200 REASONS TO LOVE IBIZA

Life in IBIZA is never dull: at times amazing, at other times truly exasperating. They say that life is a journey so to celebrate my 200th BLOG and 26 years living and working on the island here are 200 REASONS that make Ibiza unique and one of the most talked about and special places in the world. Excuse the over indulgence and in no specific order:

1. Getting giddy on a full bottle of HIERBAS left on the table
2. Walking through the ALMOND BLOSSOM  in Santa Ines in January
3. Forcing down FLAO at the end of a typical meal
4. Eating BUÑOLES after the flao even though you’re full
5. Drinking FRIGOLA for medicinal purposes only
6. Seeing those humongous SUPER YACHTS in August
7. Spotting famous international footballers at CALA BASSA beach
8. Marvelling at SAN AGUSTIN CHURCH
9. Spotting elegant FLAMINGOES at Las Salinas SALT FLATS
10. Haggling at ES CANA HIPPY MARKET (and getting nowhere)
11. Drinking anything alcoholic in a local bar with OLD PAYESES
12. Snorkelling at ATLANTIS
13. Listening to sunset tunes at CAFE DEL MAR
14. Walking down CALLE DE LA VIRGEN in the height of summer
15. Drinking a fruity GnT at CAFE MAMBO/MINT LOUNGE
16. Jumping off the rocks at CALA SALADA
17. Eating tortilla at CAN COSMI, Santa Ines
18. Walking up to ES BROLL waterfall
19. Burning your mouth on a delicious plate of ARROZ DE MATANZA
20. Driving on EMPTY ROADS in January
21. Being stuffed after eating a large plate SOFRIT PAGES
22. Swimming at ES VEDRA
23. Scratching your head at the latest POLITICAL nonsense
24. Listening to drums at BENIRRAS and feeling good to be alive
25. Wandering down the restaurant street in SANTA EUALIA
26. Whizzing down the Foam at AGUAMAR
27. Drinking champagne at OCEAN BEACH
28. Enjoying a boozy night out with friends in the WEST END
29. Seeing a TRANSVESTITE in Ibiza Town for the 1st time
30. Meeting OLD FRIENDS and realising that you’re still the same (just a few more wrinkles)
31. Watching a SEPTUAGENARIAN dancing at a super club
32. Drinking rum and coke in the sunshine on SPACE TERRACE
33. Ignoring a FAMOUS DJ at the airport
34. Walking along the sand and looking at the ‘sights’ ES CAVALLET BEACH
35. Ignoring a BEACH SELLER who just woke you up.
36. Watching the sun set over CONILLERA
37. Drinking a mojito on the boat served by MOJITOMAN
38. Eating a juicy steak at CAN PILOT, San Rafael
39. Taking friends to SA CAPELLA for the first time
40. Trying not to be excessive in the SUMMER and failing miserably
41. Taking GO-PRO photos purely to p**s off your mates
42. Wandering around looking at the BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE
43. Checking-in to a beach club on FACEBOOK when it’s raining back ‘home’
44. Waving goodbye to PRINCE ABDUL AZZIZ
45. Sipping overpriced drinks at BLUE MARLIN and loving every second of it
46. Playing for IBIZA CRICKET CLUB in the October sunshine
47. Having 1 more when you you’ve got the SCHOOL RUN in 4 hours
48. Being amazed at how amazing ES PARADIS is
49. Sitting on a bench and people watching in VARA DE REY, Ibiza Town
50. Dancing in PACHA VIP and seeing an A-lister on the next table
51. Buying a pair of sh*t sunglasses from a LOOKY LOOKY and instantly regretting it
52. Eating TRADITIONAL FOOD in a neighbours garage on a wet winter Sunday
53. Having a stand up row with a TAXI driver
54. Drinking shots with Julian at 3am in SOUL CITY
55. Walking on the white sand at CALA CONTA beach
56. Eating Nasi Goreng with a hangover at RITA’S CANTINA
57. Going to BENIMUSSA PARK (home of the Zoo Project), Ibiza’s most original venue
58. Eating tapas served with a scowl at RINCON DE PEPE
59. Smelling fresh oven bakes at CROISSANT SHOW
60. Drinking VINO PAYES in the winter and waking up with a very thick head
61. Watching the DANCING FOUNTAINS in San Antonio
62. Driving to PORTINATX, revelling in its beauty then not going back for 10 years
63. Having tapas at BAR COSTA in the square at SANTA GERTRUDIS
64. Watching IBIZA RUGBY CLUB at Can Misses and wincing at the tackles
65. Cycling to CAN TIXEDO in BUSCATELL for a healthy vegan lunch
66. Walking the dog from LAS SALINAS to the watch tower at the most southerly part of the island.
67. Taking the fast ferry to FORMENTERA in the spring/autumn
68. Abusing Andy’s famous hospitality at PLASTIK
69. Drinking and eating with the FRIDAY LADS in winter and only spending 10 euros
70. Putting the BOAT back in the water in May
71. Buying a drink at a SUPER CLUB and saying “sorry, how much did you say?”
