A WEEKEND IN IBIZA

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A WEEKEND IN IBIZA

By Laura Martínez

La Isla Bonita offers a myriad of mouth-watering things to do, from tasting superb local cuisine to the fantastic variety of markets and cool shops, from the diverse, authentic local bars with live music and hidden speakeasies to incredible arty spaces. We've put together the perfect guide for you to do a bit of everything and hang out in old/new places, whether you're planning to visit the island for the first time or are a regular visitor. Are you ready?

So, you've just arrived in Ibiza at lunchtime with a BIG appetite, and you're flicking through Google, The Fork, and recommendations in WhatsApp groups titled "IBIZA 2009." Forget all this and read on. If you're looking for local gastronomy, Ibiza has a wide range of fantastic local restaurants. One of them is 'Can Alfredo', in the centre of Ibiza Town. The Riera family runs one of the oldest restaurants on the island, which has been making matança rice, bullit de peix (Ibizan fish stew), greixonera and flaó (Ibizan cheesecake) since 1941.

Ses Boques

Another great way of delighting your palate is 'Ses Boques', a family restaurant on the beachfront. Joan and Lourdes Portmany are the two Ibiza-born siblings in charge of one of Ibiza's most emblematic spots. What started out as a kiosk where their parents sold Coca-Cola and cooked grilled fish and chips in 1974 has become a classic under the shade of the pine trees and on the shoreline of the cove that gives the restaurant its name. Spectacular rice dishes, fresh fish and lobster to die for... Save room for the banoffee pie made by Joan and Lourdes's mother. You won't regret it.

Life suddenly looks better with a full stomach. With that in mind, let's take a stroll around some of the city's coolest shops and markets. The jewel in Ibiza's shopping crown is, undoubtedly, Annie's Ibiza. Annie Doble is the woman behind this little shop full of glamour and vintage jewellery (Annie's Archive) where you can find Vivienne Westwood corsets, original Charleston dresses from the 1920s, Moschino 90s, PacoRabanne 70s and even Gaultier's iconic cone corset that made Madonna even more famous in the 90's... There are true gems in perfect condition that would drive Kate Moss or Rita Ora crazy. There are also modern garments with a selection of labels, including Ashish, De La Vali, Area and Silvia Astore.

We continue shopping, but this time, we're on the hunt for jewellery that is a little bit harder to find. Let's head over to the Sant Jordi flea market, one of the island's oldest and most original places, which takes place each Saturday at the Hippodrome de SantJordi from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

If you're in the north of the island, then it goes without saying that we have to mention the pioneer of Ibiza's hippy markets and probably the most famous in the world: Las Dalias. With a club (Akasha), a children's area and live music, Las Dalias has been the king of Ibiza's hippy markets since 1954. It's open on Saturdays from 10 a.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. (winter timetable; check the Las Dalias website for summer timetable). 

Las Dalias

Another must-visit for design and vintage furniture lovers is the charming shop, Mon Chateau en Espagne. Situated on the Sant Joan road, this shop, run by a French couple with exquisite taste, is one of the island's hidden gems with extraordinary pieces from the 50s, 60s and 70s and vintage accessories from Chanel, Cartier and Celine.

Before the first drinks of the evening (relax, we're getting to that part now), let's tempt you with some art. Starting with the MACE, the marvellous Museum of Contemporary Art of Ibiza is a memorable and pleasantly surprising place. Situated in the heart of DaltVila, Ibiza's walled old town emerges a temple of contemporary art directed by Elena Ruiz, a woman who has been in her post since her thirties and who has managed, after many years of struggle, to expand the space and make it one of the island's most important museums. Works by Bechtold, Micus, Tápies, and Gordillo are bathed in light, glass, and stone, with white walls set within wrought iron and soaring ceilings, making it well worth an in-depth visit.

MACE (Museum of Contemporary Art of Ibiza)

The Concept Hotels' most MiMo creation, Paradiso Ibiza Art Hotel, has an art gallery run by ADDA Gallery Paris, where urban art and colour are the driving forces. Urban artists of the stature of Mister Piro, the Boa Mistura collective and French rapper and graffiti artist Grems are some of the artists who have exhibited in the gallery. It's open to everyone, whether you are a hotel guest or a curious passerby.

The setting sun brings thoughts on where to see the island's most beautiful sunset. Here are our recommendations: Cap Des Falcó (you can go there with a sixpack and some smokes) and, of course, enjoy a mojito with an unrivalled sunset in San Antonio Bay on our Malecón on the rooftop terrace of Cubanito. Salsa classes, live Cuban music... it's an unbeatable evening, to be honest. 

 

Hotel Cubanito

If you're with your partner or friends and you fancy a drink in the Santa Eulalia, don't miss the area's newest and trendiest speakeasy, Lola's, inside the Hotel Mongibello. This hotel, which recreates an Ibizan Dolce Vita right on the Es Caló de S'Algabeachfront, opens its secret club, which pays to Lola's club in Ibiza (one of the island's first clubs) to the public on Wednesdays, with a selection of music that takes you back to 60s Italy with a cocktail menu to match.

To round off an incredible weekend, enjoying the essence of an island famous worldwide as a party capital, then a visit to ROCK NIGHTS, the party created by Diego Calvo, is in order. It is the only rock party on the island, which this year celebrates its 19th anniversary. It is held once a month on Thursday at the legendary Pikes Hotel.

Rock Nights at Pikes