What exactly are you concerned about?
We're just worried that there might not be many people there and that the pubs might not be open, can you offer any help??
hi litte princess,we normally go in may or october,early may is usally quiet but everything will be open when your there,which resort are you staying in by the way?.
escanatiger
escanatiger
Most of the pubs and bars will be open and there will be a pretty good atmosphere. Obviously it is still early season though, so its not going to be packed.
Ibiza Town might be a good night out for you on the Friday or Saturday as Pacha will be open and its usually a good night out around the marina. In San An most of the West End will be open. On Wednesday (23rd) Pacha (Ibiza Town) and Es Paradis (San An) have nights, but I think they are closed other nights. If you are lucky enough to be staying for two weeks, the legendary Space opening party happens Sun 03 Jun.
Personally I love Ibiza in May. However I'm not a big clubber!
Ibiza Town might be a good night out for you on the Friday or Saturday as Pacha will be open and its usually a good night out around the marina. In San An most of the West End will be open. On Wednesday (23rd) Pacha (Ibiza Town) and Es Paradis (San An) have nights, but I think they are closed other nights. If you are lucky enough to be staying for two weeks, the legendary Space opening party happens Sun 03 Jun.
Personally I love Ibiza in May. However I'm not a big clubber!
Having read a lot of resort reports on Ibiza, I felt I just wanted to tell people about ''the real Ibiza ''
We are lucky enough to own a house on the west coast of the island, which at the moment is still relatively unspoilt. However, when we speak to people who have visited Ibiza, they haven't even heard of most of the fantastic places on that side of the island. It's such a shame because it is only a small island and so easy to hire a car even for a day and get out and about to discover quiet little coves, swim in turquoise waters and eat freshly caught fish whilst enjoying a long lazy lunch.
So many of the reviews mention the resorts of San Antonio, Playa D'en Bossa, Es Cana and Santa Eulalia. Personally, apart from Santa Eulalia, we dont visit any of these places as we find them too '' English '' . That isn't a critism and I understand people want different things from their holiday, but it's such a shame that people stay in these resorts, dont venture off the beaten track and go home either thinking that's all there is to Ibiza or hating the place because it's full of English theme pubs, sky tv and tacky tourist shops to quote a few reviews.
Well, in answer to that, it's because the Brits so often demand these very things that resorts turn into a place that only caters for one type of tourist,hence the likes of San Antonio and Playa D'en Bossa.
Santa Eulalia is an excellent mix and has something for everyone.We prefer to visit the area out of season when many of the shops are still open,but full of locals who we have always found to be more than pleasant and helpful. In fact most of the shops we use when there have lovely owners or staff who are always ready to have a little chat and talk about things going on on the island or where they bought the stock from.They recognise you when you return and more often than not give a discount. In fact in our experience, it isn't the shopkeepers who are rude, but the Brits who expect everyone to speak English, very often dont even try a ''Gracias '' and let the children pull things from the shelves , then leave them all over the floor.
We've seen the difference when there in November until MAY , it's a pleasure.Come end of May to September, it's not a place we visit unless we have to. So many of the visiting Brits are lovely and I'm not having a go, but unfortunately, the ones who moan about the locals, rudeness etc, more often that not are treated that way because that's how they treat others.
Because we spend so much time in Ibiza and have been treated with nothing but kindness, it upsets me to hear people who spend 1 or 2 weeks there talk about the whole island being ''a place they'd never reccomend'' or '' the worst place they've ever been to ''
Of course there are rude people, the same is true of everywhere.There are also problems on the island, especially in July and August, traffic can be a nighmare.The major roadworks that have been going on for ages are not a pretty sight.There is far too much construction going on and of course in high season, there are the usual pick pockets and thieves who prey on the poor undeserving holidaymaker.
However, you are only there for a short while and it's your holiday.I want you to go home with happy memories of a really wonderful island.
If you're happy with the resorts I've mentioned, that's fine.However, if you're looking for something more from your stay and want to experience the real flavour of Ibiza, then please take note.
