Holiday Review: Ibiza By Buky Olufemi

   

If your a party animal, step right this way!

Ibiza, known for it’s nightlife, not so surprisingly has so much more to offer than you’ll think. With my masters completed I headed across the board, with a fellow classmate to celebrate our new found freedom and reach for sun, sand and sea in the beautiful island of Ibiza, Spain.

A popular holiday destination for many Brits, sun seekers and ravers, this island, really does have so much more to brag about.  For one thing, there is so much culture to explore; I mean you can’t rave away the whole holiday can you? If its history and culture you’re after, it’s sure those have it covered. 

Be warned though, Ibiza is by no means cheap, with clubs costing anything from 37- 70 Euros (except those on West end) and drinks starting at 12 Euros usually, you can forget about saving a bob or two.

Day one- with bags unpacked and filled to the brim with the most delich English breakfast, my friend and I headed to Ibiza Town to soak up the culture and mingle with the locals. 

There, we were able explore the history of Ibiza’s old town. Built on a raised hill, a tour map we collected from the tourist information centre, pointed the way to Ibiza town’s historical hotspots, such as it’s Cathedrals, Museums, Churches, Art Galleries, Pottery Shops, amongst other key spots.

The sights there are truly beautiful, I won’t spoil it for you by telling you what art work I saw in their museums, so you’ll have to head down there yourself, but I will say this, everything about this old village was pictures and perfect. From the cobble stoned ground to the magnificent cathedrals, Ibiza historical hotspots are definitely one to see. 

Covered on foot within a two hours or spread over a whole day, with a routing siesta (brake from 2 to 4.30 pm), this quaint little place is a defiantly a must see. Mind though, it really can all be covered with two hours!

Aside from the spectacular views you get when you reach the top of Ibiza old town, (of the crystal clear ocean and the breathtaking view of Ibiza as a whole),the other spot you’ve got has got to visit to the local catholic church (nunnery) . 

The sense of peace and solitude, is one which hits you immediately as you step in the venue, there’s a real sense of peace and tranquility, the entire time your there. It’s a perfect place to just be still, collect your thoughts and pray if you wish too. It was by far the best part of my holiday. 

What’s more, there are nuns there, worshiping and doing their thing as you watch or join in prayer or what have you. now, you don’t see that in London do you!

The local beaches were suburb, avoid San Antonio beach, it the grubby one all the tourists use!

If you’re in Spain, you’ve got to try their paella! Well you can’t come to Spain and not try paella can you? The hot pot, we had, packed with prawns, muscles, chicken and other sea food, served with rice, was truly delicious. 

Mind you, don’t get it from the commercial joints though; the best paellas are made by the Spanish locals, so head to a real Spanish restaurant for a great dish.

Water sports can be found on the main beach strip in San Antonio, My friend and I booked a boat trip with a difference on day four. 

With swim suits and life jackets at the ready, we headed out on a speed boat with a group of other adrenaline junkies. I can only describe it as a boat party packed with historical stop offs. The best part of it was spotting and chilling with a group of dolphins on the way.

If you’re in Ibiza for more than three days, and you’re looking for a tour with a difference head to San Antonio’s bus station. Just outside the station, for 14 Euros you’ll get to see the sights in style, on the cutest mini choo-choo train you ever did see. 

It comes with the most fabulous tour guide, his friendly, larger than life character; really those make this tour a memorable one. It’s something I would definitely do again.

Other sights include, Ibiza’s Hippie Market and superb beaches. What’s great about the place is that you don’t have to hire a car, a single bus fare will cost you two Euros, so you can pretty much get around the island with ease.

The funniest thing about the trip was no one told us it was a funky house island till we got there! Like say what?! For you R ‘n’ B, Socca, Bashment lovers etc, head to Soul City nightclub in Ibiza’s ‘West End’. 

If you’re looking for a slightly more mature crowd, check out Mambo cafe for drinks, dancers and the most magical experience of watching the sun set. Beautiful! It’s all very emotional!

Head to Ocean Beach Club for a phenomenal pool party, seen any Miami pool parties in the music video’s? (Well, it’s just like that, I kid you not!) It was truly fabulous. 

Oh and not to forget Bay Bar, tastefully decorated, it’s chic Moroccan furnishing and ubber sophisticated atmosphere, screams grown and glam. Expect scrumptious cocktails and spectacular performance by fire-dancers.

The only thing that those get a bit annoying is everyone looks the same, I mean the tourists that is, think Essex and Geordie shore! Escape to the old town or outside San Antonio to see the real Spain.

.... But most importantly get some culture in and speak to the locals, their real laugh and really charming. memorizing the ‘Olla’ and ‘Gracias’, the Spanish words for ‘hello’ and ‘thank you’, will get you a very far, believe me! All in all, I absolutely loved the trip, the food, the sights and most importantly the fabulous Spanish locals.

 Buky, you've prepared any future Ibiza travelers on ensuring they make the most of Spain rich culture and not only the beaches. I loved this and will be sure to visit in very near future!

If you would like to share your awesome Holiday on the Holiday Review section please let me know my messaging msgafricansweetheart@gmail.com.