By Margot Black
Ibiza holds a special place in my heart. My first encounter with this diverse island was while I was studying abroad. My American and Spanish friends introduced me to this beautiful Mediterranean island, known for its bohemian character, lively nightlife and stunning beaches.
In the 1990s, Ibiza, the third largest island in the Balearics, made a name for itself as a party island and became a magnet for the rich and famous who frequented its world-famous nightclubs such as Pacha and Amnesia. Today, the island is still known for its club scene, but not only that: many of the 3 million tourists who visit the island each year also enjoy its charming beaches, cafes and fashion boutiques, its five Michelin-starred restaurants and its treasure trove of historical sites.
I vowed to come back but being busy with family and work it took a while. When I finally did it turned out to be a wonderful adventure because I had accidentally booked a room for my husband, my teenager and me in a very trendy hotel called Apartamentos Vibra Jabeque Soul, located on the popular Playa d’en Bossa.
The hotel is known for its energetic atmosphere and after reading a review on TripAdvisor I realised earplugs would be a good idea. We arrived on a Friday and by Saturday night the whole hotel was in a party mood. You might think this would mean a torturous weekend for our gang of three but in fact their youthful exuberance was invigorating and brought back fond memories of my first visit and we all quickly grew fond of the lively atmosphere.
Ibiza is very busy in high season and you need to be aware of your surroundings. On the way to our hotel, even our taxi driver warned us about the numerous Airbnb scams that are too good to be true.
There was plenty to see, but since we all love the water, I booked the six-hour Crystal Waters Ibiza Sea Experience tour, which departed from the port of Playa d’en Bossa to the nearby island of Formentera, about 45 minutes away. Lunch, snacks and water toys were provided, and after dropping anchor in Cala Saona and then Illetes, we cooled off with a swim in the Mediterranean.
At just $86 per adult and $33 for children under 12, it was an unforgettable experience with multiple stops and the opportunity to meet other travelers. There are numerous boat rentals all over the island where you can book fishing trips and shorter sailing tours.
Eating out in Ibiza can be as extravagant or as simple as you want it to be. Opposite our hotel was a pizza and smoothie cafe that my son loved, but an unforgettable dining experience was the Panoramic restaurant in the Hotel Torre del Mar.
This discovery was a happy accident. We were walking around looking for a place to eat when we stumbled upon the open gate of this hotel. I never miss an opportunity to look around a hotel lobby and our waiter told us that the restaurant manager had intentionally left the gate open so that people like us would be tempted to explore the restaurant inside. This simple act of hospitality resulted in us enjoying an exquisite dinner while watching the sunset over the Mediterranean Sea.
We spent the next morning exploring the Gothic Quarter of Ibiza Town. Known as Dalt Vila, it is essentially a seventh-century open-air museum that houses the Cathedral of Santa Maria de las Nieves, the Town Hall (a former Dominican monastery), and the Eivissa Contemporary Art Museum.
The narrow cobbled streets and castle walls took us back in time. We were glad we wore comfortable shoes as the terrain was challenging and there was a lot of uphill walking. We had lunch on the terrace of the Can D’en Parra restaurant, which is located within the castle walls. Both the ribeye steak and the paella were wonderful and the setting was unforgettable.
Another must-see are the island’s markets. I spent hours browsing the colorful stalls, purchasing unique handmade items and soaking up the bohemian atmosphere.
One particular Saturday market, Las Dalias in the north of the island, is famous for its eclectic mix of fashion, jewellery and handicrafts. I found a beautiful fringed leather bag decorated with turquoise, a perfect souvenir of Ibiza’s artistic spirit.
Not only was I glad we booked our accommodation through a reputable source, but I was also glad we brought earplugs, as our hotel turned into a nightclub after sunset. But the best thing we did was just enjoy the island’s free spirit. With its mix of youthful energy and bohemian charm, sun-kissed Ibiza welcomes every generation, from parents to children, and every group, from bohemians to fashion influencers.
WHEN YOU GO
Our sea view room at the Hotel Vibra Jabeque Soul, which cost around $320 a night, was lovely. Although it was rated as a three-star hotel, it offered a five-star experience, starting with stunning views of the Mediterranean. It was heavenly to pull up the blinds and watch the morning sun dance across the water. For an extra $11 per person per day, we ate a huge buffet breakfast there: www.vibrahotels.com/ibiza/town/apartamentos-vibra-jabeque-soul.
Hotel Torre Del Mar: https://www.hoteltorredelmar.com/en
Crystal Waters Ibiza Sea Experience tour: www.seaexperienceibiza.com/en/boat-trips/crystal-waters
The Spanish island of Ibiza is teeming with historic sites and fascinating views. Photo courtesy of Margot Black.
The pool at the Torre Del Mar hotel on the Spanish island of Ibiza is both stunning and inviting. Photo courtesy of Margot Black.
There’s a free-spirited vibe on the Spanish island of Ibiza. Photo courtesy of Margot Black.
Margot Black is a freelance writer. Articles by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists can be found on the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.
Photo credit: at Unsplash
