Holidays In Ibiza

Diving In Ibiza

2010-02-18T08:40:00.001Z

Whenever you visit a beach destination abroad you have more than just the actual beaches to look forward to. If you are excited about getting in the water as well to have a swim and perhaps do some snorkelling, you can go to the next level and try scuba diving too.

Ibiza is a perennially popular spot for doing this, because the conditions around the island are very good for going underwater. There are plenty of diving schools around and lots of opportunities to find new depths to explore during your stay. Don’t be too worried if you are a newbie either – this is one of the best islands to have your very first experience of scuba diving on.

Cala Llonga and San Antonio Bay are just two of the locations you can visit to try your hand at scuba diving in Ibiza. The south eastern edge of the island in particular has quite a few diving schools dotted along it, such as Playa d’en Bossa. Ibiza Port is another good location to visit since there is a cargo ferry here that sunk a few years ago. This is just one wreck around Ibiza that divers can visit to explore the world beneath the waves. And once you have tried it once you will definitely be hooked – like so many divers have been before you.

There are also a number of caves that divers can get to, so as you can see you will experience a whole different side of Ibiza if you decide to have a go at this particular sport. Most diving schools have various courses available for all kinds of people, so it doesn’t matter if you are visiting for the first time or you are highly experienced and just want to see what Ibiza is like beneath the waves.

Ibiza has a reputation for being a party island, but as you can see there is a very different side to it that is waiting to be discovered. And since it is under the water it is a side that not everyone is lucky enough to see.

Getting On Your Bike In Ibiza

2010-01-20T09:44:00.000Z

Ibiza brings to mind just two things for many people – sunbathing and partying. But the island has plenty more to offer than that. And if you want to see what else the island has in store, why not get on your bike to find out?

Mountain biking offers you a fantastic way to find out what Ibiza looks like away from the beaches and the clubs. Provided you go prepared you can enjoy a nice day pedalling round the island to see what you can find. And since there are plenty of guided tours available as well, you can expect to see the best of the island if you would prefer not to figure out a route yourself.

There are roads, trails, steep tracks and much more besides to take you into parts of Ibiza you won’t have seen before. Make sure you have a map with you regardless of whether you take an organised tour or not, and plenty of water is also a must. You might want to pack your camera as well, because there will be plenty of opportunities for sightseeing and taking some memorable pictures.

You can decide how challenging you want your ride to be as well. Some of the more sedate rides take place around the edges of the island, taking in the beaches and the various coves you will find dotted around the coastline. But if you fancy something a bit more challenging you can go further inland to where dusty trails and steeper climbs await you.

In fact if you fancy turning your Ibiza holiday into a more active holiday, why not try a different ride every day? You can start off with the easier ones and move up to something more advanced by the end of the week. And if you make it a morning ride you can still spend a few hours in the afternoon on the beach!

As you can see there is a lot to look forward to when you see the scenery of Ibiza from a completely new angle. Maybe it’s time to saddle up?

Don’t Just Head For The Clubs – Head For The Sights As Well

2009-11-24T09:27:00.000Z

Ibiza is a great place to go if you love clubbing. But that isn’t all it has to offer, so make sure you explore in more detail if you want to get the best out of the island.

One firm recommendation we would make – along with many other returning holidaymakers from Ibiza – is to go to the so called Hippy Markets. The name alone is intriguing but when you see them you’ll know why everyone heads for them.

The great thing is there is more than one, so no matter where you happen to be staying for your holiday you should find one nearby. But what should you expect?

The answer is lots of stalls for starters. These markets have plenty to offer and sell, so no matter what you want you are bound to find something of interest. The Punta Arabi hippy market is excellent for clothing of all kinds, including many handmade items. If you’re looking for something a bit different to take back home with you, this is the place to go.

Alternatively some of the other markets are more focused on food than anything else. This is good if you don’t fancy visiting a restaurant during the evening. Simply buy some items from the hippy market and have your own feast back at the apartment. What could be better?

You’ll find that the hippy markets all open on different days, usually one day each per week. This means you could visit a different one virtually every day if you wanted to. The hippies that started the whole thing may be hard to find now, but there is no doubt that the markets themselves are still going strong and are a real tourist destination on the island.

The market at Es Cana is a good bet too, since it is largely shaded and there are lots of stalls to check out. This is one of the biggest of the lot too, so if you only intend to visit one make sure it is this one. You won’t walk away empty handed!

New Club to Open in Ibiza!

2009-06-03T09:17:00.002Z

Monday 8th June – 14th September 2009

Eden, San Antonio, Ibiza.