Obviously, Ibiza town is a must.Parking is difficult, so use one of the many buses, taxis or take a boat trip in. Once there, dont just walk around the harbour area looking at all the tourist shops. A good place to start is at the bottom of the medieval town next to the white pavillion building which holds the fruit, veg and flower market. You'll find a small cafe called ''THE CROISSANT SHOW '' There are only a few tables outside and not many indoors, but if you can ,sit outside and enjoy a wonderful coffee and a pastry or savoury flan and just take in the great atmosphere.You can watch the people around the market, see locals greeting each other and all in a wonderful setting just looking up towards the old D'alt Villa.
If you're able to, make the walk up towards the drawbridge, the entrance to the old town. As you walk up, you'll see little cobbled streets twisting up in all directions.There's bars and cafes, along with some wonderful little shops.Half way up, stop and take in the magnificant views and look across the sea towards Formenterra.You can see all the boats coming and going into Ibiza harbour and look down across the roof tops at the old and then the new buildings.The restoration work they've done to the old town is really excellent.Carry on up and eventually, you'll reach the cathedral and museum at the top.Well worth the visit. You can walk back down several ways and of course make time for a glass of whatever you fancy on the way ! in my case a nice cold glass of house rose usually does the trick !
If it's designer shops you're after, then once back down wander towards Vara DE Rey.It'll be sign posted and not far from the market.It's a lovely long square with beautiful planting and the statue in the centre.Either side you'll find classy shops and cafes. If you go to Ibiza by bus and arrive at the bus station, then have a few quiet minutes in the peace gardens opposite the bus station.
It's a lovely area to sit and have a drink ( buy something nearby ) there's a water feature and statue surrounded by the most amazing cactus garden.Then there's grass areas and more planting with seating.Just as it says really, a peace garden.
If you have a hire car, even for a day, you'll get to see so much more of the special side of Ibiza. Try a drive from Santa Eulalia towards San Carlos. Stop at Anitas Bar, the famous Tapas bar.Great service and atmosphere.From there take the road towards Cala San Vincente.The views are amazing and dont forget to stop where signed to take photos !
From here carry on towards San Joan and then Benirras. Unfortunately, everyone has discovered it now, but even so, it just has something special about it and is still worth a visit. It's where the hippies go and Sundays especially, they all go there around sunset with thier drums and play them while the sun goes down. I saw my first Ibiza sunset at Benirras 27 years ago and have never forgotten it. There are several little bars on the beach if you want to have a bite to eat.
When you leave Benirras, take the little road up on the right towards San Miguel. It's quite steep, but a good road now they've surfaced it. The views are just wonderful and you can stop near the top and get out and look back down onto Benirras beach.
You'll then drive into San Miguel.You'll see signs for the caves here. If you've not been, they are worth a look. Not for anyone with mobility problems though.Or you could just park, then walk a few metres to the terrace where you'll find a bar, toilets and a small shop.Here the views are great and a lovely place to sit and have a coffee and take some photos. You'll see for yourself, some of the best views on the island.
The beach is a bit further on in the car. It's a lovely place, although busy in high season.
If you're not a beach lover, drive towards Santa Gertrudis. As with so many of the little villages, there's not a great deal there, but that's often the beauty of them.Here though is worth a look. Around the church there are several bars and cafes well worth going to and the few shops are very good, not touristy. You'll also find Casi Todo here.It's an auction place and you can wander round and look at everything thats coming up for auction. You'll often see some lovely old things that have come from an old finca. If you're self catering, Santa Gertrudis grows some great produce which you can buy.
From Here you can either go back towards Santa Eulalia or Ibiza or follow the signs towards San Josep or San Antonio.
If you go towards San Antonio, you'll eventually see signs for Santa Agnes.
It's a beautiful place, so far removed from resorts like Playa D'en Bossa etc. In February this is where all the almond trees put on the famous blossom display, truly incredible. However, whenever you go, follow the sign for the church and you'll see a small car park. Park here and then enjoy a drink or meal at one of the two restaurants. From here you can then have a walk ,turn left out of the car park and depending how fit you feel go as far as you like.If you want to feel you're away from everything, this is the place.You may come across the Ibicencan lady with her flock of sheep, and the odd car, but nothing much else. Lovely views and it's so peaceful you could hear a pin drop.It's one of my favourite places.
