By Gary Fennelly
Thursday, 30 July 2009
For many, Ibiza is synonymous with clubbing and Katie Price. But the
image of the island as a playground for lager louts and celebs is as
wrong as wearing white socks with sandals.
A hippy hangout in the sixties and clubbing mecca in the 80s and 90s
- the Balearic island has matured.
Ibiza Town 'Eivissa' is the sensible place to stay. It has the best
transport links and, in the Old Town and marina area, it's very pretty.
The five star Gran Hotel makes for a luxurious base for the week.
Entering the lobby you could be forgiven for thinking you have
stumbled into a modern art museum.
The clean-lined and contemporary rooms don't disappoint. With
stunning views of the historic old town and Mediterranean sea it it
can be a difficult choice between relaxing on the spacious balcony or
hopping into the jacuzzi bath - plonked, for your convenience, right
next to the bed.
The Renaissance-era walls of Dalt Vila, a UNESCO World Heritage site,
give a glimpse into Ibiza's history. A crossroads for different
cultures for centuries the best-preserved coastal fortress in the
Mediterranean is now the site of concerts and cultural activities
throughout the year.
Most people head straight to the cathedral (Santa Maria d'Eivissa)
and ruined castle at the top, but it is better to wander up the
streets behind the marina through the gates and into the lanes. As
you gradually near the top you are rewarded with breathtaking views.
Much of island's landscape is unmarred by development with ancient
architecture showing the marks of Phoenicians, Romans, Moors, and
Catalans, with Carthaginian relics among the best in the world.
After a stroll around the bougainvillea-scented cobbled lanes and
atmospheric plazas, dipping into the cafes and boutiques, you are
already persuaded that there's more to Ibiza than clubs and partying.
Beach-lovers don't have to stray far to find the longest stretch of
beach on the island, Playa d'en Bossa, dotted with bars and cafés. A
15-minute drive south of Ibiza Town takes you through shimmering salt
flats and rocky coastlines to Ses Salines. A paradise of white sand
and brochure-blue waters.
With superb restaurants on the bay it is one of the trendiest places
during the summer months. But those seeking to escape the crowds can
head to one of the many secluded coves.
The biggest retail event on the island is Santa Eulària's hippie
market. A fine array of craftwork and trinkets is set out for
tourists to snap up. The attitude on Ibiza is 'live and let live' and
here you come across all sorts. The 'chill out' bars and live
entertainment make for an enjoyable spot to rest tired feet while
watching fellow tourists and the odd new age traveller flounce by.
The relaxed and 'chilled out' vibe is exemplified as you drive north
through the olive and almond groves. Hotel Hacienda Na Xamena on the
coast is a lot easier to enjoy than it is to pronounce. Built into
the top of a cliff and surrounded by lush pine tree forest it manages
to integrate perfectly with the surrounding landscape.
The proprietor Alvar Lipsyc and his staff create a unique experience
for guests and visitors. This is not just any five-star accommodation
- the Moorish villa has an almost magical feel to it. There is none
of the stuffiness you might expect at a retreat frequented by
supermodels and Premier League footballers.
Those lucky enough to be a hotel guest can lounge in the cascade spa.
While immersed in a pool 180m above sea level and overlooking one of
most secluded and spectacular bays in the Balearics it is hard to
imagine a more serene way to enjoy the white island. For those who
aren't checking in it is still an unforgettable experience and lunch
or dinner at the aptly named Eden restaurant is gastronomic nirvana.
Of course no trip to Ibiza is complete without watching the sun go
down. The 'sunset strip' at the end of Calle Vara de Rey in Sant
Antoni is the traditional place to be as the sun sinks. Ambient beats
ease from the speakers at the infamous Cafe del Mar and less
well-known, but equally enjoyable, SunSeaBar. Grab a cocktail, sit
back and enjoy.
Even if you haven't come for the clubbing - and there are some of the
best clubs in the world - it's worth going to one just for the
experience. Just about any night will do at clubbing's grande dame,
Pacha, in Ibiza Town. Although there can be a hefty entrance fee and
drinks are expensive - Pacha-goers don't seem to mind. Most are
there, not to get wasted, but for electrifying atmosphere and banging
music that leaves the hairs on your neck standing for quite a while.
Midsummer is when most visit - towns are at their liveliest and the
sun is guaranteed. But for those who don't mind the temperature a
little cooler Ibiza still has much to offer in the later months.
Culture vultures, hippies, foodies, families and beach-lovers will
all be hugely satisfied. Most of Europe may be warm right now but
this island paradise is always chilled.
Ibiza Factfile
Getting there
Fly to Ibiza from Belfast with Jet2.com from £29.99 per person one
way including taxes. Flights depart twice a week throughout the
summer. Visit www.jet2.com for more information. Upgrade to Jet2Plus
from just £29.99 per person (only available UK outbound on flights to
Ibiza). Jet2Plus includes priority check-in, fast track security, VIP
lounge access and premium in-flight meal.
Where to stay
Stay at the Ibiza Gran Hotel, Elvissa, www.ibizagranhotel.com. A
junior suite during July and first two weeks of September is around
£515 per night, including breakfast and taxes. Cost in August is
around £580 per night.
Eating out
Highly recommended: La Brasa, Ibiza Town; Can Curreu, Sant Carles;
Yemanja, Cala Jondal and Club Nautico, Sant Antoni and the converted
chapel restaurant Sa Capella also in Sant Antoni.
Getting around
Ibiza is roughly oval in shape, with the tiny capital, Ibiza Town and
airport in the south, the huge Sant Antoni resort in the west, rural
villages in the east and a good variety of beaches circling the whole
thing. The island is just 40km tip to toe, and it's easy to get
around. Buses between the towns and resorts are cheap and you will
find timetables at the tourist centres. Water taxis ply between the
towns and beaches, usually for about €3-5 per hop; Ibiza Town marina
is the main hub. Renting a car is another good option. Twenty to
thirty minutes drive from Ibiza Town will get you to most of the
furthest destinations.
Ibiza Tourist Board
There are tourist information offices at the airport and in several
towns including Sant Antoni and Ibiza Town. For more information
visit www.ibiza.travel
.
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