17 Reasons Why Ibiza Is So Hot Right Now

The magic of Ibiza never fades, it just readjusts and reinvents itself with exciting new openings and projects year after year. From the ashes of Space nightclub, a more ambitious club is resurrected. Entrepreneurs move in to unveil dreamy, bohemian retreats. The hippies live on, evolving with the trends of organic living and life off the grid. This sunny, magnetic, and enchanting island is simply brimming with reasons why now more than ever it’s hot on everyone’s list of places to visit – and here are 17 of those.

Revolutionary art

The progressive art of Bloop Festival returns with a different global theme each season to brighten up the streets of Ibiza with a socially conscious message. Huge, colourful murals by prominent graffiti and street artists adorn many streets and of course Instagram profiles, whilst interactive installations, photography exhibits, video mappings also excite and inspire the creative community year on year.

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Fashion at your fingertips

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Opening of Hï Ibiza

Rumours abound that Ushaia Entertainment’s newest venture Hï Ibiza, risen from the ashes of Space, may well take the crown for being the most technologically advanced superclub in the world. Pushing the opening season in 2017 is Davide Squillace, a Barcelona based DJ and producer, known globally for stretching the frontiers of fusing music and the visual arts together in his sets. With appearances from Roger Sanchez, Armand Van Helden, Todd Terry, Horsemeat Disco, Deadmau5, Pete Tong and Louie Vega to name a few, this is without doubt the hottest dancefloor to strut your stuff on this year.

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The WooMoon arts festival

Experience a uniquely Ibizan-esque party deep in the hills of San Jose. The eclectic schedule at this arts and music festival draws in an equally eccentric and creative crowd. Nomadic artists from far flung festivals including Burning Man and Further Future put together an exciting program of live art performance, theatre, music and interactive healing experiences that are bound to awaken your inner hippy.

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Beach is Open All Year events

This new initiative with a clunky name is run by the local councils of Talamanca and Figueretas, encouraging free sporting and creative activities on the beach throughout the Spring every year. The ‘Beach is Open All Year’ offers an impressive range of events held every weekend include kickboxing, stand-up-paddle, beach volleyball and even jewellery making. Ignite a new passion or sit back and sunbathe, drink in hand, whilst the kids learn to joust.

Rock and Folk Festivals

Despite its reputation, Ibiza is not just about House, Dance and Electronic music. Those who prefer a bit of boisterous headbanging will no doubt enjoy the annual rock concerts of Sant Pepe which have been running since 1985. More recently, the Costa del Folk in Port des Torrent has been making waves on the more civilised folk music scene. Headliners this year included Tom Robinson of ‘2-4-6-8 Motorway‘ and former Ultravox lead frontman, Midge Ure.

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Pacha never closes

Despite its very seasonal calendar, there is still plenty of clubbing to be found year round on this tiny island. Pacha is perhaps the greatest Ibizan institution, comparable with some of the glitziest clubs in the world. The uber swish restaurant attached and diverse entertainment schedule, including both comedy nights and cabaret shows, means guests can indulge in a whole evening at this exceptional venue any time of year.

Rich Cultural History

The Old Town of Ibiza, known as Dalt Vila, is said to date back to 654 BC. Its cobbled, winding streets and high stone walls are perfect for a stroll around on many a balmy and romantic evening. Step back in time at the annual Medieval Fair held every May, where the lanes are lined with tempting food stalls, costumed jesters, tumbling acrobats and theatre troupes paying tribute to Ibiza’s multi-cultural history. The Medieval Tournament, with its displays of weaponry and instruments of torture, is always a crowd pleaser.

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Open Air Cinema Screenings

Who can resist putting their feet up on a cosy bean bag, cold beverage in one hand, popcorn balanced precariously on the knees, whilst watching a classic movie or recent blockbuster under the stars? Open air screenings in beautiful surroundings are all the rage in Ibiza. Head to Amante Beach Club up in the cliffs of Cala Llonga, perch on the castle walls of Dalt Vila or laze on a sunbed at the stylish Santos Ibiza Coast Suites for an unforgettable evening watching films.