12am – 6am

MainRoom

Progressive House, Tech house & Techno

Room2

€50 ticket, allows access to all areas of the club & FREE drinks all night

Upfront Electro, Fidget & Wonky house

DJ’s

Residents: Nathan Viva & Alex Ellenger

Guest DJ’s TBC

Pre Party every Monday at Viva Bar, San Antonio

Free entry

8pm – 2am

With Inside & Out Resident DJ's Nathan Viva & Alex Ellenger

Shaken or Stirred? _

We wouldn't change Ibiza for the world, but for those that know Ibiza will know it comes at a massive expense. Inside & Out has been created to provide the clubbing devotees with a night to revel in. Claiming most aspects of the house genre as it's musical territory, Eden welcomes Inside & Out becoming the first Superclub ever to run an all inclusive party, putting a modern twist on a vibe that is decades old.

Rocking the Ibiza crowd from the 8th June until the sad day that the season ends, this is Monday mashment in all its glory! The free party is open to all in the main room, but those that choose to go all out & buy a €50 ticket can access all areas; including the back room with the free bar that flows the entire night, drink what you want, when you want, how you want it! This is the newest & most ground-breaking idea to be brought to the beat loving Island in a long time.

They really do just want to party!

Inside & Out will be exposing your ears to the pioneering sounds that are keeping dancefloors moving throughout the UK and further afield, married with a Balearic twist. Out in the back room expect upfront electro, fidget and wonky house, whilst Inside the main room progressive & tech house, with a dash of Techno for good measure. Showcasing cutting edge music from the world's finest of spin wizards, Inside & Out strive to carry a music policy dripping with class & wrapped in cool.

Resident DJ's Nathan Viva & Alex Ellenger will be joined by a different high profile promoter & special guest DJ for a weekly freshening up, pulling in the UK's best promotions to co-host, in the form of parties like Whorehouse & Luna. Every week is finely tuned & tailored for a crowd with a grand love for music.

The 3000 capacity Eden arrived in 1999 with the ambition of giving San Antonio clubbing some teeth in the increasingly competitive summer seasons. Now a world famous Superclub & pinnacle brand on an international level, Inside & Out is due to become the first all inclusive party on a scale this big, it will have the Eden dancefloor shaking off the Richter scale.

Wanting to turn your mind Inside Out, but not your pockets, they are ready to lead the way in a more than innovative manor on the Ibiza club scene. Undoubtedly a party that should be scheduled in everybody's diary & born exclusively to provide the islands frequent followers & virgins alike with a place where they can live the Ibiza moments & craft the memories that make a mark in the hearts of all of those that follow the White Isle beats.

Hoxton Whores with Whorehouse

Confirmed for 6th July, 3rd August, 7th September

Paramount musicians from our rain sodden shores, The Hoxton Whores, make an Idyllic return to the white isle. Having surrendered to the house beats long ago, and feeding the musical habit with more of their timeless productions every year, including their ode to the white isle itself: 'Lost in Ibiza', they add more through the co-hosting sessions at Eden with Inside & Out with their idee fixe, Whorehouse. Born two years ago to THAT Club (formerly The House & Terrace), The Whorehouse spirit floods London on a bi monthly stint at the new and darkly glamorous, Ghost. The Stafford Brothers voted as Australia's 2009 number one DJs leave one sun soaked land to reach another, along with Bora Bora resident Alex Miles & Whorehouse residents Fnuk, they bring to this party better than expertly an international sound level.

Phil Drummond and Paul Jackson with Luna

Confirmed for 13th July, 10th August, 14th Sept: CLOSING PARTY

Phil Drummond and Paul Jackson another duo that have embellished the international charts, append to the sound waves resonating through the Balearic air this summer with Luna, famed for its high quality of music and big name DJ's. Created in 2008, Phil Drummond and Paul Jackson have been running the Luna parties in the most cutting edge Manchester and London clubs with guests such as Gregor Tresher, Mutiny, Serge Santiago & Darren Emerson, producing parties with pure electronic magic. Joining in the Inside & Out expedition it adds the final layer to musicianship that is sure to bring heavenly mental demolition.

15th June: OPENING PARTY
Inside - Me and Mandy with Tommy Mac, Si Gern, Tom Unity, Williams & Du Bois, Alex Ellenger, Nathan Viva
Out - Oliver Lang Presents Viva Ibiza: Oliver Lang, Nathan Viva, Jimbo Jangles

22nd June:
Inside - Lost Disco Project with Alex Style, BJ Brown, Kinky Spandex, Alex Ellenger, Nathan Viva
Out - Summit with Andy Farley Andy Farley (2hrs classics), Sam 11-11, Kevsey D B2B Arron James, Taz El

29th June:
Inside - We Are London with This Is Stereo, Dirty Mutha Funkers, Sleazy G, Tomasuchy, Andre Detoxx, Alex Ellenger, Nathan Viva
Out - Love Zoo with Houseperverts, Nathan Hadley, Electroslut, Liam Wade, Damian Wells, Nathan Viva

6th July:
Inside - Whorehouse with Hoxton Whores, Stafford Brothers (aus), Alex Miles (bora bora), Fnuk & DJ Akipa, Alex Ellenger, Nathan Viva
Out - Gorgeous feat The Ninja Cowboys

