Your Ibiza by Land is guided by none other than Galavante’s own Isabel Greiner who gives you the inside look at this magical island in the Balearic Sea. Ibiza converts even die-hard Saint-Tropez vacationers with its crystal Mediterranean, restaurant scene, of course, the clubs. So, read on for Isabel Greiner’s ultimate guide to Ibiza.
The Most Sought-After Inside Recommendations
Sleep
Agroturismos are small boutique hotels, set in the countryside amid bougainvilleas, and offering some of the most luxurious value around.
Can Jaume. “Can Jaume and Ca n’Arabi, in Puig d’en Valls, are close together, but Can Jaume is a bit more private, and has stunning grounds.” Double rooms are €220 in the high season.
Can Guillem. Equally gorgeous, if not a little more luxe than Can Jaume, is in Santa Gertrudis, about halfway between Santa Eulalia and Ibiza town. Double rooms are €225 in the high season.
Atzaro. Atzaro sits in the middle of the countryside outside Santa Eulalia – the hardest part is finding it. The whitewashed family hotel is a bit of a trek but the spa, pool area and extensive restaurant more than make up for it. Get ready for a weekend of pure luxury. Atzaro caters to romancing couples, especially you plan on spending most of your time in the room. (If you know what we mean.)Double rooms are €350 in the high season.
Aguas de Ibiza. If you’re looking for more modern – Miami-style – try Aguas de Ibiza. It has all the amenities you’ll want. It’s not quaint or traditional, but the beds are comfortable, air conditioning works and the service is world-class. The food in the restaurant, however, is less than exceptional. Unless you must order room service, you should eat out. Double rooms are €270 in the high season.
Eat
Top Restaurants:
La Brasa, C/ Pere Sala 3Ibiza, Tel: 971 301 202
La OlivaD’Alt Vila, C/Sta Cruz 2Ibiza, Tel: 971 30 57 52
Juan y Andrea, Playa IlletasFormentera, Tel: 971 18 71 30
Other Good Lounge-Restaurants:
Km5, Carretera Eivissa, Sant Josep, Tel: 971 39 63 49
Punta, Es puet de Talamanca Tel: 971 19 34 24
El Ayoun, Calle Isidor Macabich 6, San Rafael Centre, 971 19 83 35
Novum, Poligono Cana Palava, Ctra Santa Gertrudis Tel: 971 19 17 89
Aura, Lo Carretera de Sant Joan, Sant Llorenc Tel: 971 32 53 56
Drink
Space. This is the place to be for the opening party, as long as you get VIP tickets. Otherwise, the line is killer. If you’re going mid-season, be aware that you’re going for the music, not the scene. Ibiza veterans swear it’s not the same as it used to be, but it’s still fun to go after a day at the beach, before the sun sets.
Pacha, Pacha is the uber-chic club of Ibiza. Here, being in the VIP or not yields a tremendously different experience. Get a VIP pass – it’s like day and night. Added VIP bonus: Ibiza Angels that give you backrubs for €20.
Matinee. Matinee is the new Space. The hottest parties in Ibiza are now at Matinee – Amnesia, La Troya. If you like trendy madness, hot people looking for fun and the best music, this is your destination. You’ll find incredible shows, including fire on the stage, followed by frozen air blown over the 5,000-capacity room. For more space, pay a bit more to go to the upstairs mezzanine, where it still gets wild, but is less packed.
See
Beaches
Blue Marlin. Playa es Jondal, Ibiza Tel: 971 41 01 17
This decadent beach club is a favorite of the Galavante team – it’s one of those places where you sit back and think, life is good. After a lunch of what could be the best gazpacho in Spain, indulge in a massage at the club.
Es Sevina – (no website) Playa Cala Jondal, next to Blue Marlin, Ibiza Tel: 971 18 74 37
For a more relaxed, low-key day at the beach (sans music), kick back at Es Sevina. Arrive early, so you can get a lounge chair in the first row.
Amante (Cala Llonga). Sol Den Serra C/Fuera, St. Eulalia, Ibiza Tel: 971 19 61 76
Come here for breathtaking views, delicious food, and day beds which will have you made in the shade. There’s no sand on the beach – it’s rocky – and here it’s all about chilling out: No scene. No music. Quiet. Romantico.
Nassau (Playa d’en Bossa)
Playa d’en Bossa, Tel: 971 39 67 14 Everything you’ll need: Sand, day beds, good music and food, great vibe.
Jockey Club — Salinas Playa Salines, Tel: 971 39 57 88
This spot is much more low-key than Blue Marlin or Nassu. The food is tasty – I’m a fan of the pizza and the gigantic fruit plate. Nice distractions: the nudists down the beach, and the bikini shop.
Renting a Boat
If you want to charter a boat, use Trasmapi. We recently rented a catamaran and took it to Formentera – along with many bottles of bubbly rosé. I can’t think of a more heavenly day.
Shop
Ibiza town and D’Alt Villa have great shopping – CDs, linen dresses and bikini shops which are open late enough to stop by after a foam party.
Extras
Places to avoid
San Antonio/Café del Mar: Too many wasted young’uns
Ama Lur in Santa Gertrudis: Too stuffy, all grown-ups, service was stressed out. Also, it’s nowhere near the water, and our food was salty, forgettable and expensive. Great stuff that fits into your carry-on luggage to bring back home
Sal de Ibiza at Natura in Ibiza Town or at the airport.
Parking
Finding parking in Ibiza town is notoriously difficult, and they will tow you at a price of €120.
