50 Reasons why Ibiza is STILL the Best Place in the World!

To celebrate my 50th blog here’s 50 REASONS WHY IBIZA IS STILL THE BEST PLACE IN THE WORLD. Don’t believe everything you read in the press but do experience it for yourself. Remember though that it’s a game of 2 halves – quiet winters followed by busy summers so choose your dates wisely and find the Ibiza that is right for you.

Special thanks to everyone who contributed to this list via social media – all photos my own.

1. LIBERAL ATTITUDE – turning a blind eye is a way of life
2. THE PEOPLE – the weird & wonderful are welcomed and accepted with ‘open arms’
3. RELAX – you can always find your special place even in the height of summer
4. AGELESS – sexegenarians dancing at super clubs is standard
5. SUNSET – one of the worlds best (I’m yet to see better)  
6. DJ’s – the island is their Mecca, from the wannabe’s to the world famous
7. FASHION – achingly trendy people of all ages everywhere
8. LOCAL DISHES – paella/sofrit pagès/arroz de matanza/bullit de peix to name just a few – local food lovingly created then lovingly scoffed
9. SANGRIA DE CAVA – with fresh fruit on a hot day mmmmm
10. BENIRRAS DRUMS – experience the true hippy flavour, getting into the rhythm is compulsory
11. ES VEDRA – a truly magical place, feel the magnetism as it draws you in
    
12. ATLANTIS  – this mythical place actually exists
13. NUDISM – walking round naked without a care in the world on one of the islands many nudist beaches
14. TAPAS – a couple of euros will buy you tasty delights that will put a smile on your face not a hole in your pocket
15. MARKETS – Las Dalias, Sant Jordi, Punta Arabi, Cala Mastella, Forada – dig deep for hidden gems
16. VILLAGE SHOPS – usually run by the older generation whose local knowledge knows no bounds
17. CHURCHES – breathtaking historical buildings that light up at night
18. IBIZA WINTER RESIDENTS – the only Facebook page to follow (Read my IWR Blog)
19. MUSIC – It’s a way of life from live vocals to EDM to folkloric flutes, it’s everywhere!
20. THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH – Ibiza keeps you young, fact! (ask Wayne Lineker)
21. HIERBAS IBICENCAS – the local liqueur that’s good for the heart but not the head
22. AUGUST FIREWORKS – San Ciriac in Ibiza Town then San Bartolome in San Antonio, incredible displays watched by thousands
23. LOCAL FIESTAS – every town and village has one and the whole population comes out to eat, drink and party
24. AMAZING VISTAS – the island is still mainly untouched when you get out of the 3 largest towns
25. BEACHES – white sand, blue sea – stay away from peak season and have one all to yourself
    
26. CRYSTAL CLEAR WATERS – better than the Caribbean?
27. FORMENTERA – the jewel of the Med is only 25 mins away by fast ferry
28. SPRITUALITY – more yoga retreats than California, feel the aura….
29. SEMANA SANTA – Easter celebrations see the island shut down for 4 days and hooded take over the old town
30. SUNSHINE – an average of 300 days per year speaks for itself
31. LOCATION – barely 2 hours from most European capitals – quicker to get to the white isle than a few junctions around the M25
32. CLUBS – the worlds largest, best and outlandish, all on a small island, equals a Clubbers Paradise
33. ANIMAL PASSION – cats and dogs are more cared for than humans (see point 18)
34. CAN RICH – local winery on the outskirts of San Antonio
35. FLAO AND ENSAIMADAS – local bakeries making tasty treats
36. MENU DEL DIA – a delicious 3 course meal with a bottle of wine for less than €10 (who said Ibiza was expensive?)
37. WINTER CYCLING – fun races such as the ‘Porquet’ or amazing trails leading to incredible views
38. SPORTS – football, cricket, rugby, polo, basketball and much more, sport heaven 
39. GETTING AROUND – less than 30 mins to anywhere on the island, except August of course
40. FEBRUARY CARNIVAL – while the English eat pancakes Ibiza comes alive with floats, fancy dress and dancing
41. HIPPY SPIRIT – they came in the 60s and never left, passing on their spirit to future generations  
42. D’ALT VILA – Ibiza’s stunning old town and world heritage site with it’s fantastic cathedral at the top 
43. ALMOND BLOSSOM – take a romantic walk through the groves in February
44. FOLKLORIC DANCING – history and culture combined with high kicks and athleticism to penny whistles and drums  
45. WINTER – no VIP just the real Ibiza
46. MATANZA – the traditional slaughtering of the pig to keep your winter shelves stocked, a necessity back in poorer days and still a tradition today
47. VINO PAYES – potent homemade wine that’s very warming come January (sometimes better with lemonade though)
    
48. BOATING HEAVEN – from superyachts to llauts to pedalos
49. GIRLS AND BOYS – quite simply the best looking people in the world
50. IBIZA LOVE! – so much love for 1 small island from so many people