A Spanish poet once said, “In Spain, the dead are more alive than the dead of any other country in the world.” Spain is just so incredibly exciting. The people, the culture, the cities, and towns – everything has a unique, festive quality to it. Have you ever met a person who is always optimistic and so fun to be around? Spain is the country form of that positive spirit!
Let me be really honest with you all – I was absolutely Spain smitten, like many others, when I saw the handsome boys taking their bachelors’ trip in one of the most loved movies of all-time, Zindagi Na Milegi Doobara.
Ever since I saw that movie, I was sure, I wanted to visit Spain and self-drive on the surreal roads, to know, if it actually feels like it was portrayed in the movie. And let me tell you frankly, there’s something enigmatic about Spain that leaves you craving for more. Freshness in the air, visually scenic corners, and positivity around– Spain is just so gorgeous!
The best part of the trip was exploring the non-touristy aspects of Spain. Of course, we did visit all the major sites and they were great, but we wanted to dig deeper. What I came to realize by the end of the trip was that this is a land of great diversity. There is a room of any and all kinds of lifestyles, interests, and pursuits here. People, cultures, and attitudes mingle and merge here, producing the lovely mayhem we typically associate with the Spanish. And being on my honeymoon, traveling across its boundaries with my love, reveling in its craziness, it was simply a perfect idea to visit Spain.
To Spain, with love!
We always like to travel slow – quite like the attitude Spanish people exhibit. Unlike people who prefer exploring more cities in a single go, we prefer to explore one place at a time. This offers us a chance to revel in the beauties of a particular city completely and understand the culture well. As we were finalizing cities for our honeymoon in Spain, we definitely wanted one to be more of a touristy one and the other to be laid back!
Thankfully, it was not high season in Ibiza and we included the city in our Spain holidays list. And other one had to be Barcelona – the Catalan capital of Spain – the city that is so lively and energetic! We were initially willing on exploring Valencia and Madrid too, but I guess some cities will have to wait for us! 🙂
Ibiza was one of the places I was really looking forward to visiting. Everyone talks of the legendary nightlife of Ibiza and honestly, I was quite curious. And let me tell you, it’s as good as rumored, if not better.
The Ibiza club culture on the little Mediterranean island is just so glamorous! Celebrity DJ playing here, some superstar partying there! There’s always something going on.
During the evenings, the town is full of energy, people set to party and bar deals to entice customers.
In the mornings, the laidback lifestyle comes into play. That’s when the beaches, shopping places, and local foods were sampled. I munched on so many flaons here (a local pastry-based specialty) – I’m sure I must have packed on some weight just thanks to them!
Yes, we love Ibiza
But Ibiza was where we went all out, so it’s okay. We just danced the night away, slept in late, ate lavish brunches and then lounged on the beach. True story! If you plan to visit Spain, you must include Ibiza in your itinerary!
Almost everyone is aware of the famous party scene of Ibiza clubs and the happening nightlife, but there’s more to this clubber’s paradise.
Safe, turquoise-colored waters and the idyllic Ibiza beaches
The easiest way to get in and around the streets during Ibiza holidays is by renting a car. Car rental Ibiza is perhaps easy as long as the visitors can show their driving license. As driving around in taxis can be extremely pricey– around €20-30 for a short ride – it is best to opt for car rental Ibiza. We had to take a taxi from the Ibiza airport to reach our Hotel, Aguas de Ibiza Lifestyle & Spa Hotel. Our hotel was 25 minutes (€35) away from the airport, and the drive was a smooth one!
We made our mind for Ibiza car rental, the very moment we paid €35 for a short ride from the airport. Thankfully, for us, the process of renting a car in Ibiza was an easy one and that is because of the extremely courteous staff of Aguas de Ibiza Lifestyle & Spa Hotel. For different cars, one has to pay different prices. We went for the Fiat Panda Lounge or similar. Group A1, and had to pay €30 each day, which was also inclusive of a GPS instrument. Apart from that, we had to pay additional €300 as the security amount, which of course, was refunded.
Undoubtedly one of the best hotels in Ibiza, Aguas de Ibiza was just the perfect pick for our break in the island. Located amidst a breathtaking scenery, this delightful hotel and its friendly staff ensured that all our expectations were met and beyond.
View from our room at Aguas De Ibiza
What we enjoyed the most about this Ibiza hotel was its spa center and the various facilities. The Clarins Revival Spa was just fantastic. Apart from that, we spent a major chunk of our time on the rooftop restaurant and the swimming section. You can read more about the hotel, here.
Rooftop at Aguas De Ibiza
Santa Eulalia del Rio
There were a few Indian restaurants in Santa Eulalia del Rio area, so ones who do not have a taste for Spanish cuisines should definitely try the ‘tadka dal’ and ‘extra-large naans’ at these restaurants.
