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Diamante Zavagli Ricciardelli arrived in Ibiza in 1977 and since then has never stopped going, every summer for the rest of his life and then also in winter and spring. A lifetime. She has seen the island change over the years, she lived through the hippy period of the early 80s, which was beautiful and fun. She was fascinated by the markets, the magnificent women dressed in flowers and long, colourful dresses with beautiful blond children. These years gave the imprinting of what the island would become. The magic, the transgression that was not as excessive and vulgar as in recent years, the international and elegantly low-profile environment characterised Ibiza for many years. Then mass tourism and the show off of today's rich have somewhat destabilised a perfect balance, but Ibiza has a great energy and always manages to bring out a special side.
Diamante has selected for us some cool addresses to experience Ibiza in the best way!
How do you want to call it? Ibiza, as the whole world calls it, Vila, as its inhabitants call it, or Eivissa, as the Catalans call it: whatever its name, the fact remains that Ibiza is not just a beautiful island but has become, over the years, a real philosophy of life.
It is no coincidence that in 1999 it was declared a Unesco World Heritage Site, due to the exceptional cultural and natural wealth of many of its sites: the Phoenician remains of sa Caleta, the fortified town of Dalt Vila, the Ses Salines Nature Reserve and the Punic necropolis of Puig des Molins.
In Ibiza, the cultures and traditions of different civilisations have integrated and merged with each other, making the island, originally poor and lacking in resources, a real source of wealth. Its transgressive side, of course, is not to be overlooked as every year it attracts millions of tourists to Europe's most irreverent nightclubs. Well, in fact, when you think of Ibiza you think of an endless summer of madness.... But there are those who prefer to experience Ibiza by day, soaking up its cosy atmospheres, browsing its markets and bathing in its crystal-clear waters, and those who like to experience it by night, wandering around its trendy clubs. Sandy Marton made the island of Ibiza famous with the undisputed success in 1984 of her single 'People from Ibiza' - a hit we still sing today.
You should also visit Las Puertas del cielo. Surrounded by pine forests, this secluded viewpoint, just outside Santa Inés, is a real gem. The literal translation of its name is 'The Gates of Paradise' due to the rock formation facing the coast, which forms a natural bridge or gateway through which you can pass by boat. The sunset is the highlight, but it is a perfect place for those seeking solitude and peace during the day.
The hinterland of Ibiza is wonderful. If you like trekking, we recommend the protected natural area of Es Amunts, which stretches from San Antonio to San Carlos. Here you will find a beautiful coastline of high cliffs, mountains, and fields that thin out towards the coast of Cala Xarraca, Porto San Miguel and Cala Salada, which are the easiest to explore. A nature reserve that occupies 25% of the entire island and preserves a unique ecosystem protected by hills and forests.
Restaurants:
- Fried eggs, lobster, fries at Royal park Vintage in Sant'Antonio, Thursdays only, a must-do experience at least once in a lifetime, the location is very basic, you go just to eat...
- Bullit de peix at El Pulpo in Talamanca, lunch only
- Tostadas, Bar Costa in Santa Gertrudis, always very crowded, alternatively Es Pins on the way to San Juan.
- Eggs, fried potatoes and sobrasada at Ses Casetes in San Mateo, lovely little restaurant opposite the beautiful little church
- Los Enamorados, restaurant, boutique, super cool hotel in Portinatx
- Ses Arcades, a new Hostal Restaurante owned by a dear friend, beautiful in the countryside, very ibizenco and authentic, road to San Juan km 19
Particular boutiques:
Miranda in Marina Botafoch, my friend Nuria is the favourite of all the big names in fashion, from Armani to Paola Fendi to Valentino, her fabrics, silk shirts and kaftans, light and precious sarongs are a must-have
Sluiz in Santa Gertrudis is a circus, an irreverent and super fun concept store where you can find crazy home decor, accessories and cool clothing.
Benirras beach hippy market on Tuesdays and Fridays, stalls where you can find really really cute clothes.
Ibiza Bagus in Ibiza, my favourite for sandals and kaftans.
Vicente Ganesha in Ibiza, iconic, his pyjamas, skirts and gauze dresses are famous worldwide.
World Family, also iconic, for lovers of luxury boho chic, road to San Juan km 17.
Events:
The best festival is in May, the Medieval Festival, the old town is filled with stalls and stands of all kinds of flowers, baskets, perfumes, food, accessories and even costumed blacksmiths, fairies and elves spread their magic, huge roasters loaded with treats, music, rivers of beer and wine, fireworks and street performers dancing with fire.... super recommended!!!!
Go to dinner once at Lio in Ibiza Nueva, the best and funniest show, crazy music, pure energy.
Go to dinner at Heart, Circ du Soleil show while eating the exquisite cuisine of Ferran Adrià, remarkable although challenging.
An evening at Ushuaia, mega open-air disco with the world's most famous DJs playing from 6pm to midnight, perfect timing, open-air location, unforgettable show.
Unknown beaches:
Unknown beaches don't exist .... the most beautiful beach is undoubtedly Salinas but it's super crowded, the beach where you're most pampered and comfortable Jondal, the one with the most turquoise water Cala Conta and Cala Tarida, the one with more Ibiza hippy mood is Benirras, the one to go boating and be safe is Cala Xarraca or Cala Salada.
The best sunset and the most beautiful sunrise:
The best sunset is undoubtedly that of Cala Conta where the fireball goes out into the sea, I recommend seeing it while drinking an ice-cold sangria de cava and eating crispy shrimps at S'Illa Des Bosc cliffside restaurant.
Another place for sunset is Hostal la Torre in Sant'Antonio, tables on the rocks, sea, sunset.
The sunrise is most beautiful on the Sant'Eulalia side but I love the countryside when the light illuminates the red earth and the green plants of carob and almond trees.
Thank you, Diamante! So... see you in Ibiza? "Definitely, I'll be waiting for you!"