Ibiza – More Than Nightlife

Ibiza, Spain

Ibiza is known for its wild nightlife, and during August people come from all over Europe to party. Expensive clubs, foam parties, the stories are infamous.

Our experience in Ibiza was great fun, but a bit more mild than the island’s reputation. We sailed completely around the island enjoying quiet calas (coves), beautiful beaches and the two main cities of Sant Antoni and Ibiza City. The wind was blowing out of the north east, so we spent most of our time in the southern and south western anchorages of Puerto de Sant Antoni, Cala Badella, Cala de Port Roig and Cala Yondal.

We sailed by the island used in the movie Bali Hai a couple times, as we worked our way up and down the coast.

Much of the trip, we cruised with Mike and Linda on Aquila (our friends, fellow cruisers, fellow Hylas boat owners and next door neighbors from California).

Café Del Mar, on Sunset Beach (which isn’t really a beach) is an institution. People come by just to get their picture taken with the sign.

This place has taken sunset to a new level. We sat by the water enjoying the music, drinking cava sangria and mojitos, watching the people come and go. The music builds as the sun starts to set and everyone gets into it, taking pictures, cheering and clapping as the sun drops into the water, clearly the most enthusiastic sunset we had ever experienced.

We wanted to enjoy the “chill” music of Ibiza and spent time at a couple of bars and restaurants listening to popular local musicians. We saw Paco Fernandez and his band, twice at Villa Mercedes. His mix of flamenco guitar, electronic sounds and Spanish rap was worth going back to Sant Antoni for a second show.

One day, we sailed to the Blue Marlin in Cala Yondel. This is the most upscale beach bar we have been too. They have great music, good food and outstanding cava sangria. We anchored in the bay surrounded by many large motor yachts; a boat came out, picked us you and took us into the club, where everyone was enjoying the sun, water, music and food.

After some sushi, a pitcher of sangria and a few beers, our wallets were a lot lighter and we headed over to Cala de Port Roig.

Ibiza, like all of the Balearic Islands has a long history and many ancient ruins, cathedrals, walled cities, etc.. We spent a little time walking through the streets of the walled city above Eivissa Town.

After almost two weeks in Ibiza we had not seen it all, but need to move on.