“Really, isn’t it full of clubbers?” is a typical reaction I get when I tell people I am going to Ibiza or Evissa in Catalyan.
Unfortunately the 90’s TV show “Ibiza uncovered” gave the Spanish Island a bad rep and for some reason it has never really been able to shake it off. However of the three times I have visited, two of these have been family holidays and I have some great ideas and tips to really make the most of this incredible island.
- Hire a car! The island isn’t very big at all, 21 miles in length and 12 miles in width. The public transport in terms of buses and water taxis are efficient and reliable. However, getting taxis on the island has become increasingly more difficult, especially during the high season. We hired a car from for just under £120 for four days (Avantcar) which is more economical than taking taxis. It’s also far more convenient for getting around the island and some of the more scenic routes are breathtaking. Word of warning the cliff edge roads are not for the faint hearted. Most car hire shops allow you to pick up and drop off at the airport which is an added bonus
- Ibiza town – This is often referred to as the old town and it has a lot of history. A popular excursion is a walk up to the top of the Dalt Vila which has awe-inspiring views overlooking the marina. There is a quaint cathedral at the top which can be explored as well as many picturesque and charming boutiques and restaurants.
- Hippy market – Hippies have been going to the island since the 60’s and the hippy market located just outside Es Cana has been running on Wednesdays from 1973. It started off as a few stalls and now hosts over 500. Even I noticed the difference in its size and vibrancy since visiting in 2003 and returning in 2015. Everyone loves to shop and hunt out a good bargain and from handmade jewellery to fire eaters there is definitely something for everyone. We also got a boat there which was a lovely way to see the island, but be prepared to be on there for a good few hours!
- Aguamar – Located very close to the famous Playa D’en Bossa beach this waterpark is a great day out for all the family and should definitely be on your ‘to-do’ list if you have children. It is very reasonably priced with children aged 12 and under at only €9, but get there early if you want to get a sunbed with an umbrella or in the shade as these get taken very quickly.
- Kasbah – Fine dining is one of my favourite pastimes so naturally we ate out every night and in some fantastic restaurants. However Kasbah was perfectly situated in San Antonio to not only watch the sunset and listen to live music but to also sample the superb cuisine. Being on an island brings its fair share of fresh fish and this restaurant doesn’t disappoint from fresh seafood paella to grilled salmon fillet. However, I couldn’t resist the rack of lamb accompanied with my favourite frozen daiquiri.
- Cala Llonga on the east side of the island is quiet and idyllic. Far from the busy beaches and tourists is this hidden gem which provides white sandy beaches and if you’re into Caribbean food then you’re in for a treat at the Jam shack.
- Kumharas – I have been blessed to have seen a lot of sunsets from all over the world in my lifetime but I can safely say Ibizia is my favourite place by far. If there is only place you go to watch the sunset when visiting then it has to be Kumharas which is located in San Antonia Bay. The free-spirited vibe blended with an outdoor market and fusion food creates the most amazing ambience for children and adults alike. The atmosphere that arose from the live band that played as the sun lazily dropped over the ocean will stay with me forever.
Ibizia is also a favourite celebrity hot spot, from Oprah Winfrey to Kate Moss. This year Roman Abramovich’s magnificent private yacht worth £1.5 billion was moored outside our apartment which even has its own missile defence system! I am already planning my next trip to Ibiza and it’s one of the few places I’d consider buying a property abroad…as long as the euro keeps dropping!
