Ibiza holidays

Ibiza is haloed by some of the most scenic beaches in the Balearics. We’re talking tucked-away coves with bright white sands, and golden sweeps bracketed by forest-topped cliffs. 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 – it’s big and lively. Its white sands welcome locals, families and the party crowd, but its sheer length means there’s plenty of room for everyone. The restaurants and bars overlooking the sand cater for a mixed guest list, as well – house-pumping beach bars sit alongside cafés with children’s menus.

If you’re after a beach that’s off the tourist trail, seek out Cala Xuclar. This small, crescent-shaped bay is tucked away in the north of the island, around a 5-minute drive from Portinatx. There’s nothing but green hills and a few fishing huts framing the sands, and refreshments come courtesy of a tiny bar that sells tapas and seafood dishes at lunchtimes.

Es Cana is famous for its Hippy Market, which rolls into town every Wednesday. Expect stalls piled with jewellery, lace, leather bags and sandals. Portinatx also hosts a market on a Sunday, although it’s on a much smaller scale than Es Cana’s. Visit the Thursday market in San Miguel, meanwhile, to pick up watercolour paintings of the Ibiza countryside.

The studios and galleries around Santa Eulalia are great for artwork – try Calle San Jaime for the best choice. The pieces here are pricier than those you’ll find in the markets, but you’ll discover bespoke oil paintings and ornate hand-made sculptures. Ibiza Town, on the other hand, is good for high street stores. On the Vara del Ray and Rosello avenues, you’ll find favourites like Bershka, Mango and Zara, as well as local fashion chains like Stradivarius – Ibiza’s answer to Topshop.

Ibiza Town is brimming with boutiques, which sell everything from one-of-a-kind dresses to hand-made jewellery and leather handbags. For the best choice, try the stores along Calle Bisbe Azara. 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. Playa d’en Bossa also does a good line in boutiques – the ones behind the beach sell designer sunglasses and expensive sandals.

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, and street musicians come out to entertain passers-by after sundown. Sophisticated Santa Eulalia is the island’s foodie capital, though. Its village square is brimming with tapas bars, and Calle San Vicente, or the ‘Street of Restaurants,’ is great for gourmet cuisine.

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 Space and Bora Bora in Playa d’en Bossa, and Amnesia and Privilege near Ibiza Town. San Antonio’s West End is also really popular. The streets are filled with bars, and the cocktails are really cheap.

You can’t visit Ibiza without sampling some of the seafood, and this local stew is made with lots of different types of fresh fish. Monkfish, mussels, crayfish, cod and crab are all tossed into the mix, alongside fluffy potatoes and tomatoes.

Families have been sharing out this warming stew for years. It’s a tasty dish made from spiced lamb, pork and chicken, which are mixed together with sausages and potatoes. The whole thing is 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.

This melt-in-the-mouth pudding isn’t one for dieters. Ibiza’s take on the classic American cheesecake, it’s made with cream cheese, mint, aniseed and honey, and has a lovely zesty flavour. It’s usually washed down with a glass of sweet dessert wine.

This fluffy, oven-baked pudding is a must-try in Ibiza. Traditionally, it’s made with milk, butter, eggs, lemon, and pieces of sweet ensaimada pastry. It’s flavoured with cinnamon, and is often enjoyed with a frothy cappuccino as an afternoon pick-me-up.

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 the local speciality liquor, hierbas. It’s a syrupy blend of local herbs – approximately 18 plants are used to achieve its aniseed-like taste.