cala d’ Hort and Cala Mastella. Also, the best way to spend your evenings is to explore the impressive caves located all over the island (do not forget to bring your diving goggles with you). Before night falls, find a good spot so you can watch the unique sunsets and take amazing pictures for your Instagram. For me, contemplating Es Vedrá (an impressive islet full of legends and myths) while the sun goes down is a view that makes you fall in love with the world.

Hippies, music, and dance

Back in the 1960s, the hippie movement flooded the island bringing new ideas about freedom and fashion. Its impact even influenced the character of the big nightclubs. Today, the spirit of the movement remains in every corner of the island, from its beaches to its hills. The hippie culture is also related to music and, is there any better place to live it than Ibiza? Massive beach clubs and hotels are the stages chosen by top international DJs to celebrate the most energetic festivals and pool parties. Heaven on earth for clubbers.

Because of COVID-19, most of the usual big events and festivals that have become the destination’s trademark have been cancelled for this season. But do not get discouraged, Ibiza offers way more options to captive the travellers who visit it. Sooner or later, the music will resume again but, for now, the sound of the Mediterranean is the best tune.

David Falcon.

* You can find more tips about travelling on my Instagram: @deividfalcon96