Ibiza holds a special place in my heart. My first encounter with this eclectic island was when I studied abroad during college. It was my American and Spanish friends who introduced me to this beautiful Mediterranean isle, known for its bohemian spirit, lively nightlife and stunning beaches.
Back in the 1990s, Ibiza, the third largest in the Balearic Islands, made a name for itself as a party island and became a magnet for the rich and famous who frequented its world-famous nightclubs, including Pacha and Amnesia. Today, it’s still known for its club scene but not entirely: Of the 3 million tourists who visit every year, many also enjoy the island’s enchanting beaches, cafes and fashion boutiques, five Michelin-starred restaurants and treasure-trove of historic sites.
I vowed to return, but busy with family and work, it took a while. When I did, it proved to be a wonderful adventure, because I‘d accidentally booked my husband, teenager and me into a very hip hotel called the Apartamentos Vibra Jabeque Soul, located in popular Playa d’en Bossa.
The hotel is known for its energetic atmosphere, and I realized after reading a review on TripAdvisor that earplugs were a good idea. We arrived on a Friday, and by Saturday night, the place was buzzing with full-force party vibes. You'd think this would signal a weekend of torment for our band of three, but actually, their youthful exuberance was invigorating, bringing back fond memories of my first visit, and we all quickly embraced the lively ambience.
Ibiza gets frantic during peak season, and you must be alert to your surroundings. En route to our hotel, even our cab driver warned us about the prevalence of scams involving too-good-to-be-true Airbnb listings.
There was a lot to see, but since we all love the water, I booked the six-hour Crystal Waters Ibiza Sea Experience tour, which sailed from Playa d'en Bossa’s harbor to nearby Formentera Island, about 45 minutes away. Lunch, snacks and water toys were provided, and after dropping anchor at Cala Saona and then Illetes, we cooled down with a swim in the Mediterranean.
At just $86 per adult and $33 for children under 12, it was an unforgettable experience, with multiple stops and the chance to meet fellow travelers. There are numerous boat-rental services dotted around the island where you can book fishing trips and shorter sails.
Dining in Ibiza can be as extravagant or as simple as you desire. Across the road from our hotel was a pizza and smoothie cafe, which my son loved, but a memorable dining experience was at the Panoramic restaurant in Hotel Torre del Mar.
This discovery was serendipitous. We were wandering around looking for a place to eat when we stumbled upon the open gate of this hotel. I never pass up the opportunity to look around a hotel lobby, and our waiter told us that the restaurant manager had left the gate open on purpose so that people like us would be tempted to explore the dining inside. This simple act of hospitality led us to enjoy an exquisite dinner while watching the sunset over the Mediterranean.
We spent the next morning exploring the Gothic-style quarter of Ibiza Town. Known as Dalt Vila, it is essentially an outdoor museum dating back to the seventh century, housing the Cathedral of Santa Maria de las Nieves, the Town Hall (a former Dominican monastery) and the Eivissa Contemporary Art Museum.
The narrow cobblestone streets and castle ramparts transported us back in time. We were glad we were wearing comfortable shoes as the terrain was challenging and much of it was uphill. We ate lunch on the terrace of the Can D'en Parra restaurant, which is located inside the castle walls. The ribeye steak and paella were both wonderful, and the backdrop was unforgettable.
The island’s markets are another must-do. I spent hours perusing the vibrant stalls, buying unique handmade items and soaking in the bohemian atmosphere.
One particular Saturday market, Las Dalias in the north of the island, is famous for its diverse mix of fashion, jewelry and crafts. I found a gorgeous leather fringe bag adorned with turquoise, a perfect memento of Ibiza’s artistic spirit.
