Ibiza holidays

Ibiza is haloed by some of the prettiest soft white sands in the Balearics. There are over 80 beaches to choose from, with many boasting Blue Flag status. From hidden calas (or caves) to wide open bays, the island’s scenic, rugged coastline is a showreel of natural beauty, framed by crystal clear Mediterranean waters. Look out for what the locals call ‘chiringuito’ bars. Even the sleepier beaches tend to have at least one nearby, and they’re the best places to head for authentic tapas dishes, fresh seafood and jugs of sangria.

Playa d’en Bossa Beach follows the lead of the town’s nightclubs – big and lively. It’s the longest beach on the island and welcomes locals, families and a clubber crowd, with watersports and views of Dalta Vila. The restaurants and bars overlooking the sand cater for a mixed guest list, as well – from family-friendly cafés to house-pumping beach clubs with a party vibe.

Cala Comte is a chilled out destination with crystal clear waters and superb sunset views, set against Ibiza’s characteristically rocky coastline. There’s a distinctly bohemian vibe here – with a laidback energy that draws sunseekers and sunset-chasers alike.

Es Cana is famous for the Punta Arabi Hippy Market, which rolls into town every Wednesday selling handmade jewellery and leather goods. Over in San Carlos, Las Dalias adds a lively twist on Saturdays with its night market, complete with live music. Portinatx hosts a smaller Sunday market, while the Thursday market in San Miguel is the place to pick up watercolours of Ibiza’s countryside.

Ibiza’s iconic ‘Adlib’ style is perhaps best described as Bohemian chic. Bring a piece of it home by seeking out flowing white cotton dresses, delicate lace details, and loose fitting numbers crafted by local designers. The studios and galleries around Santa Eulalia are great for artwork – try Calle San Jaime for the best choice. Ibiza Town, on the other hand, is good for high street stores with favourites like Bershka, Mango, Zara and Stradivarius.

Ibiza Town is brimming with boutiques, which sell everything from one-of-a-kind dresses to handmade jewellery and leather handbags. For the best choice, try the stores along Calle Bisbe Azara. The area around the Ibiza Gran Hotel is a hotspot for designer brands and high-end fashion, with luxury pop-ups and unique concept stores. If you’ve got your eye on some vintage wear, head to the old quarter, where some of the best stores on the island congregate.

Ibiza might be renowned for its legendary nightclubs, but nights out on the island don’t have to be so full-throttle. Cala Llonga and Puerto San Miguel are full of family-friendly restaurants, while sophisticated Santa Eulalia is the island’s foodie capital. If you’re easing into a night out, San Antonio’s Sunset Strip is the place for pre-party drinks. Pitch up and listen to chill-out music at iconic spots like Café Mambo and Café del Mar.

Ibiza isn’t known as the dance capital of the world for nothing. Every summer, the island welcomes top DJs, who take to the stage in mega-clubs like Hï Ibiza, Amnesia and Pacha. San Antonio’s West End is also really popular. The streets are filled with bars, and the cocktails are really cheap. For daytime outdoor parties, Ushuaïa Ibiza Beach Hotel has you covered with its huge poolside bashes.

You can’t visit Ibiza without sampling Bullit de Peix – a traditional fisherman’s dish. This fish stew with potatoes is typically served with Arroz a Banda rice on the side and a dollop of garlic aioli. Delish.

Families have been sharing out this traditional meat stew for years. It’s a tasty dish made from spiced sausage, lamb and chicken, which are mixed together with potatoes. This winter warmer is then seasoned with garlic, cinnamon, parsley and saffron, which give it loads of flavour. Most places serve the dish alongside crusty bread that’s been drizzled in olive oil.

Ibiza’s take on the modern American cheesecake is actually based on a Medieval recipe. It’s made with goat's cheese, honey, and mint and aniseed flavour, giving it a zesty unique taste. Something of an Easter tradition, it’s usually washed down with a glass of sweet dessert wine.

At the end of a meal, waiters tend to ask guests if they’d like a ‘chupito’, or shot. Say yes, and they’ll come back with an ice-cold helping of a herbal liqueur that’s a popular Ibizan digestif. Often served over ice, it’s a syrupy blend of more than 18 local herbs that produce an aniseed flavour.

Think of these as your beach lunch staples. Feast on padron peppers, gambas al ajillo (garlic prawns) and pan con tomate (bread and tomato, but so much more), then wash it down with a glass of cava sangria – a sparkling twist on a Spanish classic.