Ibiza is on your list of places to visit in the near future? To help you get ready for your vacation, here are a few things to keep in mind.
Ibiza is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Americans to visit the mythical island. Long and expensive, the journey across the Atlantic isn’t for the fainthearted. As a result, in the minds of many Americans, the White Isle conjures up images of lazy days spent on the beach, wild nights out with friends, and, perhaps, a chance encounter with Carl Cox to prove your coolness. When you arrive on the island, you may be taken aback by how different it is from what you expected it to be.
Here are some things to know about Ibiza if you’re from the United States, whether you’re a student studying abroad in Italy, a couple backpacking around Europe or just an electronic music fan eager to get their first taste of the Ibiza scene.
NONE OF THE ISLAND IS COMPLETELY UHN TISS
Let’s start by dispelling the most common myth about the island, which is that it’s a constant party. I’m not trying to offend anyone. Ibiza may be turned into a 24-hour dance marathon because to the many, many parties that take place there, but the island offers much more than that.
Ibiza has a long and colorful hippy heritage dating back to the 1960s and the flower power movement. If you know where to search, you may still be able to locate a trace of it today. To get a glimpse of these ruins, take a trip off the beaten road while admiring the views from Es Vedrà.
Dalt Vila is a must-see if you’re a fan of historical attractions. The fortified walls of Ibiza’s old town, which can be seen in Ibiza Town, feature a bewildering tangle of restaurants, bars, and monuments. In addition, the citadel’s highest points offer unobstructed views of Formentera, the sister island.
Finally, if you prefer to spend your days in the sun hungover, you can look into the island’s numerous secret beaches. Playa d’en Bossa and San Antonio are recognized for their beautiful beaches, but you won’t find them if you stay at your hotel in these areas. The charming coasts are a cab ride and a half away from the island’s bustling center, making them ideal for those who prefer to avoid the raucous crowds. So, here’s the next thing I think you should know.
THE CITY OF IBIZA IS FRIENDLY.
Ibiza is more family-friendly than you may expect for a place that’s often likened to Las Vegas. Family vacations on the island are popular with visitors from all around Europe. The city of Sin offers many of family-friendly attractions, but it’s a well-known fact that you can’t truly enjoy Vegas until you’re at least 21 years old. Here in Ibiza, the legal drinking age is 18, which is quite a little older than in the United States. As a result, don’t be surprised if you see a few rambunctious kids getting down with their parents while their parents relax. Comparing the nightlife scenes, you’ll notice more than just a difference in the sexes, which takes me to my next point.
Do we have to adhere to some sort of dress code? EXCEPT IN RARE SITUATIONS,
Ibiza’s dress code, or lack thereof, was one of the most noticeable contrasts when I first started clubbing there. Ibiza’s dress code is far more permissive than that of Las Vegas, Miami, or New York City’s main clubs, with the exception of VIPs.
Considering the island’s location in the midst of the Mediterranean, it seems logical that the folks who go out aren’t just there to sit around and look good; they’re here to dance. If you’re going to wear jeans and a button-down, you might as well wear something gaudy like a Hawaiian shirt or a cut-off shirt. For the ladies, I can’t speak for you, but if it’s comfortable and makes you feel good, go for it. If you’re going to be dancing all night, I strongly recommend ditching the heels for flats or sneakers.
UBERS DO NOT exist.
In the wake of Uber’s rapid global expansion, we’ve come to assume that we’ll always be able to summon an Uber car at the touch of our fingertips. Here in Ibiza, this isn’t the case at all, so prepare to go back in time and start hailing cabs or planning your bus routes. Ibiza’s taxi service provides a great app for hailing cabs instead of Uber – Taxi Ibiza. When you get there, look for it in your app store.
Fortunately, there are frequent buses that take you to the most popular attractions and nightclubs, so you won’t be stuck paying for a cab all the time. A downside is that you may spend more time traveling than you expected. Getting about on the island may be a nuisance, and if so, you may wish to avoid it at all costs…
TAKE TO THE ROAD IN A CAR, VESPA, OR BUGGER
Renting a car for a few days is the best way to see all of the above-mentioned gorgeous destinations in comfort and at your own pace. In many cases, taking a bus or taxi to get to one of those secluded coves or scenic overlooks is either impossible or prohibitively expensive.
Renting a vehicle, be it a car, quad, buggy, or something else, will not only allow you to see the entire island, but it will also provide you with an amazing sensation. If you’re not sure where to go, you can take one of a variety of guided excursions that will take you to the island’s most popular attractions.
SEE SOME TECHNOLOGY
Ibiza’s electronic music scene isn’t quite like the one in the United States. There are many different styles of electronic music in Ibiza, but they all fall under the umbrella term “EDM,” which means “Electronic Dance Music.” Some of Ibiza’s hottest parties feature music that we in the United States would classify as “underground,” such as techno, tech house, or a mix of the two.
Ushuaia is an incredible edifice, but if you truly want to see what all the fuss is about in Ibiza, you’ll go over to Pacha, Amnesia, or H Ibiza for a night of dancing till the sun comes up. Make your own judgments by taking a look at the complete list of events.
GO ABOVE AND BEYOND THE OUTSIDE IN.
What am I trying to convey here? Try to find parties that you haven’t previously heard of, held at places you aren’t acquainted with, or featuring DJs you aren’t familiar with. Be prepared for a delightful surprise. Inexperienced visitors to Puerto Rico may not be aware of events like WooMooN at Cova Santa restaurant/club, but they may expect to have a mental, physical and spiritual experience that extends beyond dancing until your calves cramp.
It’s possible to locate more intimate parties on roofs or in smaller lounges hosted by firms like Mixmag or Boiler Room if you’re very up to date on what’s going on. Finding these events can be a challenge, but that’s just part of the White Isle exclusivity.
DON’T FORGET TO MEET EVERYONE!
I’ll leave you with this final bit of advice: meet everyone. It doesn’t matter if you’re traveling with companions or on your alone; everyone is friendly here. You never know who you’ll run into on Ibiza, or what type of mischief they’ll lead you to later. After meeting new people in Ibiza, it’s a great idea to deviate from your original plans. This will make your time there even more memorable.
