Month: January 2026

San Antonio Bets Big on a New Kind of Tourism

Marcos Serra at FITUR

San Antonio’s dynamic young mayor Marcos Serra showed up at FITUR 2026  – Madrid’s annual international tourism trade fair – with a clear message: it’s time to update the narrative for San Antonio. Less of the ‘party capital’ clichés – Ibiza’s 2nd largest town wants to be a year-round destination built on gastronomy, culture and sport.

To make the point, Serra rolled out a press offensive aimed at travel, food and tourism media. The pitch? San Antonio as a place where you can eat well, train hard and of course, catch the sunset with a soft or hard drink. 

The sports front is already pulling weight. Major events like the Ruta de la Sal sailing race, the Ibiza Trail Marathon and the Vuelta Ibiza MTB cycle challenge draw athletes and fans outside the classic summer window – a direct push against seasonality.

Culture is getting its moment too. The much hyped Okuda San Miguel’s splashy mural on the West End’s main thoroughfare has garnered plenty of headlines and become a neighbourhood catalyst, drawing foot traffic, new restaurants and fresh retail. Next up is the exciting new pedestrian-friendly Vara de Rey boulevard which will link the sunset strip with the urban core of the town.

A massive move by the council to strategically link the town and let’s not forget the recent purchase of the iconic Torres Cinema that promises to add more historical significance to the destination with a firm nod to its colourful past. 

Winter programming was on the agenda too in Madrid – from the much coveted Christmas market to the now-iconic World Rice Contest of the ‘Arroz de Matanzas’ both helping to keep the island warm even when temperatures drop. Meanwhile upgraded hotels and a broader mix of tourist markets are pushing forward at pace the whole strategy.

Serra’s bottom line? Collaboration between the public and private sector is the engine that lifts infrastructure, raises standards and brings in a more diverse and sustainable kind of tourism.

We’ve heard it all before but now it’s being backed up by clear actions. There really is a new chapter loading for San Antonio.

Parador de Ibiza – Only Took 17 Years, No Big Deal

Break out the cava! Ibiza is about to have its very own fully functioning Parador – which if you didn’t know is a government owned hotel of historical and cultural value. Yes, after 17 years (basically 5 World Cups, a global recession, a pandemic, and enough municipal meetings to age several governments) the Parador de Ibiza is finally ready to open. Honestly, I’m just happy it’s here in my lifetime.

But I digress – it’s beautiful. It really is.

66 rooms of which 41 are for guests and the rest are for staff – thanks to the Ibiza housing crisis and which feels like the only sane way to solve the problem. There’s a wellness area, outdoor pool, terraces, solarium, and all the cultural trimmings you need to justify 17 years of work. They even built a courtyard with a canopy and a mini auditorium, presumably for events, presentations, and future complaints about pigeons (but I shall come to that later).

Most importantly it sits atop Ibiza’s iconic old town in the most photogenic pocket of D’alt Vila, next to the beautiful cathedral with sea views and just waiting for that thoughtful cultural Instagram pose.

At FITUR in Madrid this week, officials explained the delay of recovering Punic walls, Roman ruins, medieval arches, underground parking, and heritage restorations that made this a really complex project and all joking aside it probably was but it also feels like the construction version of ‘my dog ate my homework’ except the dog is UNESCO.

There’s also a “museumisation” phase (yes that really is a word) still underway (because why finish everything before opening?), but they promise it’ll be done by the end of the year. I believe them… kind of…in the same way you believe airlines when they say your delayed flight will depart ‘soon’.

In the most Ibiza twist imaginable, the Parador now needs a falconer to scare away pigeons. Yes, a literal falconer, as in trained birds of prey patrolling the bastions of D’alt Vila like it’s a medieval Netflix series. They’ll also be trapping invasive snakes and wild cats, because apparently nature didn’t get the memo that tourism is king of the island and just in case you were were wondering the salary for the falconer is €30,000 a year, because of course it is.

Wheels turn slowly in these parts and it’s been a long process (understatement of the year) but everybody’s proud and rightfully so. Ibiza’s Mayor, Rafa Triguero, called the opening a “historic milestone,” which it is – mostly because it survived 17 years of bureaucratic, logistical, and archaeological purgatory to exist at all.

Ibiza also finally joins the Paradores club, becoming number 99 in the national portfolio, the first in the Balearics and another big step towards ‘deseasonalisation’ (another long word) which has been the island’s version of ‘New Year’s resolutions’ for decades.

