‘Ibiza, the Bohemian Paradise.’

Ibiza is a very inspiring, regenerating place, full of magical spots, beach coves or “calas,” and restaurants.  Ibiza is the bohemian man’s dream.  I was lucky enough to live on the island for three years, and I will never forget its incredible natural beauty and exceptionally calming atmosphere.  It was an unforgettable experience to be able to live there.

There is a lot to see on the island, but it gets crowded in the summer months, so if you do not want to contend with the large crowds, I recommend September and October when it is easier to get around. People have asked me where to stay, what to shop for and where to eat in Ibiza.  There are so many choices and it depends on your budget, but Ibiza is no longer a cheap destination as it once was when the hippies made it their own in the seventies.

The Old Town of Ibiza (Dalt Vila) is in the city of Ibiza and the first place to visit on the island.  Dalt Vila is the area protecting the castle on the top of the hill and is surrounded by medieval buildings and streets. The whole area is an outdoor museum, and from the top, you have a great view of the whole city and the marina.

Ibiza has a wonderful green aura about it because it is full of pine forests, almond, olive and fig trees.  The name of the island is ¨Las Pitiusas¨ and means ¨pine covered islands.¨  Las Pitisusas was the name given to the island by the Greeks, who came to the island about the same time as the Carthaginians. Ibiza was discovered in 6th Century BC by the Carthaginians, and it was this Phoenician colony from Carthage, North Africa, who gave the island the name ¨Ibossim.¨ The Phoenician goddess Tanit is particularly famous on the island as she represents the Goddess of the Earth and Fertility. You can see her image on a lot of ceramic made on the island.

Ibiza is the ultimate place to spend a relaxing holiday.  For a fantastic health and wellness destination, ‘La Posidonia Hacienda Na Xamena Ibiza Hotel’ is a stylish boutique retreat with a spa and waterfalls.  Located in the northern part of the island in San Miguel, far away from all the clubs and DJs, Hacienda Na Xamena has a spectacular view of the Mediterranean Sea.

For a casual, relaxing atmosphere, ‘Can Talais’ is a countryside hotel in the North of the island on top of a mountain.  With only a few rooms, it offers total seclusion and a spectacular 360 degree view of the countryside and sea. The garden and greenhouses grow plants native to the Balearic islands, and there are peacocks strutting around too. British actor-comic Terry Tomas renovated the villa when he discovered the property years ago.  It is now run by his son.  This boutique hotel’s architecture is pure Ibizan style and offers personal service and mostly organic food.  Aiguas Blancas beach is not far.

The best beaches for me are the ones off the beaten path: Cala Xucla in the North is small, but has a great “chiringuito” or beach shack restaurant for lunch.  Aiguas Blancas is an unspoiled beach with caves, rocks and shallow waters.  It’s an official ‘naturist’ beach.  Cala Conta beach is great for watching the sunset, that is on the western side of the island and near ‘The Sunset Ashram.’

Cala Jondal beach at the southern end of the island and near Blue Marlin, is for fashionistas and party people, but it is absolutely stunning and a must see. There are a lot of restaurants, bars and live music in this area. Blue Marlin Beach Club and restaurant holds a lot of live performances, and if you can see Paco Fernandez there, don’t miss it!

If you want to find isolation, you have to be prepared to walk a bit, or even swim to the pristine, turquoise bays that abound on the island. Cala Mastella beach is my favorite, and great for snorkeling.  It’s in Santa Eulalia, on the eastern side of the island.  Have lunch right in the bay at the tiny harbor at ‘El Bigote,” but there’s just two options: fish or fish stew!

Traditional Balearic craftmanship is truly unique, eco-friendly and chic. The best things to buy are, the traditional handwoven “alapargatas payesas,” (espadrilles), hippy dresses, handmade esparto grass baskets made by Jose Pascual; the Pascual family has been weaving baskets, sandals, fans and hats for generations.  The shop is located in Ibiza town near the marina.  There are ¨hippy¨ markets throughout the island all year long, and everything can be found in them, as long as you are willing to join the tourist crowd.

Beautiful iron cast lighting is great for making your place a bohemian paradise.  You can find this lighting at ‘Es Cucons’ Shop in Santa Gertrudis, a concept store located in Santa Gertrudis, in the interior part of the island. The shop is located inside a traditional Ibizan style house.  At ´Es Cucons´ you can also find everything vintage chic, from clothing, tableware, small furniture to accessories.

‘Es Cucons’ Hotel is a beautiful boutique hotel located a bit closer to the coast, in a valley full of almond trees, and near the famous Cala Salada beach.  Once a farmhouse, the hotel represents the essence of the island with a relaxation area that offers treatments, a yoga area and a library with books in several languages.

For fine costume and vintage jewelry, rare clothing, kaftans, corsets and other collectibles, ‘Solis Lucrum’ is the place. There is also a good selection of hard to find designer sunglasses. This store is located in Dalt Vila, in the city center.

Multi-colored cushions, Moroccan leather pouffes and antique glassware can be found at many stores throughout the island, but ‘Sluiz’ Ibiza is a good shopping experience because you can find everything you need in one place. ‘Sluiz’ has a store in Ibiza town, as well as one in Santa Gertrudis.

Food in Ibiza is so delicious, ¨Bullit de Peix¨ (fish soup) is very typical. ¨Flao¨ is Ibizan cheesecake made from goat cheese and herbs from the countryside, not to be missed. At ‘Mari Mayans’ store in Santa Eulalia, get traditional Ibizan liquor, or ¨Yierbas Ibicencas,¨ flavored with aniseed, thyme, rosemary, lemon and orange peel.

At ‘La Bodega’ in Ibiza Old Town, taste the best tapas in town.  The croquettas, calamares, and Pedron peppers are outstanding, and the atmosphere is intimate and original.

For night clubbing,´Pacha Ibiza´ is the most beautiful club on the island, with an eclectic clientele, it’s more for an older set. You can also club during the day at open-air beachclubs:

Amante Beach Club and restaurant near Santa Eularia is not to be missed; neither are: ´Ushuaiai,´ ‘The Cotton Beach Club’ (has four locations),‘Blue Marlin’ , or ´The Sunset Ashram´ for a hippy vibe, and in-house artists who paint throughout the night, so while you’re there, the art is in progress!  You can watch the sunset at Ashram, an amazing must-do experience while on the island. Sunset parties are a really an incredible sight not only for the amazing sunsets, but because of all the people who gather together at the sunset parties at these clubs.  All of these venues offer great sunset views, menus and of course idyllic beach locations.

Don´t miss out on this bohemian dream island!

Happy travelling, readers!

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