13th July:
Inside - Luna with Phil Drummond and Paul Jackson, Sonny Wharton, Mutiny, Alex Ellenger, Nathan Viva
Out - Strung Out with Dynamat, LCDC, Ryan Pennell, Nathan Viva

20th July:
Inside - Love Zoo with Houseperverts, Nathan Hadley, Electroslut, Liam Wade, Phil West, Alex Ellenger, Nathan Viva, Dan Timcke
Out - Oliver Lang Presents Viva Ibiza: Oliver Lang, Nathan Viva, Joe Murphy, S.A.M

27th July:
Inside - Mimo with Chris MiMo, MisMatch Djs, Alex Ellenger, Nathan Viva
Out - Album Launch with J.B (retox) & guests

3rd August:
Inside - Whorehouse with Hoxton Whores, Stafford Brothers, Alex Miles, and Fnuk, Alex Ellenger, Nathan Viva
Out - Reel House Records in association with Escape present CN Williams, Nathan Viva & Guests

10th August:
Inside - Luna with Phil Drummond and Paul Jackson, guests feat. Sick! on the Dancefloor, Alex Ellenger, Nathan Viva
Out - Audio Damage Records Presents: Kid Massive & The Ethan Project, Chris Evans (My Playhouse)

17th August:
Inside - Beach Palace in association with Delicious Bookings presents : We Are Delicious with Mettylectro, Rosie Romero ( Sankeys - Manchester ), Alex Ellenger, Nathan Viva
Out - Viva Ibiza Presents: Nathan Viva, S.A.M

24th August:
Inside - Heavyweight House and Guests
Out - TBC

31st August:
Inside - Love Zoo with Houseperverts, Nathan Hadley, Electroslut, Liam Wade, Damian Wells, Alex Ellenger, Nathan Viva
Out - PoshVGlam with David Lee & Jason Feist, Nathan Viva

7th Sept:
Inside - Whorehouse with Hoxton Whores, Stafford Brothers (aus) and Fnuk, Alex Ellenger, Nathan Viva
Out - Muzika with Fran Cosgrave, Gary Byfield, Jamie Green, DJ Andy B

14th Sept: CLOSING PARTY
Inside - Luna with Phil Drummond and Paul Jackson, Alex Ellenger, Nathan Viva
Out - Oliver Lang Presents Gorgeous

For more information click here

New apartments launched in Ibiza Town

2009-03-19T09:41:00.001Z

Chesterton International has launched a new selection of apartments to be constructed in Ibiza Town, Spain, by developer Taylor Woodrow de Espana.

Located just over a mile from the heart of Ibiza Old Town, the Spain property development will feature 23 three-bedroom, two-bathroom apartments.

The apartments will be built in a pair of three-storied blocks with a central pool area. All properties will have a terrace and come with one underground parking space. Further parking is available. Prices start from £321,00 and range to £374,000.

Financing is available with Spanish-based La Caixa bank, with mortgages of up to 70% LTV available.

Andrew Hawkins of Chesterton International, comments: "Ibiza has long been a popular spot for holidaymakers, especially in peak season, but there is a limited supply of good quality apartments in Ibiza Town."

"Rental property in the centre of the city is very sought after, especially in July and August when the island buzzes with visitors."

"For the rest of the year, Ibiza is a great base of those looking to escape the cold elsewhere and enjoy as the average daily temperature from November to April rarely drops below 15 degrees Celsius."

For more information click here

Resort in top 10 package hotspots

2009-02-26T11:21:00.004Z

Altinkum is one of the best package holiday destinations for British families, a new survey claims.

The resort sneaked into seventh place in a list of package holidaymakers' favourites based on atmosphere, cost of food and drink, things to do, restaurants and nightlife and an overall rating.

Benidorm, the traditional favourite of the bucket and spade generation, was hailed as Britain's top package holiday spot having cleaned up its lager lout and chips-with-everything image.

Benidorm was followed by Puerto San Miguel on Ibiza's north coast and Marmaris in third place. Also in the roll of honour were Playa Blanca in Lanzarote, Puerto Rico in Gran Canaria, the Greek island Paphos, Tingaki in Kos, Icmeler, and Puerto Pollensa in Majorca.

The results show how well some resorts have done in ditching their image of shoddy hotel rooms and all day English breakfasts to attract gushing praise for quality and service instead.

There was no room in the top 10 for anywhere from Tenerife, the Algarve or the Costa del Sol.

Thomson said the review system painted a much better picture of a resort than their brochures might because it included small but important details as well as a warts-and-all description.

A spokesman said: "You've read the brochure but what's it really like? These honest holiday reviews are from past travelers and give the low-down on the food, the location and pretty much the whole shebang."

