Hi All,
Hope you all enjoyed the weekend. As you know, I was recently in Ibiza, Spain to celebrate my 30th Birthday. It was my 2nd time on the Beautiful Island, the last time was for my 21st Birthday and I had been wanting to go back ever since. I previously spent 2 weeks but this time we had 4 full days, however, in total I've seen a good bit of what the Island has to offer. I would highly recommend a visit whether it's for a Birthday, a girls holiday or with your partner. It has something to suit everyone, we even saw many families holidaying there so it doesn't have to be a party destination if that's not your cup of tea.
From what I could gather, if you book the flights and accommodation separately, Ryanair and British Airways from Dublin are the 2 available airlines. We weren't flexible with our dates as I wanted to be away for my actual birthday day and the weekend suited us better with having River looked after. So, we flew with British Airways on a Friday - our flight was late that night at 10.30pm. We didn't arrive into Ibiza until 2.30am and it was 3am by the time we arrived at our hotel. British Airways are lovely to fly with but I was exhausted with the late arrival so I wouldn't advise going for that time.
However, in saying that our other option which wasn't much better was with Ryanair at 6.30am Saturday morning so we would of been in Ibiza for roughly 9/10am and not be able to check in until the afternoon. But at least you wouldn't be paying for an extra night that you barely spent in. The times seem to be much better for during the week so if you can be flexible with your dates, choose then.
Another tip - keep checking the price of the flights if you choose Ryanair. They were a fortune when I was first looking in late April and they reduced down by almost half the price by May and again a few weeks later. They are notorious for raising the flights and lowering them shortly afterwards again so a complete kick in the teeth if you get stung by forking out. Our Departing flight with British Airways don't fly as regularly as Ryanair, I think it's just Fridays and Tuesdays. Also, they offer you a complimentary drink and snack on board which was lovely. But, If you want another drink - they wouldn't give it so just be aware. We flew home with Ryanair and you could buy as many drinks and snacks on board as you pleased.
I had my doubts about staying in this area as to be honest it has a bit of a bad reputation. However, I was pleasantly surprised and couldn't fault our experience there. I think if you go looking for trouble you'll get it, do your research as to where you'd like to go, check the reviews and avoid the obvious rowdy places. It has a lively atmosphere around the place which I like when walking around but do your research as to where you stay as you also want to be able to get some sleep. Where we stayed had the perfect location which I'll chat about shortly. I loved wandering around the area in which we were staying as there was a lot of street art decorated along the walls.
I previously stayed in Playa d'en Bossa but I found it quite far from everything I wanted to be near at the time and to walk around it wasn't as lively as San Antonio. They are both very different though and Playa d'en Bossa has it's own stunning beach which is very clean and is long enough to have a nice walk through it. It's also much more expensive accommodation wise.
The day we arrived in Ibiza, we spent the day at San Antonio beach, which again was better than I had expected. It was clean and not as packed or rowdy as I had pictured. There were plenty of sun lounger beds available and a sun lounger with an umbrella cost me 10euro. Many of the bars along the beach own the various loungers so a waiter is available to serve you drinks and food and bring it to you if you want to relax.
Hotel Tropical is located in a quiet area and the security guard who works there makes sure the noise level after hours is kept under control so rest assured you get a good sleep. Our breakfast was also included in our package at no extra cost which was a buffet style and had enough choice to suit everyone. There was a fry, fruit, pastries, cheeses and meats, yoghurts, coffees and teas or also fresh juices.
The hotel had a pool which was located across the street which opens at 10am until 8pm. I advise get there early if you want a lounger as other hotels share the pool so it can tend to get quite busy. Food served there isn't great but the staff are friendly, pool is clean and there's also a bar serving cocktails, beers etc.
The west end strip, which has a strip of bars is a short walk if you fancy it but we avoided it as it wouldn't be our cup of tea. Cafe Mambo is also a short walk from there which I definitely recommend heading down to. I loved the vibe there, the music and the setting. Many flock there to watch the sun setting which is stunning to watch as the sky changes from blue to shades of red then dark. There's a rocky beach where you can sit to watch it and bring your own drink if you'd like or you can dine in Cafe Mambo overlooking the sunset or grab a drink in Cafe del Mar.
When I stayed in Playa d'en Bossa, I stayed in the Jet Apartments which again were basic but they are dear and can be quite noisy. They are located in front of the beach though which is great and Bora Bora is next to it too which has great music.
Prepare yourself for the cost of the clubs, they're not cheap but also bare in mind you are paying to see a few Djs and Ibiza is not cheap to begin with. Expect to pay anything between 45 euro to 100. It depends what club it is and the particular club night. Pacha seemed the most expensive when I was looking up what was on. We went to two Club nights while we were there which were at the same night club, Amnesia.
