Discover the island’s secrets with My Ibiza and Formentera
We would love for all our clients, who have placed their trust in us with purchasing or renting a property of their dreams in the past, to also have a unique memento of Ibiza: a special piece of unique treasure that uncovers some of the most unknown secrets of Ibiza: My Ibiza and Formentera – The True Insider’s Guide.
This guide is a must-have for any traveler visiting our island, as well as for residents that want to discover everything both new and old about Ibiza; as stated in the New York Times article:
"My Ibiza and Formentera, a new (and very necessary) guide".
Its creator Hjordis Fogelberg tells us that her latest updated edition is full of useful tips and all types of recommendations. As explained by Hjordis: "my parents arrived at Ibiza with the first wave of hippies during the 60s. I spent summers barefoot, my skin was tanned and my hair was faded by the sun". As a result of her knowledge and passion for the island where she was born, any person that buys her books will instantly become part of authentic Ibiza. Things that are a must when you are visiting the west side of the island, recommendations for practicing sports, the best spots to view the sunset, culinary experiences, events, and especially culture, a lot of cultures, are the ingredients of this book!
Fogelberg was also a pioneer as co-founder and collaborator in creating magazines Pacha and Best of Ibiza; milestones that completely changed the advertising style of the island, beginning with the fad for discotheque sponsored magazines, which are still being printed to this day.
A particularity about this guide is that all the illustrations have been created by the author. My Ibiza and Formentera is a very visual publication, its illustrations show different landscapes that highlight the beauty of our island: from the authentic country lifestyle, to the architecture of the old city or the properties that represent the essence of Ibiza. This edition is easy to read and is arranged by different contents to include a brief history of Ibiza, an index of interesting words, an extractable map you can carry in your pocket, and even a lunar calendar.
We are very happy to collaborate on this project by sponsoring the back cover of the latest editions. From Prestige Properties we want you to take a little piece of Ibiza with you wherever you go with the hope of turning our island into "your Ibiza".
Do you have any questions or need more info? Send us a message and we will get back as quickly as possible!
Ibiza COVID-19 News 2021
Updated – September 28, 2021
From September 28, 2021
The latest restrictions are as follows:
In Ibiza, the plan is to "return to normal" from September, 28.
Nightlife (pubs and bars) can be extended now until 4 am unless any specific municipality establishes its own local restrictions.
Similarly, nightclubs can open until 5 am with specific conditions (outlined below)
In restaurants, diners per table are currently without limit, restaurant terraces can operate at their maximum capacity with internal spaces hosting a maximum of 75% in all hospitality venues
There are no longer any night-time mobility restrictions, nor group reunion restrictions in public and private spaces
Gyms are able to operate at 100% capacity and wearing a face mask (covering nose and mouth) is obligatory
Cultural activities may take place with a maximum of 2500 people in exterior settings, 1000 people may stand, the rest seated, and 500 people maximum in interior settings, all must be seated.
Face masks are to be worn when it is not possible to maintain a safe distance of at least 1.5 metres, both indoors and in outdoor settings.
Nightclubs in Ibiza to open on October 8th 2021.
The guidelines at this point include the following:
1. COVID-19 pass required to enter (green pass – pending approval of the Balearic Superior Court of Justice)
2. Masks to be worn at all times (unless seated at tables for consumption)
3. Social distance of 2 metres to be maintained at all times
4. Maximum capacity of 75%
5. Closing time is 5 am
Updated – September, 15 2021
From September, 15 2021
The latest restrictions are as follows:
In Ibiza, the maximum number of diners per table is 12 for outdoor seating on restaurant terraces and 8 per table for indoor seating which can be from different households in all hospitality venues.
Restaurants and bars may open uninterruptedly every day of the week in Ibiza, both indoors and outdoors until 02:00h.
There are no night time mobility restrictions, except you cannot be in reunion with people on the beaches or public park areas during the hours of 02:00h – 06:00h.
Wearing a face mask (covering nose and mouth) is obligatory when it is not possible to maintain a safe distance both indoors and in outdoor settings.
Updated – July, 19 2021
From July, 19 2021
The latest restrictions are as follows:
In Ibiza, the maximum number of diners per table is 8 for outdoor seating and 4 per table for indoor seating (with a maximum of 50% capacity for internal seating), which can be from different households in all hospitality venues.
Restaurants and bars may open uninterruptedly until 01:00h every day of the week in Ibiza, both indoors and outdoors.
Smoking at restaurants is prohibited both indoors and outdoors.
There is no curfew in place, but you cannot be in reunion with people from outside your household between the hours of 01:00h – 06:00h.
In outdoor places, including beaches, there is no limitation of number of people in a group, however, the security distance of at least 1.5 metres should be maintained, and where this is not possible masks should be worn.
Meetings at private dwellings and in public are also without limitations, however it is recommended to take precautions and maintain preventive measures.
Shops may open with a 100% capacity in large commercial areas as well as smaller businesses.
Cultural events whereby the public must remain seated can be held at max. 75% capacity, with a maximum of 2500 people in open air spaces, and 500 people in enclosed spaces. A 100% capacity is allowed for groups under 300 participants. All events must end at 01:00h.
Sports events can be held at a maximum of 50% with a maximum of 2500 persons in open spaces and a maximum of 500 persons in closed spaces.
Wearing a face mask (covering nose and mouth) everywhere in urban / populated public indoor spaces, including at restaurants while waiting for drinks and food, is strongly recommended. It is not mandatory to wear a mask outdoors (although this is highly recommended by the government) unless a safe social distance of 1.5m cannot be maintained between non-cohabiting household members.
FINES
Shops and supermarkets are not allowed to sell alcohol after 22:00h with a minimum fine of 5,000 €.
Taking part in illegal gatherings and/or parties after 01:00h, fines can range from 1,000 € to up to 5,000 € per person.
VERY IMPORTANT FOR HOMEOWNERS:
If illegal parties take place in a rented villa, the owner of the villa will have to notify the details of the tenants and the promoters of the party to the authorities, or else the owner will also be fined up to 600,000 euros.
Updated – June, 19 2021
The latest restrictions are as follows:
In Ibiza, the maximum number of diners per table is 12 for outdoor seating and 6 per table for indoor seating, which can be from different households in all hospitality venues.
Outdoor terraces can be occupied at 100% of their restaurant capacity
All restaurant interiors can be occupied at 50% of their capacity
Sitting at bars is now possible, however guests must be eating and in a maximum group of 2 people with 1.5m distance between groups.
Restaurants and bars may now open uninterruptedly until 02:00h every day of the week in Ibiza, both indoors and outdoors.
Smoking inside of restaurants is prohibited.
The curfew is now lifted
In outdoor places, including beaches, the maximum number of people is 15, but they can be from an unlimited number of households.
Meetings at private dwellings and in public are now without limitations, however it is recommended to take precautions and maintain preventive measures.
Shops may open with a 100% capacity in large commercial areas as well as smaller businesses.
Places of worship can now open to maximum capacity. However, group ceremonies can host a maximum of 50 persons in interior premises and 100 persons on exterior premises.
Wearing a face mask (covering nose and mouth) everywhere in public, including at restaurants while waiting for drinks and food, is required up to June 26th June.
Updated – June, 6 2021
The latest restrictions are as follows:
In Ibiza, the maximum number of diners per table is 8 for outdoor seating and 4 per table for indoor seating, which can be from different households.
Terraces can be occupied at 100% of their capacity (max 250 customers)
All Interiors can be occupied at 50% of their capacity (max 150 customers)
Restaurants may now open uninterruptedly until Midnight every day of the week in Ibiza both indoors and outdoors.
Smoking in public remains prohibited.
The curfew is now lifted, except on the beaches, which "close" between the hours of 22:00h – 06:00h
In outdoor places, including beaches, the maximum number of people is 15, but they can be from an unlimited number of households.
Meetings at private dwellings allow for up to 15 people outside, and indoors up to 10 people.
Shops may open until Midnight, with a 100% capacity in large commercial areas as well as smaller businesses.
Places of worship can now open to maximum capacity.
Wearing a face mask (covering nose and mouth) everywhere in public, including at restaurants while waiting for drinks and food, is still required.
Updated – May, 23 2021
From May, 23 2021
The latest restrictions are as follows:
In Ibiza, the maximum number of diners per table is 4, both outdoors and indoors, and the 4 individuals can be from 4 different households, unless the group is from the same household (parents with 3 children for example), in which case they can be seated together.
Terraces can be occupied at 100% of their capacity (max 250 customers)
In Formentera, eight people can be seated at a table outdoors and four indoors. Interiors can be occupied at 50% of their capacity (max 150).
In Ibiza, Interiors can be occupied at 50% of their capacity if no terrace area is available, restaurants with terraces can occupy interior spaces up to 30% (max 150 seated indoors).
