I visited the 'party capital of the world' - it's more than clubs and celebs
Known as the 'party capital of the world', it's no surprise that revellers flock to Ibiza each summer. But there is so much more to this particular holiday hotspot.
After my visit, I can say with certainty that Ibiza's cultural and culinary offerings alone are richer than the multi-millionaire DJs who perform there.
I spent a whirlwind four days exploring every nook and cranny of the tiny White Isle. My trip, organised by the Ibiza Tourism Board, revealed a side of the island far removed from the partying.
Kayaking off Es Figueral beach, cycling through pine-scented forests, and sipping wine in a sun-drenched vineyard were just a few standout moments that made me fall in love with Ibiza.
I stayed at the Hyde Hotel, which overlooked the white sandy Cala Llonga Beach and was located just 15 minutes away from Ibiza's Old Town.
The modern hotel, which is tucked away in the bay of Cala Llonga, boasts stunning views of the shore and coastline that can be admired from the seven bars and restaurants or three pools available to guests.
The first stop on the itinerary was a visit to the Santa Gertrudis village - which is in the heart of the island. The little town may be quaint but it is steeped in history and was once home to Manuel Abad y Lasierra who was the first Bishop of Ibiza. A bronze sculpture of Bishop Abad y Lasierra now greets visitors when they visit the village's main square.
Santa Gertrudis was the perfect introduction to Ibiza's quieter side - charming, relaxed, and full of history. The bars, restaurants and church all had stunning white-washed exteriors.
Nearly all the tables were full as locals along with tourists ate and drank under the warmth of the early May sunshine.
Santa Gertrudis was also where I had my first (of many) tastes of Spanish ham - which is known as Jamón ibérico. After a bite, I realised why it was considered a delicacy. I was lucky enough to sample it at Bar Costa – a haunt locals love and one they probably wish tourists hadn't discovered.
The menu is small and while I can't speak for everything, the ham was some of the best I had on the island. It was delicately sliced, rich in flavour, and perfectly paired with a local cheese.
That afternoon, we toured Dalt Vila which is nestled in Ibiza's Old Town. The medieval enclave, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999, is like stepping back in time.
The huge fortified walls which remain to this day are one of the few remaining examples of Renaissance military architecture and are truly relics of the past.
Ibiza's Old Town is also a must for any traveller to the island. If I wasn't on such a tight schedule, I could have easily found myself lost while meandering through the winding streets.
It also caters for everybody – from its high-end boutiques right down to the souvenir shops which dominate most holiday hotspots nowadays.
Over the course of the four days, I sampled an array of unique restaurants, all of which left me wanting to go back. Some of my favourites were Aubergine by Atzaró – a farm-to-table restaurant located in Ibiza's countryside. Another standout was the recently opened Maymanta in Santa Eulària des Riu, where I indulged in delicious fish and meat dishes with a Peruvian twist.
But my favourite meal was at S'illa des Bosc. The beef fillet was outstanding but the sunset which melted over Cala Conta's horizon as I tucked in was even better.
Another standout moment on the trip was to the family-run Can Rich organic winery located in Camí de Sa Vorera. Visitors are surrounded by sun-soaked fields with rows and rows of grapevines.
Alvaro Perez Navazo, whose wife's family owns the vineyard, brought me on a tour and showed me the wine-making process from start to finish. The tour culminated in a tasting of Can Rich's products. I tried two different reds and whites along with a rose and a sparkling variation. They all had unique flavour profiles, which ranged from fruity and light to intense with tannins.
Sadly, Alvaro dropped the bombshell that the wines were not yet available in Ireland but he promised progress was being made with retailers – so I thought it was only right to stock up before leaving.
Friends and family were also much happier to receive a bottle of wine from a local vineyard than a tacky colourful fridge magnet. Everyone I gifted a bottle to raved about it – and none lasted more than a sitting. If Can Rich do begin selling their products in Ireland, they'll at least have some customers already.
One of the last things I did in Ibiza was to head to Can Muson – a family friendly farm and restaurant. It was opened by Ibiza native María Marí in 2009. Before a hearty lunch onsite and after meeting the goats and pigs which inhabit the organic farm, I made my very own Hierbas Ibicencas – which is a traditional herbal liqueur from the island. Many on the island use it as a digestive after a meal.
