Club capitol of the world…Ibiza

Now we get close to summer (let’s hope so), many people will think back to the “good old days” when they spent their summer vacation as a big party in Ibiza.

But, not everybody is aware that this Island in the Mediterranean is not only for the youngsters. That is why many cruise lines have Ibiza as destination. So, for all of you that have been there but seen it only during night time, think about going there again and see what a great destination this is. As usual, contact me any time (I prefer during office hours 🙂 ) when you need any help.

Where You’re Docked
Ships dock on the edge of the town, just footsteps from shops and restaurants. The entire city is within easy walk of the pier, although the Dalt Vila area is dramatically hilly.

Getting Around
On foot! The entire town begins at the pier, and except for the hilly Dalt Vila section, everything is an easy walk. Cabs are generally available, but they cannot enter Dalt Vila.
Wear comfortable, cushioned shoes, especially for walking up to and around the Dalt Vila. Also, the siesta is alive and well in Ibiza. Many shops and museums close in mid-afternoon for several hours, so check before you go. Ibiza is wonderful for strolling. Cruisers can begin shopping or eating almost immediately upon disembarkation, and the little shops on the side streets near the pier are of great interest. The waterfront along the Avenue Andanes is a pedestrian-friendly thoroughfare, one side lined with boutiques and restaurants, and the other a boat-filled harbor. Both the sa Penya and la Marina areas offer plenty of opportunities for window-shopping, strolling, snacking, and enjoying the sun and the people. Dalt Vila is the destination of choice for serious walkers and visitors interested in the history of the area. Many structures have been renovated and are now restaurants, shops, and galleries.

What to See and Do
Dalt Vila is the oldest and the highest part of the city. There are several gateway entrances to the Old Town, with Portal de les Taules being the largest and easiest to access via its ramp. The walls are Renaissance-era and huge, and surround the entire old city. Artillery bastions (with some old cannons and historical plaques depicting related events) are strategically placed atop the walls. It offers glimpses of secret tunnels, armed overlooks, ancient water sources, and the main religious buildings. Dalt Vila features winding streets, castles, chapels, and convents, and a large market square. From the top of the walls, visitors get a panoramic view of the city and the sea.

Museu d’Art Contemporani D’Eivissa offers painting and engravings with some relationship to Ibiza, from 1959 forward. The real attraction is the building, which is an 18th-century-era structure originally built as an arsenal and armory. The walls are huge, which made it “bomb-proof” at the time the building was erected. Be sure to wander to the lower level.

Museu Arquelogic D’Eivissa I Formentera is the place to discover the results of all of the archeological digs (some still ongoing) in and around Dalt Vila. It offers glimpses of the pre-historic, Punic, Roman, and Islamic periods. Again, the building itself is fascinating. The exhibits are located in various rooms up and down staircases, and the structure is in three sections, each of a different style.

Shopping
Ibiza lives to sell, it seems, and the main streets and thoroughfares are lined with a wide variety of shops and boutiques selling everything from the usual tourist knickknacks to local crafts, jewelry, and, of course, salt. One particularly interesting shopping street is D’Enmig, a short block away from the pier, parallel to Avenue Andanes, with its wide array of small, locally owned stores. Two shops of note are Chiage, at D’Enmig 32, for unusual jewelry, and Tu Bon Bon, at Career de Cipriano Caruo 17, with a wide assortment of inexpensive European candies (sold in bulk).
Not to be missed is night shopping. In season, shops stay open into the evening hours, providing visitors the chance to explore after the heat of the day has passed. There is something magical about shopping outdoors after dark, with a cooling evening breeze, and the chance to engage the local vendors in discussions and bargaining.

Where to Eat and Drink
For a quick and reasonably priced meal, try Cafeteria, which offers snacks and sandwiches for about five euros per person and is open all day.
The city has numerous restaurants and many sidewalk cafes. Outdoor eating along the harborside Avenue Andanes is particularly pleasant.