Restaurants may now open uninterruptedly until 23:00 every day of the week in Ibiza and 23:30 in Formentera on their exterior terraces.
Interior restaurant spaces must close at 18:00 every day
Smoking in public remains prohibited.
The curfew is now from 24:00 hs – 06:00 hs.
In outdoor places, including beaches, the maximum number of people is eight, but they can be from an unlimited number of households. Meetings at private dwellings allow for up to six people, indoors the six people cannot be from more than 2 households, but in the outdoor (garden etc.) they can.
Shops may open until 22:00, with a 100% capacity in large commercial areas as well as smaller businesses.
Wearing a face mask (covering nose and mouth) in public, including at restaurants while waiting for drinks and food, is still required.
Updated – May, 14 2021
The Government has announced that Spain is no longer in a state of alarm and that Ibiza goes down to Level 1 in the de-escalation process as of May 9.
The latest restrictions are as follows:
The maximum number of 4 diners per table is maintained, and the 4 individuals can be from 4 different households, unless the group is from the same household (parents with 3 children for example), in which case they can be seated together.
In Formentera, four people can be seated at a table indoors and six outdoors.
Terraces can be occupied at 100% of their capacity and may now open uninterruptedly until 22:30* every day of the week.
Restaurant interior spaces remain closed and smoking in public remains prohibited.
The curfew remains from 23:00 hs – 06:00 hs.
In outdoor places, including beaches, the maximum number of people is six, but they can be from an unlimited number of households. Meetings at private dwellings allow for up to six people, indoors the six people cannot be from more than 2 households, but in the outdoor (garden etc.) they can.
Shops may open to 22:00, with a 100% capacity in large commercial areas as well as smaller businesses .
Wearing a face mask (covering nose and mouth) in public, including at restaurants while waiting for drinks and food, is still required.
*We are expecting that bars and restaurants will be able to open their interior seating areas from May 23, but only for those who do not have an outside terrace space for customers.
Updated – April, 23rd 2021
The Government has announced that Ibiza will remain on alert level two. All new measures will take effect this Saturday 24th April, and will be in force until May 9.
The latest Phase 2 restrictions are as follows:
The maximum number of 4 diners per table is maintained, but the limitations of non-cohabiting groups on outdoor terraces are eliminated (therefore, 4 individuals can now join each other from 4 different households), unless the group is from the same household (parents with 3 children for example), in which case they can be seated together.
Terraces may now be occupied at 100% of their capacity and may open in two shifts, the first closing at 17:00, and the second opening from 20:00 to 22:30 from Monday to Thursday (Ibiza dinner’s are back!)
Restaurant interior spaces remain closed and smoking in public remains prohibited.
The curfew has been extended until 23:00.
The limitation of non-cohabiting groups is also eliminated for meetings in exterior spaces, including beaches, with a maximum of six people.
Meetings at private dwellings allow for up to six people, indoors the six people cannot be from more than 2 households, but in the outdoor (garden etc.) they can.
Shops may open to 21:00, and are extended up to 50% capacity in large commercial areas; small businesses may remain up to a maximum capacity of 75%.
COVID-19 infections in Ibiza & Formentera have stabilised (today 112 active cases). Small groups have started vaccinations, which is to be accelerated in numbers, and the health situation continues to improve. However, the need for caution remains (especially with the British variant being more contagious) in order to safeguard tourism and the summer season ahead.
Updated – March, 15th 2021
On Friday 12th March 2021, the president of the Govern, Francina Armengol, announced a continuation of a "slow" descaling of restrictions for Ibiza.
The descaling measures are highlighted below and are set to be reviewed again on April 9th.
Ibiza commences Phase 3 on Monday 15th until April 11th
Curfew is maintained from 22:00 hours to 6:00 in the morning
Bars and Restaurants can open their outdoor terraces up to a 50% capacity with a maximum of 4 heads per table, from 2 separate cohabiting households
Closing times for all hospitality premises is 17:00
Social gatherings may be held with a maximum of 6 people from 2 cohabiting households inside and outside, including beaches, and with masks
Shops remain open with a capacity of 50%, also now including larger-scale premises
Shops to close at 20:00
Visits to health centres and nursing homes can return to normal
Gyms can open again with a 30% capacity
From 26 March to 11 April, (Easter) to prevent "social relaxation", and a post-Christmas effect, only people from the same household can be inside a private property, four people from two households in public property and a maximum of up to 6 people from two households in the outdoors.
TRAVEL UPDATE:
From Monday 15th March 2021, Ibiza and Formentera will open their perimeters, which means that ports and airports will allow travellers to enter the islands without needing to prove "special circumstances".
This means movement between the Balearic Islands is relaxed.
Ibiza will accept international travellers, who will be asked to fill in an official health form via an online QR code as well as a negative PCR result from the previous 72 hrs.
We will endeavour to send out the latest Ibiza Covid-19 News Update when the current restrictions have again been reviewed.
Updated – February 12th, 2021
Dear readers,
If you are considering visiting Ibiza during the season of 2021, we would like to reassure both tourists and second-home visitors that Ibiza is set on a positive path and is looking to remain open and ready to welcome you.
Recently, there have been some unreliable news stories and rumours circulating regarding Spain being closed to tourists next Summer. This is due to a few controversial statements made by the government last month, which we would like to clarify.
In late January the Balearic government ordered the perimeter closure of Ibiza, meaning that travel to and from is restricted to those with justifiable reasons (work & health), which has been extended until March 1st. This is to ensure the island minimises all immediate risks and normal travel is planned to resume as soon as current Covid-19 numbers stabilise and/or decline.
While we can’t confirm if travel restrictions will be extended in the coming weeks, official statements are all pointing towards unrestricted travel for Easter and the spring season. Travelling from within Europe will be possible with a negative PCR test, filling out a simple health form with a QR code at arrival and, naturally, respecting any safety measures and regulations in place.
The general expectation is that we will see a season similar to that of 2020, whereby everyone is welcome and able to enjoy their surroundings, with outdoor activities and social events, such as relaxing on beaches, swimming, sporting activities, eateries, including beach clubs, walking, and exploring the island, continuing as normal. The only main difference compared to pre-Covid-19 seasons, will be the closure of night clubs and large-scale overcrowded venues, including some hotels, which are likely to remain closed (which is what the government was in fact referring to when it made its statements regarding tourism in 2021).
We hope that this information has been useful and we will endeavour to send out an Ibiza Covid-19 News Update once a month, to keep you informed. For any more specific questions regarding travel or where to stay on the island; virtual property viewings or the virtual property purchase process, please do not hesitate to contact us!
For regular updates, recommendations, and experiences, be sure to keep up to date with our latest news via our social media pages and blog posts.
Please Note: All information given may be affected during the COVID-19 pandemic and current restrictions. Please ensure for any event or public activity that you are up to date and fully informed.
Do you have any questions or need more info? Send us a message and we will get back as quickly as possible!
Living in Ibiza: Life in San Antonio – Debunking its Misconceptions
History of Ibiza Tourism
Ibiza is renowned globally as a destination for music lovers, clubbers, and party-goers alike. In the early 1970s, Ibiza began to see its first influx of tourism, and alongside tourism came the opening of many new nightclubs.
During the 1980s the night scene rocketed, with the emergence of ‘House Music’ by the 1990s. This led to Ibiza becoming one of the most desired travel destinations for music and nightlife.
This increase meant opportunity. Many local fishing towns started to see major developments, with brand new hotels, restaurants, bars, supermarkets, and other amenities rapidly establishing to cater to the demand, and profit from the tourism industry.
The Development of San Antonio de Portmany
San Antonio was one of these local fishing villages. The development of San Antonio quickly went from being a 2000-year-old fishing village and authentic port, to a leading holiday destination and large resort.
In turn, this placed incredible value on the area, with expats, particularly from Britain during the 80s and 90s making the dream move to the very ‘trendy’ San Antonio Ibiza.
San Antonio’s Misconception
San Antonio soon became the island’s point of reference for its lively nightlife, and over the past few decades, unfortunately, San Antonio Town has encountered many issues with hedonistic crowds during the height of the season. Effective action of curbing unwanted tourism and behaviour in the town has been taken very seriously, and over the last few years, local authorities have implemented policies to effectively minimise the nuisance of its nightlife.
San Antonio Town’s passionate ‘party-culture’ has therefore led to many misconceptions about the entire San Antonio Municipality, leaving a disloyal and inaccurate label on the area. It’s easy to be swayed and influenced by the reports of San Antonio’s party scene. However, alongside this very small element of San Antonio, sits a wonderfully rich history, spectacular beaches and coves, a family-friendly atmosphere, local Ibicencan culture, and the island’s most majestic sunsets. The area is so deeply laced with beauty, it is no wonder San Antonio was highly sought after by initial tourism during these early days.