It's made by stuffing up to 20 herbs that are grown in Ibiza into a bottle with orange and lemon slices before a spirit is poured on top of it. The herbs and liqueur will take at least six months to infuse properly, meaning it'll be ready to crack open just in time for Christmas Day.
They say don't judge a book by its cover. A modern variation of this is – don't judge a destination based on a couple of Instagram stories. Ibiza has something for everyone – you just have to look beyond the dance floor. Its quieter side isn't hidden – most people just don't bother to find it.
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Irish Examiner
7 hours ago
- Irish Examiner
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Some passengers were ordering others out of seats, claiming they had pre-booked those seats. A Liberace lookalike with beige-coloured hair pointed to a Spanish tourist sitting opposite me. 'That's my seat!' he informed her in an almost operatic voice. I tried to explain that the reservation system didn't apply as this was a smaller train. He flashed me a stare that made my jaw drop. 'Was I talking to you? Do you work for the company?' he snapped, as if I was dirt on his shoe. He sat down opposite me. 'Don't talk to me, you're a weirdo.' Severe overcrowding I was speechless and offended in equal measures. I was also reminded of the words of the writer Stephen Jenkinson: 'Heartbreak is how you humanise your prejudices." Raised voices and arguments over seats became like white noise throughout the carriage. It was a sensory overload. Then an announcement: 'Please stand clear of the doors — doors are about to close." So that was it. Irish Rail was not going to resolve the issue. It was washing its hands of it. Off we chugged, like a nightmare that doesn't end, packed like sardines into a train carriage that wasn't even air-conditioned, without a thought given to safety. Severe overcrowding was permitted on that train last Sunday. It was clear from where I was sitting that no one could have moved in the event of an emergency Then, when you might be forgiven for thinking it couldn't get any worse, just as the train pulled into Limerick Junction, the seating reservation signs above the seats lit up with people's names. A woman shoved her phone in my face. 'There's my booking – that's my seat,' she told me, staccato-style, stabbing the phone with her finger. I explained as politely as my adrenaline would allow that I was one of the displaced from the carriage that didn't exist, so bookings were void. She continued shouting at me until I put my headphones back on and closed my eyes, praying my bladder might hold up until I arrived back in Cork. Out of the almost 70 train journeys I have made so far this year between Cork and Dublin, at least a third of them haven't been "hassle-free" or "relaxing". On my outbound journey to Dublin last weekend, all passengers were ordered off the train at Thurles because the doors were faulty. 'This train is defective,' the announcer told us, only to be told 10 minutes later that the doors were working again and we could re-board the train. I could list a litany of issues that stretches back years, but who cares? Not Irish Rail, it seems. What's even more pathetic is that we just keep putting up with it. 'Beneath the sleek design of the Mark 4, which runs exclusively on the Cork line, lies a jaded train. Most of its locomotives are 30 years old.' Picture: Larry Cummins Despite the intolerable conditions on board that train last weekend, no refunds were offered. That's not good business, but then Irish Rail don't have any competitors on the Irish railway network. Not only should refunds have been given but, as a gesture of goodwill, passengers should have been offered complimentary travel on their next journey. Cork to Dublin return is by no means cheap. Travel Friday and return Sunday, as I do, can set you back almost €70, or €65 one way if you buy your ticket on the day. Add an extra €20 each way to upgrade to first class, and for that you'll bag a Pullman-style seat and a free coffee. People pay in good faith to travel in comfort and safety. When you book your ticket and your seat, then to discover that not only is the booking non-existent but so too is your train carriage, then that's grossly unacceptable. As for the toilets? They deserve their own column Every weekend — no exception — the smell from the train's toilets is nauseating. On those mis-timed occasions when nature calls, I've had to tiptoe around the cubicle to avoid the trails of urine on the floor. It's hit and miss. There might be a breakdown, there might not. You might get a friendly host who'll chat with the regular passengers and tourists, or you mightn't see one for the entire journey. Mostly, the staff are sound. I count myself lucky that the Cork service is hourly and runs on a twin-track system. When I lived in Galway, it was a single line all the way from Portarlington — which meant repeatedly pulling into sidelines to allow trains coming in the opposite direction to pass. Beneath the sleek design of the Mark 4, which runs exclusively on the Cork line, lies a jaded train. Most of its locomotives are 30 years old. The DVTs, situated at the other end of the train which house the driver's cab, are almost 20 years old. They're prone to maintenance problems, which is not good for the nerves if you have a medical appointment or a flight to catch at the far end. Complaints to Irish Rail were running at an average 1,300 per month, according to 2023 figures, over 40 per day. My idea of hell is being crammed into that tiny space outside a toilet that is in constant use — like those who found themselves stuck there last Sunday. One couple who had to endure most of the journey standing outside that toilet told me they had purchased first-class tickets on the original train as a special treat for their wedding anniversary. Some treat that turned out to be. There's no better way to witness the beauty of our countryside in all its splendour than from the train. It's such a shame that the journey is as unpredictable as the weather.
