In the travel universe, there are many places that are misrepresented in holiday rhetoric but there is none that suffers this injustice more than Ibiza. Hordes of clubbers, teenagers, and avid sun-seekers have turned the island into a veritable strobe-lit dance floor, but what happens when the season ends, the decks are packed away and the music turned off? What is left of Ibiza then? It makes the perfect place to visit for travel snobs! If you visit this pretty island away from the summer months here’s what you can do…
Explore the landscapes
It is a little known fact that Ibiza has some amazing landscape that are absolutely worth checking out and there’s no better time to explore than the winter. Places like Cala d’Hort, Es Vedrà and Es Portitxol are a world away from the throbbing dance floors of the strip and do much to restore the original beauty of the island. The spectacular Old Town is not to be missed and offers the explorative tourist a surprise at every corner. Jade, who specialises in Social Media Marketing is a member of a local walking group who organises tours of some of the island’s most picturesque spots.
Go shopping
When all else fails- go shopping! We don’t mean head to the nearest high street instead try the many hippy markets like, Calla Llenya and San Jordi where you can pick up all sorts of interesting trinkets and unique keepsakes. This is the perfect opportunity to see what else Ibiza has to offer and delve into the island’s deeper more spiritual side.
Almond blossom walk
Possibly one of the most beautiful places on the island especially on the night of the full moon where people come from far and wide to experience the sensational beauty. It is almost indescribable as to how stunning the scene is, the magical smell of sweet almonds, the dusky pink of the petals and the haunting atmosphere of the full moon, all adds to the poignant vibe. It is for lovers of nature, lovers of the outdoors or just lovers, as the full moon this year falls on 14th February!
Chillout at a yoga retreat
Perhaps this is at odds with what you’ve heard about Ibiza but this is an opportunity to relax, rejuvenate and re-energise all the while immersed in the immense beauty of the White Isle. This Ibiza is a world away from the Ibiza of the clubs, parties and pubs. For example, sample the soul-cleansing therapies and sessions on offer at Ibizsana in the Morma Valley. Better still why not go to the annual Yoga Festival, meet tonnes of like-minded people, chill out and join their “Love for Life” mantra.
Go to a festival with a twist
The San Mateo Festival is lauded as a heap of fun with a never-ending supply of wine, folk dancing and music. What’s not to love? The purpose of the festival is to celebrate the unveiling of the newest wine crops of the year and visitors are given the opportunity to sample the goods- gratis! Another must on your list has to be the Rio-inspired Mardi Gras, the colourful event takes over the island in a smorgasbord of colour, attitude and fantasy. The silly season usually ends with the burning of the fish on Ash Wednesday- be sure to try the free grilled sardines on offer!!
Explore the pretty, unique towns (without the holiday crowds)!
There is so much to Ibiza besides the famous 24/7, glowing strip. The island is covered in covered tiny, little towns loaded with personality. Most of these towns are dominated by a gothic style church with stunning views of either the ocean or the mountains with lots of trinket shops and traditional cafes. Places like San Rafael are known for its pottery workshops and stunning crafts while San Juan is the most unaffected by the tourist trail and has a hippie vibe with a philosophy for embracing life and spirituality.
So bet you never thought you would put Ibiza on your list of holiday destinations for recharging your batteries and chilling out? Thought you were too old, too past it to book a flight? You thought wrong. Don’t be part of the crowd who assumes all Ibiza has to offer is bombastic, but don’t tell too many people. Ibiza’s relaxing, revitalising and rejuvenating side should be best kept a secret. Wouldn’t want to ruin it now, would we?
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13 Comments
Christian from Squeeze Pod
31 March, 2015 at 11:49 amThanks for sharing your thoughts and experience in Ibiza. It’s definitely worth checking. I’ll add this to my bucket list!
Polly
12 February, 2015 at 10:32 pmWe have been to Ibiza a few times ,but haven’t seen many of these places.
Will have to go out of season
Becky Moore
12 February, 2015 at 10:49 pmSeems like a great time to visit!
Rahman @ Iran Travel Blog
6 February, 2015 at 9:59 amThere seems to be lots of culture over there without those who bring their culture into it. The San Mateo Festival seems to be an interesting attraction.
Becky Moore
12 February, 2015 at 10:50 pmYes we would love to check it out ourselves!
Mahée Ferlini
4 February, 2015 at 9:44 pmBeautiful photos! Ibiza has never really been on my radar until now!
Becky Moore
12 February, 2015 at 10:50 pmThere’s definitely a lot more to the place than people realise!
Mike
4 February, 2015 at 4:39 amI would love to walk on that beach! Fantastic guest post, Emma! 🙂
Lauren Meshkin @BonVoyageLauren
3 February, 2015 at 11:42 pmLove traveling off season and have never been to Ibiza so this is the perfect post for me. I may or may not be a travel snob too… jury’s still out 😉
Happy travels!
Emma
3 February, 2015 at 3:59 pmThe Blossom walk looks incredible! I would love to do this 🙂
Scott
3 February, 2015 at 3:59 pmLooks like there’s a lot more to Ibiza than just clubbing! The landscapes definitely look worth exploring!
Jean | Holy Smithereens
3 February, 2015 at 12:28 pmI haven’t been to Ibiza yet but I agree with the first part of this post- that it’s reputation seems to be a techno island. However looking at the photos , its almost hard to believe the tranquil images are from Ibiza. It does pay to travel anywhere during off-peak season 🙂
Becky Moore
3 February, 2015 at 6:10 pmYes there’s definitely a lot more to the island than just package holidays, especially without the crowds!