Balearic Islands Tourism Guide - Ibiza Holidays

Ibiza Beaches

Blending Ibiza beaches with clubbing is particularly the case with Platja d'en Bossa, one of the largest idyllic sandy beaches on Ibiza, situated south of Eivissa. This fantastic beach is very popular with young clubbers, especially towards the southern end where a great club scene has evolved over the last 20 years, including clubs like Space (unfortunately the Bora -Bora Club is no more and is now closed under rather mysterious circumstances). A combination of larger Ibiza clubs wielding their power to monopolise, and perhaps a little support from health and safety conscious Ibiza authorities, means that larger more formal clubs are becoming more the Ibiza norm. Platja d'en Bossa beach is popular with families as well, with a great Ibiza waterpark being positioned right behind the beach called Aguamar near Sant Jordi.

Other popular Ibiza beaches include Cala de Boix, near Punta Prima. This one's a nice quiet beach even in peak season and it's framed by green hills, and you have a superb view of Illa de Tagomago. For a good nudist beach Ibiza head up to Cala es Figueral. This is a long and sandy beach with a selection of idyllic little rocky islets just off shore. The northern end of Cala es Figueral is a recognised nudist beach.

Move further south to Platja des Canar, a great little beach attached to the popular resort of the same name. There's a pleasure boat harbour near the beach, plus plenty of bars, restaurants and shops to keep you entertained.

Other great beaches include Platja des Niu Blau, noted for it's pine fragrance and many pine trees and it's shallow water, great for families with young kids. Cala Llonga beach you'll find between Puig de ses Torretes and Punta Roja, on a beautiful 300 metre wide bay. Cala Llonga itself is a charming, laid back friendly resort, popular with package holiday makers. Check out also Platja del Pinos beach near Santa Eularia.

Ibiza Clubs, Gay Ibiza

Ibiza Clubs and Ibiza's lively gay scene still reign supreme in the holiday firmament. Amnesia, situated half way between Ibiza Town and San Antonio in San Rafael is celebrated as host of the best gay party in Ibiza, namely La Troya Asesina. Many agree that it's the presence of Barcelona born DJ Oliver that really gives Amnesia it's kick, combined with a supremo sound system. Marti rates it anyway (see Ibiza Boy's link to the right), so it'll be good.

Blues in Ibiza Town pulls in a local crowd, especially out of season. It's smaller than the big clubs and free to get in, bonus, plus cheap drinks and out of season local DJs pour in so it's a venue for exploring new talent! Check with Marti's review.

If you were looking for the Ibiza chill, then you might have headed for Bora Bora, what was the ultimate pre-club Ibiza beach party. However, Resident DJ Gee Moore and Bora Bora on Playa d'en Boss beach has been shut down, as have a few other smaller dance/club venues on Ibiza. DJ Gee comments on the issue, 'Jealousy and greed are very powerful and destructive human emotions and unfortunately we now see them being used against all who have been coming to Ibiza to enjoy the party and make it wealthy over the past thirty years or so'.

He continues, "I don't want to use this writing to promote those responsible for the islands closures any more than necessary, it's incredible and sad to think that Bora Bora, DC10 terrace, Sa Trinxa, KM5, Kumharas, Benirras, etc could be such a threat to those who feel their superiority being challenged, these are more than parties they are traditions that help bring people on to the island who also feed the clubs, if they are to be the only ones here then the sprit of the island is lost, Disneyland with only Mickey mouse is not so much of an attraction ......Oh, and tables are for dancing on.' It's certainly a strange turn of events. Still Bora Bora has been touring, and will no doubt find a new venue soon, best of luck to it!"

Culture of Ibiza

Take time to explore Ibiza's fascinating culture and history. Eivissa or Ibiza old town is a historical gem to say the least. History abounds, and it was the Phoenicians who landed and developed Eivissa in the mid-7th century BC. Dalt Vila is the upper part of the town and the oldest bit, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999. Included in the World Heritage title are the acropolis of Dalt Vila in the old town of Eivissa, the underwater posidonia meadows, which are an essential source for the rich marine biodiversity of the Pitiusas Islands, the Phoenician settlement of Sa Caleta and the Punic necropolis Puig des Molins, location point for the first settlers on Ibiza. There seems to be a little shifting in tourist emphasis across the whole of the Balearics, including Ibiza, towards cultural tourism and taking care to preserve these treasures. Ibiza clubs vs. cultural centre, better perhaps to aim for balance rather than one over the other?

Ibiza Town's Old Town sits perched on a rocky promontory, spectacularly looking out to sea. You can easily see why it was such a sort after and strategic spot! There's lots going on in Dalt Vila and you can easily avoid the Ibiza club mayhem if that's not you're bag. Check out the superb Museu d'art Contemporani, and of course 'Our Lady of the Snows' (has a nice ring) Cathedral, one of the most impressive buildings on Ibiza. And oh, what a main square. The Placa de la Vila is crammed with little shops, cafes and restaurants. Superbo people watching territory and hotspot for nicky-nacks!

Contempory Art Museum, Dalt Vila

The Museu d'Art Contemporani has been open for some time in Dalt Vila, since 1971 to be precise. The museum is well worth a look, with a selection of avant garde paintings and sculptures and the internationally noted Ibizagrafic Biennial. There seems to be an artistic style built around this, drawing on a kind of hippie hedonistic approach, waffle waffle.

There are two underground galleries in this building which was once an arsenal within the city walls, or an armory of the 18th century bastion of Sant Joan. Most of the work is by Ibiza artists, so it's a great placed to pick up the vibe of the island, what influences local artists and so forth. You can pick up a painting or two, urr if your very rich!

Museu d'Art Contemporani, C/Ronda Narcis Puget, Tel: 302723, open May-September Tues-Fri from 10am-1.30pm, and 5-8pm. Sat-Sun from 10am-1.30pm. From October to April, Tues-Fri 10am-1pm, 4-6pm, and at weekends 10am-1pm.