Ibiza - The Misunderstand Island


Ibiza often has a poor reputation for being a rowdy party island, full of sex, drugs and clubbing and is often the right of passage for most 18 to 24 year olds seeking out their first boozy adventure abroad. With films such as 'It Has All Gone Pete Tong' highlighting the Ibiza club scene, it is no surprise that many people have a misunderstanding of the island, but to me Ibiza is the hidden gem of the Balearics and if you look past the party district of San Antonio, there's so much more to be discovered.

I first went to Ibiza when I was twelve years old on a family holiday and my parents rented a car so that we could see the entirety of the island. We visited the old town, the hippie markets at Es Cana and made our way around all Ibizas famous beaches snorkelling. It was a place that really captured my heart from a young age and somewhere I knew I wanted to return as an adult. I returned when I was 21 on my first holiday away with my then husband-to-be and returned once more for my honeymoon. Each visit to Ibiza has been unique and as welcoming as the previous, the islanders are wonderful and there's a friendly, down to earth atmosphere wherever you go - even in San Antonio and Playa D'en Bossa.

The island of Ibiza is rich with culture and history and has the most picturesque landscapes. There's something for everyone of every age to enjoy and much of the island is unspoilt and very traditional, yet many people are blindsided by the bad press. Hopefully the recommendations below will help highlight some of the beautiful places that Ibiza has to offer.

Dalt Vila


Dalt Vila is a UNESCO world heritage site and is known as the 'old town' of Ibiza. The town has over 2,500 years of history from battlements dating to the 16th century and pottery found as old as the 13th century. The town offers panoramic views of the island and features a plethora  of quaint cobbled streets with candlelit eateries.

ES Vedra



If you enjoy taking boat trips, ES Vedra should be on your ibiza bucket list. Es Vedra is an uninhabited rock off the coast of Ibiza that stands over 400 metres high. The rock is said to be the third most magnetic rock on the planet and is heavily featured in Ibiza myths and legends.  This mysterious rock attracts thousands of visitors per travel season and is a must see due to its astounding beauty.

Es Cana


One of my favourite places to visit on the island are the markets at Es Cana, also known as the 'hippy markets'. These markets date back to the 1960s when painters and artisans came to island and decided to sell their items. This popular market still takes place every Wednesday and features an array of crafters selling jewellery, textiles and clothing from all around the world. It is the perfect place to grab some unique items, while listening to music and feasting on street food.

Cafe Mambo at San Antonio



Last, but definitely not least is Cafe Mambo, the ideal place to sit back and listen to music as the sun goes down. The Ibiza sunset is breathtaking and Cafe Mambo is probably one of the only places you will see such a mass gathering for the sun going down and then a round of applause as it finally ends. It's a great atmosphere and definitely worth a visit.


Have you been to Ibiza?






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19 comments

  1. Ibiza is my dream destination! I loved your pictures!

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  2. I have never managed to go to Ibiza... Maybe one day I'll get the chance!

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  3. I love Ibiza although I have only ever been to the older and quieter parts and haven't experienced the party image Ibiza! Great post

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  4. I always wanted to go to Ibiza, but as yet have never managed it. Looks wonderful. I do think she needs a lot more praise than just booze and such like.

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  5. My Mum went to Ibiza many moons ago and she talks about how beautiful and historical it is, so far from the party island we seem to assume it just is these days.

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  6. Not yet, but I always wanted to. I hope one day we will manage a trip there.

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  7. I have never been to Ibiza, but the things you highlighted makes me want to add it to my list of places to visit. 2,500 years of history is a lot of history! I love history so learning about the 13th and 16th centuries of Ibiza would be awesome.

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  8. I've never been before but I do think Ibiza is thought of as just being a party island and that's it which is a shame x

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  9. I've always wanted to go to Ibiza, the island looks so pretty x

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  10. I have never been to Ibiza and perhaps I thought it was just a party island too! I read your piece with interest as it actually sounds like somewhere I would really love. Another to add to the bucket list!

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  11. this showed me a different side to ibiza. i always think of party and it never really interested me but now, i'll have to add it to my list

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  12. I've always been put off of going because of the reputation. It looks like a lovely place to visit x

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  13. Ibiza sounds absolutely wonderful .. I love little islands like this for getaways. If I'm ever lucky enough to go, I'd love to visit old town and stroll along the cobblestone streets. In the evenings I'll definitely be watching the sunsets. Isn't Mother Nature the best?!

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  14. My hubby and I love exploring and traveling. I have my own bucket list and sure enough Ibiza is in there. I cant wait to be able to go there. Your photos just made me want to go sooner.

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  15. I have to be honest - I was never interested in going to Ibiza merely because I associated it with this clubbing scene that I did not want to be a part of. This has definitely opened my eyes though, it looks beautiful.

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  16. I have never been to Ibiza, but would love to visit soon! :)

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  17. I haven't been and you've certainly changed my perception of this misunderstood island. A friend wants to go in August and now I can certainly do that

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  18. My friends always used to say they thought it was JUST a party island, but I've never seen it that way as my mum and dad had always told me stories of when they used to visit, and they're most definitely NOT party people! LOL. I'd love to visit Ibiza one day :)

    Louise x

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  19. I would love to return to Ibiza with my family and see more of the island and the other side to Ibiza than what I did when I went in my 20's! lol

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