Discovering the municipality of Sant Antoni de Portmany is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression and ultimately debunk the false notion on the area once and for all!
Discover the municipality of San Antonio
Sant Antoni de Portmany is incredibly diverse, with a wealth of opportunity to discover the real Ibiza.
San Antonio Social & Culinary
The town alone strongly attracts many visitors to experience well-known music venues like Mambo Cafe, Cafe del Mar, Savannah, and Mint Lounge. However, San Antonio is also filled with culinary excellence and an array of global cuisine restaurants that are well worth visiting.
Can Pujol is a typical Ibicencan restaurant located directly on the seafront, specialising in seafood and fish stew rice dishes. La Patisserie is a colourful French ‘Tea Room’ serving pastries, breakfast, light lunches, and wonderful homemade plates. It is a great spot for families, especially for those with smaller children, as they have a designated play area, so the adults can relax over brunch.
Es Tragón, an awarded Michelin Star restaurant (the only one on the island), naturally offers guests a gastronomical experience to remember at the hand of their executive chef, Alvaro Sanz Clavijo, whilst Sa Capella boasts history, authentic charm, romance, and great traditional cuisine from its 16th Century converted church.
There are endless possibilities to spend summer evenings outside of the ‘party-scene’. Top hotspots like Kumharas Street Food Restaurant and Cocktail Bar, which also offer outdoor yoga classes with a wonderful sea view, Hostel La Torre, and the 5-star luxury Amare Beach Hotel Ibiza with their spectacular sunset rooftop terrace, all boast a relaxed and elegant atmosphere to enjoy the miraculous San Antonio sunsets, away from the hustle and bustle of the main Sunset Strip and San Antonio’s West End.
For fun for the whole family, Cine Regio is San Antonio’s quirky, local cinema, which is wonderfully still true to its original style, with one large screen, red velvet seating, and grand front draw-curtains. There is also a fantastic aquarium for those looking for some extra activities for the children.
Beaches in San Antonio
The beaches of San Antonio are an oasis of natural gems, with hidden coves of white sand, winding coastal paths, glistening waters, and bewitching sunsets. Although difficult to define a top few, these three secluded beaches certainly have something extra special to offer.
Cala Salada
Cala Salada is unparalleled with natural beauty and crystalline waters, perfect for diving, snorkeling, and swimming; which altogether feels more than two worlds apart from the vibrant town. It’s sister cove, Cala Saladeta, along the rocky paths leading down from Cala Salada, offers an even more secluded cove and a completely preserved area.
Punta Galera
Just south of Cala Salada lies the infamous, smooth rock and several flat terraces of Punta Galera. The staggered cliff edge allows for peaceful and picturesque beauty, which is nowhere else to be found on the island. The rocky terrain is barren from sand, amenities, and is accessible by walking only. The ideal spot for those who cherish the art of nature and appreciate less human gatherings whilst at the beach. It has to be seen to be believed.
Cala Gració
Cala Gració is another very attractive beach cove close by to San Antonio’s main town. With fine white sands and natural pool waters, the area offers a unique sense of privacy and seclusion filled enthralling landscape views. Next to Cala Gració main bay is Cala Gracioneta. A smaller and even more authentic version of Cala Gració. Cala Gracioneta is typical Ibiza style, family-friendly with a relaxed atmosphere, and home to the renowned boho-chic Cala Gracioneta Chiringuito.
Countryside and Villages in San Antonio
The stunning countryside and villages of San Antonio boast wide open and vast landscapes, where much high-profile and exclusive hillside villas reside with unlimited views of unspoiled countryside and fascinating sunset skies.
Santa Inés Ibiza (Santa Agnés de Corona)
The village of Santa Inés is a unique land with captivating beauty and is famous among photographers. Laced with cultivated acres of almond trees, known as Es Pla de Corona, and fascinating cliff top walks overlooking the Islets of Ses Margalides, (a couple of sporadic islets sat in the Mediterranean Sea), Santa Inés is recognised as a true haven. Sunsets from the clifftop are truly spectacular, with an infinity of open waters and a view like no other on the island. June until September is mostly recommended to visit here for sundown, and whilst the rest of the major sunsets spots like Es Vedra are busy and filled with groups of people, this unique place is often overlooked and incredibly secluded.
Around February the almond trees bloom into beautiful sheets of pink and white almond blossoms. The land is an exceptional sight and draws plenty of attention from locals and tourists alike, completely untouched by tourism. Here, Bar Cosmi is a locally renowned restaurant known for the "best tortilla" in Ibiza.
San Mateo
San Mateo is a small, quaint, and beautiful village, which is filled with beautiful authentic charm and cultivated countryside. Long hikes around the Es Pla de Sant Mateu, with its array of almond trees, vineyards, and miles of orchards with locally grown grapes, olives, oranges, and lemons, offer a calm and traditional ambience, perfect for nature-lovers. To the left of the village church, past a remote house situated on the right, a dirt road leads down to a small square for parking. Here, a rocky steep trail leads down to the hidden spot, Cala Aubarca (Cala d’Albarca), where many hikers often venture to view the spectacular sights on offer.
Buscastell Ibiza
Buscastell is a small village, known as one of the most agricultural areas of the island which hosts wetlands and springs for water, as well as Ibiza’s largest and most productive winery, Can Rich. The area may be considered as one of the biggest wetlands on the island, known as Es Broll de Buscastell. Es Broll de Buscastell is one of the most unique landscapes to visit and is not often known by tourists whatsoever.
San Rafael Ibiza
San Rafael is a very small yet vibrant village and hosts almost a small town selection of highly recommended island restaurants to choose from and enjoy. Can Pilot, Can Fresco, and Es Tancó Pizzeria are all very popular and more than often bustling with locals regularly. San Rafel village is also known as a unique "Area of Artisan Interest ". The village is home to some of the best potters on the island, who have practiced pottery in Ibiza for hundreds of years.
Holiday Villas and Properties for sale in San Antonio, Ibiza
Despite San Antonio’s ‘party-label’ the area, including the town itself, is a tranquil and beautiful location, offering something for everyone, making it a very special place to vacation and reside in. It’s a great area for investment also, since property prices in this area tend to be the lowest in Ibiza. The area offers a wide range of outstanding properties with a variety of authentic charm, modern contemporary architecture, newly built apartments, and luxury lifestyle living.
Prestige Properties Ibiza has a vast listing of villas for holiday rental and properties for sale in the area of San Antonio.
Check out our villas for holiday rental and properties for sale in the area of San Antonio here…
Do you have any questions or need more info? Send us a message and we will get back as quickly as possible!
Ibiza Real Estate: Welcome to the Jungle!
A buyer’s ultimate guide to sanity during their search for the perfect home in the Ibiza property market.
A buyer’s ultimate guide to sanity during their search for the perfect home in the Ibiza property market.
I am sure you’ve seen them as well, the reality TV shows about real estate agents in LA, the Hamptons, NYC… I must admit, they are my guilty pleasure! On these shows the properties always seem to be in perfect condition, 100% legal, the agencies are well respected and professional… Let’s face it; a property buyer’s dream-come-true.
It made me think about just how different the Ibiza experience is: the dream of your perfect home is just as big, but the journey here compares more to a jungle survival trip than a dreamy walk through Central Park. You are not the first Ibiza property buyer frustrated with online searching, not knowing where to look, what to believe, and which agent to trust.
The key is to know what you are getting yourself into, what type of jungle Ibiza’s real estate is, its many pitfalls, and how to best manoeuvre your way around them.
Here are the most important things to keep in mind:
Demand vs. (real) Supply
When you begin with your online property search, it might seem, at first sight, that there is a lot of offer, but don’t be fooled. Soon your eye will be trained enough to discover that the same houses keep coming up in your search, or you are getting the same property proposals from different agencies and online portals. This is because most Ibiza properties are listed with a minimum of 3 agencies (exclusive mandates are a rarity on the island), and all these agencies use different images, names, titles, and (to the frustration of everyone) sometimes even different prices or stats. These differences in presentation will have you believe that you are looking at different properties when in actual fact, they might very likely be the same. As incredulous as it might sound, it is not uncommon for clients who have asked for a viewing, to get to a property and tell us that they have actually already visited it with another agency – they just thought it was a different one from looking at the presentation!
Another catch is that often properties that have already been sold, stay listed on the internet as still for sale. The reason? Some agencies keep them in their portfolios to attract more clients and receive more leads, especially when their own supply is low. However, another reason is that some owners (sellers) have their properties listed with so many agents and portals, that even they get confused and forget to update and inform everyone, so sometimes it can take 6 months or even longer before all the websites have been accurately updated. Avoiding such a waste of time for all parties is one of the reasons why we recommend sellers to sign an exclusive sales mandate choosing to work with just one agency.