Just a random stopover because I like the graffiti
Ushuaia – the mecca of all party animals
Ushuaia – the mecca of all party animals
The tiny yet gorgeous Ibiza Town
The tiny yet gorgeous Ibiza Town
Dalt Vila
We had kept the boat-party capital, San Antonio for the last day, and indeed the most memorable ones! Your Ibiza holidays are just incomplete if you do not take the much-recommended ferry trip. Initially, we were reluctant on doing a private catamaran trip as it was too expensive (around €800- €1000) but as luck would have it, we got to do it for €400 (still a fair deal).
We boarded our private ship, Mr. Binguel, from San Antonio harbor, which took us to the Cala Conta Beach.
It was an idyllic beach when we went there – just perfect for relaxing and enjoying Spanish wines by the safe, turquoise waters. We had our lunch in one of the restaurants over there, and made our way back to the ship, for getting back to San Antonia.
Cala Conta Beach, Ibiza
Just the perfect kind of date
The best time is for you to decide, as in what you expect from your Ibiza holidays. If you want to enjoy Ibiza clubs and party scene, it is best to plan your trip anytime from the end of May to the start of June.
With summers settling down in the town by July, it is ideal for visitors to get ready for the sun-kissed skins and a lively atmosphere. In September, visitors can make the most closing parties which are equally brash and sparkling. Other months, the island is just as beautiful but relatively quieter.
Hi Prerna & Harsh, What a great article and certainly well written! I always saw Ibiza as a mass tourism destination but the way you describe it changed my perception of it. I might even consider going sooner than I thought I would. The catamaran trip looked very cool!
I love Ibiza. It positively surprised me when I went there a few years ago. It has the famous parties everybody knows about but it also has so much more! Beautiful towns, little bays and such a relaxed vibe.
Ibiza has quite a lot to offer. That’s what most people don’t really know since Ibiza is mostly well known for Party time. We visited Ibiza last year and were also fascinated by the cozy charming old town and other spots. Glas to see that you had such amazing time there 🙂
Its seems to had an amazing experience!! I would love to go in Ibiza!! Your photos are amazing as always! Thanks for sharing with us 🙂
Great article! Liked the way you describe the travel. It is helpful. Love to visit Ibiza.
Regards
Nisha
http://www.learn2livefully.com
Its so nice to see pictures of Ibiza that arn’t people partying in clubs! The Spanish Island is so beautiful so it’s great that you have shown a different side to what people expect.
I haven’t been, but this is intriguing and the fact that you mention the island is all Unesco. I love the contrast of old and new and fun places to also see and be seen.
Not a huge partier myself, buut that crystal clear beautiful water is stunning. I wouldn’t mind that kind of vacation at all
Ibiza looks like quite the party town. I’ve only been to northern Spain, which is very different to Ibiza. It looks like a relaxing place to chill out and enjoy sun, sea and good food.
I’m from Spain and you are discovering one part of the island that we the locals use to travel to. Most of the locals are pretty tired of the Ibiza party and when we go Baleares Islands, we like to enjoy and relax. I’m glad that you wrote a post about so other people realize that Ibiza has so much to offer.
All I know about Ibiza is that it’s the party world for the rich and famous so how nice to be able to see so much more than that. I particularly loved the old town – give me a cobblestone street or laneway and I’m easily pleased. I would love the catamaran too. A private hire of this is pure luxury.
Enjoyed reading your post, actually going in March and can’t wait. My parents in law have already booked and we are sneakily going to tag along! I’ve heard so much about Ibiza and my Jimmy has been so many times and even lived in Spain for a year or so and talked about how beautiful it is. Looking forward to the night life and beaches during the day.
While my clubbing days are behind me I’d still like to visit Ibiza for the beautiful towns and the scenery. It has something for everyone! I wish I’d gone in my younger days as the clubbing scene is meant to be one of the best, but I don’t think they’d let me in with toddlers in tow 😉
That’s a great article about Ibiza! I really want to go there. I was in other parts of Spain, but never there. It’s good that you can experience some of the party life and still get some sightseeing done! Great! 🙂
Thanks for this. This is a great list. I’m hoping to go to Ibiza this summer with one of my best friends and just have a relaxing holiday.
It is s good to see Ibiza in a light that is not centered around clubbing and raves. And traveling slow is the best way to go, especially when there is no time for Spanairds to rush for you especially when its siesta time!). Luckily there are plenty beautiful beaches there to make your own.
Hi, Prerna & Harsh!
I had an image of Ibiza as a party destination, but my cousin went there in April this year, and after her stories, I changed my mind. Now, upon reading your blog post, I want to go there even more! Moreover, the clubbing part of the experience doesn’t seem to be so bad; maybe it’s actually a good idea to combine some partying with nature and sightseeing.
Now I’m thinking to go there in 2018 with a friend of mine. What month would you rather recommend: April (https://rove.me/to/ibiza) or September (http://dailym.ai/1LKv6Ap)?
Thanks for showing me once more that Ibiza is not only a party destination, but great hidden beaches, food, and rich culture!