Ibiza for Individuals

You should expect the unexpected when you go to Ibiza. I expected the hardcore partying and narcoleptic mayhem - after all that's all we ever hear about Ibiza - but I didn't expect this island to be quite so beautiful in parts or to have such a tranquil side to it. Nor did I expect the level of style and sophistication found in places like Ibiza Town. Or the wonderful (and expensive) restaurants like L'Olivio and Bambuddha Grove (spot the stars!). And the perfect little coves dotted around the island with sparkling green waters to swim in. And the traditional finca we stayed in up in the pine-covered hills over San Miguel. A perfect rural hideaway surrounded by flower-filled gardens and citrus groves. But what charmed me most of all was the very unique and individual spirit that this island and its inhabitants has. Few places could have such a hectic party scene living side by side with rural bliss. You can come here to trek in the hills, escape from the world, eat in chic restaurants, laze on the beach or party to your heart's content. Ibiza offers it all with inimitable style and attitude!

Quick Tips:

Take the time to find the right place to stay and avoid the tourist enclaves. Book a 'finca' to stay in through ecoibiza (www.ecoibiza.com) for example or try the cheaper hostels dotted around the island.

If you're going clubbing be prepared for queques of up to 2 hours during high season. If this is unbearable, try going during June or September when the island is quieter.

Clubs are ridiculously expensive - 2 rounds at the bar could clean you out. Try one of the great bars instead.

Make sure you take in the terrace at Space on a Sunday though! Bring an open mind, an outrageous oufit, a small fortune and plenty of stamina.

Ibiza has some of the cleanest waters in the Med. Go to the beach at Las Benirras - a stunning beach with crystal clear waters for snorkelling.

See the fabled sunset at Cafe Del Mar. It is kind of kitsch but also kind of wonderful. You may surprise yourself by clapping madly and feeling curiously emotional. Don't panic! This is entirely normal and all part of the strangely spiritual Ibiza vibe.

Go for a meal in D'Alt Villa. Romantic and entertaining!

Be prepared for anything!

Best Way To Get Around:

Most people would agree that renting a car is the best way to see Ibiza properly. The alternative is being stuck in a package tour destination which can be pretty awful.

We were quite far away in San Miguel up North so had to rely on taxis all the time. These are plentiful and quick but not as cheap as I hoped, especially when you're taking them every day.

If you're not hiring a car and want to go out most nights, I would advise staying near to Ibiza Town or in the hills above San An and making day trips out to the countryside and beaches in the North. Otherwise, you can eschew the party side altogether and make it a relaxing getaway. You could spend a month in the country in Ibiza and never hear the faintest snatch of a balearic beat.

Can Planells is the perfect get away from it all destination. It is what is known as a 'Finca', a traditional guesthouse or farmhouse, usually set in the middle of the countryside and decorated in rustic style. These are often agritourism properties, promoting ecofriendly lodging far away from the normal tourist traps.

Can Planells is set in some of the most remote and stunning countryside of Ibiza, high up in the hills over San Miguel and surrounded only by citrus groves, pine trees and dusty winding tracks. We couldn't wipe the grin off our faces when we arrived and saw how beautiful it was. We splashed out and booked a suite which had a bathroom with jacuzzi bath, walk in wardrobes (very important in Ibiza!), a sitting room and a winding staircase leading up to a huge sun roof. Everything is beautifully decorated in traditional Ibician style.

There was a small pool set amongst flower gardens and pine trees perfect for lazing by, and the surrounding acres of farmland and forest walks were ideal for hot evening strolls.

We knew it would be a struggle to do anything other than fall into a stupor of perfect calm and wellbeing here and our suspicions were confirmed upon meeting the owners of the Finca - Juan and his Mama and Papa! They were utterly charming and made us feel instantly at home. Neither of the parents had a word of English so it was fun ordering breakfast from Mama in the mornings. All the food is local organic produce - orange juice straight from the citrus groves, honey from the beehives, fresh baked bread and just laid eggs. All we wanted to do was laze by the pool and eat!

A fantastic place for romantics, escapists and all those who want to see the real beauty of Ibiza.