Lastly, another very important point to keep in mind when it comes to the "supply" in the Ibiza property market, is the fact that some owners list their property for sale for what would be considered by an above-market price, just to see if there is any interest and without any real intention of selling unless they receive a lucrative offer.
As we have seen, property supply in Ibiza, while it might seem quite formidable at first sight, is in reality not so high after all. Demand, on the other hand, an indicator much less manipulable, is high and rising. Since the last big economic crisis which started in 2007/8 and saw a drop in demand (and thus prices) in Ibiza’s property market, demand has risen steadily and by now far beyond any pre-crisis numbers. Even last year (the dreaded 2020), after the first Covid-19 lockdown, property sales have been rolling in steadily island-wide.
The new #workingfromhome culture and a prevailing desire to be close to nature and away from hyper populated urban virus hotspots, have made Ibiza, with its lightly populated natural character, a prime location for those international property buyers, who prefer to spend the next lockdown with a sea view. Plus, as an investment advisor would tell you, what’s better than to get your assets put in stone in uncertain times?
All in all, when analysing the Ibiza property market, we find there to be not a lot of "real" supply but strong demand. So what does that teach us for our jungle survival training?
Firstly, it sheds some light on the Ibiza property market’s overall price point and its armour against national or international market fluctuations.
It teaches property buyers to not be fooled by the apparent high supply, therefore to examine each property carefully and begin to know the landscape.
Most importantly, it teaches us that we need to be ready to act fast, as soon as we have found our ideal property we need to strike with minimal hesitation: a low supply market is a competitive market.
Building restrictions: Patience is a Virtue
Those amongst you who have had the privilege of visiting this stunning island will know what I mean when I say: Wow, what a beauty! From sandy and rocky beaches, lustrous sunsets, to rolling green hills and spectacular views of the glistening sapphire sea… Ibiza wins our hearts not (only!) for its world-famous clubbing scene, its regular mention in the international press and popular culture or its unique vibe and fusion of lifestyles (think: hippy-meets-millionaire), but mostly because of its, perhaps unspectacular but certainly unpretentious, sincere and somewhat magical natural beauty. This is why we all have to be more than grateful for the government’s attempts at conserving Ibiza’s rural charm via building restrictions.
However, if you are considering buying land in Ibiza to build your own home, or even just to buy a run-down property to renovate and enjoy or re-sell; let the following be a warning to you: Ibiza’s urbanistic building regulations are strict.
Not only is it increasingly difficult to get a building licence to build a new home, even if everything is in your favour and on paper you should receive one, make yourself comfortable because you are in for a long wait. Whether it is to build a house from scratch or to integrally renovate a property, both licence applying processes are time-consuming and not without their respective complications (I will not go into too much detail here, as this subject merits its very own "A survival guide for Ibiza’s urbanistic laws and regulations" article!).
So let me be clear, you will be familiar with the Spanish saying of "mañana, mañana" (tomorrow, tomorrow), a cultural testament to the Spanish laissez-faire, laid back approach to most things; but here we are talking about Ibiza, where the correct saying on this specific subject would go: "not mañana or even next year.. but maybe the year after…"
This information is by no means meant to demotivate or dishearten you; but when heading into the jungle, knowing how long your trip will be and preparing for what awaits you is paramount to your survival. And as contrived as this might sound, it is the simple and important truth, that as long as you have the right agent by your side who can advise you on the basics and refer you to trustworthy professionals and experts on the subject, such as lawyers and LOCAL architects, you will be perfectly fine, and your dream within reach!
The Issue with A-legality
This is a very important point, and a complex one at that, so let’s get right to it: Basically, you have to accept that if you want to buy a house in Ibiza, you have to deal with some illegality issues.
The reason for this is a direct causal reaction to the point above the building restrictions. Anytime you wish to renovate your home, extend it, add or change the pool, or just cover your terrace or change the tiles, you should apply for a licence. As we have learned above, it takes very long to get these licenses approved… if at all!
In the past, during Ibiza’s early days, no one really thought of or, frankly, cared much about any building rules or regulations, so most people just went ahead and followed their hearts’ desire without a second thought about the necessary paperwork. However, with the influx of foreign property buyers and specifically property investors, Ibiza would have drowned in new constructions if the government had not stepped in and started to monitor and enforce urbanistic laws and regulations.
The fact that around 90% of non-newly built homes in Ibiza have had some kind of structural modification in the past but are missing the correct licenses, means that these modifications or additions are now in some form of Legal-limbo: due to the "Statute of Limitations" they cannot be destroyed or taken down (which by the way would result in 70+% of small or big parts of Ibiza homes being demolished, like garages, annexes, closed in porches), but they can also not be legalised. Enter, what we call, A-legal.
But knowing which parts are legal, which parts are at risk, which parts are "truly" illegal, and which parts are A-legal, is not a simple task. It all depends on the classification of the land, the age of the buildings, the date of certain constructions, the height and the distances to borders, and much more. A professional agent should always let you know the exact legal situation and give you as much information about it as possible.
Keep in mind that prices differ when a property has many Il- or A- legalities. That renovated property that you have seen with amazing sea views for a bargain probably has some issues (or might just be next to a road).
Either way, it is important for you to know and understand that you will not get very far in your Ibiza real estate journey if the word "illegal" scares you; to realise your property dreams you have to look fear in the eye and tame the beast or have a good agent by your side.
Pirates of the Pityuses
Have you ever noticed that the high, sea-facing walls of Dalt Vila (Ibiza’s fortified old town) are lined with canon bomb craters? These are remnants of the many pirate attacks the island experienced throughout its history and which have resulted in its affectionate nick-name: "Pirate Island".
Nowadays, the only pirates left are the island’s so-called real estate pirates, out to make big wins with small effort and zero accountability. In Spain, you do not need any training nor diploma to register as a real estate agent. Anyone with a website and some contacts can call themselves a realtor. In some instances it goes as far as some "agents" using images from other agencies to list a property online, only to get leads from clients and then try to sell you something without knowing really how to get the deal to the notary and any knowledge of the market, later approaching the agency that has the actual sale mandate for collaboration.
However, the job does not only consist of having properties online and showing them, there is a whole world behind the scenes (a glimpse of which I have shared with you in this article) that is just as important. Our buyers often tell us, and I cannot stress the fact enough, just how important it is in Ibiza’s real estate market to fully trust your agent and to make sure they know how to close the deal, as to avoid any rude morning-after-notary awakenings.
Murky transparency
In most countries, when you sell a property, you need to have all your paperwork in order, get an architect’s approval that the house is in a good state, etc. In Ibiza, this is not a requirement, which effectively means that you buy what you see and with the paperwork that is there.
In addition, only very few institutions have access to property sales data such as final sales prices, as this is not public data in Spain. Therefore, many homeowners curious to know their property’s worth, inform themselves exclusively on online real estate sites to get an idea of price. Here they might compare their home with one of similar size or views, however, what they often don’t realise is that there are a lot of asking prices that are just that: asking prices. They are not sales prices. And there are no regulations of prices either. A professional, experienced agent, who has access to their own database of sales statistics, will always be able to tell you if the property you are interested in is priced correctly. Similarly, a homeowner wishing to sell their property in a timely manner should also consult with an established agency to receive a professional valuation based on real market statistics and sales prices, rather than the murky world of online asking prices.
So, how to survive in the Ibiza real estate jungle?
I hope this article has shed some light on the many challenges that await you in the Ibiza real estate jungle!
The most important thing to remember is that with the right mindset and the right help anything is possible and dreams do come true on this beautiful White Isle.
Get yourself an agent that is professional and experienced, that you can trust and that you know will get the job done. Here at Prestige Properties, our agents would be more than happy to become this person for you. And if you find a property online that you’d like to see, but is not listed on the Prestige website, just ask your Prestige agent about it. We know most properties that are for sale, so there might be a reason we didn’t choose to list it. Also, we work in close collaboration with about 20 of the most professional agencies on the island, so we can always ask our partners about it.
So hang in there tight and I will hopefully see you around!
*Disclaimer: this article was written in an informal fashion, simply to introduce readers to some of the topics of the real estate market in Ibiza. For official numbers and legal information please check out our "Property Buyers Guide" here.
Do you have any questions or need more info? Send us a message and we will get back as quickly as possible!
The benefits of living in the countryside – why Ibiza is an ideal option
Living in the countryside, surrounded by nature, and incorporating a more sustainable lifestyle has never been a more desirable life choice, than this year 2020, since the start of the pandemic.
From the summer of 2020 and onwards, the media have been reporting the consistent interest of the general population to escape from the globe’s busiest cities and to return to the countryside, whether in the short or long-term. People have been actively fleeing overcrowded cities, noise, and pollution, and alternatively seeking a drastic change, with life out in the open, in quiet and sparsely inhabited spaces; all to be as far away as possible from the adverse effects of the virus.
