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| Eivissa - Looking down from Dalt Vila, Ibiza |
Ibiza is known worldwide as a "Party Island" yet there is more depth to this small dot in the Med than just partying! There are beautiful beaches to enjoy plus one can soak up the culture and traditions of the of the islanders. Our 1st introduction to Spanish life on Ibiza was a festival - Eivissa Medieval. This celebrates the declaration of Dalt Vila, the upper town of Eivissa being declared as a World Heritage site in 1999.
The Phoenicians founded Eivissa in the mid 7th Century BC - that really is way back when.
Dalt Vila, the Upper Town, is the oldest part of Eivissa and proudly enjoys its UNESCO World Heritage fame.
Surrounded by many locals out to enjoy their day, we explored the numerous stalls as well as gazing at the views of the town from the high ramparts of the city. There are loads of steps to climb but it is well worth the effort, to take in the surroundings and the beautiful coastline.
Sangria was available right next to the homemade pastries made by the nuns. The nuns were very happy and full of smiles. Lovely to see.We tried their apple tart and skipped the sangria at the tiny bar next door! Just too early!
The display by the flag bearing guys was lovely to watch. Despite the wind they caught their twirling flags every time. This Festival is held every year during the 2nd week-end of May. Look out for vendors is traditional dress.
So many tasty treats to tempt us plus "The Most Enormous" chocolate doughnut I have even seen! I resisted. It was a tough decision. Do I regret it? YES! We only live once and won't be here next year to sample the delights. Not quite sure why the stall holder had the loo roll right next to the doughnuts! Perhaps it was best that I restrained myself?
One of the stalls was "braaing" a huge selection of meat - it took 2 chaps to keep swivelling the huge grid in circles. They looked exhausted already and the meat was not yet even sizzling. Another stall had a pig on a spit. And all the delicious, sweet candies? OH, just heaven!
Wander, eat, drink and think of all the history that has gone before.
Our trip up north to Portinaxt really brought home the fact that Ibiza is mainly tourist driven. The hills are covered in trees, there is not much evidence of agriculture and the beaches are surrounded by hotels and apartment blocks. The beaches here are sort of dirty brown - no white sand. The beach chairs stood all forlorn, mainly due to a biting wind after an overnight thunderstorm and some rain.
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| Cala Xarraca Ibiza |
The famous beach of Cala Xarraca where "South Pacific" was filmed was a great disappointment. There are far better beaches elsewhere on the island. Everybody turns up here with their cameras yet the most interesting feature was a house with massive pots (empty) scattered around the slopes of the garden. Heaven help the person who could decide to move them to a different spot.The coastline here is very rocky with the beaches scattered in tiny coves.
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| Cala Tarida, Ibiza |
The West Coast
What can I say? Stunning landscapes, beautiful beaches and narrow roads! Our first stop was down many steps to the tranquil beach Cala Tarida. This is a sandy beach, great for swimming and the bonus is that it has an Aquabus Stop.
Cala Moli is very rocky and quiet yet there is a restaurant. Not great for swimming.
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| Cala Vadella Ibiza |
Cala Vedella is stunningly beautiful from above as you slowly transverse the winding road. Take a stop and a stroll to view the very fancy yachts moored down below. Gaze silently at the beauty surrounding you before you get very frustrated at the parking issue down below! Parking is a problem at all the best beaches in Ibiza. With such expensive boats in the bay it looks like an expensive haven!
Cala d'Hort - Sitting on large boulders is not my idea of fun and neither was the narrow road down to the "beach"
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| Torre de Ses Portes, Ibiza |
Our last stop for the day was lunch at Ses Salinas. This is a long beach and very vibey. We loved the decadent, double deck sunbeds. Great for sun-tanning and people watching.
We took a long walk to the tower Torre de Ses Portes. We could see Dalt Vila in Eivissa from here, albeit far away. This tower was built to strengthen the defences against pirates in the 16th Century. Now offering spectacular views of the Islets of Freus and the island of Formentera, the area has low cliffs, small coves, turquoise waters, and the ever-present boat sheds.
The stone used to build Dalt Vila was quarried from here, hence a very rocky walk if one does not stick to the road..
Today it was all about feeling jealous. Santa Eularia has THE most decadent collection of yachts. We were brought to a halt to stare while one was being moved by remote control - quite something to witness - one wrong press of that button would become a very expensive problem!
The boardwalk in this town (3rd largest in Ibiza) is long and offers great views. The beach was filled with sun-worshippers and the hundreds of restaurants make it impossible to choose. One could stay here for 2 weeks and not get to try all the restaurants. They do appear to cater mainly for the UK visitors. However, it is a great spot for some R&R without having to move away from the town.
Our nest stop was Es Canar - another long beach and also home to the famous Hippy Market (Wednesdays). Whether all stall holders are still hippies is debatable but it is a fun market and draws huge crowds. It is not very well signposted and the walk from the beach was a long way but worth the effort just to see what all the fuss is about!
This all started in the 60's when artists, painters, designers flocked to Ibiza to experience the freedom of expression on the island! Heavenly.
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| Cala Bassa, Ibiza |
Cala Bassa is a gorgeous beach (300 m long, 30 m wide) on the west Coast, With interesting rock formations, a ferry stop, loads of decadent beach loungers, restaurants and ancient Sabina trees, it is well worth a visit.
Sabina trees used to be found all over the forests of Ibiza yet today there are so few left that they are now a protected species. A tree can grow to be 1000 years old and take 40 years to mature.
Punta Galera offers stunning views of the coast yet it is not for the feint-hearted as the paths are very high up. A dive boat was anchored far below - a beautiful spot. Sun-worshippers lay on the rocks. Ideal for those who wish to be away from the madding crowd and are fit enough to clamber down to the rock platforms and sea below!
San Antoni was not our favourite although it is the 2nd largest town in Ibiza. The views from across the bay were pretty however and had the luxury of a ferry stop. There were 2 partially completed buildings here that looked abandoned and a huge complex that was tightly shut. Most odd. The Reggae beach was noisy with music blaring - however, the name and graffiti says it all!
All in all, a great island in the Mediterranean and well worth a visit.
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| Beautiful West Coast Ibiza |
© Judelle Drake
For Accommodation Cape Town, South Africa
www.bradclin.com
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