Ibiza’s hidden jewels
A road trip for grown-up sun worshippers.
Ibiza is an island whose reputation precedes it. While megaclubs filled to the brim with scantily-clad young partiers is a big part of the scene, the island also boasts a less-appreciated, but equally fascinating history. In the ‘60s and ‘70s, Ibiza became a preferred destination for hippies and artistically-minded souls who adored the mild climate and relaxed atmosphere. It’s a heritage that continues to flourish on the island – from the cluster of bars featuring locally-produced organic wines to the intoxicating drum sessions on the beach.
Best sunset
Hostal La Torre
Sit back and enjoy your favorite cocktail at Hostal La Torre and take in the view as the enormous pinkish-orange sun subsides into the frothy sea – arguably the most impressive sunset you’ll see in Ibiza. While you’re there, you’ll enjoy the captivating beats of the Balearic DJ set of local legend DJ Pippi. Hostel La Torre is moreover an adults-only hotel, with rustic, but tastefully decorated rooms that are always kept cool by the fresh sea breeze.
The Breakfast Club
Pikes
If you want to relive the 80s, Pikes is a must. You probably won’t bump into Molly or Emilio here, but the hotel’s pool is where the popular new-wave duo Wham! recorded their famous music video Club Tropicana. While Pikes is often fully booked weeks in advance, you can still spend an evening in the hotel’s small club hanging out with some of the world’s best DJs – from megastars like Sven Väth to hipster favorites like DJ Harvey.
For meat lovers
Asador Ca’n Pilot
You’ll find the best grilled meat and poultry at Asador Ca’n Pilot in Sant Rafel de sa Creu in the island’s interior. As you might expect, the restaurant is simple and unpretentious, but the tantalizing assortment of grilled snacks and entrées more than makes up for what it lacks in ambience. You’ll enjoy better service if you’re able to order in Spanish.
Bohemian bar
Bar Costa
Bar Costa, which is located in the small artist colony of Santa Gertrudis, features a traditional interior decor that reflects the history of the village and is known for serving Ibiza’s best bocadillos (a Spanish sandwich). The establishment is a time-tested classic that’s flown under the radar since the 1970s.
A luxurious, private eco-lodge
Cas Gasi
Cas Gasi, which is hidden behind a landscape of gentle rolling hills and almond trees near Santa Gertrudis, has been called “a hotel for people who don’t like hotels”. It’s an exclusive, luxurious oasis with delicious organic food plucked straight from the hotel’s own “peaceful garden”, where everything is harvested by hand to preserve the biological diversity.
Local simplicity
Casa Lhasa
Drive up the winding road toward San Lorenzo and pull into Casa Lhasa, a natural wine bar and restaurant with a menu that changes everyday. The guesthouse only uses locally produced raw ingredients from nearby farms or suppliers and combines the ingredients into magically simple, but scrumptious dishes, such as mussels in escabeche (a vinegar marinade) and calçots (a type of onion) with chili sauce.
Handmade market gems
Hippie Market
You can see the fruits of Ibiza’s hippie heritage in full bloom each Sunday if you visit the market in Sant Joan de Labritja. Handmade jewelry, clothing, and Native American dream catchers are all on display in a laid-back, relaxed atmosphere filled with music and dancing.
Sun worship with hippies
Cala Benirrás
On Sundays, Ibiza’s hippies convene for drum circles at Cala Benirrás, a beach on the north coast of the island. Drums from all over the world sound out in unity – a moving and powerful experience beneath a stunning backdrop featuring towering cliffs, an azure blue sea, and a white sand beach. Not surprisingly, the spot is also a highly sought after locale for weddings.
The most undiscovered beach on Ibiza
Cala Xuclar
Discover this horseshoe-shaped secret beach with a single bar that serves food that’s simply out of this world. This lonely stretch of sand, which is nothing like Ibiza’s more popular tourist beaches, is a favorite haunt of locals and expats alike. But by all means, don’t miss the delicious grilled fish at Cala Xuclar, the little chiringuito on the beach.
Text by Daniel Björk