As far as package holiday destinations go, Ibiza seems to have ample attractions. It's an island with plenty of great sandy beaches, a range of holiday offerings that are suited to both the younger end of the tourism market as well as famileis with children and those whose enjoy some luxury during their summer breaks. It also has one of the best night club scenes in the world, rivaling any other European location with its selection of top dance clubs. In fact those who come to Ibiza for the clubs make up a significant proportion of the people who come to the island during the summer.

The night clubs on Ibiza are very well known already, in fact they have enjoyed almost legendary status for many years now, with almost all of the big dance music brands either sponsoring a club for a whole season or hosting their own special nights during the weeks the clubs are open. Names like Pacha, Es Paradis, Amnesia, Privilege and Eden are some of the biggest clubs on Ibiza and this year their parties will be hosted by the likes of Zoo Project, Cocoon and Wonderland. The island's authorities are faced with the continuous challenge of ensuring this important part of the island's holiday economy continues in the successful manner it has so far, whilst ensuring everyone else does not suffer any negative impact from the activities of the revellers. So each year the by-laws of the island by which the clubs and their clientele have to abide are constantly being changed. For visitors who have no intention of visiting one of these huge clubs it may pay to be aware of them and their locations, because an apartment opposite Amnesia may be perfect for a party goer, but may be the worst choice for those on a family holiday.
So don't let the worst kept secrets of Ibiza's clubbing scene escape you.

A better kept secret is Ibiza's past as a favoured location for the hippy movement. We're not talking about a movement like the Californian Flower Power scene, a Woodstock festival or even the communes that were created on some Greek islands in the sixties and seventies. Travellers on the hippy trail often enjoyed Ibiza's northern beaches and it is even rumoured that stars like Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell may have travelled to the island. Benirras in the north of the island was the focal point of the hippy movement and even today the twice-weekly hippy markets at Es Cana and San Carlos are interesting places to visit and do a little craft and culture shopping. The same traders can also be found at other locations in markets at San Miguel, Cala Llonga and Playa d'en Bossa.

For secret beaches on Ibiza there are plenty of choices. Actually no beach remains a complete secret because Ibiza is a relatively small island and tourists have been visiting in large volumes for over 50 years, but there are still places that remain unhurried, relaxed and peaceful and don't attract the same masses as some of the more resort-centred beaches in the south of the island do. The hippies did not come to Benirras without reason and the small beach there, which is less than 200metres in length, is certainly a pretty place to spend a day or evening. The yachting scene has also discovered Benirras and many boats anchor in the bay during the day, but it can sometimes become crowded, so those seeking a peaceful spot should perhaps find an alternative.

Also in the north of the island is the even smaller beach at Cala Xarraca. This place is quite hard to get to (you'll need a car) but once there you'll be able to enjoy the crystal clear waters, enjoyed the quality food served by the restaurant there and even take a mud bath if you wish.

If you are feeling adventurous another option is to take one of the day ferries across to the nearby island of Formentera to enjoy its own choice of more peaceful beaches like, in particular Playa Illetes, a beach of the type that many have only ever dreamt of!

Finally here's another secret beach option that is regarded by many as the epitome of paradise. Cala Jondal beach in the far south of Ibiza is far enough away from San Antonio and Ibiza Town to be quite enough except perhaps at the peak of the summer season. The location is flanked by a series of luxury villas built on the surrounding hillsides and the clientele on the beach reflect the wealth of those who live nearby. The feature of this beach which makes and breaks it for many is its stony nature and lack of sand. This keeps the masses away, but also makes enjoyment for some quite limited. Some of the fine restaurants on the beach have cleared their own paths to the sea, making it easier to enter the deep blue, clear waters. The secret of Cala Jondal has also been discovered by the boating set, many of whom anchor their millionaire-style boats at Cala Jondal.

So Ibiza can be more than a standard package holiday destination, you just need to research and discover some of less well known features or secrets to some.


For a more cultural island holiday Marks suggests researching flights to Ibiza, a place with a choice of vacation offerings.