Top 10 Resorts

1. Benidorm, Costa Blanca
2. Puerto San Miguel, Ibiza
3. Marmaris, Turkey
4. Playa Blanca, Lanzarote
5. Puerto Rico, Gran Canaria
6. Icmeler, Turkey
7. Altinkum, Turkey
8. Paphos, Greece
9. Puerto Pollensa, Majorca
10. Tingaki, Kos, Greece

For more information click here

Ibiza – more than just a clubbing resort

2009-01-19T09:41:00.000Z

Ibiza's reputation precedes it. Many assume it to be merely a clubbing mecca, bursting with stag weekends, cheap drinks and drunken revelers. Whilst all of these can certainly be found, the White Isle also has a good deal more on offer...

While the round-the-clock razzle remains a massive draw, Ibiza Town has plenty more to offer, including a charming old quarter, elegant restaurants, a rich history and beautiful natural coves and countryside.

The towns themselves, of which the main ones are Ibiza Town, San Antonio and Santa Eularia, are where the majority of the hotels and nightclubs are based. But, for those who don't want to do the night shift, you can explore the cobbled streets of the historic Dalt Vila, Ibiza's Old Town, which was built as a defensive fortification between the eighth and fourteenth centuries.

You could almost forget that you are a stones throw away from the crowds of tourists swarming around San Antonio's West End - the hardcore clubbing mecca. More than four million visitors head there every summer chasing the nightlife, which doesn't come cheap but it will certainly be memorable.

Depending on your mood, choose from enormous cattle market clubs such as Privilege to the more intimate and trendy Pacha and the super trendy Space.

One Ibiza attraction that will appeal to everyone is the vast array of beaches. With so many on offer, you can choose between a party beach - Salines and Platja d'en Bossa - or a family beach with great sand - Cala Llonga and Cala Tarida - or a secluded sunbathe at Cala Conta.

Not all of Ibiza is dedicated to wild nightlife. In fact, most of the northern half of the island is made up of unspoilt forest which proves very popular with cyclists and walkers. The coastline of northeastern Ibiza consists of countless small coves and some of the island's most charming beaches. Two great bases from which to discover the north are the laid back family resorts of Portinatx and Puerto San Miguel which provide easy access to lovely inland villages set amongst the wooded landscape as well as fabulous little beaches far away from the tourist masses.

For more information click here

Tourism booming in Balearic Islands

2008-12-01T14:01:00.000Z

The Balearic Islands is the second most popular holiday destination in the whole of Spain, according to statistics for 2008 so far, with Catalonia coming first, the Institution of International Tourism in Spain has announced.

The Balearics saw a staggering 7.5 million tourist arrivals between January and September of this year alone.

LoveSpainHolidays.com, the online holiday company specialising in the Balearics, has borne witness to the popularity of these islands for many years, but they have seen an even greater increase in bookings in 2008.

Founder of LoveSpainHolidays.com, Rafael Ocana, explains: "The Balearic Islands have been a tourist hotspot for decades now, with each island offering a different Balearic experience, from the excitement and hedonism of the Ibiza clubs, to the tranquility and beauty of the beaches of Formentera. It comes as no surprise that the islands came second only to Catalonia for tourism, given that Catalonia's capital is Barcelona.

Love Spain Holidays' bookings for holidays in the Balearics increased significantly at the end of 2007 and the first half of 2008, with people already booking up their 2009 holidays. Whether this is because the smaller islands are becoming more well known and the word is spreading about the beauty of the Balearics, or because the credit crunch is causing people to holiday closer to home is unclear. What is without doubt is that the Balearic Islands are firmly at the top of people's favourite holiday destination lists."

The FRONTUR report states that tourism in Spain has increased by 3% compared to last year, with 41.5 million visitors arriving in between January and September alone. Nearly two million of these tourists chose the Balearic Islands as their holiday destination in August alone, according to the report. There are many reasons why these islands are a perennial favourite among holiday-makers. They boast year-round sunshine, stunning scenery that ranges from white sandy beaches to mountainous peaks, a rich and inspiring cultural heritage and amenities that cater for every type of tourist, from the night-owls and sun worshippers to the art-lovers and bohemians.

Love Spain Holidays is an online one-stop shop for everything to do with the Balearic Islands. You can research into the history and culture of each island, find out what's on throughout the year, book flights to Ibiza, hotels in Mallorca and villas or apartments in Menorca. Whatever you need to know about all of the islands and whatever kind of holiday you would like to plan, you'll find everything you need at LoveSpainHolidays.com. And for those who have fallen in love with the islands and dream of moving there, you can even browse through property and businesses for sale in the Balearics.

For more information click here

Vegas is the new Ibiza

2008-11-03T12:22:00.003Z

World-renowned DJ, Paul Oakenfold, discusses his life in music and long-awaited residency in the entertainment capital of the world.

What is the appeal to setting up residency in a club in Las Vegas?

Well for me I think Vegas is the future. I think Vegas is the new Ibiza. I love it; that it's a 24-hour city. It is what New York should be, but isn't. I think it's the future, not just domestically, but internationally. So I had a few offers of various residencies and I felt the Palms was right, because it's youth-oriented and that's what it's all about for me. I think what we're doing is bringing something different to Vegas - certainly in terms of music, because all the clubs tend to play top 40 and we're focussing on underground music, so it's a big difference.