I really wanted to make DC-10 this time as I haven't been but it clashed with Cocoon on the day of my birthday so we didn't make it unfortunately.
Brace yourselves for the drink prices inside Amnesia. A bottle of water is 9euro, a beer is 13euro and a spirit with a mixer is 23euro!!! It is so hot inside there that you have no choice but to fork out so what I would suggest, when purchasing your tickets, there is an option to buy a drinks package beforehand which works out much cheaper. The clubs mainly open at midnight and continue until dawn. I definitely felt my age as I only lasted a short time until I found the heat unbearable as the later it gets and busier it gets, it also gets much hotter. I couldn't see any air conditioning either so you can imagine the heat. I can't remember it being as bad last time I was there, but I was 21 after all and 30 is much different. I get tired much faster and trying to fit in as much as we did in the short time we were there was tiring when you're not used to going out or staying up late much anymore. Taxi to Amnesia was 20 euro for both of us one way and the party bus was 4euro each.
Next time I'd be enclined to check out some pool parties and day time parties as you would be able to cool down in the water and at least you are outside. In San antonio the clubs that are there are Eden, Es Paradis and Ibiza Rocks Hotel which hosts pool parties. In Playa d'en Bossa, there is Bora Bora, Ushuaia and then Hi Ibiza which is in the same venue Space used to be. Privilege which is the biggest club in the world is in San Rafael and also Amnesia. DC-10 and Sankeys are in Sant Jordi de ses Salines.
The best shops that I came across were in Ibiza Town. They have KIKO, Zara, Bershka, Pimkie, Springfield, Religion and beautiful boutiques. If you wander up to Dalt Villa there are more boutiques full of stunning jewellary and also clothing.
Other Things to do
Hope you all enjoyed the weekend. As you know, I was recently in Ibiza, Spain to celebrate my 30th Birthday. It was my 2nd time on the Beautiful Island, the last time was for my 21st Birthday and I had been wanting to go back ever since. I previously spent 2 weeks but this time we had 4 full days, however, in total I've seen a good bit of what the Island has to offer. I would highly recommend a visit whether it's for a Birthday, a girls holiday or with your partner. It has something to suit everyone, we even saw many families holidaying there so it doesn't have to be a party destination if that's not your cup of tea.
- Flights
From what I could gather, if you book the flights and accommodation separately, Ryanair and British Airways from Dublin are the 2 available airlines. We weren't flexible with our dates as I wanted to be away for my actual birthday day and the weekend suited us better with having River looked after. So, we flew with British Airways on a Friday - our flight was late that night at 10.30pm. We didn't arrive into Ibiza until 2.30am and it was 3am by the time we arrived at our hotel. British Airways are lovely to fly with but I was exhausted with the late arrival so I wouldn't advise going for that time.
However, in saying that our other option which wasn't much better was with Ryanair at 6.30am Saturday morning so we would of been in Ibiza for roughly 9/10am and not be able to check in until the afternoon. But at least you wouldn't be paying for an extra night that you barely spent in. The times seem to be much better for during the week so if you can be flexible with your dates, choose then.
Another tip - keep checking the price of the flights if you choose Ryanair. They were a fortune when I was first looking in late April and they reduced down by almost half the price by May and again a few weeks later. They are notorious for raising the flights and lowering them shortly afterwards again so a complete kick in the teeth if you get stung by forking out. Our Departing flight with British Airways don't fly as regularly as Ryanair, I think it's just Fridays and Tuesdays. Also, they offer you a complimentary drink and snack on board which was lovely. But, If you want another drink - they wouldn't give it so just be aware. We flew home with Ryanair and you could buy as many drinks and snacks on board as you pleased.
- Transport from the Airport
I had my doubts about staying in this area as to be honest it has a bit of a bad reputation. However, I was pleasantly surprised and couldn't fault our experience there. I think if you go looking for trouble you'll get it, do your research as to where you'd like to go, check the reviews and avoid the obvious rowdy places. It has a lively atmosphere around the place which I like when walking around but do your research as to where you stay as you also want to be able to get some sleep. Where we stayed had the perfect location which I'll chat about shortly. I loved wandering around the area in which we were staying as there was a lot of street art decorated along the walls.
I previously stayed in Playa d'en Bossa but I found it quite far from everything I wanted to be near at the time and to walk around it wasn't as lively as San Antonio. They are both very different though and Playa d'en Bossa has it's own stunning beach which is very clean and is long enough to have a nice walk through it. It's also much more expensive accommodation wise.