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Peace and Love

On Sunday evenings throughout the summer, a crowd of hippies on Beniras beach summon the sunset with a drumming circle. The tradition dates back to the summer of 1991 when people gathered to protest against the Gulf War in Iraq. These days, fire pits dotted along the sand, poi dancers and the rhythmic sound of bongos make for a magical atmosphere. The night-long parties here are memorable, unpretentious and offer up a great way to make new spiritual friends.

1. Organic Everything

Conscious eating, living and shopping is big news in Ibiza, and those actively seeking nourishing experiences that have little or low impact on the environment, or indeed themselves, need not look that far. Newly launched retreat, Los Patios, boasts three restaurants solely serving organically farmed, seasonal and local produce. Breads, jams and ice creams are made in-house and available to purchase in the cute little store onsite alongside handpicked artisan products from across the island.

Los Patios, Camino Santa Eulalia 4, 61, 07819 Santa Eulària des Riu, Illes Balears

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Pride

Ibiza is renowned for its gay clubbing scene, and there is no greater time for the peacocks to wow the crowds than at the annual Pride parade. Rainbows adorn the streets for a colourful few days of music, dancing, and excitement attracting not only the LGBT community but everyone and anyone who wants to enjoy the unbeatable atmosphere and vivid display of pride.

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2. Kids can party too

Cafe, Restaurant

Those with children need not shy away from the party island, as there are a plethora of welcoming restaurants and beachclubs for families too. The charming courtyard of Macao Cafe serves up fantastic Italian Cuisine, has a little play area and even offers child minders whilst the adults relax. Amante ups the ante with a glorious beach-side restaurant with sunloungers, sophisticated food and even a children’s menu. Thrill-seekers head to Ibiza Surf Lounge, where kids can spend the day surfing on the in-house Flowrider wave machine whilst the grown-ups kick back and enjoy some live music.

Ibiza Surf Lounge, Camí des Molí, 10, 07820 Sant Antoni de Portmany, Illes Balears

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A Wealth of Watersports

Watersports including windsurfing, sailing, parasailing and even diving can be found on the majority of Ibiza’s beaches making it a top destination for many adrenalin junkies. San Antonio is blessed with a wide open bay making it an ideal spot for such activity and many make this area their first port of call. Tackle the latest trend of Fly Boarding in Playa d’en Bossa however, and you definitely have something to boast about on the plane home. There’s no surer way to feel like James Bond than by donning a jet pack and being powerfully propelled 10 feet above water.

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3. Sunbathing in style

A trip to The Balearic Islands is not complete without a day lounging at one of the beautiful and sophisticated beach clubs. Newly opened Aiyanna or Los Enamorados for example, pull in the A-listers for their upmarket atmosphere whilst still maintaining a laid back, cooler than cool, Ibizan vibe. Most days are spent here socialising, drinking pricey cocktails and people-watching whilst ambient tunes waft over the crowd from the DJ booth.

Aiyanna, Avinguda Cala Nova, s/n, Cala Nova, 07850 Ibiza, Islas

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4. Relaxing Retreats

Forest

Those seeking solace in rustic and wholesome holidays away from the craziness of the coast are venturing inland to farmhouse hideaways. La Granja Ibiza is the island’s first members only retreat set in 25 acres of derelict ranchland where guests can enjoy cooking workshops by the resident farmer and communal meals of organic food dug straight from the garden under a canopy of pine forest trees.

La Granja Farmhouse, Carretera Forada a Sant Mateu, Km. 1, 07820 Ibiza, Islas Baleares

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Proximity to Formentera

With its crystalline clear waters and miles of white Carribean-esque coastline, Formentera is one of the last unspoiled outposts of Mediterranean tourism. The exceptionally diverse marine life and tranquil conditions equates to fantastic snorkelling, diving and fishing and of course the fresh seafood dished up in the local restaurants is second to none. Ferries run daily from Ibiza ports, and the short journey means island hopping day trips are perfectly achievable. Better yet, charter your own boat and be the captain of your own adventure.

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Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.