Hotels in Ibiza (Balearic Islands, Spain)

Ibiza – party hotspot with a hippy heart

One of the popular Balearic Islands in the heart of the Mediterranean, Ibiza has a wonderful climate with average temperatures above 20 degrees for six months of the year and over 300 days of sunshine annually. Back in the 1960s, Ibiza became a popular place for hippies to live and it retains a relaxed atmosphere to this day, despite the fact that it is now a very popular holiday destination with almost six million visitors a year. The official languages used in Ibiza are Spanish and Catalan, but when you speak to a local person you are more likely to hear Eivissenc being spoken. Eivissenc is considered a dialect of Catalan, and speakers of this dialect will pronounce the name of their island as Eivissa.

A clubbers paradise

Ibiza is known throughout the world as a top party destination and is home to some of the most famous nightclubs on the planet. These ‘superclubs’ host international DJs and are open from midnight until as late as 6am, when tired revellers and club workers alike will often go for breakfast in the cafes nearby before heading home or to their hotels. Popular are the white parties where, as the name suggests, the dress code is for all-white clothing. If you want to party by day, there are many party boats to choose from. On these you can drink, dance, join in with party games and there are stops for a refreshing swim. For drinks and music as the sun goes down, visit one of the bars in San Antonio on what is known as the Sunset Strip.

Stroll around the markets

To earn an income, some of original hippies who ventured to Spain in the 1960s started making items to sell at the market alongside the fruit and vegetables grown by the locals. The popularity of these grew over the years with the largest market, Es Canar at Punta Arabi, having more than 500 stalls. The original hippy market is Las Dalias in San Carlos and offers colourful clothing, bags, jewellery and art. There are also plenty of places on or near the markets for food and drink. If you want to hunt for a real bargain, try one of the second hand markets called rastro. The market at Cala Llenya has many stalls with vintage clothing and homewares, as well as live music on an afternoon. For tasty treats, the artisan market in San Juan offers organic and homemade products, such as oils, jams and chocolates, alongside the clothing and traditional food stalls. Whichever of the hotels in Ibiza you choose, there will be a market close enough for you to explore.

Relax and unwind

While you will find plenty of places to party in Ibiza Town and San Antonio, there are plenty of other things to do, however active you like to be. If you really want to leave the world behind, Ibiza has become a popular destination for yoga lovers. You can book classes independently or you may find a hotel which offers a retreat, which is a more immersive experience with a package of classes included within the total price. If your idea of relaxation is something different, such as art or cookery, you will find retreats for those too. If you prefer just to be well and truly pampered, there are also many spa hotels to choose from. Visitors wanting to relax on the beach are well catered for too, because Ibiza has more than 70, ranging from sandy stretches to quiet hidden coves. You will find beaches with plenty of facilities, such as beach clubs offering sun loungers and sun shades to rent, and some which are untouched.

Naturally beautiful Ibiza

The best way to see Ibiza is just to get out and walk or cycle one of the many trails. There are trails for all ages and levels of ability along the coastline, where you can stop off for a cooling swim, or through the countryside to see the wildlife and plants. Choose a rural hotel in one of the inland towns or whitewashed villages if this more peaceful side of Ibiza appeals to you. If you are feeling less active, perhaps you could pay a visit to Las Salinas. Located in the south of Ibiza, the lakes at Las Salinas dry up over the hot summer months and leave behind a layer of white sand which sparkles in the sun. Nearby there is a beautiful beach too. Another option is the Can Marca caves which are close to the small town of Puerto de San Miguel. These golden coloured caves have stunning rock formations of stalagmites and stalactites and are a truly interesting place to visit.

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