Ibiza is known all over the world for being the island of entertainment, discos and miles of beaches. In reality, Ibiza also has other aspects that often young people who get lost in the crowd of worldly clubs fail to see. It is no coincidence that in 1999 the Isla Bianca was declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco, for the exceptional cultural and natural richness of many of its places: the Phoenician remains of sa Caleta, the fortified city of Dalt Vila, the Reserve natural park of ses Salines and the Punic necropolis of Puig des Molins.
1-The city of Ibiza
What do you want to call it? Ibiza, as the whole world defines it, Vila, as its inhabitants call it or Eivissa, as the Catalans define it: whatever its name, the fact remains that the city of Ibiza is the economic and administrative capital of the island. Located in the east of the island, the city of Ibiza has three beautiful beaches, Ses Figueretes, Talamanca and Platja d’en Bossa, and the particular and characteristic area of Dalt Vila, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dalt Vila is the expression of the great cultural variety that has been present on the island over the years: Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Muslims and Romans have contaminated and shaped its entire structure. To discover the wonders of Dal Villa, all you have to do is give up a day at the beach, put on comfortable shoes and set out to discover the small and steep streets that lead to the highest part of the city, from which you will see a sensational panorama.
2-Sant Josep of sa Talaia
The town of Sant Josep di sa Talaia is located south of Ibiza and is full of coves and beaches for all tastes: Small and intimate hidden coves caressed by a limpid and crystalline sea, such as Cala Bassa, Cala Comte and Cala Vedella, but also huge expanses of sand surrounded by luxuriant vegetation and rich pine forests. If you have always wanted to go to the beach in complete freedom, San Josep is the place for you: many coves are completely dedicated to nudists. The inland area of this delightful village will not disappoint you either, with a countryside full of figs, pines and carob trees that frame the island’s characteristic white houses. Do not miss the Phoenician village of Sa Caleta and the Punic-Roman rural settlement of Ses Païses di Cala d’Hort. The churches of Sant Josep are a great attraction of the country for their very original and particular style, we recommend those of Sant Francesc de s’Estany, Sant Jordi di ses Salines, Sant Agustí des Vedrà, Sa Rivista and Sant Josep of sa Talaia.
3-Port of Eivissa
After Dalt Vila it is the turn of the Porto area, another of those places where history and fun come together. Historic are the neighborhoods of La Marina and Sa Penya, ancient fishing villages, now favorite places for tourists who usually spend the evening in the area waiting for the entrance to the disco (the very famous “Pacha” disco). Also historical are the two monuments dedicated to the sailors who over the centuries have made Ibiza great. We are talking about the Monument a los Corsarios, and the other named after the Gente de la Mar (see photo). The first is located behind the Estacio Marittima where cruise ships and ferries from Barcelona, Valencia or nearby Formentera dock. The second, however, is located at the intersection of Avinguda de Santa Eularia des Riu, one of the main arteries of the island. Do not forget Eivissa Nova and Marina Botafoc the two marinas where the many VIPs from the world of sport and entertainment who frequent Ibiza in the summer months generally dock.
4-Es Cavallet
So far we have taken care not to flatten the image of Ibiza on its more hedonistic and transgressive side. Ignoring it, however, would be a mistake, especially since, once in place, it is still impossible to do so. Let’s take Es Cavallet, one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. It is certainly worth going there, but you need to know that in addition to the environmental data – white beach, crystal clear sea, etc. – Es Cavallet is famous for being the official nudist beach of Ibiza. A record that dates back to the first half of the 70s of the last century when Spain was still under the political-military rule of General Francisco Franco. And, in fact, the Spanish regime tried to repress the phenomenon, without being able to eradicate it.
5-Westend
Ibiza shares the same fate as Mykonos, that of being considered above all a “party island”. An island, that is, where bpm, alcohol and transgression mark the days of the tourists present. And, indeed, it cannot be said that the stereotype does not reflect reality. Let’s take Westend, the local area of St. Antoni de Portmany, the second largest municipality on the island by extension and number of inhabitants (about 20,000). Those who cannot afford entry to the more expensive clubs in Eivissa come to have fun here on the southwestern side of the island. From May to October the Westend practically never sleeps: noise all day and clubs practically everywhere. It doesn’t even make much sense to talk about nightlife anymore, since parties can be found at any time of the day. In clubs, on the beach and even on a boat.
6-Cala Bassa
About 9 kilometers from St. Antony de Portmany is the small (approx. 300 meters long) but charming beach of Cala Bassa. The peculiarity of this inlet is that it has a pine forest behind it (due to the large quantity of maritime pines, Ibiza and Formentera are also called “Pitiuse Islands”) where, if you wish, you can equip yourself with a sunbed and deckchair, without ‘Beach umbrella. Obviously, in the pine forest there is no shortage of snack counters and restaurants, as well as a well-priced camping site chosen above all by families with children.