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?