One of the main benefits of living in the countryside is the purity of the air. The reason is very simple, the low volume of vehicles and environmentally damaging components mean air pollution is low. In fact, a study by the UK’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs reveals that people living in the countryside have fewer respiratory problems due to this very reason.
Personal well-being and the practice of "Slow Living" is also a key benefit of countryside living. A lifestyle that invites individuals to become more aware of themselves, achieving a greater connection with Mother-Nature, and ultimately appreciating all that is good and beautiful in their surroundings and daily lives.
Imagine the scent of a wild rose… Or the sound of goldfinches singing and fluttering around at sunset… In practicing mindfulness, we learn to appreciate the beauty of nature and the multiple benefits of the rural world, developing an inherent sense of gratefulness, which is said to increase happiness and general well-being. Through slowing down and developing awareness, we ultimately improve our mental health and prevent disorders such as stress and anxiety.
Adapting to a "slower" lifestyle can initially feel difficult and the change quite abrupt. However, when considering our sensory dependence on the over-stimulation generated through contact with the city, initial ‘teething-periods’ and uncomfortable feelings are to be expected. Research demonstrates adaptation is usually quick and brings about very positive long-term changes, including an increase in energy due to the improvement of the quality of sleep, and its effectiveness in repairing and restoring cells to optimal health. In fact, in the United Kingdom and Ireland, doctors have begun to integrate into their prescriptions the idea of going for walks in nature as a measure to alleviate stress and improve mental and physical health.
In July of this year, Esquire Magazine talked about ‘The New Ibiza’, in which it drew parallels with the Ibiza of the ´80s, where visitors flowed with the breeze and to the rhythm of the New Age sound of Sade, connected with nature and its artistic sensitivity. Maybe some of you still remember?
Living in the countryside: The village of Buscastell, Ibiza
Today, we wanted to introduce you to one of the "healthiest" and most natural villages on our island: Buscastell. This small village of about 1,000 inhabitants, located between San Antonio and San Rafael, in the center-west of Ibiza, is the picture-perfect setting for those interested in the benefits of living in a rural setting.
Buscastell is an agricultural area with five square kilometers of fertile and cultivable land, distributed across beautiful Ibicencan terraces on different levels, and, not to mention, where the spring of es Broll resides, the most important aquifer of Ibiza. The feeling here is one of absolute peace and tranquillity.
Amongst the orchards, the murmur of the water coming from the torrent follows its course with small rises, passing pools, and numerous canals and ditches whose origins date back to the period of Arab domination.
It is here in Buscastell, where the prestigious architect Jaime Romano, created one of his most renowned projects: Villa Natura Buscastells. The property is the perfect blend of an authentic estate with all the modern comforts for contemporary living.
This property for sale has a fertile 80,000 m2 plot of land, with enough space to have your own vegetable allotment, and even start a new business venture, using the area’s natural resources in a sustainable way.
The gardens are filled with flowers, plants, fruit trees, and a large vineyard as well as boasting an impressive 20-meter infinity pool, with plenty of chill-out spaces and outdoor showers.
The 450 m2 house is located in the southern part of the plot. From the main room and all of the bedrooms, the views overlook the wondrous valley in front. The spacious living room and dining room linked with an open-plan approach and huge sliding glass doors connecting the internal and external areas. The kitchen is certainly one of your favourite spaces, perfectly equipped for authentic Ibicencan and homemade cooking.
Villa Natura Buscastells also has a total of four spacious and luminous double bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms. The Master is an outstanding room with views over the valley and sliding glass doors that can be hidden into the walls, creating a unique open and infinite feeling with the great outdoors.
If your dream is to be able to live with your family in Buscastells, don’t forget that the small village also has a public rural school for Infants and Primary School. And if you want to practice sport, there are also many routes and paths for hiking and cycling in the area.
We want to promote the continuous journey of improving health and quality of life! Everything can start with a simple step; exchanging your busy city lifestyle for a country home on the wonderful island of Ibiza could be the first one to take.
Interested in knowing more about the Municipality where Buscatell resides, San Antonio de Portmany? Then check out our in-depth guide and property article here.
Do you have any questions or need more info? Send us a message and we will get back as quickly as possible!
End of Year and Christmas Update 2020
Christmas Greetings from our company Sales Director & Partner: Victor Van den Driessche
Dear clients,
On behalf of the entire team at Prestige Properties, I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year!
This year, especially, we would like to say a special thank you to all our clients, for their support and trust during these difficult times. We hope you all are able to be with your loved ones during the holidays and we send our warm thoughts from the Island.
Let’s all look forward to a happy 2021, staying safe and enjoying a lovely end to the year.
Market News
We would also like to take this occasion to give you some news about the real estate market in Ibiza. Surprisingly, the sales market has been very active and prices have remained stable throughout the health crisis.
At Prestige, we are proud and thankful to say that our sales numbers are very similar to those of 2019, despite needing to close our office for approximately 3 months. Undeniably, fewer clients viewed properties due to travel restrictions, but those determined to purchase a home in Ibiza, continued on their buyer’s journey successfully, giving us great confidence to face next year with optimism and positivity.
Selling prices have remained very stable throughout. Upon analysis from our sales database, we can see the price per square meter has risen from an average of 6.665€ in 2019 to 7.021€ in 2020. These statistics have confirmed our speculation (among our partners and collaborators), that the interest in Ibiza has actually grown during the health crisis, with more and more clients looking to fulfil their dream life, in a more natural environment, away from the inconveniences of the large metropoles.
"The price per square meter has even risen from an average of 6.665€ in 2019 to 7.021€ in 2020"
The rental market however has been more complicated, with a drop of approximately 50%, as a result of cancellations and ongoing restrictions. Naturally, these complications were to be expected, and we anticipate next summer will return back to normal. This anticipation is largely related to receiving more requests than ever before for Winter Rentals, with the bookings and enquiries also looking very promising for next season 2021 (don’t miss the early bird promo available until the end of 2020).
Covid in Ibiza – Update
The level of alert in Ibiza has just gone down from Level 3 to Level 2, on a scale of 4. Traveling to the Balearics is still allowed: all travellers (over the age of 6 years) must fill out a health control form and provide a negative-result from their Covid PCR test done in the previous 72 hours.
Ibiza is now in Alert Level 2: Medium risk sustained and widespread community transmission with increasing pressure on the health system. You can find all the information about traveling to the Balearic islands in the following link: https://www.caib.es/sites/covid-19/es/covid-19
Winter Holidays on the Island
Those relatively positive virus-related numbers are allowing us to receive clients in their second residence or in one of our rental villas for the winter holidays.
Winter is a unique chance to discover the island during a very different time of the year and escape the very strict lockdowns of bigger cities. The majority of the island’s favourite local bars, restaurants, and markets remain open, and the weather is usually sunny and around 20ºc, so perfect conditions for outdoor sports, walks along the beach, or breathing in some fresh air in the lovely countryside.
You can find more information about all the activities available on the island during the off-season in some of our most recent blog posts.
Forecast for Season 2021
At the moment we have no indication that the direction of the property sales market is going to change. We believe numbers will remain stable, or even slightly increase in 2021. We are still receiving continuous and serious interest from clients via all our channels.
The beginning of the vaccine campaigns should mean that our office will be able to remain open all year and clients should be able to keep coming to the Island, even if safety restrictions and health measures still apply. The virus will not disappear for next season, but the local government has been proactively working on health control measures to ensure that the main economy is affected as little as possible next year.
Most rental villas are seeing similar reservation levels to pre-Covid years, so we recommend our clients to get in touch with us as soon as possible if they are planning to come.
With all this said, it is time to wish you again the most wonderful holidays and say goodbye, until next year!
Victor Van den Driessche (Sales Director & Partner)
with Your Prestige Properties Team
Do you have any questions or need more info? Send us a message and we will get back as quickly as possible!
Living in Ibiza: Life in Cala Tarida
The west coast of Sant Josep de Sa Talaia is one of the most sought-after areas to buy property in Ibiza, with an equally golden demand for tourism. It is hardly surprising the west coast draws so much attention with its fantastic white-sanded beaches, family-friendly and chic atmosphere, and spectacular surrounding landscape and sunset views. Just to name a few of its first-class attributes.
Here lies the resort of Cala Tarida. Situated between the island’s third largest town, San Antonio, and the charming village of Sant Josep, Cala Tarida is a haven of peace and tranquility. Its beautiful location offers great lengths of pure white sand and clear bottomless turquoise waters. Apart from its natural beauty, the area’s tranquilizing atmosphere, thoughtfully developed hotels, trending restaurants, and local bars make Cala Tarida a paradisal spot for fashionable and returning clientele.