What can guests expect from Perfecto at Rain Nightclub that is different from other club environments in Las Vegas (knowing that Vegas draws a large mash-up and hip-hop crowd)?

That's exactly what the difference is - it's usually mash-up, hip-hop crowds. We're playing international, a lot of European music. We're bringing the flavour of Ibiza to here. We've got a produced show. We've got visuals. It's a production. We know what we're doing on the hour, every hour. It's not just a DJ turning up and playing music. You'll see a flying opera singer. You're gonna see some things. We've been working with some of the trapeze artists so they know when to come on. There will probably be a few things we have to iron out, but it's really important for the locals to support it. I really want to emphasise that the locals are an important part of it and I want them to feel proud of it. I'm travelling the world promoting the Palms and Las Vegas now and when I'm on CNN, MTV, I'm talking about, 'listen you should come to Vegas.' I've suddenly become this spokesman for Vegas ... I was in London doing a show and found myself saying, "Come to Vegas".

How does the Las Vegas club-goer differ from those in other cities?

One of the differences is that a lot of people in this city work in this environment - from bars, to restaurants to casinos to whatever. So I would hope that if they did get Saturday night off that they would look at this as their place, where all their friends come and they hear serious new music so their educated but entertained, and not hearing the same old thing that I tend to find when I come here. I hear the same old music all the time.

Do you plan to have special guest DJs during your residency?

Yes, very much so. We're in talks with a few guest DJs. In talks with David Guetta, Pete Tong, Tiesto, people like this, so when I'm not around, these guys will fill in. We've got a DJ called Sandra Collins, who in my opinion is the best skilled DJ out there. She's great at what she does. So we wanna support her, and we also support the locals, so if there is any good local DJ, they would be the opener. Also, because Vegas is sexy, we want to bring a celebrity element. So maybe one week have a celebrity 'kinda DJing.' So we wanna mix it up, but first and foremost is the new music, and everyone kinda realizes they can come here and express themselves in those terms. Whether you're a dancer, whether you're a DJ, whatever you are - the idea is not to hear top 40 and not to hear the music you hear everywhere else.

You set up residency in Ibiza years ago. How does this differ now, 15+ years later in terms of what audiences expect?

This is the new Ibiza. I've gone on record saying this a few times, even being in Ibiza last month. What I like about Vegas is that it's 24 hours but what I also like - in Ibiza, no music during the day. Here there is. Also, in Ibiza, the clubs close at 6 o'clock. Here, you can go after hours and do what you want. I like the idea that you could come here, relax, hang out by the pool, go back to your room when the sun sets, take a shower, get dressed, go for dinner, maybe hit a bar, and then come to a night club at 1am in the morning. I like that idea, it's very European, actually, especially in what they do in the summer, lounge by the pool or the beaches. You haven't got the beaches, but ... who knows?

What was it like performing at the Great Wall of China?

Rainy. Really strange. It took us a year to put together, in terms of the show. We had to get permission from the government. We went there when SARS had just hit. It was a really big deal and we were a bit worried. So that was a bit difficult. We were following CNN, when things were escalating out of control in terms of this epidemic and virus, so we got in touch with the World Health Organization, and they said, 'Listen, half of what they are saying on TV is not factually correct. You'll be fine. Go.' And we went. And then I did BBC World and MTV when we came back and explained that it's not as bad as it was made out to be. But what was amazing was when we got there and did the show, halfway through the night, we're on the wall with all these wires, and these clubbers come in from all over the world, and it starts to pour down rain. I'm on a wall, and rain is coming down and in China, rain means good luck. We're trying to find umbrellas, and the Chinese are dancing in the rain. So we had this really weird situation.

How do you spend your time in Las Vegas when you aren't working?

I've got friends here. Go to their places for dinner and to hang out. I don't necessarily go to other bars unless my friends wanna go. What I've been doing is going to their houses in the suburbs and eating locally and trying to get a feel for what Vegas is all about rather than just being on the Strip. I saw Ka last time I was here. I think it's great; wonderful. I think in terms of production, any of the Cirque du Soleil shows are great. I think I will see shows here because we're always looking for things to improve, and as you can see we have a lot of trapeze artists; we've got guys on stilts. We're always looking to improve what we've got, so by going to some of those shows you might see ideas and think, 'you know, I could take that and for the first time ever put into a nightclub.' We want you to feel as if when you come into this place, it's called Planet Perfecto. You've come to a completely different planet and a completely different experience. That's the approach of it, it's like a show. That's why you could only really do it in Vegas.

Tell us a bit about technology and how it affects your skills. Are you still a traditionalist and mix on vinyl, or do you mix digitally?

I think the majority of DJs have moved on from vinyl. Still, to me, there's nothing better than vinyl in terms of the sound and the feeling of when you play music. But we're now into CD and into laptops. I'm trying not to go into laptops and various different new technologies because I think from a crowd's point of view, you look up at the DJ and it looks like he's checking his emails. And a lot of it is done with new software, so you literally could do a set without mixing. So I still want to kind of keep to CDs. It's a step up from vinyl, but you've still got a lot of movement on the mechanical side of what you do, in terms of mixing, arranging and structure.