San Josep, next stop. It's probably the nicest little town.It's very clean, not full of tourist shops and just feels so typically Spanish.
Park and have a wander. There's a great courtyard bar called Raco Verd.One of our favourite Tapas bars called Bar Destino where they serve the best food and great desserts. Then of course, there's the church which is well worth a visit inside.
Obviously, with all these places, they have siesta from 2pm until 4-30 / 5pm. Not a problem once you get used to it.
From San Josep, you can viist so many places on this west side of the island.I'd be here all year telling you about them all, so I'll mention a few and the others you can discover yourselves.
If you want views, then follow the signs for San Josep de saTallia, it's a steep drive up or a long walk ! Once you reach the top, you're at the highest oint of the island.Some days you can actually see mainland ( Alicante/Valencia coast.) If you dont fancy this, then you have Cala Carbo, Cala D'hort Es Cubelles etc. to name but a few places to chose from.Cala D'hort is worth a visit just to see Es Vedra, the giant ''mystical'' rock rising from the sea. Again great views, lovely scenery and the properties in this area are wonderful. Restaurants on the beach are excellent. If you want a special meal and like fish/seafood, try Es Boldado on the way to Cala D'hort.Follow the signs some painted on a big rock onthe roadside.It's a little way by car down a track.It's a big wooden building perched right on the cliff edge looking down over Cala D'hort. It's a little pricier than some places, but not too much and well worth it for the setting alone.
Cala Carbo is a very pretty little bay. Very sheltered with two good restaurants and because its a small bay, mainly fine shingle with stones in the water ( not so good for children ) it never gets really packed. We really like this place as you can just relax and unwind. It's nice to just sit and have a drink and take in the scenery.
When you're on this side of the island, just drive around and follow some of the litle back roads to quiet bays. You can really get lost.Eventually, you'll come across a sign for Ibiza or another village and you really get so much more out of your visit.
Once you've experienced some of these lovely places, you'll realise, yes there are road works, building and noisy places, but it's just a part of Ibiza.There's also some of the best views in the Med, some of the most unspoilt countryside and some wonderful places to eat.The locals will welcome you if you show an interest in them.
Just worth a mention, when over there, buy the monthly magazine called Ibiza Now.It's a good guide to whats on that month, places to visit, restaurants to try and a map of the island with dates of any events.It even has a list of all the telephone numbers you might need whilst over there.It's well worth buying and a lovely magazine with some beautiful photographs in.
So please, all you moaners who come to Ibiza, dont like your resort/hotel, but stay there for two whole weeks and do nothing but complain, get yourselves a little car, or get on a bus,boat or taxi and see what else is out there.Nowhere is very far and I guarantee , at least one of the places I've mentioned will melt even the most seasoned holiday complainer ! Dont go home and bore everyone with what a terrible holiday you had , let them in on the secret of how beautiful some parts of the island are and the added bonus being it's all only 2 hours from the UK.
For all of you planning a trip to Ibiza this year, have a wonderful holiday and I hope you enjoy our ''special place'' as much as we do and bring home some lovely memories.
Best wishes, kimcalamoli
We are lucky enough to own a house on the west coast of the island, which at the moment is still relatively unspoilt. However, when we speak to people who have visited Ibiza, they haven't even heard of most of the fantastic places on that side of the island. It's such a shame because it is only a small island and so easy to hire a car even for a day and get out and about to discover quiet little coves, swim in turquoise waters and eat freshly caught fish whilst enjoying a long lazy lunch.
So many of the reviews mention the resorts of San Antonio, Playa D'en Bossa, Es Cana and Santa Eulalia. Personally, apart from Santa Eulalia, we dont visit any of these places as we find them too '' English '' . That isn't a critism and I understand people want different things from their holiday, but it's such a shame that people stay in these resorts, dont venture off the beaten track and go home either thinking that's all there is to Ibiza or hating the place because it's full of English theme pubs, sky tv and tacky tourist shops to quote a few reviews.