Am I excited? Yes. It’s gorgeous, cultural, heritage-rich, job-creating and genuinely good for the island. Am I annoyed? Hell yes because it’s been well over a decade of seeing that bloody great big crane which is thankfully no longer there.

But hey it’s here and it’s happening. Reservations start next week and guests arrive late February (hopefully). Better late than never, though if they decide to renovate anything else in D’alt Vila may I humbly suggest we start now for a 2043 grand opening.

INFO: www.paradores.es/en

9 Reasons to Book Ibiza 2026

It’s prime booking season for spring and summer holidays so let me jump on the bandwagon and give you 9 reasons (amongst many) why Ibiza should be there or thereabouts when deciding on a cheeky weekend getaway or a full blown summer splurge.

Cala Escomdida

1. Crystal-Clear Waters
Come for the nightlife, leave in awe of the nature! Ibiza is home to stunning Mediterranean beaches and hidden coves with turquoise water. Its beaches are the jewels on the crown, from Ses Salines to Cala Conta, so many beaches ideal for swimming, sunbathing, snorkelling or simply relaxing with a drink by the sea.
My fave: Cala Escondida at Cala Conta

World Class Clubbing

2. Legendary Party Scene
Ibiza is pure hedonism if that’s what you want. The White Isle delivers legendary club experiences with some of the biggest names in electronic music and iconic superclubs like UNVS, Pacha, Hï, Amnesia, Ushuaïa, Chinois and many more. Throw in world-class beach clubs and boat parties, these are the moments that define a summer party holiday.
My fave: Early evening drinks at O Beach watching the madness unfold

Ibiza’s Iconic Sunset

3. Incredible Music Events & DJs
When arriving in Ibiza the billboards will draw your attention showing off Ibiza’s summer calendar packed with the world’s biggest DJ’s, parties, festivals and weekly club residencies. Daytime boat parties, open-air sets, sunset vibes, special events and much more, it’s guaranteed that 2026 will be rich with incredible experiences. Music truly is the language of the soul.My faves: Sunset at Cafe Mambo/Cafe del Mar and Groove Armada at 528

Wellness

4. Chill and Wellness
Beyond beaches and nightlife Ibiza has a peaceful side too. Yoga and wellness retreats, eco-friendly hotels, amazing hiking routes, pine forests and iconic spots like Es Vedrà, Ibiza is beloved by those seeking relaxation and personal renewal for good reason.
My fave: Morning hike to Bills Paradise

Delicious Sofrit Pages

5. Culture, Markets & Local Flavours
The real secret of Ibiza is an island that combines a unique party culture with simplistic old-world charm. Explore the UNESCO-listed Dalt Vila old town, the vibrant hippy markets of Las Dalias and Punta Arabí and enjoy Mediterranean cuisine with local dishes such as bullit de peix – a delicious fish stew & sofrit pagès a hearty traditional stew combining various meats, potatoes, and vegetables.
My fave: a cheap menu del dia at a restaurant chatting to the locals

Lobster Paella

6. Amazing Food & Dining Experiences
From beachside chiringuitos with incredible views serving fresh seafood to top-end restaurants with eye watering prices to traditional Ibicencan hostelries. Ibiza’s food scene has come on leaps and bounds over the last decade with more choice than ever and offers something for everyone no matter the taste or budget.
My fave: Lobster paella at Cala Bassa Beach Club

Fabulous Formentera

7. Formentera by Boat
Formentera is a WOW and needs to be seen to be believed. Its uber-relaxed vibe is the perfect counterbalance to the white isle and makes for the perfect day trip whether by ferry or boat charter. With its picture postcard beaches and world famous restaurants it mixes old and new beautifully. Alternatively take a picnic and relax on a white sandy beach watching the world go by.
My fave: Easy food at Tiburon restaurant with amazing views

Incredible Hikes

8. Mixture of Vibes: Party and Relax
The true X-factor is keeping a group of friends or family happy on every level and this is where Ibiza excels. Whether you want non-stop nightlife or tranquil beach days and spa time, Ibiza offers a unique blend of high-energy and chill-out experiences, perfect for different travel styles in one incredible trip.
My fave: Hike in the morning menu de dia for lunch then sunset at Kumharas

Amazing Villas

9. Early Booking Means Better Options
Ibiza is one of the worlds top summer hotspots so booking early for 2026 helps secure the best villas, hotels and experiences, often with better availability, early-bird discounts and more time to plan your perfect itinerary. It’s a shameless plug but also good advice.
My fave: Booking a villa in the hills of Ibiza with like minded friends

Ibiza’s Big Challenges in 2026

The White Isle continues to outshine its rivals because it sells a feeling not just a destination. Freedom, intensity, beauty and belonging supported by smart branding, local entrepreneurs, natural assets and a high-value tourism economy makes Ibiza the envy of other destinations but there are issues that have been bubbling under for years and will become front and centre in 2026.