Can an audience hear the difference between the two?

No, the audience can't, but DJs can - because vinyl is a much warmer sound. You can hear the fidelity when you scratch. CDs are mainly digital and it's a lot cleaner and brighter.

You graduated from Culinary school? Any tips on cooking?

If you are gonna roast a meat - which could be pork, turkey, lamb, chicken, beef - always turn it upside down. If you slow-roast it, the juices seep into the breast, and that's the juiciest part. What a lot of people do is cook it by the way the chicken looks, so all of the juice goes into the tray. Flip it so the juices go into the breast. ... There are so many great restaurants [in Vegas].

For more information click here

Ibiza Tourist Stats - Better than Expected

2008-10-17T13:07:00.001Z

The Institute of Tourist Strategy (Inestur) produces masses of statistics every month for Ibiza and the other Balearic Islands. With the world economy in dire straights, credit crunches, increasing interest rates and the falling stock markets and Pound Sterling, these statistics have become more important than ever.

Merchants of Doom predicted a very bad year for Ibiza, for all the above reasons plus the new laws on the island designed to curb daytime clubbing and illegal drug use. Well surprise, surprise, the number of tourists visiting Ibiza up to the end of August has declined by only around 2% against the previous year.

Last year 1.76 million people arrived by air and sea, and this year it's 1.73 million in the same period - and remember, 2007 was one of the best years Ibiza has had for a long, long time. It seems that people are determined to take their holidays whatever the economic situation!

However it isn't all good news. People aren't spending so much of their hard earned cash whilst they're here. Shops and all but the top restaurants say their takings are well down on last year whilst local supermarkets are doing really well as visitors ecomomise by purchasing food and drinks in them.

It just shows that even in a recession there are winners and losers!

For more information click here

New flights to Ibiza scheduled for 2009

2008-10-14T14:51:00.005Z

Jet2 is to introduce a new service to Ibiza as part of its summer 2009 schedule.

Cheap flights from Manchester Airport to the Spanish island of Ibiza will depart daily from May 9th 2009.

There will also be an additional Friday evening service departing at 20:05 BST that will be added between June and September.

Jet2's Philip Meeson said: "Ibiza is such a diverse holiday destination and has proved to be popular with so many people - from families and couples to groups of friends, stag do's and hen parties.

"This is why we have significantly increased our service from Manchester, making it easier and more convenient for people to get there for a family break or a weekend of partying."

This announcement follows the addition of two new routes at the airport to Toulouse and Amsterdam that have been added to the summer 2009 schedule of bmibaby.

The cheap flights carrier will launch its services to France and Holland from March 29th.

For more information click here

Ibiza Information

2007-06-19T09:01:00.004Z

Ibiza, one of the Balearic Islands of Spain, is where young Europeans come to cut loose. Offering an appealing mix of pulsating nightlife and sunny Mediterranean beaches, tourists come for the discos, the diversity, the beaches and mountains.

Start your evening at a sidewalk cafe and then stop by a few of the bars on your way to discotecas like Pacha. The fun doesn't stop there; pick from a plethora of after-hours clubs. The only way to end a night like this is a long nap in your hotel followed by nothing more strenuous than sunbathing on the beach.

For a change of pace, rent a car and explore the island's hidden offerings: pine tree forests, orange and lemon plantations, pueblos of white houses (casas blancas), and beautiful views of the sea and mountains. History buffs should head to the Dalt Vila, or the old part of Ibiza City, to view the Roman ruins, Ibiza Castle, and the city walls, which are classified as a National Monument.

Ibiza Airport's New Buses

2007-05-14T14:58:00.001Z

11 May 2007

The opening of San Antonio's new super modern bus station was the venue chosen by the authorities to announce a couple of new bus routes for Ibiza. At long last the airport will have direct links to Ibiza's main tourist resorts of San Antonio (via San Jose) and Es Cana via Santa Eulalia.

The new services will commence on June 15th and will operate until September on a trial basis. Each route will have seven buses per day though as yet we have no timetable or prices for the service.

It seems unbelievable that an island which relies on tourism as its main source of income has taken so long to provide public transport to where the tourists want to stay. We have a sneaking feeling that taxi drivers at the airport who hitherto have had a captive audience of stranded travellers will be lying in front of the new buses to prevent them moving - just as they did when the all night 'Discobus' was introduced some years ago.

As we mentioned earlier, San Antonio's new bus station is now officially open for business. That should please the Mayor, whose office looks down on the old bus station by the ferry port. No more diesel engines revving and belching fumes all day for him!

