The authentic and quaint Spanish Island promises a larger-than-life experience—a sensory retreat with the Mediterranean sun for company
The White Isle Ibiza is dotted by UNESCO heritage sites of ruins and ancient settlements. No matter when you visit, the island is bathed in a serene hue untainted by tourism and pollution. One aspect of Ibiza is the calm tranquillity, and the rave party scenes with hordes of party mongers flocking to the clubs, bringing out a beautiful juxtaposition of the island’s contrasting features. Swathes of golden sands and coves cover Ibiza, and to relish the raw authenticity, here are the top things to do:
Ibiza Castle or Castell d'Eivissa dates centuries back and is a conglomeration of many buildings belonging to different timelines in history. Perched atop Dalt Vila, the castle is a magnificent fortress located in what formerly used to be one of the crucial coastal Mediterranean cities. A vast Renaissance wall surrounds Castell d'Eivissa to protect it from marauders. Today, the spot hosts a bustling network of restaurants and shops to stroll, shop, and taste the delicacies. The labyrinthine shops spill out on the cobbled streets making a picturesque scene right in the middle of a regular, busy day.
The shopping scene in Ibiza is lit. it is a vibrant and cheerful affair with arrays of shops and markets reflecting the cosmopolitan culture of the island. The town has high-street stores to local shops with a mix of vintage, international brands, sustainable clothing, and pocket-friendly items on display. Can Vinyes flaunts the oldest basket weaves on the island, while Holala Ibiza stocks heaps of inexpensive items being one old thrift store where locals and tourists flock with the same enthusiasm. Once you venture towards the port comes the luxury brands of Dolce & Gabbana and Dior.
The scenic villages of the White Isle form its heart and soul. Santa Gertrudis has an astounding bohemian vibe with gastronomic cuisines and a blend of traditional and modern aura. The village is home to artists which explains the presence of some brilliant galleries and museums. San Carlos and Santa Eulalia are two other beautiful villages, a testimony to time travelling, which still live in the past. Pretty much everything has remained unchanged since the 40s. San Antonio is extraordinary for its all-out party and cinema scenes with open-air screenings and a thriving party culture.
Hippie markets are quintessential to Ibiza’s identity. The markets are a manifestation of the island’s happy-go-lucky culture. Es Canar has a big, sprawling market called Punta Arabi with over 500 stalls. Many villages arrange for weekly markets with handcrafted apparel and jewellery, organic foods, live music, and art. The Miguel Artisan Market has the rare traditional Ibizan folk dance to the beats of live music.
Rocks and coves in Ibiza make every visit feel as if suspended in time. Es Vedra is a lonely island that juts from the Mediterranean Sea. It comes alive with breathtaking sunset views and a flourishing repository of legends and folktales involving sea nymphs and mermaids. The sky here is a canvas with an ever-changing palette of colours. At some point, islanders were convinced of the Sirens of Greek mythology at Es Vedra and only a visit to this place will explain its lingering mystical aura.
Ibiza has a unique healing energy that weaves its wand of magic on every visitor. Many wellness spas and luxury retreats have sprung from this belief. Spas or not, you are assured of the most fulfilling and profound experience here.
