IBIZA – THE ULTIMATE PARTY DESTINATION
“We are going to Ibiza, we are gonna have a party...”A lot of us have wondered where this magical party destination is while tapping our feet to this song by Vengaboyz many years ago. Ibiza is an island off the port of Barcelona in Spain and can be reached by a short, less than an hour flight from Barcelona and Madrid and is also accessible by ferry from the port of Barcelona. Ibiza is the name of the island as well as the name of the capital city/town of the island, locally referred to as Eivissa.
The island has an area of 572 sq km and has several islets surrounding it as well and boasts of more than 50 beaches and coves. A first time visitor to Ibiza will be at a loss to find the best location on the island for stay. The hotel booking websites and travel review sites would dish out a long list of hotels and things to do. But choosing the location for your stay is the most important factor that would make your holiday unforgettable. You have to make a choice between a variety of locations: (a) Budget accommodations available near Ibiza Old Town Dalt Vila (b) Hotels lining the Les Figurettes beach (c) hotels and beach resorts at Ses Salines and Playa d’en bossa close to the airport (d) hotels near the Port and Talamanca area and (e) San Antonio on the western part of the Island which is the centre of clubbing. Each of these locations has its own advantages and your choice would depend on your budget and your interests, of course.
The Old Town of Ibiza, the Dalt Vila is steeped in history dating back to several centuries from the age of the Carthagenians, the Romans and the Arabs. The castle and the Placa de Cathedral stand tall as imposing structures on the hillock surrounded by the city walls facing the Port or Marina and welcomes visitors to Ibiza arriving by sea. The area near the port and the main entrance to Dalt Vila is lined by narrow streets full of Pizzerias, cafes and small restaurants. The main Tourist information centre is also located here. The views of the deep blue Aegian sea and of the town from the pathways along the city walls on the hill are spectacular. A walk along the narrow winding streets up and down the hill in the old Town transports you into a bygone era. This area is well preserved and you can’t help but draw similarities of the topography and architecture with those found on the islands of Greece in the Mediterranean.
Talamanca and Les Figurettes are beaches popular among the locals and tourists alike with plenty of options for stay. These beaches are lined with beach bars and restaurants in season and is a good choice if you want to splash around in the waters of the sea and enjoy the beach. Ses Salines and Playa d’en Bossa has the popular Hard Rock hotel and Ushuaia beach hotel famous for their beach parties and a plethora of nightclubs both open air and underground with the best DJs from around the world and frequented by celebrities, on the longest sandy beach on the eastern part of Ibiza island.
San Antonio is known for its sunset views and has the world’s best known nightclubs like Amnesia on the beach here with all night parties and fun and frolic extending to the early morning hours. So, if you are going to Ibiza to have a party, then one of the beach hotels at San Antonio or Playa d’en bossa is the place to choose for stay.
One of the things to do in Ibiza if you are there for more than 3 to 4 days is to take a ferry from Marina Botafoch to the Formentara Island, called the sister island of Ibiza. The ferry ride would take around 30 minutes. You may choose to stay one night at Formentara or make a day trip from Ibiza. The ride itself is an amazing experience you will cherish. Once you arrive at Formentara, you have the option of renting a car from the port to explore the island or just walk along the path from the ferry jetty to Ses Illetes beach rated as the best beach in Spain and one of the top beaches of Europe and world.
If interested, a visit to the caves, Caves of San Marca (Cueva De Can Marca) with stalagmites at San Miguel on the northern part of the island can also be included in your itinerary. You can either drive down or take a bus from San Antonio or Ibiza town. If you are in a group or in the mood for some fun at sea then you can charter a boat from one of the many boat charter agencies.
GETTING AROUND:
During season, there are several rent a car options at all locations and even the hotel can arrange or suggest one. You can rent a car and drive around and explore the length and breadth of the Island stopping by at isolated coves and pristine beaches at your own pace. Parking could be an issue in the old town area but there is no issue in the other areas. Other options are to hire a cab or walk as much as you can or use public transport.
BEST TIME TO VISIT:
Summer months starting June upto September is the time to visit Ibiza. June, July and August are the most happening months and peak season. The island is one of the top summer destinations for Europeans and people from around the world. During winters the whole island wears a deserted look with most of the restaurants, clubs and beach bars closed. Many small hotels and homestays are also shut during this time. The sea temperature is low and hence you can’t venture into the sea and the strong winds make things worse. Come summer and the whole island is bustling with people, flea markets, beach bars and restaurants and not to miss the parties and nightlife. So, please book your hotels well in advance to avoid disappointment.
HAPPENING CLUBS:
IMS Dalt Vila venue, Boom ! Ibiza, Veto, Pacha & Lio at Ibiza town, Destino at Talamanca, Santos Ibiza Coast Suites, Sankeys, Bora Bora beach club, Tantra, Ibiza Rocks Dinner, Dunes, Space, Ushuaia at Playa d’en Bossa and Amnesia at San Antonio. Some of these have accommodation as well or you can stay at nearby hotels.
So, are you ready to pack your bags for Ibiza !!!