Well, in answer to that, it's because the Brits so often demand these very things that resorts turn into a place that only caters for one type of tourist,hence the likes of San Antonio and Playa D'en Bossa.
Santa Eulalia is an excellent mix and has something for everyone.We prefer to visit the area out of season when many of the shops are still open,but full of locals who we have always found to be more than pleasant and helpful. In fact most of the shops we use when there have lovely owners or staff who are always ready to have a little chat and talk about things going on on the island or where they bought the stock from.They recognise you when you return and more often than not give a discount. In fact in our experience, it isn't the shopkeepers who are rude, but the Brits who expect everyone to speak English, very often dont even try a ''Gracias '' and let the children pull things from the shelves , then leave them all over the floor.
We've seen the difference when there in November until MAY , it's a pleasure.Come end of May to September, it's not a place we visit unless we have to. So many of the visiting Brits are lovely and I'm not having a go, but unfortunately, the ones who moan about the locals, rudeness etc, more often that not are treated that way because that's how they treat others.
Because we spend so much time in Ibiza and have been treated with nothing but kindness, it upsets me to hear people who spend 1 or 2 weeks there talk about the whole island being ''a place they'd never reccomend'' or '' the worst place they've ever been to ''
Of course there are rude people, the same is true of everywhere.There are also problems on the island, especially in July and August, traffic can be a nighmare.The major roadworks that have been going on for ages are not a pretty sight.There is far too much construction going on and of course in high season, there are the usual pick pockets and thieves who prey on the poor undeserving holidaymaker.
However, you are only there for a short while and it's your holiday.I want you to go home with happy memories of a really wonderful island.
If you're happy with the resorts I've mentioned, that's fine.However, if you're looking for something more from your stay and want to experience the real flavour of Ibiza, then please take note.
Obviously, Ibiza town is a must.Parking is difficult, so use one of the many buses, taxis or take a boat trip in. Once there, dont just walk around the harbour area looking at all the tourist shops. A good place to start is at the bottom of the medieval town next to the white pavillion building which holds the fruit, veg and flower market. You'll find a small cafe called ''THE CROISSANT SHOW '' There are only a few tables outside and not many indoors, but if you can ,sit outside and enjoy a wonderful coffee and a pastry or savoury flan and just take in the great atmosphere.You can watch the people around the market, see locals greeting each other and all in a wonderful setting just looking up towards the old D'alt Villa.
If you're able to, make the walk up towards the drawbridge, the entrance to the old town. As you walk up, you'll see little cobbled streets twisting up in all directions.There's bars and cafes, along with some wonderful little shops.Half way up, stop and take in the magnificant views and look across the sea towards Formenterra.You can see all the boats coming and going into Ibiza harbour and look down across the roof tops at the old and then the new buildings.The restoration work they've done to the old town is really excellent.Carry on up and eventually, you'll reach the cathedral and museum at the top.Well worth the visit. You can walk back down several ways and of course make time for a glass of whatever you fancy on the way ! in my case a nice cold glass of house rose usually does the trick !
If it's designer shops you're after, then once back down wander towards Vara DE Rey.It'll be sign posted and not far from the market.It's a lovely long square with beautiful planting and the statue in the centre.Either side you'll find classy shops and cafes. If you go to Ibiza by bus and arrive at the bus station, then have a few quiet minutes in the peace gardens opposite the bus station.
It's a lovely area to sit and have a drink ( buy something nearby ) there's a water feature and statue surrounded by the most amazing cactus garden.Then there's grass areas and more planting with seating.Just as it says really, a peace garden.
If you have a hire car, even for a day, you'll get to see so much more of the special side of Ibiza. Try a drive from Santa Eulalia towards San Carlos. Stop at Anitas Bar, the famous Tapas bar.Great service and atmosphere.From there take the road towards Cala San Vincente.The views are amazing and dont forget to stop where signed to take photos !
From here carry on towards San Joan and then Benirras. Unfortunately, everyone has discovered it now, but even so, it just has something special about it and is still worth a visit. It's where the hippies go and Sundays especially, they all go there around sunset with thier drums and play them while the sun goes down. I saw my first Ibiza sunset at Benirras 27 years ago and have never forgotten it. There are several little bars on the beach if you want to have a bite to eat.