For more information visit ibiza-spotlight.com

EasyJet Announces New Routes - Belfast, Bristol and Glasgow to Ibiza

2007-01-12T09:23:00.003Z

easyJet, Europe's leading low-fares airline, has announced it would be adding the beautiful and vibrant island of Ibiza to its choice of destinations from Belfast, Bristol and Glasgow for summer 2007. The weekly flights, with fares from £31.99 one way (£53.98 return including tax), will operate throughout the peak summer months.

David Osborne, UK General Manager for easyJet, said: "To kick off easyJet's expansion plans for 2007, we are delighted to be announcing three new routes from Belfast, Bristol and Glasgow to Ibiza bringing even more low-fares to these regions. Ibiza has already proved a popular summer destination from many of our other UK bases and now even more holiday-makers seeking fun in the sun or a relaxing break on the famous White Isle can do so easily from their local airport".

Ibiza is the most diverse of the Balearic Islands in both its landscape and the type of person who chooses to visit it. Whether you're looking for a fun-filled week of partying in the world-famous resort of San Antonio or want to sample the more historic and laid back Ibiza town, one thing is for sure - the island doesn't fail to impress. The White Isle, as it is known, is legendary for its sandy beaches, of which it boasts over 70, some tucked away in little coves. Its gentle rural landscape, dotted with olive and almond trees and grape vines, simple whitewashed houses, and fortified churches, has a timeless quality.

easyJet is also increasing capacity from Belfast to the popular sun destinations of Palma, Faro, Alicante, Malaga and Nice for summer 2007

Es Cana

2006-11-21T14:17:00.000Z

Es Cana is a relatively small town on the east coast of Ibiza. The nearest large town is Santa Eularia, which is just south of Es Cana, but Sant Carles is only a few kilometres away to the north.

The town is pleasant and still retains some of its rustic charm, with small fishing boats in the marina and a rugged coastline stretching out into the north. The beach has been awarded Blue Flag status, and is wide, sandy, and shaded by pines. What attracts many visitors is the fact that Es Cana is still relatively peaceful and ideal for families.

Es Cana is in an ideal location for exploring some of Ibiza's most unique beaches. To the north there is Cala Nova, where the seas can be turbulent and good for watersports, and which tends to be uncrowded. The small, sandy cove of Cala Llenya is just a little way further on from Cala Nova, and is well worth a visit.

To the south, things start to get a little more crowded, whether on the beaches of Santa Eularia itself, or the almost completely English resort of Cala Llonga that lies just beyond. Essentially, visiting Es Cana is a great excuse to discover the overlooked and very beautiful north-east of Ibiza - and hiring a car is definitely recommended.

Figueretas

2006-11-06T13:39:00.000Z

This small suburb, with an international mixture of tourists and locals has a selection of cafes, bars and restaurants throughout the area, catering for all tastes. In the main section of the promenade from early evening until late, appear artists, caricaturists and artisans with little market stalls offering all sorts of trinkets & handmade items - something for everybody.

Along the left side, at the end of Ramon Muntaner (the road running parallel to the promenade) there is a car park where you can stop and take in the panoramic view, or enjoy an ice-cream, refreshment or snack in one of the little cafe bars or restaurants along the prom.

Figueretas has a well made central beach, divided into smaller parts and sits in front of apartment blocks and hotels, and is bordered by a long, palm-fringed promenade. Because it is so near to Ibiza Town and Playa d'en Bossa (both a 5 minute drive or 20 minute walk away), Figueretas is a much loved holiday destination for people of all ages.

Hippy Market

2006-10-24T11:00:00.000Z

Every Wednesday during the summer, Es Cana hosts a now famous hippy market. Here you will find hundreds of stalls, some selling genuine local artifacts and ornaments, others selling more tacky t-shirts and tourist trinkets.

But whatever is your 'thing', it is a very pleasant morning wandering around the myriad of stalls on offer, watching local craftsman making ornaments. It can get very busy during the peak summer and it feels like tourists descend from all over the island to the market (most resorts run buses on a Wednesday to Es Cana).

There are very few markets like this on the island (if any), so have a visit if you are staying in Ibiza.

Sunset Strip

2006-10-10T10:01:00.005Z

San Antonio is well known for its sunsets and the best area to view is known as the 'sunset strip' but locally known as Calo d'es Moro. Just a ten minute walk from the town centre, the many cafes and bars in this area, not to mention the hotels and apartments prove extremely popular with holidaymakers.

Possibly the most famous of these bars is Cafe del Mar, built in 1980 by Catalan architect Lluis Geell. This is an amazing way to experience the sunsets at their best whilst sipping a cocktail or two and listening to the ambient music. This has become more well known since the annual releases of the Cafe del Mar chillout albums which were first released in 1994.

The Largest Club in the World!

2006-10-10T10:01:00.002Z

Privilege Nightclub is listed officially as the biggest club in the world. Starting life as a community swimming pool back in the early 70's, it was bought in 1978 and began its new life as the Ku club.

After years of complaints from local residents, a roof was built on as the music was said to be heard all over the island and its laser shows from mainland Spain! Now known as privilege, the ceiling is 25 metres high and large windows afford fantastic views across the island. Due to its sheer size, the theme can change every night. Privilege is located just 7 kilometres from San Antonio and party buses run frequently taking clubbers there and back.