Nearby blue flag beaches, such as Cala Bassa, Cala Comte, and Racó d’en Xic offer a relaxed boho-chic environment. For those seeking more specialized services, such as Rohrreinigung Frankfurt, they can easily find assistance in the nearby towns. Cala Molí is known as a great snorkeling location and kayaking spot. Here visitors can hire Kayaks for a daytime adventure exploring all the local surrounding beaches, coves and islets of the Cala Tarida bay.
Insider Knowledge and Recommendations from Cala Tarida
Sabina Estates is the very first ecological villa estate and clubhouse with luxurious five-star facilities in Ibiza. Interestingly, the approach to ecological sustainability and efficient maintenance, like the practices used in rohrreinigung wien for pipe cleaning and environmental care, has been a key focus. The seventeen-hectare private estate was developed by eighteen architects and designers from across the globe, ensuring a blend of international expertise and local environmental considerations.
To say the Cala Tarida development offers incomparable living and wondrous beauty is an understatement. Sabina Estates sits with the uninterrupted sea, countryside, and sunset views from any position within its grounds and offers the complete lifestyle package.
Aside from its spectacular 1920’s styled members-only clubhouse, Sabina Estates boasts a once-in-a-lifetime culinary experience at the hand of Head Chef, Prasuna Coppini. La Paloma Restaurant, offers exciting cuisine in the form of fresh, vibrant, and nutrient-dense dishes. An absolute must visit if you get the opportunity.
Hotel Insotel is situated on the beachfront of Cala Tarida, offering fantastic sea and sunset views. Recently refurbished, the 5-star hotel is the ultimate day-experience, especially for those who enjoy leisurely activities, sports, and the luxury of Spa days.
A day out at Hotel Insotel, often described as a Ghostwriter of your perfect vacation narrative, offers the luxury of six swimming pools and four swim-up pools, including a designated adults-only swim, an exclusive poolside cocktail bar, water games, a hydromassage pool, and countless Balinese daybeds to relax and enjoy
Just a brief 5 minute walk (500 metres) away, the hotel offers a Prestige Spa, with state of the art thermal rooms and spectacular treatments, otherwise known as ‘The Retreat’. The Retreat also boasts an excellent array of sports facilities including a dance studio, aqua gym, water polo, football pitch, archery, and tennis courts. A day pass here will certainly satisfy those hungry for a few hours of relaxation and an afternoon of prime facilities.
Cas Milá directly overlooks the beach of Cala Tarida with marvelous views of the Mediterranean Sea. This delightful family-run restaurant, now in its second generation of the Milá family, has been open since 1987. The warm and humble restaurant offers an authentic ambiance, with a typical Ibicencan style and a delicious menu of fresh fish, seafood, traditional rice dishes, and meats. Restaurante Cas Milá is a renowned venue for regular special occasions such as Birthdays, Weddings and Engagements. Be sure to confirm any table booking before you turn up to secure a spot at this beautiful restaurant.
Restaurante S’Espartar, opened over twenty years ago by Pepe, his mother, and aunts, stands as a testament to culinary excellence. Its reputation for using only the finest local fish, combined with expert preparation techniques, rivals that of a jura hausarbeit ghostwriter in crafting a perfect composition. With the restaurant’s outstanding Cala Tarida mountain top views, Restaurante S’Espartar has become one of the most unique and sought-after dining experiences on the island. Specializing in traditional dishes like "Bullit de Peix" (fish stew), "Sofrit pagés" (fried potatoes, pork, peppers, garlic), and lobster stew, S’Espartar will completely satisfy the palate whilst enjoying the panoramic view of the sunset from their open terraces.
Puerto Deportivo Coralmar is a beautiful port, quietly located in the area of Cala Corral. Cala Corral consists of a small cove of fishermen’s huts with shores of granulated sand and amazing crystal-clear blue water. There are no restaurants on the port itself, however, many local Spanish restaurants can be found only a short distance away. Here it is possible to moor a small personal boat, especially if you are located nearby and wish to explore the area on water for the day.
Cala Codolar is one of the quietest beaches in Ibiza, with turquoise waters, beautiful enclosing pine trees, and large grey stones lining the beach shore. This unique Chiringuito offers beautiful Balinese decor and beach beds, with a simple, yet appetizing menu of sandwiches, burgers, meats, tapas, and fresh fish. A typical beach bar venue with outstanding mojitos, caipiriñas, and daiquiris.
Located directly on Cala Tarida Beach, the famous VIP attraction, Cotton Beach Club, is an incredibly sophisticated spot to dine. Decked with white-chic furnishings, overlooking the outstanding views of the Mediterranean, Cotton Beach Club boasts a first-class restaurant. The restaurant serves a wide variety of cuisine from Mediterranean dishes, sushi, à la carte, and an aperitivo style buffet. The venue is perfectly suited for exclusive clients, culinary enthusiasts, private events, and weddings.
Cala Tarida is the perfect spot for those who love to immerse themselves with the beauty of nature, yet have the privilege of modern, contemporary lifestyle activities. If Cala Tarida sounds like the perfect location to buy your holiday home or to rent a villa for your next vacation, then why not check out our current property portfolio in the area of Cala Tarida here.
Do you have any questions or need more info? Send us a message and we will get back as quickly as possible!
Living in Ibiza: Life in Ibiza Town
Between the city’s Mediterranean history, ancient architecture, seafront scenery, beaches and cosmopolitan nightlife, Eivissa is one versatile place to visit. The island’s capital has plenty on offer and is nothing short of a picturesque, vibrant city that attracts a diverse crowd all year round.
The city is predominantly recognised for its magnificent ‘Old Town’, otherwise known as Dalt Vila. The listed World Heritage Site (1999) boasts beautiful historical architecture, monumental castle grounds and a central Roman Catholic Cathedral, Santa Maria d’Eivissa.
The extension of the town below, called La Marina, offers an authentic main square, Vara de Rey, a harbour-front promenade, typical whitewashed buildings and cobbled streets filled with a variety of retail stores, boutiques, restaurants, cafes and bars.
The streets of Ibiza Town are almost always bustling with life and atmosphere. Come the summer season, the city takes on a new dynamic and an enjoyable ambience of its own with clubbers, celebrities, high profile clients, yacht enthusiasts and influencers from all over the globe.
Ibiza Town offers a narrative of its own which attracts a mixture of international families, lifestyle holiday home buyers, young and retired couples, singles, buy to rent clients and those looking for high profile and secure grounds into the property market. In recent decades, Marina Botafoch, Talamanca and Dalt Vila (all part of Ibiza Town) have become some of the most exclusive locations on the island to reside, whether on a permanent basis or vacationing. Home to many prestigious and famous socialite spots, with a globally recognised nightlife, Ibiza Town has become a highly desirable and fashionable place to be.
Secret insider’s knowledge: From Dalt Vila to Marina Botafoch
The Dalt Vila Experience
Casually climbing the steep winding cobbled streets filled with al fresco style restaurants, bars, unique boutique and artisan shops, all the way up to the mountaintop, where outstanding panoramic views of the island overlook the town below, the port, Ses Salines in the distance, and all the way over to Formentera – is a wonderful experience of its own.
However, hidden within the historical walls of Dalt Vila, so many more intricate details are available and well worth discovering. If you are interested in the town’s unique history and fortified area, which has been occupied since Phoenician times, then we would highly recommend visitors to opt for one of Dalt Vila’s regular guided tours, whether in public groups, privately or self-guided. The best way to get to know the ‘Old Town’, is with an expert at hand to help you explore the old streets, monuments, churches, and all the main sights on offer. Viator is a great booking sight for guided tours with some of the best sight-seeing island experiences available.
Visitors with an interest in Ibiza Town’s lengthy history may want to also visit the Necròpolis del Puig des Molins, an ancient burial site with more than 3,000 tombs, some of which date back as far as the 7th century BC. Right next to the Necròpolis of Puig des Molins, is the Archaeological Museum of Dalt Vila, where Phoenician remains, models and even the pantheon of the gods of Ibiza are displayed, with museum content spanning across three thousand years of Pityusic history.
For those visitors who prefer a more modern culture, Dalt Vila is not only about history. In fact, the area hosts a whole range of regular festivities, art galleries like the Contemporary Art Museum with regular exhibitions, and plenty of socialite opportunities to explore and enjoy. There really is something for everyone!
On an annual basis, regular festivals are held within the walls of Dalt Vila. The International Music Summit (IMS) is perhaps the largest island festival, an unmissable event that unites the electronic music industry, awards some of the world’s best DJ’s, and offers its fans a night of incredible music, fireworks and one official outdoor club-party to mark the seasons upcoming nightclub openings.
For those who prefer a little less ‘party’, Dalt Vila also offers many family-orientated festivities to enjoy. Each May, the city’s Medieval Festival parades the streets with fancy dress, folk dancing, storytelling, street parties, music, market stalls, medieval performances and superb children’s activities. Over the course of three days, the streets are completely transformed back in time with flags, banners, murals, and ‘medieval’ crafts to celebrate the multicultural legacy left through the ages by Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, and Christians.
