Ibiza-the Paradise Island
Allecia Boscarino
October 16, 2006
I spent the most exciting month of my life backpacking Europe. After 12 cities of walking, my friends and I needed a change of a more lazy scene. We opted for Ibiza, the third largest of the Balearic Islands off the east coast of Spain.
Ibiza was once an unknown island but became a resort for "flower children" escaping Franco's dictating regime in the 1960's. Today, Ibiza sees tourists from all walks of life: English, French, German, middle-class, traveling students and homosexuals to name a few.
The island was once called, Pitiusa, meaning pine-land, but almond groves, fig trees and palms all combine to add a sweet aroma to the air. Ibiza has a jagged coastline, fine beaches, whitewashed houses and secluded bays. The island, however, is known for its wild nightlife and unique clubs.
My friends and I arrived by means of the Trasmediterranea, a ferry that services the Balearic Islands from Barcelona. The ancient Carthaginian city of Ciudad de Ibiza, the islands capital, emerged from the horizon as the ferry approached. It was founded 2,500 years ago. Today the town consists of a lively marina district and an old town (D' Alt Vila) with narrow cobblestone streets and whitewashed houses. The medieval antiquity of the old town has been preserved in spite of the islands massive development.
We finally docked and got off of the ferry. It was a scramble to grab a cab. Once that was achieved we headed to our hotel in San Antonio, the prime clubbers resort town in the west of Ibiza. Our hotel was nothing extrordinary, but was perfect for our budget in a line-up of other inexpensive hotels. We didn't come for a great room, we came for a fun time and a spectacular view. The calm turquoise sea and emerald hilly terrain was visible from our balcony. It felt like paradise from the scenery alone.
Our days were spent on various beaches that were accessible by foot, cab or an island bus. The most popular beaches are Playa Talamanca in the north and Playa Figueretes in the south, but our favorite beaches were neither. Cala Comte offered a small patch of sand but a remote, peaceful setting and a public restaurant on the overhead cliff for lunch. Las Salinas, near the old salt flats, was our favorite beach. Its a long beach of sea and dunes to play on or in. It's also a more high-traffic beach with djs spinning music, a sea side bar and a couple of restaurants. No matter where you go on the island a beach can be found to relax on after a crazy night of partying.
Our evenings started on the sunset strip in San Antonio. The strip offers a row of cafes with spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea while djs time tranquil beats to the sunset. Among the best are Cafe del Mar and Cafe Mambo, which also sell their music and clothing lines to the public.
After dusk it was off to enjoy the nightlife.
The island is infested with world renowned clubs. Space is the morning club that opens its doors at 8am when people still feel like continuing their party from the previous night. Privelege, the largest club in the world, is famous for their "Manumission Mondays" where djs are transported from London. The oldest club on the island is Pacha, dating back to 1973. Ibiza has something for everyone. There's controversial erotic clubs, the Casino de Ibiza, various pubs and chillout cafes. Always remember to keep you eyes peeled for celebrities who are known to frequent the island.
I was only 23 years old and just out to have fun but what I found instead was an ancient historic city, untouched beaches and clubs that leave you speechless. Ibiza is unique: it offers a diverse mix of people and surroundings to make for much needed relaxation and wild nights. All in all, it was the perfect end to my perfe
Ibiza was once an unknown island but became a resort for "flower children" escaping Franco's dictating regime in the 1960's. Today, Ibiza sees tourists from all walks of life: English, French, German, middle-class, traveling students and homosexuals to name a few.
The island was once called, Pitiusa, meaning pine-land, but almond groves, fig trees and palms all combine to add a sweet aroma to the air. Ibiza has a jagged coastline, fine beaches, whitewashed houses and secluded bays. The island, however, is known for its wild nightlife and unique clubs.
My friends and I arrived by means of the Trasmediterranea, a ferry that services the Balearic Islands from Barcelona. The ancient Carthaginian city of Ciudad de Ibiza, the islands capital, emerged from the horizon as the ferry approached. It was founded 2,500 years ago. Today the town consists of a lively marina district and an old town (D' Alt Vila) with narrow cobblestone streets and whitewashed houses. The medieval antiquity of the old town has been preserved in spite of the islands massive development.
We finally docked and got off of the ferry. It was a scramble to grab a cab. Once that was achieved we headed to our hotel in San Antonio, the prime clubbers resort town in the west of Ibiza. Our hotel was nothing extrordinary, but was perfect for our budget in a line-up of other inexpensive hotels. We didn't come for a great room, we came for a fun time and a spectacular view. The calm turquoise sea and emerald hilly terrain was visible from our balcony. It felt like paradise from the scenery alone.
Our days were spent on various beaches that were accessible by foot, cab or an island bus. The most popular beaches are Playa Talamanca in the north and Playa Figueretes in the south, but our favorite beaches were neither. Cala Comte offered a small patch of sand but a remote, peaceful setting and a public restaurant on the overhead cliff for lunch. Las Salinas, near the old salt flats, was our favorite beach. Its a long beach of sea and dunes to play on or in. It's also a more high-traffic beach with djs spinning music, a sea side bar and a couple of restaurants. No matter where you go on the island a beach can be found to relax on after a crazy night of partying.
Our evenings started on the sunset strip in San Antonio. The strip offers a row of cafes with spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea while djs time tranquil beats to the sunset. Among the best are Cafe del Mar and Cafe Mambo, which also sell their music and clothing lines to the public.
After dusk it was off to enjoy the nightlife.
The island is infested with world renowned clubs. Space is the morning club that opens its doors at 8am when people still feel like continuing their party from the previous night. Privelege, the largest club in the world, is famous for their "Manumission Mondays" where djs are transported from London. The oldest club on the island is Pacha, dating back to 1973. Ibiza has something for everyone. There's controversial erotic clubs, the Casino de Ibiza, various pubs and chillout cafes. Always remember to keep you eyes peeled for celebrities who are known to frequent the island.
I was only 23 years old and just out to have fun but what I found instead was an ancient historic city, untouched beaches and clubs that leave you speechless. Ibiza is unique: it offers a diverse mix of people and surroundings to make for much needed relaxation and wild nights. All in all, it was the perfect end to my perfe
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