My Eivissa

I’ve said for a while now that, if things don’t pan out here in Australia, I’m going to use whatever savings I have to buy a place of my own in Ibiza. This always raises a few eyebrows as I’m not a "party girl” and Ibiza is, I suppose, “the party island”.  My family and I have been going to Ibiza for as long as I can remember, and when I say "my family" I mean my 9 year old sister and my 70-something year old grandparents included. We all love it.

I think Ibiza has a bit of a reputation for being a bit like a more upmarket Magaluf these days and sure, you can go there for that kind of a holiday if that's what takes you, but there’s also much more peaceful and beautiful parts of the island (if you know where to look) and it can quickly become a favourite destination for just about anyone.

FOOD

As with any country or trip abroad, where’s “good to eat” depends on how fussy you are and what kinds of food you’re after. Personally, I'm pretty easy-going and am generally satisfied with a pizza or a paella on the beach or by the water, so most restaurants nestled in bustling Ibiza Town work for me. But if you lean towards venues that are a little more luxe, then Pura Vida in Santa Eularia might be for you with it's relaxed house music, chic, beach-side venue and carefully crafted food. I've only been for sunset cocktails, but The Blue Marlin is also a beautiful spot with rave dinner reviews if you’re open to splashing the cash.

Some fantastic other (and cheaper) spots are: Passion Cafe on the far side of Santa Eularia for brunch or lunch, El Deseo Mexican in Santa Eularia and Gelato Miretti in Santa Eularia for ice cream galore.

BEACHES

Two of my favourite beaches in Ibiza are Cala Nova and Las Salinas. Cala Pada is the perfect beach – you’ve got a couple of little market stalls, a restaurant that sells the best sangrias you’ve-ever-had-in-your-life (though they’re quite alcoholic – my mother couldn’t drive after just one!!), a sandy beach and an array of watersports from water-skiing and jet-skiing to banana boats and rubber rings! It’s so easy to spend an entire day there. Though, as a side note, my water-skiing instructor turned up 2 hours late, stoned and still drunk from Pacha the night before… 

If you want something more lively than that then definitely go over to Las Salinas. Again, there’s a great sangria scene happening but there’s also music playing on the beach throughout the day and the beach seems to turn into an all day party. It’s also a great place to find club promoters if you’re after a night out.

EXPLORING:

Fomentera is easily one of my favourite places in the world. It’s got all the “cool” factor of mainland Ibiza but it’s much smaller, much quieter and has the most crystal blue sea this side of Bora Bora. The best way to get there is by boat/ferry bus which, for an adult “billeta de ida y vuelta” (return ticket), is around 19EUR. I would absolutely recommend a visit there if you’ve not done it before and, if you’ve got money to spare, then look into hiring a boat out and making your own way there with a picnic and some of your favourite music.

Las Dalias is a local hippie market near Santa Eularia area that runs a few times a week. They have everything there from street food vendors, to jewellery, to henna tattoos... and so much more. You probably only need an hour or two there but if you’re after something mellow to do one evening then it's definitely worth a visit.

Last, but by no means least, is Hostal La Torre on the North West side of the Island. At first glance it may look like a generic hostel but it’s perfectly situated and has the best view of the sunset over the ocean. A great spot to enjoy a sneaky cocktail, a romantic dinner or simply to wind down. So beautiful.