'I found way more than I expected when I visited the party capital of the world'
Many people were surprised when I told them I was jetting off to Ibiza. I've never really been a fan of clubbing nor am I like some of my friends who are in awe of the celebrities and influencers who flock to the sun-soaked Balearic island each summer.
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.
(Image: Getty)
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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