November 2021

Ibiza ~ THE MAGICAL White Isle

WELL HELLO THERE …

Ibiza was the first journey I’ve ever made, when I was 3 years old. Now, more than 35 years later, I visited the island again. Was it the magic of the island that gave me the travel jitters when I was little, was it all the fuss about this place nowadays, or was it the fact that my in-laws moved here, … It doesn’t matter, I felt for several years, the urgent need to set foot here again. My gut feeling told me and didn’t let me down, this place will feel like a second home, a place where you can relax, feel the energy of the earth, feel humble and thankful. Just like the impact South- Africa and other African countries had on me.

We went during the autumn break, so during winter time, when the majority of the tourist bars and restaurants are closed, a time where the peace returns and the Island is at its purest. But of course you can't enjoy the wonderful warm temperatures this time of year, and you better keep your umbrella as well as your sunglasses at hand.

As it was firstly a family visit, and as we travelled with a group of relatives of different ages, with different wishes and expectations. I had mentally prepared myself beforehand that this trip would not meet all my personal wishes. But that it would be a nice introduction and I could certainly check whether I would like to come back to discover more.

And I will! But preferable in May or June or early September, when nicer weather is guaranteed, and the island is not crowded by too many tourists.

Practical Wisdom

How to get there? It all depends of the season and due to COVID the number of flights have also decreased. We flew with Transavia out of Amsterdam, but they also depart from Eindhoven. Since some holiday periods in the Netherlands do not coincide with Belgium, you might save a lot of money on the tickets by departing from the Netherlands, instead of Belgium. SN Brussels and TUI fly are departing from Brussels but only during Mid & High season. TUI fly also departs from Antwerp (Deurne) during the Summer.

Rent a car? Ibiza is a pretty small Island, within 40 minutes you can drive for example from the North to the South. So you can easily stay at one place when visiting the Island. But unless you want to party and stay on the same beach all the time, I do recommend to hire a car to discover all the beauty the islands has got to offer. All the big companies like Avis, Hertz, etc… are represented at the airport. But you can also go for a more hippie style vehicle like we did, and hire a Defender or 2CV at https://ibiza.ducksunited.com/rent-a-car-ibiza/

We chose a defender because it can seat up to 9 people and we had to be able to transport 7 passengers. The rental rate is a lot cheaper than a minivan, but the comfort is also in proportion. At the pick-up we were advised to keep the doors unlocked at all times, a bit unorthodox but we obeyed. And at the drop-off no one was there in time to check the car and receive the keys, so we were asked to put the keys under the car mat. But in the end it all turned out okay :-).

Tourist Hotspots

Given the purpose of this trip, I was not in a position to put together an extensive travel program that covered all the hotspots.

But we did visit some:

  • ES VEDRA
    The magical and legendary rock, located at the South-West coast of the Island. It is the source of many island myths and legends. Old tales say it’s the ancient site of the lost city of Atlantis and mystics say it has healing powers. I must say I was impressed because of its size and appearance. We drove up to Cala d’Hort where Es Vedra rises dramatically from the sea only several hundred metres from the shore.

  • SANTA GERTUDIS DE FRUITERA

    A charming, picturesque village, located in the heart of Ibiza. The favourite of tourists and expats. Home to many bars, restaurants, hotels and boutiques. I bought a lovely affordable parfum at “Beatrice San Francisco”, they also sell unique bohemian and urban style clothes and gadgets. Our daughter chose a beautiful salt lamp. Next door, at “Es Cucons” they also sell beautiful tableware, clothes, shoes, children toys, etc … And my favourite store, is without any doubt “ n° 74 Boutique” where they sell handmade, organic fashion and accessories for both women and kids. I bought a lovely knitted beany.

  • IBIZA OLD TOWN
    The old town of Ibiza was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. Even though we visited “Dalt Vila” on a very rainy day and at a time that all the restaurants and bars were closed. I could still clearly imagine the charm and beauty of it. Looking forward coming back on a sunny day, exploring the narrow, winding, steep cobbled streets and enjoying the magnificent views.

  • HIPPIE ( FLEA) MARKETS
    The free-spirited hippies mainly got their income through the hippie markets. That is why Ibiza is known for its many cosy markets with nice typical Ibiza and artisan products. Each market has its own personality. The 3 most popular ones are: Es Cana – Punta Arabi, Las Dalias and Sant Juan. Punta Arabi, is the biggest one, and is open on Wednesdays from October till April. Las Dalias, is open all year round on Saturdays and during the Summer also on other days in the evening. Sant Juan, is a little bit smaller, but more authentic, open on Sundays all year round. As we were flying in & out on Sunday, we were only able to visit the market of Las Dalias. We had a family gathering on Saturday afternoon, so we drove up to San Carlos in the morning. The disappointment was enormous when we arrived and noticed that the market had been exceptionally cancelled that day, due to the bad weather conditions … A real pity, and one of the reasons to come back again.