The Irish Sun
14 hours ago
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The little-known European sunshine spot with 35C heat, miles of sandy beaches, delicious cuisine & €60 Ryanair flights
TAKE a look at the little-known sunshine spot with 35C heat, miles of sandy beaches, delicious cuisine & €60 Ryanair flights. Rimini is a breathtaking city located in northern Italy. 5 Rimini, Italy is the perfect destination for an end of summer getaway Credit: Getty Images 5 The architecture and colourful buildings are simply stunning Credit: Getty Images 5 The coastal city has miles of sandy beaches Credit: Getty Images The hottest month in Rimini is August, when sunny days already reach up to 33C, making it the perfect time to visit. Rimini is one of Italy's most vibrant seaside resorts, famous for its miles of sandy beaches, Roman history and vibrant nightlife. And Located in the Emilia-Romagna region, Rimini sits on the northeastern coast of Italy and attracts thousands of holidaymakers from around the world every READ MORE IN TRAVEL The popular beach town is a great-value alternative to pricier Italian hotspots, offering a lively atmosphere without the need for overspending. Rimini boasts over 15km of sandy shoreline, with well-equipped lidos, beach clubs and a long seafront promenade ideal for cycling or evening strolls. The beaches are packed with sunbeds and umbrellas, with shallow, warm water that's perfect for families and swimmers. This includes Lido San Giuliano and Bagno 26 Most read in News Travel Watersports activities are popular here and tourists can try out paddleboarding, banana boats or even parasailing during summer. There are also boat trips from the harbour to explore the coast, enjoy sunset cruises or head down to the nearby town of Cattolica for the day. Landlocked country you probably don't know Off the beach, Rimini has many historical sites, from its Roman origins to Renaissance architecture and local markets. Key landmarks include the Arch of Augustus, Tiberius Bridge and the 13th-century Castel Sismondo in the heart of the old town. The city centre is lively but relaxed, filled with ice cream shops, vintage stores and traditional restaurants serving piadina flatbreads, fresh seafood and handmade pasta. Just a short train ride away is Riccione – a lively town famous for beach parties, DJ nights and rooftop bars. Here, you'll find lively aperitivo spots, late-night dancing and plenty of open-air events during the summer months. DELICIOUS CUISINE Along the beach, you will find cafes, The venues by the beach often provide local cuisine and products representing the city and country, meaning plenty of delicious pasta to try. The Old Town of Rimini has many picturesque streets to explore, with gorgeous plants on the streets, local shops, food-tasting classes and museums telling the tales of the Old Town. It is well known for its wine-tasting and fresh pasta classes, with tourists travelling worldwide to try delicious Many restaurants and pubs can be found on the streets, with a bottle of beer costing as little as €2, while a meal out at a mid-range restaurant will cost €14. Many nightlife events are held in the Old Town, expressing the culture of the local pubs and famous clubs with classy architectural styles that make you feel like you've stepped back into the Roman Empire era. 5 Breathtaking views of the crystal-blue sea Credit: Getty Images 5 The city is packed with historical sites Credit: Getty Images