72. Struggling to pay the bills in FEBRUARY then having a walk in the sunshine and realising it’s all worth it
73. Watching SAN ANTONIO UNDER 10’s and realising that England will never win another world cup
74. Having 40 minutes of pure exhilaration on TWISTER/JET360
75. Listening to your children SPEAK FLUENT SPANISH to their friends
76. Having LONG WINTER LUNCHES that go on for hours
77. Walking round the ghost town that is PLAYA D’EN BOSSA in winter
78. Going to USHUAIA for the 1st time, world class
79. Making excuses to go to Ibiza Rocks because you’re a secret CRAIG DAVID fan
80. Flying on the first international RYANAIR flight of the summer
81. Flying on last international RYANAIR flight of the summer
82. Walking the dog from CALA CONTA to the watch tower and not seeing another soul
83. Picking up friends at the AIRPORT and having to drive round the block 3 times
84. Bumping into the ‘old’ THOMSON AIRPORT GIRLS, and catching up with the gossip
85. Cycling from LA SAVINA to San Francisco in the Spring
86. Reading IBIZA WINTER RESIDENTS on Facebook, Ibiza is full of the weird and wonderful
87. Getting irate when your VISITING FRIENDS eat you out of house and home
88. Eating lobster paella washed down with cava sangria at CALA BASSA BEACH CLUB
89. Watching LIVE MUSIC in a local bar drinking a €1.20 caña
90. Going to LIO every 2 years then showing everyone the bill
91. Eating a FISH GRILL on wooden chairs listening to waves at CAN PUJOL
92. Meeting friends for weekend bruch at the MONTESOL
93. Browsing the XMAS MARKET in Vara de Rey, Ibiza Town
94. Being able to PARK your car in the winter
95. Getting that first SUNBURN of the year because you’re out of practice
96. Attempting to SPEAK IBICENCO after a few too many
97. Lamenting the GOATS every time you pass Es Vedra
98. Enjoying a peaceful lunch in the square at SAN FRANCISCO, Formentera
99. Walking to PUNTA GALERA with the dog so you can both have a swim
100. Spotting magnificent DOLPHINS in Ibiza waters
101. Enjoying CARNIVAL time when the whole island comes out to play
102. Taking your kids on the MINI TRAIN
103. Snorkelling and looking for octopus at CALA GRACIONETA
104. Drinking CAFE CALETA whilst gazing at Es Vedra at ES BOLDADO
105. Playing GOLF in the twilight at ROCA LLISA
106. Going out for a QUICK DRINK and getting back at 7am
107. Putting your FEET UP with a GnT at sunset
108. Dressing up for the best HALLOWEEN parties in the world knowing it’s a bank holiday in the morning
109. Eating a delicious 3 course MENU DEL DIA for less than a tenner
110. Perusing the flea market behind the church in SAN FRANCISCO, Formentera
111. Walking up to the cathedral at D’ALT VILA on a sunny winters day
112. Having Sunday lunch at PIKES then it all going wrong
113. Loving the 1st of SEPTEMBER
114. Watching the CHRISTMAS TREE lights being switched on
115. Eating GRAPES on the chimes on New Years Eve
116. Walking from Cafe Sydney to the lighthouse at MARINA BOTAFOCH
117. Picking the bones out of a delicious BULLIT DE PEIX at Cala Mastella
118. Savouring a glass of LOCAL VINO and a slice of bread and SOBRASADA for 2 euros
119. Cycling with a thousand others in the PORQUET charity ride in March
120. Enjoying 14 BANK HOLIDAYS every year
121. Being SURPRISED/AMAZED/INFURIATED with the island on a daily basis
122. Passing the WALK OF SHAMERS in San Antonio on the school run
123. Watching English movies at CINE REGIO, San Antonio
124. Having a cool dip in the crystal clear MEDITERRANEAN SEA
125. Trying to stay awake to see the SUNRISE at BORA BORA
126. WATERSKIING on a flat sea on a fresh December morning
127. Taking a long SIESTA, it’s tradition after all
128. Touring the CAN RICH vineyard on the outskirts of San Antonio
129. Going bananas on the BANANA, Cala Bassa
130. Drinking Bloody Mary’s at COTTON CLUB, Cala Tarida
131. Being invited to a ‘DRINK ON THE HOUSE’ after a good meal (see point 1)
132. Indulging in a spa day at ATZARO or HACIENDA NA XAMENA
133. Buying a fresh T-bone steak directly from CARNES MARCH in San Lorenzo
134. Risking your life on the GO-KARTS
135. Savouring a scrumptious Sunday lunch at RELISH
136. Trying to remember those lost nights at the MANUMISSION MOTEL
137. Trying to remember those lost days at the CLOCKWORK ORANGE villa
138. Watching JASON BYE play the classics at MAMBO
139. Dancing to 80’s music at CHILDREN OF THE 80’S at the HARD ROCK HOTEL
140. Having a kids party on the BEACH in winter
141. Eating spicy food at CASA THAI San Antonio