TOURISM MODEL
Let’s start with the dreaded ‘turismophobia’ which symbolises this issue in one over used, press friendly word.

For the record, TURISMOPHOBIA is the term used to describe hostility, resentment or opposition towards mass tourism especially when local residents feel that tourism is harming their quality of life.

Ibiza’s popularity surge has opened the floodgates for increased arrivals from non-traditional markets such as North America and this has put intense pressure on its environment, services and the general community.

Rightly or wrongly (depending on your viewpoint) Ibiza and its larger sister island Mallorca have become torch bearers for Mediterranean destinations struggling with pressure on resources and infrastructure during peak months.
Although it’s always been there, tourism saturation is perceived to be affecting quality of life for residents and in the wider sense Ibiza’s traditional identity.

Efforts to shift towards a more sustainable tourism model is causing tension between residents and visitors with local authorities introducing measures such as limits on cars, reduced tourist bed capacity and more regulated tourism planning but managing this transition remains a challenge.

HOUSING AND RENTAL CRISIS
Arguably still top of the list in 2026 is affordable housing which is becoming increasingly scarce. Many workers and professionals find rents exceed what they can afford (or earn) driving some into makeshift living conditions like vans or tents.

The shortage also makes it hard for the tourism industry to attract and retain staff during the season. This housing stand-off creates strong social tensions and threatens long-term community stability but the Balearic Government has promised to take action so 2026 should see moves to solve this issue. We are watching.

INFRASTRUCTURE ISSUES
Ibiza’s infrastructure continues to struggle with the demands of seasonal peaks. After Formentera introduced a scheme to limit vehicles arriving on ferries a similar scheme has been rolled out in Ibiza to ease road pressure but accountability is opaque. Waste processing systems are being modernised to handle tourist-related spikes but recycling is still a major issue.

After the floods of September and October 2025 which attracted worldwide headlines, major sewage overhauls are planned in 2026 to prevent flooding and improve water management. These projects reflect longstanding infrastructure struggles that need sustained investment and have been found wanting in 2025.

ENVIRONMENT
Ibiza’s natural environment is its biggest asset but is under constant stress from tourism and climate issues. Water scarcity and groundwater depletion are concerns during peak seasons while waste volumes far exceed typical levels especially during the summer months.

Recycling is evident but not as enforced as it should be and a delicate marine ecosystem face threats from pollution and unregulated anchoring by large boats in the summer months but after lots of negative press this is being monitored more closely by the authorities.

Efforts to protect these resources and advance eco-tourism are underway but the balance between short and long term goals is fragile.

ECONOMIC PRESSURES
Ibiza’s economy for decades has long depended on seasonal tourism particularly nightlife and the party culture but local politicians are trying to diversify, recognising that tastes are changing. Recent trends show a decline in certain types of high volume tourism due to stricter regulations and resident pushback such as San Antonio’s West End but now the town hall is offering incentives for businesses to change to a more family friendly model.

As seen at the big 3 European travel markets of London, Berlin and Madrid there’s a push to diversify toward wellness, culture, nature and year-round economic activity. This adjustment can create economic uncertainty for businesses reliant on the old model who refuse to change.

SEASONAL WORKFORCE AND SERVICES
The tourist season still dominates local employment and workforce shortages and housing issues will once again complicate staffing in 2026. Thanks to Brexit the historical young (and cheap) British labour market is no more with reliable staff always a challenge to find but minimum wage has finally been raised in 2025.

Public services such as transport, healthcare and waste collection are at breaking point during peak periods and long-term retention of workers is tied closely to resolving the housing crisis.

OVERVIEW
As Ibiza becomes even more popular, and with only a limited land surface to work with, if you scratch away at the surface, 2026 will see another challenging year to create the balanced utopia that we all crave.