Golden Hour

An Ibiza sunset is an unforgettable way to close the day. If you prefer silence as you watch, then head for the hills, and find a viewpoint overlooking the sea, perhaps at Es Vedra, or on the cliffs in the west of the island. The Sunset Strip is probably the most famous of all the sunset locations in Ibiza. Located in San Antonio, the strip boasts an array of bars and restaurants from which to witness nature’s nightly show, each with its own unique ambience. This long and popular promenade extends all the way from the harbour to the small beach of Caló des Moro.

We witnessed a beautiful sunset from the house of my brother in law, who lives in the centre of the Island on a hill. And one at La Torre Ibiza, a tapas restaurant / hotel located near Sant Antoni de Portmany on a rock wall with a 180 degree unobstructed view over the sea.

Favourite Beaches

The White Isle is known for an extraordinary number (over 80) of sensational beaches, from wild-and-free bays to perfect little white-sand coves.

VISITED:

  • Cala Tarida
    A large white sandy beach sheltered by hills. Home to the popular “Cotton Beach Club”. Take a moment to climb the rocks at your left hand side, when you enter the beach, you will enjoy the views over the sea, the beach and the traditional fishermen’s shelters. I am aware that during the peak season, this beautiful scenery will look less attractive due to the people crowds, as this beach is very popular by families.

  • Cala d’Hort
    Cala with a fantastic view on the mysterious island of Es Vedrà .The beach itself is very charming, sandy to one side, pebbly to the other. For those who are not afraid of being flooded and are looking for an Instagram-worthy picture, there is a wooden walkway. In the Summer this “cala” is extremely popular, and I can imagine it’s difficult to find a parking place. But at the time of our visit, it was extremely peaceful and beautiful.

NEXT TIME VISIT:

  • Sa Caleta
    With it red cliffs and clear waters, and a highly recommended seafood restaurant.

  • S’illot des Rencli
    A tiny, pebbly beach surrounded by gentle, red cliffs and pine forest.

  • Punta Galera
    An amazing bay surrounded by stone formations jutting out from the cliffs like large, flat shelves.

  • Cala Comte
    For its crystal clear blue water and amazing sunsets.

  • Cala Xarraca
    With its crystalline water, perfect for snorkellers and a favourite with photographers.

  • Cala d’en Serra
    Surrounded by high rocks, greenery and has a number of rustic fishermen's houses. In the summer months the water is almost always calm, making it very suitable for canoeing, supping or snorkeling. Behind the bay, is the skeleton of a hotel that has never been completed. It was always an ugly building and it still isn't very beautiful, but now that the graffiti artists have been given free rein, it does produce very special pictures.

  • Formentera Beaches

Would you like a table?

TESTED & APPROVED:

My brother in law invited us here to celebrate their youngest son’s birthday. As many others, they name this restaurant as their absolute favorite! We had a reservation on the day of our arrival, at the last evening before their closure for the winter period. Normally you need to reserve long in advance to get a table, due to the hype around this place. But we enjoyed a quiet evening! The restaurant is located in Sant Llorenç. The setting is really magical, with colorful furniture, lanterns and string lights. And the food is pure, seasonal and finger licking good.

One of the favorite places of the foreign expats, drinking coffee or a glass of wine, after schooltime, catching-up while their children are running and playing around. You will rather hear Dutch spoken than Spanish. But I understand why they are feeling home here. The place breaths a friendly, warm atmosphere, where you can not only taste the homemade sweets and treats. They also run an adjacent shop with beautiful own creations and host arts & crafts workshops. On top it’s located in Ibiza’s most charming village, Santa Gertrudis.

  • Cana Pepeta - https://canapepeta.es/
    Delicious dining in a cozy atmosphere. Boho-chic with an international vibe, owned by the renowned entrepreneur David Rearte. On the menu food platters to share, and quality grilled meat. Sit back, relax and enjoy! Probably not the cheapest restaurant on the Island, but certainly my cup of tea.

ON MY BUCKETLIST FOR OUR NEXT TIME VISIT:

  • Casa Lhasa 
    A stone's throw from La Paloma, you will find this wine bar, opened in 2021, with more than 400 natural wines on their menu.

  • Aubergine - http://aubergineibiza.com/
    A peaceful sanctuary housed in a traditional finca with numerous in and outdoor dining areas. A place with passion for healthy food, located near Santa Gertrudis.

  • Casa Kica
    A restaurant / interior design shop in Santa Eulalia des Riu. The interior has African influences, on the menu Mediterranean organic dishes.

  • Casa Jondal
    A fancy beach pavilion on Cala Jondal, owned by an Amsterdammer. On the menu exquisite minimalistic seafood dishes.

  • Terra Masia - https://terramasiaibiza.com/
    An organic farm, nestled in the hinterlands of Santa Eulalia, where you can enjoy breakfast or farm to table dinners.

  • Es Torrent
    Exclusive fish restaurant right on the beach in Sant José.

