Ibiza is best known to most Europeans as the land of party, party and more parties. However, I discovered five other unique aspects of this island that are well worth a visit (unless of course you are primarily interested in late night carousing- then best not to read further).
My 5 Travel Heart Favorites
Invited by a friend I was fortunate to have my very own personal tour guide. Patricia and her partner own an apartment in Ibiza and have visited there many times. Over the years they have discovered out-of-the way places and undiscovered restaurants. Here are 5 of the most favorite activities I enjoyed during my first visit to this delightful island located just off the coast of Spain. Have a look, read and laugh.
#1 Relocate Home Office to Cala Conta Beach
“I have found the perfect spot for working!” was my first thought as I lovingly gazed below at my potential new office. I could already envision myself: sitting alone with my future portable office tent color co-ordinated perfectly with the multiple shades of turquoise, blues and greens of rippling water.
A location that would certainly inspire anyone’s creativity! The sand however, on a windy day may cause some technological setbacks. Giving up on this idea I decided to explore further this fantastic photogenic skyline.
Hidden Oasis
Located on the southwest side of the island of Ibiza, Cala Conta beach is a small hidden oasis with several restaurants. Elegant or casual dining will be one of the few tough decisions of the day.
Casual at its best! We decided on Sunset Ashram restaurant.
We chose the casual atmosphere of the covered veranda to settle back in a comfy wicker chair and meditate over the good life with a cold beverage and packet of crisps… only because we were saving our appetites for another hidden gastronomic gem later that day.
Healthy Options
And if the effort is too much to get up from your towel for dining there is always someone walking around to sell you a healthy option of freshly cut fruit.
The beach area of Cala Conte is plentiful for absorbing rays of sun, floating in liquid turquoise and building castles of sand. This beach is a must on your list of sandy spots to visit.
Lessons Learned
- Stay for the sunset at Cala Conta beach! It was not until later that we discovered this beach is well known for it’s sunsets. After an afternoon laying on the beach, settle yourself at one of the tables overlooking the water and have dinner at the Sunset Ashram. I am sure the vista of an orange sun slowly sinking into the aqua filled horizon will be the only dessert required to end the perfect day!
Travel Tidbits
- Cala Conta Beach for a great day out
#2 Spiritually Sipping the Best Mojito …EVER
Yummy with a kick!
It was worth the wait. Finally seated outside under the canopied balcony while the ocean breeze gently slipped by us we sipped our Mojito. This drink is a delicious combination of white rum, sugar, lime juice, sparkling water and mint leaves. As Patricia was driving we decided to share one between us. She was right – it was the best one I have ever had! I had already decided to sneak extra sips to ensure the safety of the driver …and passenger.
Paella
The main reason for going to this restaurant located on the Cala D’Hort beach was for the Spanish dish- Paella consisting of rice, chicken, chorizo, mussels and prawns. A small wooden table was positioned next to us for the waiter to place the huge hot metal pan on. Heaping with steaming meat and seafood he ladled huge spoonfuls onto our plates. After he walked away I was amazed to see the pan still had many servings left for us! Time for another sip of mojito.
Positively Healing
The other reason (a true bonus for me!) was the restaurant view of the spiritual island of Es Vedra.
Legends say that part of Es Vedra was used to build the Pyramids in Egypt. It is generally considered to have positive healing and creatively inspiring energy. Es Vedra is said to be the third most magnetic spot on the planet (after the North Pole and Bermuda Triangle). You can take guided tours around and on the island. We did not have time which just makes a good reason to return in the future and toast Es Vedra with another mojito.
Lessons Learned
Don’t forget to make a wish as soon as the island of Es Vedra comes in sight. Perhaps this island will grant you your travel heart wishes! My travel heart is overflowing.
Another opportunity for sunset watching. Make reservations for dinner outside on the balcony – request one with a table view of Es Vedra.
Travel Tidbits
- Boldado Restaurant Although the website is in Spanish there is a tab to email a reservation request. There will be someone who speaks English to translate your request.
- Cala D’Hort A short overview about this beach.
- Es Vedra Island Additional information about this magical island.
#3 Grooving with the Local Hippies
Every Sunday the main attraction is the Hippy Market in Sant Juan de Labritja. This small village village square is crowded with one-off locally handmade offerings at a reasonable cost. I had as much fun looking at the crafts as I did speaking with the fascinating sellers! Left over from the 60`s many of these hippy crafters were still wearing hairbands and flowers in their long braided grey hair.
Be sure to save your Sunday for visiting the village of Sant Juan de Labritja. This is the only day of the week this little hippy market is open. Although there are other much larger hippy markets, the atmosphere and location of this market is quite special and should not be missed!
Made With Love
Located further inland in northern Ibiza, you can easily combine a Sunday Mass at the local church with some shopping. After Mass is finished outside live music adds to the happy mood. Take a peaceful break for lunch/drinks in a hidden restaurant garden (either lying propped up on pillows on one of the canopied beds, slouched on a comfy sofa under a vine covered wooden canopy or relaxing in a chair with an umbrella covered table. The Giri Cafe is a must.
The choice is yours to have one of their “made with love” tasty meals. Enjoy a wander around this tranquil garden of vegetables and flowers, comfortable in knowing your food will be full of good intentions and fresh ingredients.
Now it’s Time to Buy Something
Lots of interesting and unique items to look at! Oh yes and the hats as well………
Also a gift wrapping decoration?
Meander through and pick up a few items and don’t forget to buy one of the handmade paper flowers on string of twine to weave in your hair. Have a hippy happy day!
These markets are a great opportunity to purchase unique and low cost items. My motto is “it is always the right time for Christmas shopping.
Lots of tasty options – give one a try!
Travel Tidbits
- Hippy Markets A listing to other Hippy Markets and events going on in Ibiza
- Giri Cafe Additional details on this St Juan restaurant
#4 Rambling to Torre De Ses Portes
The hike thru the forrest to get to this watch tower was well worth it. Torre de Ses Portes is located at the most southern tip of Ibiza. Once out of the woods, walking high on the rocky coast line path provides interesting sights to see! Many of the locals seem to come by bicycle so if you have one I recommend it. The pathways to get here can be accessed with bikes.
Umbrella Utopia
There are plenty of opportunities to establish your own private beach area. Don’t forget to bring your bathing suit, drinks and refreshments. There are no restaurants or snack bars close by.
Artwork by the Sea
As you amble along the cliff top path be sure to look down or you may miss these rock carving remains of past hippy artisans.
Travel Tidbits
#5 Touring Down & Out
As a passenger in the car it is your duty to remember to look down when touring around the island coastline byways. Here is one example of the beautiful scenery I spotted and we were able to pull off the road so everyone could safely admire and photograph a typical day on the water. Perhaps rather than renting a sailing boat we could find some paddle boats to explore the crystal clear water…..?
I am sure you will easily come up with 5 favorite activities of your own. Enjoy!
