The White Isle of Ibiza
There is so much more to Ibiza than overcrowded beaches and underdressed youths. Ibiza is one of those places that split opinion, but fans of the island will argue until they’re blue in the face that Ibiza is one of the most beautiful places in the Mediterranean, offering tonnes more than its often tacky reputation would suggest.
Development Of The Holiday Hot Spot
For many, Ibiza is a Nirvana of hedonism, with all-day parties, all-night parties, boat parties, pool parties, villa parties, and, of course, the best clubs in the world. For others it evokes images of sunburnt lager louts, crowded beaches and shabby resorts. But neither conception does Ibiza justice. Ibiza’s history stretches back over 2,500 years and has actually been the victim of many invasions! The most recent of these was during the sixties, when a group of hippies turned up and changed the life of the island and its inhabitants forever. But this Balearic Island has moved on from the hippy hangout of the sixties and the clubbing Mecca of the eighties and nineties. The White Isle has matured.
Secrets Of The Island
Surrounded by some of the clearest waters in the Med, Ibiza’s deserted coves and beautiful bays lie a stone’s throw from the larger towns and resorts. Sandy paths wind along deserted stretches of coastline, then further inland through olive groves and orchards of citrus and fig trees, to rural villages with stonewashed cottages and pretty churches. Doesn’t quite sound like rave central, does it?
A favourite spot of many an A-list celebrity, including Kate Moss and Jade Jagger, Ibiza Town is probably the best place to stay if you can afford it. It has great transport links, fabulous shopping, exquisite restaurants and a handsome harbour full of million dollar yachts and speedboats waiting to take people to party out at sea. A 20-minute stroll will take you to one of the island’s favourite beaches, Playa d’en Bossa, dotted with bars, restaurants, hotels and the eponymous club for which the beach is known. A further 10-minutes’ drive to the south takes you along the rugged coastline to Ses Salines, a stretch of shimmering white sand lapped by quite incredible blue water.
There’s More To Ibiza Than One Street
To stay in Ibiza Town or Playa d’en Bossa, particularly in peak season, can be expensive. A cheaper option is to head to the other side of the island, to the infamous San Antonio. The definitive ‘Brits Abroad’ town, San An and, sadly, the whole of Ibiza, is, for many, characterised by one street. It cannot be denied that the West End’s reputation as a place for drunken, sunburnt youngsters with Sambuca and sex on their mind is fairly accurate, but there is more to Ibiza than this! It is such a shame that this single street has given a beautiful island a rather ugly reputation. Even San Antonio is undeserving of its bad name. It is home to many families, whose homes and schools line the quaint streets. It may come as a surprise that there is even a bohemian campsite here, with great amenities (including clean showers and toilets) and a safe, community atmosphere.
Clubbing Experiences
Of course, the White Isle is famous for its clubs, and what clubs! The favourites, Amnesia, Pacha and Space, are revered by clubbers worldwide for their superb parties which run throughout the summer. Even if you haven’t come for the clubbing, if you’re in the right age range, it’s worth going to one, just for the experience.
Ibiza is busiest in the height of summer. Resorts are at their liveliest, and high temperatures and lots of sunshine are guaranteed. However, for those who don’t mind slightly cooler temperatures, the spring and even winter are also great times to visit, with less crowds and cheaper prices on everything from flights and accommodation to restaurant prices. Ibiza is not a one trick pony. Sure, it’s famous for its clubs and sometimes hedonistic way of life, but this is a small part of an island bursting with opportunities for the holiday of a lifetime. Families, culture vultures, clubbers, hippies, foodies, shoppers and beach lovers come together in Ibiza to form an atmosphere you really can’t understand until you’ve been there. So what are you waiting for?
On the Beach offers cheap holiday packages in Ibiza. Book early and take advantage of the low booking scheme, where you can pay as little as £25pp flight deposit and just £1pp hotel deposit. Visit www.onthebeach.co.uk to book.