When you leave Benirras, take the little road up on the right towards San Miguel. It's quite steep, but a good road now they've surfaced it. The views are just wonderful and you can stop near the top and get out and look back down onto Benirras beach.
You'll then drive into San Miguel.You'll see signs for the caves here. If you've not been, they are worth a look. Not for anyone with mobility problems though.Or you could just park, then walk a few metres to the terrace where you'll find a bar, toilets and a small shop.Here the views are great and a lovely place to sit and have a coffee and take some photos. You'll see for yourself, some of the best views on the island.
The beach is a bit further on in the car. It's a lovely place, although busy in high season.
If you're not a beach lover, drive towards Santa Gertrudis. As with so many of the little villages, there's not a great deal there, but that's often the beauty of them.Here though is worth a look. Around the church there are several bars and cafes well worth going to and the few shops are very good, not touristy. You'll also find Casi Todo here.It's an auction place and you can wander round and look at everything thats coming up for auction. You'll often see some lovely old things that have come from an old finca. If you're self catering, Santa Gertrudis grows some great produce which you can buy.
From Here you can either go back towards Santa Eulalia or Ibiza or follow the signs towards San Josep or San Antonio.
If you go towards San Antonio, you'll eventually see signs for Santa Agnes.
It's a beautiful place, so far removed from resorts like Playa D'en Bossa etc. In February this is where all the almond trees put on the famous blossom display, truly incredible. However, whenever you go, follow the sign for the church and you'll see a small car park. Park here and then enjoy a drink or meal at one of the two restaurants. From here you can then have a walk ,turn left out of the car park and depending how fit you feel go as far as you like.If you want to feel you're away from everything, this is the place.You may come across the Ibicencan lady with her flock of sheep, and the odd car, but nothing much else. Lovely views and it's so peaceful you could hear a pin drop.It's one of my favourite places.
San Josep, next stop. It's probably the nicest little town.It's very clean, not full of tourist shops and just feels so typically Spanish.
Park and have a wander. There's a great courtyard bar called Raco Verd.One of our favourite Tapas bars called Bar Destino where they serve the best food and great desserts. Then of course, there's the church which is well worth a visit inside.
Obviously, with all these places, they have siesta from 2pm until 4-30 / 5pm. Not a problem once you get used to it.
From San Josep, you can viist so many places on this west side of the island.I'd be here all year telling you about them all, so I'll mention a few and the others you can discover yourselves.
If you want views, then follow the signs for San Josep de saTallia, it's a steep drive up or a long walk ! Once you reach the top, you're at the highest oint of the island.Some days you can actually see mainland ( Alicante/Valencia coast.) If you dont fancy this, then you have Cala Carbo, Cala D'hort Es Cubelles etc. to name but a few places to chose from.Cala D'hort is worth a visit just to see Es Vedra, the giant ''mystical'' rock rising from the sea. Again great views, lovely scenery and the properties in this area are wonderful. Restaurants on the beach are excellent. If you want a special meal and like fish/seafood, try Es Boldado on the way to Cala D'hort.Follow the signs some painted on a big rock onthe roadside.It's a little way by car down a track.It's a big wooden building perched right on the cliff edge looking down over Cala D'hort. It's a little pricier than some places, but not too much and well worth it for the setting alone.
Cala Carbo is a very pretty little bay. Very sheltered with two good restaurants and because its a small bay, mainly fine shingle with stones in the water ( not so good for children ) it never gets really packed. We really like this place as you can just relax and unwind. It's nice to just sit and have a drink and take in the scenery.
When you're on this side of the island, just drive around and follow some of the litle back roads to quiet bays. You can really get lost.Eventually, you'll come across a sign for Ibiza or another village and you really get so much more out of your visit.
Once you've experienced some of these lovely places, you'll realise, yes there are road works, building and noisy places, but it's just a part of Ibiza.There's also some of the best views in the Med, some of the most unspoilt countryside and some wonderful places to eat.The locals will welcome you if you show an interest in them.