  • Corsario Ibiza - https://www.corsarioibiza.com/
    New address in Ibiza town, with beautiful view, nicely decorated and good food on the menu.

  • Giri Café - https://cafe.thegiri.com/
    One of the best places to breakfast on the Island, but they also serve lunch and dinner. Located in San Juan, so perfect to combine with a visit to the hippie market.

  • Oleoteca Ses Ecoles - https://www.sesescoles.com/
    A primer school and olive oil fabric, located in Sant Joan de Labritja. They serve “Cocas” a sort of pizza and delicious steaks. A good address when you want to dine with a bigger group.

  • Aiyanna - https://www.aiyannaibiza.com/
    Beach Club from the same owners than Amante, but with a more relaxed atmosphere, located on the beach of Cala Nova. The food is finger licking good.

Goodnight sleep tight!

As we travelled with the entire family, we hired a holiday village “Casa Bello” with 6 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, a kitchen and large living area, a big terrace and beautiful pool and a well-maintained garden with mandarin and pomegranate trees, and chickens.

For the price we paid, it was good value for money. The downsides in my opinion, are the location. As San Antonio is not the most beautiful part of the Island. During summertime it’s apparently crowded by English tourist, who come to party and drink.

Luckily, it was quiet when we stayed there. And secondly, the bathrooms were a bit old fashioned. But the landlord told me that these would be renewed in 2023. In terms of cleanliness, there was also room for improvement. And they could provide more and better glasses, but I can imagine that it’s often rented to students and most of the tableware often falls. In general, we enjoyed our stay and as we paid less than € 3000 for 1 week, which is rather cheap for Ibiza, we cannot complain.

https://bit.ly/3HfnJpo

PLACES WHERE I WOULD LIKE TO STAY DURING OUR NEXT VISIT:

  • Gare du Nord Boutique Hotel
    https://www.garedunordibiza.com
    Small B&B with 9 affordable, simple rooms in 3 different categories. Located in the North, at Sant Joan de Labritja. They have an adjoining bistro and wine bar.

  • Nobu Hotel
    https://www.nobuhotelibizabay.com/
    If you’re looking for real luxury and you prefer to be located right at the beach, this hotel might have your preference. Located on Talamanca Bay ( Eastside), close to the airport and Ibiza Town, and not too far from the famous Pacha and Ushuaia nightclubs.

  • Casa Amore
    House with 7 rooms and a pool. Rentable in its entirety ( 14 persons ) during the summer holiday. For the rest of the year, you rent a separate room(s) on BB basis with shared bathroom (3).

  • Casa Blanco
    300 Years old finca with only 1 double room to rent during the year. Except from the Christmas and Summer Holiday. Then you can rent the entire home, which accommodates 10 persons ( 4 rooms and 3 bathrooms, and a swimming pool ). Also located in the North, in San Mateo.

  • Ibiza Campo
    https://www.ibizacampo.com/
    Finca with 2 guest units « La Casita » and « The Loft” both for 4 persons and a swimming pool. Located in the North at San Lorenzo.

  • Finca Can Marti
    https://www.canmarti.com/
    Rural Eco Hotel located in Sant Joan de Labritja, fusing farm and hotel life. They have rooms that can accommodate up too 5 people. Can Martí’s animals play an important part in the farm ecosystem. They also offer a natural pool.

  • Can Quince de Balafia
    http://canquince.com/en/index.php
    Located in the North, in San Lorenzo. They offer 5 rooms with private bathroom and terrace on B&B basis. They also have a nice swimming pool. This is already a more expensive option.

  • Gatzara Suites
    https://www.hotelgatzaraibiza.com
    Hotel located in the centre of Santa Gertrudis, offering 20 rooms, breakfast service and a rooftop terrace with swimming pool. The Musset Café next door is also popular for its fusion and vegetarian dishes. Certainly not the cheapest option out of my list.

  • Can Domo
    https://www.candomoibiza.com/
    Agri turismo with 8 rooms, a pool and a renowned restaurant. Located in the East of the Island, in Santa Eularia.

  • Petunia Ibiza
    https://www.petuniaibiza.com/
    Located nearby the famous rock Es Vedra. A boutique hotel with 37 rooms. Enjoy the beautiful views and the good food and nice drinks at their restaurant “La Mesa Escondida”.

  • Can Sastre
    https://www.cansastre.com/
    A small Agri turismo, located on the beaten track ( San Rafael - Centre) and owned by a Dutch couple. They offer 3 casita’s – villa’s, with plenty of chill-out areas.

I could give-up shopping, but I  am not a quitter.

Nice, typical souvenirs to bring from Ibiza:

  • Hierbas de Ibiza (Parfums & Liqueur )

  • Sal de Ibiza ( Salt, vinegars, chips and gadgets )

  • Aromas de Ibiza ( Perfumes and Home Fragrances )

  • Bohemian style jewels

  • Incense sticks

Dress to impress …

“IBIZA, MORE THAN AN ISLAND,IT’S A STATE OF MIND”