There were a few drawbacks, one being the need to take taxis everywhere as you are about 30 mins away from Ibiza town for example. The other is that a stay here may relax you too much and might prevent you from ever going out in Ibiza! If clubs and bars are on your agenda, stay somewhere closer to the nightlife first and save this as a luxurious and much needed retreat at the end of your trip. Two days relaxing here and you'll be detoxed in no time!

Not many people associate Ibiza with historic sights but Ibiza Town is actually Europe's most ancient fortress city.

It is a beautiful walled town with cobbled paths winding steeply upwards to the lovely cathedral and breathtaking views. It boasts some of Ibiza's best hotels, restaurants and bars as well as a vast selection of funky and expensive shops and stores.

During the day Ibiza Town is like other historic walled towns in Europe and offers the usual souvenir shops and tourist fare to sightseers. In the afternoon, the winding streets are sleepy and quiet as the Ibicians take their siesta. Then at night the town explodes into life and colour with throngs of partygoers, street parades, jetsetters and romantics.

Sit outside one of the many tiny intimate restaurants and watch the world go by, or party all night in Base Bar or Rock to great sounds and an electric atmosphere.

After you can wander down to the Marina and spot the famous yachts or stroll up to the old part of the town known as Dalt Vila for a few moments of peace under the stars. Better still, do things in style and book into the luxury Torre Del Canonigo, a 14th century tower and listed historic building set high up in the old town. Chic, eclectic and expensive,like just about everything else in this extraordinary place!

There are several beautiful small beaches and rocky inlets and coves dotted along Ibiza's coastline. Some of the best are found along the northwest coast. These are not particularly accessible. They can be reached only by car or taxi, which keeps them relatively crowd free and relaxed.

Benirras is one of the best beaches on the northwest and the view upon arriving there is spectacular. It is a natural cove with clear green waters surrounded by steep pine cliffs. Ibiza has some of the cleanest waters in the Mediterranean and getting into the sea at Benirras was like wading into a translucent, warm lagoon.

The atmosphere is laidback and tranquil but, as with everywhere in Ibiza, there are still plenty of designer swimsuits and silicone implants! You can come here to laze, swim, snorkel or order a cafe solo in one of the small beachfront cafes and people gaze.

At sunset, many come to listen to the beat of drums which are played here in the evenings. This is also the perfect time for an evening stroll in the surrounding hills. Or just grab a beer and round off a perfect day watching the sun go down.

You can't come to Ibiza and not visit Space, in particular the legendary 22-hour 'We love Sundays at Space' session on the open air terrace. Hats off to those who manage to go the distance from early Sunday morning to 6am on Monday!

The terrace at Space is electric, with great funky house and garage sounds complemented by planes flying low overhead and driving the crowd wild!

There are lots of bars (one serving coffee and light snacks on the left as you go in), nice intimate seating areas, lots of clean and well serviced toilets and the whole place is very stylish and attractive.

The crowd is international and glamourous and you spend a lot of time gazing at the fantastic oufits on display!

The age group ranged from early 20s to mid-30s when we were there in June, with some older people in their 40s cutting up the dancefloor!

June tends to attract an older and more international crowd, while July and August brings in a younger crowd of English, Irish and Germans.

When in Space DO:

1.Bring lots of cash - entry prices are high and drinks ridiculously expensive. A bottle of water is Euro 10 and 3 vodkas and 2 mixers cost us Euro 50!

2.Bring photo ID if you plan on using your credit card.

3.Look into pre-buying your tickets over the Internet on www.space-ibiza.com. Prices can sometimes be cheaper.

4.Dress to impress and wear what you normally wouldn't dare!

5.Get to the terrace by the afternoon to dance under the sun to some great funky tunes!

6.Head into the dark and cool interior when the terrace shuts at midnight. They play some great techno here and it gets pretty wild.

DON'T:

1.Assume you'll always get in, even with a ticket. Queques are long in high season, sometimes up to 2 hours, and you can be turned away if you arrive late and the place is full.

2.Buy your ticket without checking if it allows you to leave the club and come back throughout the day/night. Some tickets let you come and go as you please for a bit extra - this is handy if you want to go eat, change, sleep, whatever. Make sure it's clearly stated.

3.Go into the Space shop in the club. It's full of overpriced rubbish (t-shirts, hats, etc.) and can clean you out if you are less than clearheaded!

4. DON'T MISS IT! This is a once in a lifetime experience!