142. Getting drenched in the GOTA FRIA rainstorms in September/October
143. Picking up sweets at the KINGS DAY procession in Ibiza town
144. Buying TRADITIONAL TILES from the family run outlets on the Santa Eulalia road
145. Listening to DOGS barking at all hours in the campo
146. Watching Jim make an incredible GnT at PARADISE LOST BAR in D’alt Vila
147. Begging your FRIENDS to come over in the winter…then they come in August
148. Eating too many of Cati’s tasty tapas at BAR VEDRANE
149. Seeing those gigantic BILLBOARDS with the worlds best clubs and DJ’s
150. Watching BARÇA v REAL MADRID in a local bar
151. Having a long lunch at TROPICANA on CALA JONDAL beach
152. Spraining your neck on the BUMPER CARS after plenty of mojitos
153. Finding out that 2 of your good ibicenco friends are actually SIBLINGS
154. Having a selfie with WAYNE LINEKER – the self proclaimed king of selfies
155. Going to a GYPSY WEDDING and having your shirt ripped off
156. Knowing lots of people who have won the LOTTERY
157. Being frustrated that the island closes down for 5 days over EASTER
158. Immersing yourself in LAS DALIAS Market in SAN CARLOS
159. Berating MALLORCA at every given opportunity
160. Watching the hooded religious gathering on GOOD FRIDAY at D’alt Vila
161. Looking for a 2nd hand bargain at The HIPPODROME at SANT JORDI
162. Losing your temper in AUGUST on an hourly basis
163. Pausing at the 1972 air crash monument whilst climbing SA TALAIA
164. Listening to Ibiza SONICA on your car radio
165. Being referred to as a GUIRI by the locals
166. Spotting Z-LISTERS hustling for drinks at a beach club
167. Friends NOT telling you the details about their NEW BUSINESS because it’s all ‘hush-hush’
168. Eating your own body weight in meat at CA’S PAGÈS San Carlos
169. Doing the Conga around BESO BEACH after a long boozy lunch
170. Being full of optimism in APRIL
171. Being totally knackered in OCTOBER
172. Eating delicious HOMEMADE ICE CREAM on a warm summers night
173. Stumbling across some of the most beautiful CHURCHES in the world
174. Having a picnic at ES PORTIXOL, probably the most secluded bay in Ibiza
175. Fishing for ‘RAONES’ on 1 September
176. The kids going back to school in September after 80 DAYS off for summer
177. Reading the TABLOIDS ‘reporting’ on Ibiza knowing that most of it is rubbish
178. Sitting next to the statue of ISIDORO MACABICH in the old town, peaceful
179. Queueing up with all your PAPERWORK knowing that you’ve forgotten something
180. Eating the freshest fish at the FISH SHACK in Talamanca
181. Walking from SIESTA, over the bridge and into SANTA EULALIA
182. Watching a chukka at Ibiza Polo Club in SAN LORENZO
183. Dancing under the stars at PRIVILEGE, the biggest club in the world
184. Singing KARAOKE with Sunny in a bathtub full of balls at Pikes
185. Listening to some of the best rock bands in the world at IBIZA ROCKS
186. Eating delicious food in the garden at ‘TAPAS’ in San Antonio
187. Remembering all the GOOD FRIENDS from the island that you’ve lost along the way
188. Having a drink poolside at ES VIVE whilst getting nostalgic with Jason
189. Listening to all different languages in IBIZA TOWN, a truly international destination
190. Dropping anchor in the clearest water your will ever see at ES PALMADOR
191. Throwing bread to the DUCKS on the river in Santa Eulalia
192. Having an expensive lunch at JUAN Y ANDREA and remembering when it used to be a shack on the beach
193. Chatting about San Antonio with the owner JAVIER ANADON Mambo  whilst the worlds best DJ’s play in the background
194. Browsing round the unique shops in IBIZA TOWN
195. Eating a delicious PIZZA at Davids, Mint or Es Verge
196. Dressing up for San Antonio’s massive FLOWER POWER PARTY in January, the town’s biggest party of the year
197. Discovering the Caves at PORT SAN MIGUEL
198. Waiting for hours to get your car inspected at the ITV garage
199. Witnessing first hand the ISLAND constantly evolve and change
200. Constantly talking about ‘BACK IN THE DAY‘ with a knowing smile on your face

With special thanks to everyone mentioned in the list and many more who weren’t. Please let me know your special reasons or if you think I have missed anything.

#VIVAIBIZA #200REASONS

Author: Martin Makepeace

Englishman living and working in Ibiza since 1991. Entrepreneur with a passion for villas, boats, sunsets and San Antonio. Read my blogs, listen to my podcasts and catch me on Radio One Mallorca every Tuesday morning. View all posts by Martin Makepeace