Tiny Ibiza has a big reputation, but there’s more to the world’s clubbing capital than meets the eye. Delve into ancient towns crowned with medieval churches. Relish just-caught seafood and local recipes in traditional tapas restaurants. Climb up and over headlands to find deserted coves – or listen to sundown grooves at a beach bar. A luxury escape here truly can be as chilled out or up-tempo as you wish.
BEACHES
Ibiza’s ragged coast hides hundreds of cove beaches – or calas. Local favourites include Talamanca, with its handful of exclusive hotels, restaurants and laid-back bars. Lesser-known treasures include Sa Caleta, which has a dramatic backdrop of red cliffs. If you’re prepared to explore, Cala Llentia is on the island’s southern-most headland and has well-placed rocks that become natural diving boards.
HISTORY
First discovered by the Carthaginians, Ibiza has seen empires come and go. The island rings with their echoes, from the ancient Roman Pont Vell bridge outside Santa Eulària des Riu to Moorish architectural touches. Ibiza Town old quarter, Dalt Vila, is the best place to get a feel for the White Isle’s distant past. Climb the monumental city walls, or pocket your map and dive into the cobblestone alleyways, lined with boutiques and bars.
NIGHTLIFE
Lounging outside a beach bar, watching the sun set and the stars come out. Sipping wine and nibbling tapas in an old town vinoteca. Dancing into the night at exclusive parties. You don’t have to be a dance music fan to enjoy a night out in Ibiza. Of course, if you are, nowhere else on earth draws as many superstar DJs as the summer season at famed clubs such as Pacha.
Ibiza’s sparkling waters have hidden depths, with cave dives, wrecks and marine life to see on scuba adventures.