Just worth a mention, when over there, buy the monthly magazine called Ibiza Now.It's a good guide to whats on that month, places to visit, restaurants to try and a map of the island with dates of any events.It even has a list of all the telephone numbers you might need whilst over there.It's well worth buying and a lovely magazine with some beautiful photographs in.
So please, all you moaners who come to Ibiza, dont like your resort/hotel, but stay there for two whole weeks and do nothing but complain, get yourselves a little car, or get on a bus,boat or taxi and see what else is out there.Nowhere is very far and I guarantee , at least one of the places I've mentioned will melt even the most seasoned holiday complainer ! Dont go home and bore everyone with what a terrible holiday you had , let them in on the secret of how beautiful some parts of the island are and the added bonus being it's all only 2 hours from the UK.
For all of you planning a trip to Ibiza this year, have a wonderful holiday and I hope you enjoy our ''special place'' as much as we do and bring home some lovely memories.
Best wishes, kimcalamoli
completely agree
I came to stay in Ibiza in about 98 in october, so my first experience was living through the winter and have since always preferred the winter to the summer
My mate is the english "chief of production" now of Ibiza Now and has worked for them for about 10 years?, so i used to help out with the english version and the monthly distribution of the magazine. it used to be just me and him driving round the island for 3 days delivering to all the tiny shops and kioskos - you really get to see the "real" ibiza that way.
ive always said to anyone visiting that the best way to see ibiza is get yourself a road map, put it in the boot and just drive - youre never more than 15 mins from the sea so its almost impossible to get lost - unless you end up in a camino that goes on for miles - i just head for the sea and sooner rather than later you'll end up on one of the 3-4 main roads on the island
yesterday was a perfect example - we had to do a review of moon beach - so we got in the car drove up there (on the way to cala xarraca) i hadnt been there for about 6 years - it hadnt changed a bit - no one there and it was very chilled. today i have to drive down south and have to visit salinas, cap des falco, cala vadella, cala d'hort and a couple of places near san jose - its a hard life
it never fails to amaze me that people still have ibiza uncovered in their mind when they think about ibiza..
I came to stay in Ibiza in about 98 in october, so my first experience was living through the winter and have since always preferred the winter to the summer
My mate is the english "chief of production" now of Ibiza Now and has worked for them for about 10 years?, so i used to help out with the english version and the monthly distribution of the magazine. it used to be just me and him driving round the island for 3 days delivering to all the tiny shops and kioskos - you really get to see the "real" ibiza that way.
ive always said to anyone visiting that the best way to see ibiza is get yourself a road map, put it in the boot and just drive - youre never more than 15 mins from the sea so its almost impossible to get lost - unless you end up in a camino that goes on for miles
- i just head for the sea and sooner rather than later you'll end up on one of the 3-4 main roads on the islandyesterday was a perfect example - we had to do a review of moon beach - so we got in the car drove up there (on the way to cala xarraca) i hadnt been there for about 6 years - it hadnt changed a bit - no one there and it was very chilled. today i have to drive down south and have to visit salinas, cap des falco, cala vadella, cala d'hort and a couple of places near san jose - its a hard life
it never fails to amaze me that people still have ibiza uncovered in their mind when they think about ibiza..
Hi Adeibiza
glad you agree with how I feel about Ibiza !
Didn't mean to go on for so long, but once I get started on the topic, it's hard to stop!
Am in the UK at the minute for 2 weeks and go back next week to Ibiza.
Reading your post about Cala Xarraca and La Salinas etc makes me want to board right now !
Hope you enjoyed your visits today , as you say ''it's a hard life ! ''
regards,
kimcalamoli
glad you agree with how I feel about Ibiza !
Didn't mean to go on for so long, but once I get started on the topic, it's hard to stop!
Am in the UK at the minute for 2 weeks and go back next week to Ibiza.
Reading your post about Cala Xarraca and La Salinas etc makes me want to board right now !
Hope you enjoyed your visits today , as you say ''it's a hard life ! ''
regards,
kimcalamoli
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