Le Colibry Gets Some Fresh Air – 3 Days of Sunny Beaches in Ibiza

This summer, Le Colibry flew off to Ibiza.
I set off with some preconceived notions of this island but came back home with beautiful memories of an island that is not what it seems. Whether you’re looking for a party, a wholesome family vacation spot, or a relaxing weekend getaway, Ibiza has it all.
North Ibiza is for hippies, untamed beaches and craggy cliffs.
South Ibiza is for sipping sangria on your beach lounge chair, chiringitos, and partying. And in between? Gorgeous orange, olive, and almond groves that create a striking contrast against the red clay soil.

My visit was a trip for two, a getaway with lots of free time for exploring. I’ve put together a few ideas, restaurants, and other places in Ibiza that I loved, and that I think you will, too. Welcome to Ibiza!

Welcome to Ibiza – Go for a walk (or a drive):

Dalt Vila – Ibiza’s Old Town

Ibiza’s old town houses some very pretty old buildings and amazing views of the island, the port, and the salt marshes. This fortified city was made a World Heritage Listed Site by UNESCO in 1999.

Or, explore the towns of Sant Joan de Labritia, Santa Gertrudis, and Santa Agnès de Corona.
By car, forego the highways that run north and south across the island and instead get lost on the winding country roads, which are a lot more scenic.
The road from San Miguel de Balansat to Santa Agnès has some amazing lookout points.
Other scenic routes include the path from San Miguel to Cala San Vincente and the roads that lead inward, toward San Lorenzo de Balafia.

Welcome to Ibiza – Bask in the sun:

Cala Nova

Aguas Blancas: this east-coast beach is less equipped than some others on the island, but it’s a local favorite and isn’t lacking in turquoise water or open skies. Scrape a handful of the dirt from the spectacular steep cliffs surrounding the beach and mix it with a bit of oil to make your own mud mask. Let it dry and then rinse it off in the sea. Your skin will thank you!

CBBC – Cala Bassa Beach Club
A beach with “all of the fixings.” Take your pick of cuisine at several different restaurants; good music and good food guaranteed. Be sure to book ahead if you’re going in July or August. www.cbbcibiza.com

Cala Nova, smaller, fewer amenities. However, it is home to Atzaro Beach, a restaurant with several different delicious types of paella.

Welcome to Ibiza – Settle in:

Atzaro agroturismo

Hotel Hacienda Na Xamena
A spectacular hotel in San Miguel, on the north part of the island. It is perched on a sheer cliff (and sits nearly 600 feet above the sea) in the middle of a private, 17-acre pine grove. The ocean views it affords from the infinity pool and spa suspended above the Mediterranean are absolutely breathtaking. www.haciendanaxamena-ibiza.com. Also a good starting point for some really nice hikes.
Atzaro Agrotourismo 
Hidden in the middle of an orange grove in the center of the island, the perfect location if you want to see a bit of everything. The epitome of hippie luxury. Lovely swimming pool, good restaurant, nice rooms.
www.atzaro.com

There are tons of boutique hotels, agroturismos, and villas available for rent around the island. Find more information on the websites and blogs listed at the end of this article.

Welcome to Ibiza – Grab a bite:

Dinner:
Amante – Sol d’en Serra, beautiful location and hip atmosphere, this restaurant was built on a cliff overlooking a rocky cove. Good food and tasteful lounge-style music. Perfect for dinner for two. www.amanteibiza.com
The Giri Café – San Juan, modern, hippie chic decor, organic vegetables grown in the on-site garden. Very pleasant outdoor seating area and tasty food. www.cafe.thegiri.com
I’ve also heard good things about Aubergine – San Miguel de Balansat, which is apparently a can’t-miss for vegetarians. It’s on my list for my next trip!

Lunch:
Atzaro Beach – Cala Nova: definitely try their paella for two. www.atzaro.com
This open-air restaurant at one end of Aguas Blancas beach serves healthy and delicious salads and sandwiches.

If you have more time, or are planning to come back, here are a few spots that Le Colibry has heard good things about but hasn’t tried for herself yet:

Macao – restaurant in Santa Gertrudis
Cotton Club – beach and restaurant in Cala Tarida
La Paloma – restaurant in San Lorenzo
Bambuddha – restaurant in San Juan
105 by la cantine – restaurant in the Marina
Ses Salines beach and El Chiringito restaurant in Es Cavallet
Hippie beach – Cala Benirras
The Lost City of Atlantis beach, good shoes and a full water bottle recommended. Explorers are rewarded with beautiful views and natural rock pools.
Pebble beach – Es Scodolar
Mystical and legendary island – Es Vedra
Shopping: Las Dalias hippie market

HEART ibiza, for a dinner performance. Be sure to make a reservation in advance, Le Colibry missed her shot this time! The Adria brothers work their magic in the kitchen, and Guy Laliberté, the founder of Cirque du Soleil, works his on the stage. More than just dinner and a show, an incredible experience for all five senses.

If you have time, plan an excursion to Formentera, Ibiza’s slightly more untamed “little sister.” Feel like you’re in the Maldives when you’re actually only an hour and a half from Geneva. I think that says it all!

For more help planning your perfect trip, check out these blogs and websites for information and ideas.
Les voyages d’Ingrid – www.lesvoyagesdingrid.com, this well-traveled blogger has written several articles about her favorite spots in Ibiza (in French).
Official Ibiza Tourism Website – www.ibiza.travel/en
The White Ibiza – white-ibiza.com a great guide dedicated to Ibiza, complete with beautiful pictures.

If you have other Ibiza favorites, Le Colibry wants to hear about them!

Ibiza hippie chic