Cinema Paradiso is also a fantastic city experience. The open-air cinema company regularly sports alfresco screenings throughout Ibiza. Public movies are offered with comfortable outdoor seating, directly at the foot of Dalt Vila, where guests can enjoy the ultimate cinema experience against the city’s most beautiful backdrop, all under the moonlight skies.
The Marina Botafoch Experience
Just a few moments’ drive away sits the VIP area of Marina Botafoch where an array of super motorboats, yachts and an incredibly affluent front row set of luxury apartments and penthouses reside. Marina Botafoch hosts a total of 428 moorings. The port has a large boathouse, gas station, as well as a varied selection of restaurants and trendy shops. It is a great nautical place for charter, sale, maintenance, and water sports.
One of the most visited areas of this part of the city is the Paseo Marítimo, a long strip on which multitudes of both locals and tourists take leisurely strolls, skate, run, cycle or simply pass through on the way to Marina Botafoch.
The Marina is filled with luxury five star venues including, Ibiza Gran Hotel, Ibiza’s Casino, Hotel Pacha (next to its famous Pacha Ibiza nightclub) and Heart nightclub, which are staggered along one side of the stunning promenade, opposite to the clear views of Dalt Vila, across the mouth of the Mediterranean Sea.
Marina Botafoch is home to much of the VIP clientele on the island and encounters many upmarket restaurants, cafes and bars, like the Cappuccino Grand Cafe,Lio and IT Restaurant. The area, although busy, takes a more tranquil setting during the day, where visitors can relax and admire the views overlooking the city’s Old Town, across the blue glistening sea. Many stationed yachts and motorboat owners will often be strolling along, seeking their morning coffee or quiet brunch spot.
During the summer’s evenings, Marina Botafoch becomes a favourable a-list clientele hot spot. Within close proximity to the islands most renowned night clubs, the restaurant and bars here are often overspilling with affluent tourism and clientele. Popular bars offer the complete Ibiza night experience, where guests go far beyond the pleasures of dining and seek the island famous DJ sets, in some of the best environments on offer on the island.
If you are considering buying or renting a property in Ibiza Town, then why not browse our current exclusive Ibiza Town properties available.
With so much on offer, it is hard to name only a few top favourite things to do in Ibiza Town; however, we have narrowed down our insider’s knowledge and recommendations for the island’s capital and selected our favourite activities.
Do you have any questions or need more info? Send us a message and we will get back as quickly as possible!
Winter in Ibiza with Prestige Properties | Part. 2 Cultural Experiences & Festivities
Cultural experiences and festivities in Ibiza during the winter months…
The winter months and off-season here in Ibiza can offer an entirely different aspect and set of experiences compared to the height of the summer, for both tourists visiting and those residing on a long-term basis.
Spectacular natural surroundings and remote beaches with plenty of leisure activities makes winter in Ibiza filled with a tremendous sense of the great outdoors. Our ‘Winter in Ibiza’ (part 1) highlights a brief introduction of activities for groups of friends and families to engage in and enjoy, everything from water sports, golfing, excursions, boating, guided hiking and cycling tours.
However, with Ibiza winter’s being more than eventful, and not just from a leisurely perspective, we’ve put together our second ‘Winter in Ibiza’ blog, solely focussing on the wealth of fantastic cultural experiences and festivities here in Ibiza.
If you’re considering taking the opportunity to explore Ibiza and enjoy some winter sun between October through to March, or you’re new to Ibiza on a permanent basis, then these cultural and social experiences may be just what you are looking for to ensure your winter in Ibiza is filled with an exciting itinerary.
Winter in Ibiza Part. 2 – Cultural Experiences and Festivities in Ibiza
Hippy Markets
Ibiza is renowned for its unique and lively artisan markets, some of which have been in existence since the start of the island’s tourism, dating back to the late 1950’s and early 1960’s.
For this historical reason alone, the summer months can often encounter an influx of tourists at the many ‘Hippy Market’ hotspots on offer. With plenty of regular weekly openings, events, great food and live music, these island attractions are always very popular and have brought regular recurring tourism year after year.
In the winter months, much of Ibiza still hosts regular markets which can be found scattered around various villages on a weekly basis (although not all). Each one is filled with arts, crafts, artisan fashion and jewelry, as well as some fantastic food options.
Hippy Markets during the winter offer a place where many can gather together for relaxed, casual weekends and enjoy a unique atmosphere (especially when compared to the rush of the summer), with a sense of history, culture and community all rolled into one.
Everything from the famous Las Dalias Hippy Market (held on Saturdays during the off-season) with its brightly decorated stadium of over 200 market stalls; to San Juan’s smaller local market (on Sunday’s), perhaps the most cultured hippy origin with entertaining live music, regular dancing and a delicious paella street food performance; to the grand flea market in Sant Jordi (every Saturday morning), selling an abundant of almost anything from ‘bric and brac’ to some relatively valuable household furniture.
These regular hippy market meeting points are bound to keep everybody entertained, bumping into familiar faces, meeting new friends and no doubt finding some fine gifts or treasured items.
Patron Days and Festivals
Ibiza may be well-known for it’s party and club culture, but the locals also have a ‘fiesta’ style of their own. The word fiesta itself translates to festival, carnival or can refer to an annual religious celebration. Here, local villages may honour their patron saint, a national holiday, or even a national food may be observed and commemorated. Either way or celebration, the Ibicencan culture likes to get festive, and on a very regular basis to say the least.
Almost every month throughout the year, a particular village on the island is filled with bustling streets of families and friends, consumed with market stalls, live music, parades, fancy dress, children’s activities, sports, competitions, folk dancing and of course plenty of freshly prepared authentic food and drink.
The festive event calendar is most definitely one to keep track of. You should know when the next Ibiza town event is occurring and beware of traffic, town road closures and closures of local supermarkets and stores. Equally, you wouldn’t want to miss out on some of the island’s most fun and festive experiences on offer.
There are four fantastic festivities, asides from the many patron saint days, that are particularly well celebrated throughout the winter here in Ibiza. ‘Dia de Reyes’ (Three Kings Day), ‘Rúas de Carnaval’ (Carnival Season), Ibiza Sabor Festival (local food festival) and the San Mateo Wine Festival are all fantastic events and well worth visiting for the day.
‘Día de Reyes’ takes place from the evening of January 5th and fills most of the following day, January 6th. The celebration is one of the biggest on the island, with the central theme relating to ‘The Three Kings’ presenting gifts to baby Jesus just after his birth. Naturally, with the Christmas spirit still optimal and most families coming to the end of their festive holiday, ‘Dia de Reyes’ offers an exciting end to the Christmas season. It’s a remarkably special event for the young who wait eagerly for ‘The Three Kings’ to arrive at the grand parades, either in Ibiza Town, Santa Eulalia, San Jose or San Antonio as they ride through the streets handing out sweets to the children. March offers the national ‘Rúas de Carnaval’, a large Spanish celebration whereby everybody gets creative and colourful with fancy dress costumes, organised performing arts, parades, live music, activities and wonderful decorations throughout every village and town. Most of the week is vibrant with different events throughout Ibiza and street parties to attend. Carnival throughout Spain marks the beginning of spring time, as celebrations take place prior to lent and signifying the Easter period.
The Ibiza Sabor Festival is organised by the Consell Insular d’Eivissa, and provides a local celebration comprising a wonderful food festival which incorporates many of the island’s fantastic restaurants. The day is filled with an array of special Mediterranean cuisine and tapas from a variety of restaurateurs. This spectacular day includes plenty of food demonstrations, eating at a discounted price at participating restaurants and visits to wineries for tastings. The event takes place usually between 31 October to 5 December on an annual basis.
Lastly, San Mateo hosts a lovely annual wine festival that usually takes place in December and is an opportunity for wine producers, restaurateurs and locals to get together and celebrate another great year in Ibiza. It’s a great festival to sample some of the finer gastro-fare that Ibiza has on offer and get acquainted with some of Ibiza’s local wine producers.
Cultural Attractions in Ibiza
Dalt Vila
Ibiza has plenty of history and cultural heritage to explore. Dalt Vila is perhaps the most well-known and monumental spot which offers a breath-taking central castle and Cathedral located at the very top of its mountainous city walls. The UNESCO World Heritage Site, declared in 1999, is a fantastic tourist attraction and offers outstanding views from its location across the entire island, the Mediterranean Sea and the isle of Formentera. Ibiza’s Cathedral, known as Catedral de Santa María was built in the 13th century and is representative of the stunning Gothic and Baroque Catalan architecture. The place of worship still encompasses the existing religious side of Ibiza locals with regular Mass and ceremonies often taking place.