The day we arrived in Ibiza, we spent the day at San Antonio beach, which again was better than I had expected. It was clean and not as packed or rowdy as I had pictured. There were plenty of sun lounger beds available and a sun lounger with an umbrella cost me 10euro. Many of the bars along the beach own the various loungers so a waiter is available to serve you drinks and food and bring it to you if you want to relax.
- Accommodation
Hotel Tropical is located in a quiet area and the security guard who works there makes sure the noise level after hours is kept under control so rest assured you get a good sleep. Our breakfast was also included in our package at no extra cost which was a buffet style and had enough choice to suit everyone. There was a fry, fruit, pastries, cheeses and meats, yoghurts, coffees and teas or also fresh juices.
The hotel had a pool which was located across the street which opens at 10am until 8pm. I advise get there early if you want a lounger as other hotels share the pool so it can tend to get quite busy. Food served there isn't great but the staff are friendly, pool is clean and there's also a bar serving cocktails, beers etc.
The west end strip, which has a strip of bars is a short walk if you fancy it but we avoided it as it wouldn't be our cup of tea. Cafe Mambo is also a short walk from there which I definitely recommend heading down to. I loved the vibe there, the music and the setting. Many flock there to watch the sun setting which is stunning to watch as the sky changes from blue to shades of red then dark. There's a rocky beach where you can sit to watch it and bring your own drink if you'd like or you can dine in Cafe Mambo overlooking the sunset or grab a drink in Cafe del Mar.
When I stayed in Playa d'en Bossa, I stayed in the Jet Apartments which again were basic but they are dear and can be quite noisy. They are located in front of the beach though which is great and Bora Bora is next to it too which has great music.
- Clubbing
Prepare yourself for the cost of the clubs, they're not cheap but also bare in mind you are paying to see a few Djs and Ibiza is not cheap to begin with. Expect to pay anything between 45 euro to 100. It depends what club it is and the particular club night. Pacha seemed the most expensive when I was looking up what was on. We went to two Club nights while we were there which were at the same night club, Amnesia.
Brace yourselves for the drink prices inside Amnesia. A bottle of water is 9euro, a beer is 13euro and a spirit with a mixer is 23euro!!! It is so hot inside there that you have no choice but to fork out so what I would suggest, when purchasing your tickets, there is an option to buy a drinks package beforehand which works out much cheaper. The clubs mainly open at midnight and continue until dawn. I definitely felt my age as I only lasted a short time until I found the heat unbearable as the later it gets and busier it gets, it also gets much hotter. I couldn't see any air conditioning either so you can imagine the heat. I can't remember it being as bad last time I was there, but I was 21 after all and 30 is much different. I get tired much faster and trying to fit in as much as we did in the short time we were there was tiring when you're not used to going out or staying up late much anymore. Taxi to Amnesia was 20 euro for both of us one way and the party bus was 4euro each.
Next time I'd be enclined to check out some pool parties and day time parties as you would be able to cool down in the water and at least you are outside. In San antonio the clubs that are there are Eden, Es Paradis and Ibiza Rocks Hotel which hosts pool parties. In Playa d'en Bossa, there is Bora Bora, Ushuaia and then Hi Ibiza which is in the same venue Space used to be. Privilege which is the biggest club in the world is in San Rafael and also Amnesia. DC-10 and Sankeys are in Sant Jordi de ses Salines.
- Shopping
The best shops that I came across were in Ibiza Town. They have KIKO, Zara, Bershka, Pimkie, Springfield, Religion and beautiful boutiques. If you wander up to Dalt Villa there are more boutiques full of stunning jewellary and also clothing.
Other Things to do
- We took a day trip to a nearby island Formentera which to be honest I found a bit of a waste of our day. If you plan on renting a car or mopehead around the Island then go for it but the fact that we were on foot completely limited what we could do. I definately didn't do my research properly on that one as the beach that we wanted to go was overpacked and to get to the beach, the bus cost us 16euro for both of us which was a rip off. It was no more longer than our 4euro bus to Ibiza town from San Antonio to get to the Ferry. The Fast ferry which ran more frequent was 25euro each return and went from Ibiza Town.
- Ibiza Town is stunning to wander around and the food is much better there.
- Dalt Villa which is located there is a must as you can see incredible views of the island when you get o the top.
- You can take a bus to one of the hippy markets as there are numerous ones around the Island. I previously went to the market in Es Cana which I loved. Check more here.
- If you like Outdoor Sports you can take a Kayak with a group around specific areas of the Island for 50euro for a few hours. You can also take out Jet Skis, go diving and more. Check out here.
- Check out some of the beaches like Las Salinas Beach.
There is so much more to offer on the Island than just partying so I definitely recommend checking it out. Hope you found this guide somewhat helpful if you plan on taking a trip to the white island.
Thanks for reading,
Aifric x
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