Home JOURNAL Ibiza Travel Guide

Ibiza Travel Guide

I had never been to Ibiza before and was admittedly not prepared for what I had envisioned was going to be a vacation marked (or marred!) by all-night hedonism and foam parties. What I immediately discovered is you can easily escape all of the madness on the Spanish island. Unlike the busy, touristy cities of San Antonio and Old City, the northwestern part of Ibiza is stunning, lush with rolling hills and olive groves.

Pack a few sarongs and get ready to explore amazing outdoor markets, Ibiza?s unique fashions, excellent food and so much more ? between trips to the beach and daily siestas, of course.

What I?ll miss most: Waking up to a sensational view of the Mediterranean. Taking a dip in the turquoise waters of Cala Salada, which you can have all to yourself in the morning. And caf? con leche at the beach.

STAY

Rent a house if you are going to stay longer than a week; my boyfriend and I stayed at a house his grandfather built there in 1968. Amazing! But if you?ve only got time for a quick getaway, check into the highly recommended Hotel Es Cucons, an updated finca (traditional Spanish farmhouse) from1652 in the rural northern area of the island. While it can?t claim close proximity to the beach, it does boast beautifully landscaped gardens, sprawling bougainvillea, and a serene pool that overlooks a vast olive grove. A quiet, peaceful retreat for those seeking refuge from Ibiza?s all-night party scene.

Hotel Es Cucons, C/ Cami des Pla de Corona 110, 07828 Santa Agnes de Corona

Tel (34) 971.805.501

?SHOP

Important: The shops close in the middle of the day for siesta. The best time to go (unless you are an early riser) is from 5 p.m. -11 p.m. Some stores stay open even later.

Nino D'agata- Unique, limited edition handmade gold jewelry made using techniques from the Phoenician period.

Placa Esgl?sia, s/n 07814 Santa Gertrudis

Tel (34) 971.197.255

Te Cuero - This family-run shop sells beautiful handmade leather bags, wonderful braided leather belts, bracelets and snakeskin envelope clutches

Pla?a Esgl?sia, s/n 07814 Santa Gertrudis

Vicenta Riera- At her eponymous shop, Vicenta offers a variety of traditional handwoven straw beach baskets, part of the summer uniform for practically every woman on the island.

C. Cruz, 34. Ibiza Town. Tel (34) 414.06.488

Alberto Citterio - Beautiful jewelry handmade from precious metals inspired by the island?s colors and organic forms. My favorite pieces are Alberto?s one-of-a-kind sculpted 18K gold rings topped with bold, imperfect precious stones.

Calle Misa, 18. San Miguel

Las Dalias/ Hippy Market - Otherwise known as the Mercadillo Nocturno, this outdoor market is home to 40 local vendors selling affordable artisanal crafts, accessories and clothing, from bohemian white hand-embroidered tunics to colorful bakelite bangles. Great for souvenirs and gifts.

Carretera de Sant Carles Km 12, Santa Eul?ria. Tel (34) 971.326.825

Hours: Monday (June-Sept) and Tuesday (July & August) 7 p.m. ? 1 a.m.

Rent or borrow a scooter and explore the beaches of Cala Garbo and Cala d'Hort. After hours in the sun, hit the closest beach bar for a shandy (beer mixed with lemonade soda).

Head to the Blue Marlin, a sexy beach club located at Cala Jondal beach, for lunch and lay out at the beach (topless is status quo) while listening to the resident DJ's tunes. If you are a lucky, catch a set by flamenco legend Paco Fernandez, who plays live once a week. It's worth popping by the club's clothing boutique to browse bikinis and shoulder-baring ruffled linen tops.

Tel (34) 971.410.117

EAT

Es Torrent- A fantastic seafood restaurant nestled in a quiet beach cove on the southern part of the island. Chic and casual, this spot is popular with locals and families for its simple fresh food. Arrive in the late afternoon for a swim at the more secluded Es Torrent beach and then migrate over to the restaurant for a sunset cocktail and dinner in your sarong.

Playa d?Es Torrent , Tel (34) 971.802.160

La Plaza- In the hillside town of Santa Gertrudis, this restaurant features a romantic, candle-lit garden setting and French-Moroccan-inspired food, a delicious and a welcome alternative to traditional Spanish fare.

Safr? Ibiza Sta. Gertrudis . Tel (34) 971.197.075

El Olivo- If you are going to dine in the Old Town, climb the stairs to the top of the walled city for an incredible view and then snake down the cobblestone streets to this celebrated establishment situated in a busy square. Watch the world pass by as you dine alfresco.

Tel (34) 971.300.680.