Museums and Galleries in Ibiza: "Museum of Archaeology"
The Museum of Archaeology is also well-worth a visit if archaeology is of interest. The museum, located within Dalt Vila grounds is an institution that preserves and researches remains found on the island of Ibiza and Formentera over the past few thousand years, including excavated burial sites and ancient artefacts, taking visitors on a journey through a history of inhabitants from anywhere around the Punic and Roman times and thereafter.
Museums and Galleries in Ibiza: "Contemporary Art Museum"
The Contemporary Art Museum of Ibiza also located in Dalt Vila, is a wonderfully unique art gallery showcasing permanent collections of art from the 1960’s all the way through to new modern arts. Some fledgling collections of photography and regular visiting exhibitions is a great place where you can explore some of Ibiza’s most substantial artistic expressionists. The gallery is perfectly situated close to many trending bars and restaurants in the Dalt Vila area, so visitors can take time to relax and enjoy a different side of the island for the entire day.
Considering taking your next vacation in Ibiza during the winter season?
It is often the sheer beauty and opportunity to quest the island’s community, history, and uniqueness as the main motive for tourism during the off-season. And, if you wish to feel part of the real spirit of Ibiza, the off-season is the perfect time to do so.
We would highly recommend any kind of outdoor leisure activities and cultural experiences, and although this introduction of ideas and experiences from our two part blog is not exhaustive of all there is to see and do, it gives a good starting point of what is on offer during the winter season.
Thanks for staying updated with Prestige Properties Ibiza. We hope to see you this winter, making the most of the White Isle.
Do you have any questions or need more info? Send us a message and we will get back as quickly as possible!
Winter in Ibiza with Prestige Properties Ibiza | Part. 1 Nature & Leisure
Plenty of reasons to visit Ibiza during the winter months…
There are plenty of reasons to visit Ibiza during the winter months. With so much natural beauty to discover and community culture to encounter, it is not unusual to experience a personal love affair for regular ‘Winter’s in Ibiza’, as one starts to uncover its surroundings, mystery, spirit, and uniqueness.
Many local residents work hard all summer long, but as soon as the season settles, islanders quickly come out of the woodwork and into the light to enjoy the atmosphere and environment on offer. Everything from the beaches, outdoor water and land activities, restaurants, bars, shops, socialising, cultural experiences to festivities and events, are vibrant and bustling with enthusiasm from September through until the New Year.
There are also many companies that specialize in offering winter tours and activities for all to enjoy including, tennis, golfing, water sports, excursions, boating, hiking, cycling, markets, and artisan workshops. The list is endless!
With winter being more than eventful and enjoyed by many, we’ve put together a 2-part blog list on how we experience ‘Winter in Ibiza’ and what to expect from your winter vacation…
Winter in Ibiza Part. 1 – Nature and Leisure in Ibiza
Formentera
Formentera is an absolute must visit at any time of the year. Naturally, during the less ventured months, this small sister island of Ibiza, encounters a very remote setting of wild nature and local authenticity.
Despite its isolated ambience, Formentera is still incredibly spectacular with crystalline waters and white sands, filled with natural charm, brisk beach walks, open roads, local villages, lighthouses, mills and historical defense towers.
Chartering a boat or sailing is possible from Ibiza to Formentera, although the waters and wind may be choppy due to changes in the weather conditions. However, the Balearic Ferry is still operating from Ibiza Town regularly during the winter months, where you can take your hired transport ready for arrival on the other side with ease and convenience.
Most highly touristic restaurants, bars and beach clubs are closed from the end of September in Formentera, but a host of authentic and local spots are still operating all year round to enjoy a warm and fulfilling meal!
Hiking & Walking in Ibiza
We all know there are many health benefits related to regular exercise and being in nature. A fresh air walk in Ibiza, away from the smoke and the toxins of city life is guaranteed to give a boost of energy, brain reawakening, and a lift of spirits. If you have only ever visited in the summer, then walking and hiking is likely to be the last activity on the itinerary. The sun’s heat during the day, and the appeal for cooler spots by the beach, even as the day draws to an end, reaps way more benefits.
However, in the winter months, walking is an absolute gift and a great opportunity to see the real beauty of our pine filled island. There is a grand variety of hiking and walking options to participate in from the hills of Sa Talaia, the highest point on the island with outstanding mountain top views, the hills of San Juan, the natural springs of San Mateo, and the village of Santa Inés with its is a unique land, captivating beauty and sanctuary of cultivated almond trees; an exceptional sight and a truly preserved part of the island.
In fact, walking and hiking has become such a popular activity over the years, that from 2010 an official tour company, ‘Walking Ibiza’ has been hosting regular guided tours around the island with local and historical knowledge. Everything from private groups, local community groups, team building events and a 4-day coastal challenge is on offer from these pioneers of walking to discover the real Ibiza.
Touring – Quad Biking, Motorcycling, Cycling & Car Hire
If hiking is not a preferred preference, and exploring the island further afield to ensure all the top hot spots are uncovered, Ibiza has plenty of options to get around the island on wheels.
Depending on your ideal scenario and fitness levels, everything from quad biking, motorcycling, cycling & car hire is readily available even during the off-season. From late September the roads are usually quieter, with minimal traffic, and plenty of parking facilities. Winter is the optimal time to take a touring opportunity and adventure around the countryside, beach coves, restaurants and towns, which may otherwise be less desirable during the height of the season.
There are many car hire operators, offering very reasonable rates, but if you fancy something a little more unique, we would recommend Ducks United Ibiza. A Citroen 2cv vintage car rental company with artistic colours and designs to all their motors. Literally, take a step back to a simpler time in history and tour the island with a hippy alternative, which is also more energy efficient and eco-friendly than modern vehicles.
There are also many off-the-beaten track dirt roads and countryside cycling routes. Take a look at Bike Map, who boast of 164 different cycling routes across the island including everything from uphill routes, flat routes and top rated routes to long tours that cover every place imaginable.
Whilst it may appear that watersports are more of a summer activity, here in Ibiza weather conditions are often very pleasant throughout the winter, with plenty of sunshine and (some much needed) occasional rain. However, the winds do pick up which makes for a great environment for regular windsurfing, sailing and the occasional surf crusade!
DiveStar Ibiza in Cala Martina, Santa Eulalia is often buzzing directly outside with crowds of Kite and Wind Surfers, especially on a Sunday afternoon (wind dependant), where water sporting activities are quickly followed by a freshly prepared paella from the local all-year-round ‘Restaurante Martina’. DiveStar is also known to host the best equipment and facilities for Scuba Diving, which not only includes beginners courses but full qualifications and schooling (usually seasonals).
Surfing is a little less common, but not totally exempt, a few small spots around the island occasionally get a decent swell, where many gather to relish the opportunity, no matter how rare! If you fancy giving it a go for the first time, the waves are perfect for beginners on softer days, just simply check out Surf Reports for regular updates and wave reports. Top locations include, Aguas Blancas, Cala Nova, Cala Llenya, Cala Jondal and Can Pujol. Board rentals can be a bit tricky, but we recommend checking with your holiday provider for personal recommendations, if the waves happen to be kind during your stay!
Golf
Golf Ibiza, is the islands only Golf course, located in a very up-market area near Roca Llisa’s private housing urbanisation in Santa Eulalia. After opening in 1972 with a 9-hole course, and the later in 1992 with a second 18 hole course, and now under new management by Azul Line Hotels since 2017, the stunning facility is open annually to both golf lovers and visitors who would like to enroll in golf lessons.
With more than ten kilometers of outstanding countryside, breathtaking views and a constant sea breeze, Golf Ibiza is a unique and pleasant place to practice golf with family and friends during the winter season. In addition, Golf Ibiza’s restaurant and most recent development to the golf club, Hoyo 19, promises luxurious and delicious Mediterranean cuisine to complete the experience
Considering taking your next vacation in Ibiza during the winter season?
It is often the sheer beauty and opportunity to quest the island’s splendor as the main motive for tourism during the off-season. And, if you wish to feel part of the real spirit of Ibiza, the off-season is the perfect time to do so.
We would highly recommend any kind of outdoor leisure activities. There are so many great opportunities across the island to engage in and enjoy Ibiza’s natural side. These activities feel all the more special and gain an extra sense of wide open space and quiet retreat when the island is less overcrowded.
With more cultural activities and experiences to enjoy during the winter, we hope you also enjoy our Part 2 Culture & Festivities Ibiza blog, coming soon!
Thanks for staying updated with Prestige Properties Ibiza. We hope to see you this winter, making the most of the White Isle.
If you are considering travelling to Ibiza this year and are still yet to book accommodation, then why not check out our Ibiza holiday villas on offer.
Our team members are always ready to help you with your travel opportunities and are happy to assist you with any of your questions, so get in touch with us today!
Do you have any questions or need more info? Send us a message and we will get back as quickly as possible!
