Ibiza: Beyond the Party Scene

This summer I spent three weeks traveling solo throughout the south of France and the Balearic islands. While visiting Ibiza, an island known for its wild parties and pulsating nightlife, I also discovered a magnetic place beyond the thumping beats. With a bit of tranquility, nature's beauty, and a hippie vibe, I found this island really resonated with my free spirit.

Embracing the Hippie Vibe

I stayed in old Ibiza Town, a historical and charming location right on the water near the harbor with a lot of great places to eat, and shops and boutiques filled with bohemian style. One of the first days there, I visited the oldest and biggest hippy market on the island, Hippy Market Punta Arabí, which opened in 1973.

With over 400 artisans and vendors offering high-quality crafts, colourful clothing and self-designed fashion, accessories, jewelry and much more, I was quickly calculating the additional space I could create in my suitcase. The island's history as a haven for artists and seekers of spiritual enlightenment was clear. Crystal shops, incense scents, macrame, tie-dye and bohemian clothing boutiques had me feeling ready to buy a ticket to Burning Man.

Exploring Nature

Venturing beyond the busy streets, I also found a few hikes that displayed Ibiza's natural beauty. Rugged cliffs with turquoise waters below, surrounded by pine forests and hidden coves, one of my favorite hikes was near Cala d'Hort on the south western part of the island where the end of the path comes to a fantastic viewpoint of the small island associated with many legends and myths, Es Vedra.

Arriving just in time to see the sun setting beyond the rock, I came upon a small make-shift bar with beats playing and a group of likeminded people who had gathered to take photos and explore the little caves along the cliff amongst the pink sky. Believing the urban myth about the magnetic rock was difficult to resist.

The Perfect Balance

I discovered Ibiza is a blend of contrasts - a place where relaxation and exhilaration coexist. Of course I did make my way over to the Playa d'en Bossa area to see the vibrant energy of its nightlife, but I was pleasantly surprised by how this island is also balanced by the serene beauty of nature. Whether you are looking to dance till dawn or watch the sunset in quiet contemplation, Ibiza delivers both brilliantly.

Peace and love and happy travels,

A