Our Blog
Ibiza is the clubbing capital of the world and renowned as the world's sexiest party island. Located in the Balearic Islands off the coast of Spain it's a place where daytime beach activities are only a prelude to all night partying, which usually finishes on the beach the following morning. The hippies came in droves to the island in the 60s and Ibiza became a Mecca for the hedonist. Now clubbers overshadow the hippies. But are all these revellers the drunk and flashing 'Chavs' that were featured the 90s Sky One's 'Ibiza Uncovered'? Or has the island's clientele changed? Can Ibiza play host to the sun, sea and sangria without the sleaze?
Irish travellers can only fly direct to Ibiza if they go on a package holiday. A 'flight only charter' can also be used, but this can also be limiting as it leaves just once a week. There are a number of different accommodation options that you can choose if you want a slightly quieter stay. A number of hotels offer a more sedate stay than the more central youth orientated areas. Hotel Pacha is located at the edge of Ibiza town. This hotel goes for a chic trendy look. DJs play by the poolside in the afternoon while 'model like' clientele chatter beside you. Their website claims that the hotel is 'a calm oasis, chic, modern and urban', characteristics which 'truly embody the Pacha philosophy.'
The other option is a villa such as the Casa Algeria villa near Cala Pada beach. This option is perfect for those travelling with big groups of friends as it sleeps 12 people. You also have your own privacy with the run of the villa, its grounds and the pool area.
Ibiza Town is one of the most beautiful parts of the island. It's a great place to stroll though the winding lanes around the port area and the cobbled streets of the old town. The latter is dotted with outdoor cafes, which offer the perfect respite from shopping in the stylish boutiques. After recharging your batteries you can walk up to the fort and get a breathtaking view of the town and harbour.
Ibiza's 'in' beach is La Salinas. This beach is a long, wide crescent sandy beach, boarded by pine trees. Beach lovers can wind down after an action filled party night and watch more of the rich and beautiful playing or posing.
One can't go to Ibiza without sampling the nightlife but at the same time the hedonistic parties can be avoided. Bambuddha Grove has long been rated as one of the best places in Ibiza to dine. Not surprisingly the restaurant has a Buddhist theme and is situated in a lush bamboo garden. It is a Zen like way to start any night.
Of course it's difficult to go to Ibiza without ending up in a club at some stage. Amnesia is one of the most popular nightclubs but you should be prepared to spend upwards of fifty euros for the privilege of dancing the night away. And if you want to head up into the VIP area and sip champagne with the celebs you better have your credit card with you.
But if you decide to venture outside the main clubbing town of San Antonio you can catch a glimpse of the Ibiza that attracted so many hippies in the sixties. You can rent a car and explore sleepy towns with whitewashed churches and roadside cafes where you can watch the world go by.
You can see the influence of the hippies around the island and nowhere more so than Restaurant a L'elephant in San Rafael. This hip minimalist restaurant exudes hippy chic and the rooftop bar is the place to be seen before heading to a club. Paris Hilton made an appearance here last year and is a good spot for seeing the rich and beautiful socialise.
Prices
Aer Lingus
www.aerlingus.ie
Jet 2
http://www.jet2.com/
Manchester - Ibiza from £45.99 one way (inclusive of taxes and charges)
Belfast - Ibiza from £39.99 one way, (inclusive of taxes and charges)
Ibiza Tourist Board
+34 971302411/+34 971302490
[email protected]
Hertz
01 6767476
www.hertz.ie
Ford Focus or similar from €255.30 per week
¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬El Hotel Pacha
+34971315963
www.elhotelpacha.com
Prices from €120 per night per room
Casa Algeria Villa
www.holidayhomesdirect.ie
Property number: 10847
From €2300 per week
Bambudha Grove Restaurant
http://www.bambuddha.com/index_restaurant.php
Main courses from €14
Amnesia Nightclub
http://www.amnesia-ibiza.com/
L'Elephant Restaurant
http://www.elephant-ibiza.com/
View all the Holiday Homes Direct properties in Spain