The charm of Ibiza

In the 1960s, the first hippies landed on Ibiza, attracted by its beautiful beaches, mild climate and laid-back lifestyle. The hippies themselves are now long gone, but the reasons why they fell in love with the island are certainly not.

Ibiza is far more than just a party island. During this experience trip you will discover the hidden charms of this island in the cozy, colorful villages and beautiful natural areas. Like the idyllic, unspoiled Formentera with breathtaking beaches, which are among the quietest and cleanest in Spain. Or the salt lakes of Ibiza, declared as a Unesco world heritage site.

You will also get to enjoy Ibiza on the west coast, with its paradisiacal beaches and crystal clear waters, hidden in small bays. In short, Ibiza as you've never seen it before.

Day 1 : Departure to Ibiza

You'll fly to Ibiza, pick up your rental car and head to your hotel, Barceló Portinatx.

Day 2 : The roots of the hippie movement

In the 1960s, the first hippies came to Ibiza for its beaches, climate (warmest island in the Balearics) and peaceful lifestyle. They settled in the hamlet of Sant Carles de Peralta. Meanwhile, the hippies have disappeared, but the remnants of their lifestyle were preserved here and there: in cozy villages with stores, bars and restaurants and the so-called hippie markets. A pleasant first introduction is a a tour of northeastern Ibiza. Santa Eulalia del Rio, Ibiza's third-largest town, lies on the banks of the Riu de Santa Eularia, the only river on the island. On the "Puig de Missa" (67 m high) stands a 16th-century fortified church, perhaps the finest of its kind in Ibiza. Nearby is the Ethnographic Museum of Ibiza and the Museum Laureà Barrau, with a collection of this Spanish Impressionist painter. Next, head to Sant Carles de Peralta, a small town, the cradle of hippie culture. 'Bar Anita,' the gathering place at the time, still exists and is ideal for a drink before continuing your drive towards the coast to Cala de Sant Vincent, a place with a beautiful beach, clear waters and rugged rocks surrounded by pine forests. A nice walk will take you to Punta Grossa, a headland in the east where you will find a lighthouse and from where you have a beautiful view of the uninhabited island "Illa Tagomago. In Sant Vincent de sa Cala, time seems to stand still. The locals live in old whitewashed houses and use ancient methods for working their land. Continue your tour to San Joan de Labritja, a quiet town with a beautiful town hall and a small 18th-century church. You are here in the spectacular mountain range of Els Amunts, with steep coastlines and unspoiled charm. Via San Miguel de Balansat with its impressive 16th-century fortified church, which was once a refuge during pirate raids, you return with a possible stopover in Santa Gertrudis de Fruitera (hippie market).

Day 3 : Eivissa or Ibiza town

Eivissa is the island's largest and most beautiful town. The old town - Dalt Villa - towers over the harbour and the fishing districts of Sa Marina and Sa Penya. The old town is a maze of narrow streets and steps with white houses and blue doors, flower boxes, fluttering laundry and open shutters. The five-pointed, star-shaped fortress on which Dalt Villa rests is not only an example of good defensive work but also an impressive piece of Renaissance engineering art.

Day 4 : The idyllic serenity of unspoilt Formentera

This tiny island, just 4 km south of Ibiza is easily accessible by boat (30min by ferry) from the port of Ibiza Town. Formentera's breathtaking beaches are sheltered and among the quietest and cleanest in Spain. The rustic farms and villages seem untouched by modern times and the most beautiful spots are only accessible by dirt roads. Preferably visit this island by bicycle or scooter and explore a handful of defense towers, pretty village churches and prehistoric ruins. At Punta de Sa Ruda, a steep rocky cliff, breathtaking views of the island will surprise you. The lighthouse Faro de la Mola built on the edge was the inspiration for the "lighthouse at the end of the world" in one of Jules Verne's stories.

Day 5 : Ses Salines: the salt lakes of Ibiza (Unesco World Heritage Site)

You reach these "salt lakes" via Ibiza town. For centuries, this protected natural area provided the revenue from local and artisanal salt production. Today this is done on a slightly smaller scale. In the middle of these salt lakes is the village of Sant Francesc de S'Estany where 'salt workers' still live. Besides a picturesque church, it also features a 16th-century watchtower the 'Torre de sa Sal Rossa' with beautiful views of the nearby island 'Illa de Sa Sal Rossa', among others.

Day 6 : Ibiza's exclusiveness

Today you explore the beautiful beaches of the west coast. Beaches with crystal-clear waters, often hidden in small coves and with resounding names such as Cala Moli, Cala Vedella, Cala Carbó, ... Through Es Cubbels and Porroig, one of Ibiza's most exclusive areas, make your way back to the hotel for a delightful last evening. In this pretty village with a particularly beautiful church, you'll have stunning views of the same-named bay; on a clear day you can even see Formentera.

Day 7 : Going home

Your vacation is over. With a heavy heart you hand back your rental car at the airport and fly back home. Still want a few extra days of vacation? No problem, we'll take care of it. Ibiza never gets boring!