This summer, I discovered Ibiza for the first time. Ibiza also called the White Island is well know for its extremely busy night life and the hippy movement but far away from the extravagant night clubs and parties, I saw another Ibiza with small villages, gorgeous creeks and red soil coveted by pine and olive trees. A magical refuge where I could understand why German philosopher Walter Benjamin who escaped Nazis found happiness in the 1930s. The authentic facet of Ibiza really surprised me.
Ibiza or Eivissa in Catalan is the biggest island of the Pitiüses Islands which along with Formentera and other tiny islands like Tagomago island belongs to the Spanish archipelagos called the Balearic Islands. Ibiza is located in the heart of the Balearic islands. The island has a fascinating history which offers visitors a rich cultural blend. As an island in the western Meditteranean Sea, Ibiza has been shaped by all the civilisations who lived on the island since Antiquity: Punics, Phoenicians, Romans and Arabs. Ibiza is classed World Heritage of Unesco since 1999.
The bright light, purity of the sky and the transparency of the water is mixed with a rich mosaic of culture. A must see destination.
Ibiza is roughly ten times the size of Manhattan. Locals and visitors like to think in terms of north and south to describe locations on the island, the imaginary line is drawn from San Antonio on the northwest coast to Santa Eularia on the east. I would say the south is home to beautiful beaches, extraordinary sunsets and most desired real estate and beach clubs. The north is the land of olive oils and cactus, ancient churches, sheers cliffs, raw landscape and an authentic hippy vibe.
-Visit villages of Santa Gertrudis and San Carlos.
Drive to the geographical heart of the island and discover St Gertrudis, a charming village which was one of the original places where hippies and artists gathered in the 1960s. Surrounded by a rich agricultural landscape all around the small town, you will see sheep, goats, cows. You will find a local white church founded in 1797 among hip cafés, restaurants, art and crafts galleries. The village is carefully preserved from mass tourism. A true bohemian way of life reign is this village.
I loved San Carlos. It Is in this village that you will see the real hippies of Ibiza. Located in the northern part of the island, San Carlos became famous in the 1960 and 1970s as the hippy village. In the 1960s, Ibiza was the equivalent of San Francisco in Europe. Artists, wealthy tourists found in Ibiza an idyllic place to share your pursuit of happiness and freedom. Together against the beginning of the western consumerist culture and the dictatorship of Franco in Spain, long haired peace lovers lived in an old white farmhouse called Fincas without electricity and water. I had a wonderful time at Anita’s bar listening and observing old Spanish local men talking to each other. It is the first hippy bar where the community shared peace, love and fraternity.Enjoy some tapas among trees in a cute courtyard.
-Take an early morning swim at Casa Salada.
The creek is located at 15 minutes drive from San Antonio. Surrounded by pine forested hills, this is one of my favorite beaches on Ibiza. The water of the Mediterranean Sea is beautifully clear. You will hear the cicadas when swimming from Cala Salada to the adjacent beach Cala Saladita. On the left, observe the boathouses built into the rocks, this is a truly real part of Ibiza.
-Appreciate fun time at Chiringay beach.
Located at Es Cavallet Beach – I love this beach – the place is a result of love, passion and tenacity and stands today as a hallmark of the gay public worldwide. Great ambiance, music and good food. Enjoy grilled seabass or salmon, hot spices dishes and fresh ingredients. Right on the beach facing the blue water of the Mediterranean sea, you can also enjoy the beach club and have a chiringay ice-cream!
-Enjoy a dinner at La Paloma restaurant.
Ambiance bohemian chic guaranteed. Located in the small village of San Lorenzo in the middle of Ibiza where there is only a church, a school and one local bar. You will enjoy your night inside a lush garden among citrus and orange trees and other Mediterranean plants. You will feel like in Tuscany. Created by a family, the atmosphere is very friendly, cosy and you can feel love all around. The food is fresh and delicious. It’s a fusion of italian mixed with spices and flavors of other cuisines. Don’t forget to get a souvenir from the cut shop next to the dinning place before leaving.
-Chill in Tagomago Island.
Tagomago island is a 600,000 sqm (148-acre) private island. Located just ten minutes by boat from St Eulalia Del Rio in Ibiza, Tagomago is perfect for an idyllic, private and luxurious retreat. There is only one spectacular villa on the island situated in a natural and raw setting. If you are looking for absolute privacy out of the buzz of Ibiza, then it’s the perfect spot. You will enjoy morning sunrise walks all around the island and infinite pink and yellow sunsets from a panoramic terrace while watching the blue turquoise water of the Mediterranean Sea. Enjoy days of pure summer wrapped in a boho multi colored tunic while feeling the breeze as you lay down on a large sofa by the side of the modern white swimming pool.
