Photo credit RG Visuals and Ibiza Ibiza Ibiza
The Scoop: Ibiza
Ibiza is most famous for its summer club season, attracting the world’s most influential DJ’s to entertain masses of electronica music fans. Surrounded by the azure waters of the Mediterranean, Ibiza is the third-largest island of the Balearic Islands, off the coast of Valencia in eastern Spain.
Charming Ibiza Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a shopping haven with local designers displaying bohemian clothes, jewellery and gifts. The nearby island of Formentera is a popular day trip, as are the many beaches that dot the island. The rural villages in the south of the island make for a relaxing change of scenery where the local culture is alive and thriving.
What to do
Shopping is practically a national pastime in Ibiza with local hippy markets and pockets of upmarket stores lining the winding streets of the old town. For a splash of culture, visit the Museu d’Art Contemporani and the Museu Arqueologic or take a tour of the island’s numerous churches.
Conditions are ideal for diving in Ibiza and the seabed at Las Salinas national park is a world heritage site. Hire a bike for a cycling adventure along purpose-built paths or catch water taxis to view the spectacular coastline from the ocean. There’s no end to the options for exciting nightlife, but Pacha, Space and Ushuaia nightclubs are the must-sees for first-time visitors.
Where to stay
Magnificent villas and luxurious hotels compete for space near the sand in Ibiza, making it easy to choose accommodation that’s close to the action with ocean views. The countryside also boasts self-catering apartments and full-sized villas for rent and you can even opt for an opulent stay on a yacht. Backpackers are well catered for with central, basic apartments and families can choose from an array of resorts offering premier facilities.
Hard Rock Hotel Ibiza (£££)
Located right on the beach at Playa d’en Bossa, the Hard Rock Hotel is famous for staging weekly concerts on their open-air stage. With 2 outdoor pools, a hut tub and sauna and a dedicated venue for teenagers, everyone can access their inner rock god. The hotel is decorated with music memorabilia, there are 2 onsite restaurants and numerous bars.
Hotel Marco Polo (££)
Just 100 metres from San Antonio beach, the Hotel Marco Polo is an excellent mid-range option if you’re looking for a central location with a more budget-friendly price. The hotel offers an outdoor pool and sun terrace, private balconies with each room and it’s only a 15-minute walk to the famous Café del Mar and Bar Mambo clubs
Hotel El Puerto (£)
The Hotel El Puerto offers 90 rooms and apartments right in the centre of Ibiza Old Town. Close by, you can visit the trendy bars along the Marina or catch the ferry to Formentera or the water taxi to Talamanca Beach. The hotel offers an outdoor pool, 24-hour reception and a tour and travel desk for guests.
Where to eat
One of the top things to do in Ibiza is to try a new restaurant for every meal and the island offers a wide range of trendy eateries catering to all budgets and tastes. With a host of international chefs vying for attention, you can sample culinary delights from the Mediterranean to the Orient, Thai and Japanese. Many restaurants also provide nightly entertainment, fantastic if you’d like to start your big night off with a bang.
Nikki Beach (£££)
Chill out on a white sunbed with a cocktail and order speciality sushi and seafood at Nikki Beach Restaurant located at Santa Eulalia. You’ll experience VIP service within the cool, understated luxury of its beachfront venue and enjoy the restaurant’s resident DJ’s.
Moe’s Sportsbar and Grill (££)
Situated in Es Cana, Moe’s Sportsbar and Grill is the perfect choice for families or an afternoon snack with mates. With giant screens playing major sporting events, a pool and a children’s play area, everyone is catered for. The menu includes everything from English breakfasts to bar snacks and evening barbeques.
La Cava Tapas Bar (£)
Enjoy Sunday brunch with a bloody mary in the heart of Ibiza town at La Cava. Value for money tapas is served all day long among a family-friendly atmosphere with the option to people watch from the terrace. It’s the best place to go for light lunches, to use the free Wi-Fi with your afternoon cocktail or to stop by for late-night snacks.
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