Off the Mediterranean coast, they form a dreamlike island duo – the lively Ibiza and the quiet neighbour Formentera. They do not even cover a fifth of the area of Mallorca. At the warmest time of the year, awakened from its virgin hibernation, Ibiza declares itself the epitome of Sex & Drugs & Alcohol, Sun and Fun and one-night stands. Here they are not stingy with charms: the wildest parties are raging, covers and inhibitions fall and the disco fever rises. Anyone who stays in Ibiza is certainly not looking for contemplative peace and quiet – or is it?
Because they do exist, the refuges – rural and tranquil. Only a few minutes separate the common image of the entertainment centre from the peace and originality of the island’s interior. Fertile valleys with almond trees, the dazzling white of the salt flats, the colourful hustle and bustle of Eivissa Town, picturesque, deep bays with beautiful sandy beaches and shady forests – welcome to Ibiza!
Ibiza – small island, great charm
Romans, Carthaginians and Moors already felt at home here. The Balearic island operates under the name Pityusic Islands. In 1960, the flower children discovered the Pitiusas. Package tourists, dropouts and profiteers followed. In a military dictatorship, of all places, the flower children took their paradise and settled in one of the most backward societies in Europe. It was time to get out and mystical gathering places were formed. To this day, Ibiza is a region for alternative lifestyles.
Eivissa town – a magical atmosphere
In a small space, Eivissa combines the venerable and the beautiful, the repulsive and the ugly. There can be no unanimous opinion about the city of contradictions. Today, the capital Eivissa has dressed up – decorated with the World Heritage title. The charming island metropolis attracts with a fantastically located old town and shines with a long history. Eivissa should be the first address to explore Ibiza in all its facets. There’s nothing here that doesn’t exist: restaurants, shopping, hotels – the choice is overwhelming. If you like, you can turn night into day here. Leaving the center of the action, the door of the southern beach suburb of Figueretes opens.
Free from booming bass – magical coastal regions
Bays, villages and beautiful places: the north is the most unspoilt region of the island.
The southern coastal strip of the island attracts in a westerly direction with beautiful bays between red steep slopes. On the outer west coast, bays and cliffs are lined up. The extreme southwestern tip is a natural phenomenon.
On the west coast, a trip to Sant Antoni with its beautiful beach suburbs is worthwhile. The second largest city on the island is a lively holiday centre. However, you shouldn’t expect a special flair. As the only holiday resort in the West, Sant Antoni is favoured by British package tourism.
The northeast attracts with Port de Sant Miquel, Portinatx and Cala de Sant Vicent. In the past, Port de Sant Miquel has suffered particularly from the building sins. While the tranquil church greets you from the hill of the small town of Sant Miquel, Port de Sant Miquel offers itself as a pretty bay with a deep sandy beach, but also with ugly apartment giants on the slopes of the hills.
Portinatx is the largest holiday resort in the north with a beautiful harbour area and child-friendly beaches.
Sant Vincent has little charm as a holiday resort. However, there is a picture-book section of beach with rocks in front of it. Cala Sant Vincent also stands out as a magical beach area.
The south inspires with a varied, predominantly hilly landscape and a number of charming sandy beaches. The region is particularly popular with families with children. In Cala Vadella you can enjoy a family atmosphere in a wooded landscape.
On the other hand, further north in Cala Tarida there is a little more activity. Here, apartment complexes and large club hotels form a sprawling holiday settlement.
The East is characterized by strong contrasts. To the north quiet unspoilt bays, to the south extensive beach settlements with numerous holiday clubs, which are primarily aimed at a very young audience.
Santa Eulária stands out as a family town in the centre of the east coast. Here it is worth taking a stroll along the boulevard, lined with palm trees and flower beds. The most beautiful section stretches from the middle of the promenade up to Placa d’Espanya. On weekdays, a hippie market takes place here.
The most beautiful beaches on the east coast are Cala Lllonga, in the south of the municipality of Santa Eulária. Just before the town is Cala de s’Agá. Right next door, surfers, water sports enthusiasts and water skiers have fun. In the north is the large holiday resort “Es Canar” with the popular sandy beach Cala Pada.
The largest beach settlement stands out as Platja des Figueral.
What would the Island of the Flower Children be without its hippie markets?
There are hippie markets in Ibiza almost every day in a different place. It’s the atmosphere that counts – original works of art are rarely found. Stands with pretty arts and crafts mass production predominate. With the exception of the street painters, who make portraits of tourists from models or photos in a very short time. Between batik-shirted potters and shaggy-bearded street painters, visitors go on a journey through time.
Tip: Particularly original, the most beautiful of all, is the market in Las Dalias just before Sant Carles. The colorful stalls are spread around the restaurant “Las Dalias” on Saturdays. Under shady arbors and terraces, the juices and mixed drinks at the round bar taste excellent, even if the drinks have a hefty price.
Spanish joie de vivre – El Bigote, the restaurant tip in Ibiza:
East of Sant Cales is a small, hidden fishing cove – Cala Mastella. Here Juan cooks in a cauldron on an open fire. Even the way to Juan is like an adventure. In the direction of Llenya, a sign “Restaurant” hangs on a tree in a forest clearing. Once you arrive, you sit on wooden benches under a self-made roof, nibbling bread and olives.
Important: Please pre-order! Juan only catches as much fish as was ordered.
Address:
Camino Cala Boix a Cala Mastella, 138T, 07850 Cala Mastella, Illes Balears, Spain
Opening hours: Daily 12-16:00
Phone: +34 650 79 76 33
This is how the day can end: In the middle of the tranquil alleys near the Elivissa town marina, you can get the best mojito on the whole island. Great location and wonderful hosts. Even in the evening hours, you can sit in the sun at “Arte del Mojito” – you like to linger here.