Opening at midnight, it is best to try and get there before 2am to avoid the queues and don't forget to pre book your tickets! The party season runs from early June to the end of September - have fun!

Accommodation in San Antonio

2006-10-10T10:00:00.003Z

There are numerous hotels and apartments ready to cater for the many tourists that flock to San Antonio each year. From budget style accommodation near the West End (San Antonio's liveliest area) to quieter properties on the outskirts of the resort, it offers something for everyone, from the party people to the sun worshippers.

Beware though, if lively (and lively it is!) is not your thing, don't visit in July and August when the resort is filled with youngsters after the clubs and bars, dancing and drinking. A great time to visit if you want something a little more laid back is May, September or October as the clubs aren't open and so doesn't appeal as much to the 18-30 crowd.

Put simply, if you are expecting a tranquil environment for a relaxing holiday, this can be found in the quieter months but this is not a town for those looking for peace and quiet.

The Egg

2006-10-10T09:57:00.003Z

The Egg is the best known landmark in San Antonio, located in the centre of the main roundabout at the entrance to the town.

The Egg is a statue erected in the early 1990s to commemorate the local claim of having been the birth place of Christopher Columbus (there is a similar claim that Hannibal was born in the region). The statue is in the shape of an egg, containing at its centre a model of his ship; the Santa Maria.

The choice of an egg comes from a story about Columbus, who when seeking funding for his Western route to the Indies and being told it was impossible allegedly asked if standing an egg upright was impossible and when told that it was he cracked the base of the egg, thus making it possible for it to stand upright and was granted funding.

Bristol International Offers You the Ultimate Summer Ibiza Experience

2006-10-10T09:57:00.001Z

2nd August 2001

For all those avid clubbers, sangria and sun lovers out there, this summer Bristol International is providing a portal to the world's greatest party island of Ibiza. Holidaymakers can now take advantage of direct scheduled flights to Ibiza from low cost airline, Go.

Across the globe, nations are planning for one of the biggest music events this year, as MTV holds its annual festival in Ibiza on the 29 August. The host for this year's party is Roger Sanchez with top dance act Faithless headlining the festival. Radio 1 is also set to lead the way with some of their biggest beach beats this weekend, as they 'pump up the power' in some of Ibiza's best clubs. So if you're planning a last minute get-away, now is the time!

Mike Luddy, Commercial Director at Bristol International said, 'The clubbing holiday season is now underway and we're anticipating a surge in numbers flying with Go to Ibiza. Overall we are experiencing an incredibly busy summer season as more people than ever are choosing to fly from Bristol International.'

Throughout the summer Bristol International gives the people of the South West an opportunity to taste the unforgettable Island of Ibiza, experiencing world renowned clubs such as Cafe Del Mar, Pacha and Manumission. To complete the ultimate holiday package the white island also offers stunning beaches to provide clubbers with the perfect back drop and chill out zones.

Passeig de ses Fonts

2006-10-10T09:56:00.000Z

Part of Sant Antoni's harbourside promenade, Passeig de ses Fonts is an area which was developed in the early 1990s to improve the appearance of the town. There are many plants, including palm trees and rubber plants, as well as massive fountains, which are illuminated by night. Across the square are a host of restaurants and cafes offering a view over Sant Antoni Bay. It is also the best place from which to watch the massive Fireworks Display which celebrates the fiesta of Saint Bartholomew on the 24th August.

San Antonio

2006-10-10T09:55:00.002Z

Sant Antoni de Portmany is the second-largest town and municipality in Ibiza; an island long considered by clubbers to be the clubbing capital of the world. It is situated on Sant Antonio Bay on the west coast of the island, part of the Spanish autonomous community of the Balearic Islands.

For two thousand years, Sant Antonio was a small fishing village but it began to grow in the late 1950s when many hotels and tourist resorts were built as part of a mass tourism initiative which took place across Spain.

By the 1980s, San Antonio had acquired the stigma of being the holiday location of choice for British football hooligans, which lead to a decline in tourism in the area. However, it regained its popularity in the mid 1990s when Ibiza regained it's reputation - particularly in Britain - as having the best night clubs and DJs in the world.

Young British clubbers make up the vast majority of visitors to the area, mostly attracted by programmes such as the Ibiza Uncovered series on Sky TV as well as the laid-back Ibiza lifestyle. Ibiza is home to some of the biggest nightclubs in the world including Pacha, Privilege, Space, Amnesia and Eden and Es Paradis - which are both situated in San Antonio.

The World's Party Capital

2006-10-10T09:54:00.002Z

If it's nightlife you're after, you've come to the right place. Why? San Antonio takes the best clubs and DJs in the world; adds a cosmopolitan mix of clubbers and holiday makers bent on having it large; and then throw in some stars, celebrities and models for good measure; and what do you get? You get the summer party capital of the world.