If you have plenty of energy and like a bit of adventure on your holidays, and prefer day time to the night scene, the Spanish Tourist Board recently invited a Daily Telegraph journalist to sample what the island has to offer:

All work and no play has made Jack a dull boy, which is one of the main reasons I have come to Ibiza. For the first few days, all I feel like doing is enjoying the sun and the sense of wellbeing that the island always brings with it. But now my spirits are reviving and my energy levels are topped up, so today I have a plan.

I’ve heard that there are riding stables called Can Mayol in the east of the island near Santa Eulària, and a mountain bike company, Ibizasport, that rents bikes and organises guided rides. Feeling the life force surging through me, I decide to go for a double whammy.

In the cool of the morning, I am introduced to my mount, Kala, by David Capdevielle, who runs the immaculate stables and once managed opera stars in Madrid. As we head off through sweet-smelling pine forest, I begin to understand why he made such a career switch. This is perfect riding country, with virtually no roads to negotiate and a network of woodland paths and old farm tracks that quickly reveal the unspoilt agricultural charm of the Ibiza of yesteryear.

Come evening, I am raring to go again, but this time I am donning a helmet and chatting to Bartolo, who runs Ibizasport in the party town of Sant Antoni. He is keen to show me a cycle route that takes in not only the town’s famous bay - its boardwalk running alongside the legendary Café del Mar - but also the coastline further west.

Bartolo renews his stock of hire bikes every season with the latest hi-tech models and as we bowl west I am amazed at how smoothly my machine takes on even the most gnarly bits of terrain.

It’s not long before we arrive at one of the island’s best spots for watching the sunset, the Sunset Ashram at Cala Conta, and with cocktails being served, my day is complete.

Don’t miss out on the wonderful opportunities for adventure sports and activities on Ibiza, which also include walking, diving, kayaking and rock climbing. Here are my favoured options.

Horse riding

Exploring new landscapes on horseback is always a magical experience and nowhere is this more true than in Ibiza. Many people say that Can Mayol are the finest stables on the island and it’s hard to disagree.

There are about 50 horses stabled here, 10 of which are riding school horses. These are used for lessons, along with hacks through the countryside or along the beach. There are also ponies for younger children, three arenas with floodlights, paddocks, a round pen and a small, private wood for mini-hacks.

* Can Mayol: 0034 680 624 911; www.canmayol.com

Mountain biking

A selection of 21 tried-and-tested routes can be inspected on Ibizasport’s website. These are graded from green (nine miles/one to two hours) through blue and red to black (53 miles/eight hours) and include route directions that can be downloaded to a GPS.

Bikes can be hired and an experienced team of guides are on hand if you prefer to have an expert accompany you.

* Ibizasport: 0034 971 348 949; www.ibizasport.com

Walking

Until the Sixties, Ibizans had lived off fishing and subsistence agriculture for centuries and the main routes of communication were along stony tracks linking small villages, which now make superb hiking trails.

There are also more than 120 miles of coastal walks from which to choose. One of the best is a full-moon walk starting in the resort of Port de Sant Miquel on the north coast. The trail winds up and up through pine forest to one of 15 lookout towers built on high cliffs in the 18th century to protect against pirates, before winding back down through a perfumed river valley. Truly unforgettable.

* Ibiza Mundo Activo (organises various activities): 0034 676 075 704; www.ibizamundoactivo.com

Diving

Ibiza’s coastal waters, even in and around the major resorts of Sant Antoni and Ibiza Town, are one of the island’s true marvels and as pristine as you will find anywhere in the Mediterranean.

Crystal-clear seas and the shores of islands such as Tagomago off the east coast make Ibiza an excellent diving location.

For hotels in Ibiza visit youribiza.net

euroweeklynews.com report on more gay tourists holidaying on Mallorca this year:

More than half a million gay tourists are expected to visit Mallorca this year reports reservasgays.com. This could have a positive effect on the island’s economy as the average gay tourist spends up to fifty euros a day more than a heterosexual one, and their visits are not limited to the peak summer seasons.

Juan Manel Ordinas, co-owner of the Pegasus Hotel, does not think that the figures are correct, “It’s certain that the numbers of gay visitors are increasing, but I think the numbers have been inflated.”

Gay tourism has seen a growth in popularity in Mallorca, and subsequently the island has seen an increase in the amount of specialist Mallorca hotels and services. However the owners of Kfé cafe in Gomila in Palma have not seen a higher demand this year from their clients.

“There is less business than in previous years” said Tito, one of the owners of the cafe, although he doesn’t know if this is due to tourism or the fact that to be gay has become more socially normal “The reason why people go to specialist gay bars is because it feels less aggressive and more protective of values, to be gay is more acceptable these days and for this reason they do not need to go to specialist bars and clubs so much, they can diversify more”, explained Tito.

‘Gay Friendly’ bars don’t always need the rainbow flag to identify them, it’s the individual gay person who decides where they are comfortable and it doesn’t matter to them if the premises have been labelled ‘Gay Friendly’ or not”.

Kristin Hansen, the creator of Mallorca Gay Map is adamant that Mallorca has enormous potential as a destination for gay tourists. “Mallorca has a great choice of hotels from basic to luxury standard, as well as being on the routes for many airlines”, however Mallorca is yet to match popular gay tourist destinations Sitges, Ibiza and Mykonos.

“The problem comes from the mentality of the local people. They are not prepared to see men or women walking hand in hand in the street or kissing. Many homosexuals in Mallorca are still ‘in the closet’ for fear of not being accepted”, he said. Kristin believes that “The future of gay tourism in Mallorca lies in leaving behind the segregation of gay from straight in order for everyone to mix and not just using the specialist hotels, bars and clubs”.

Juan Manel of the Pegasus Hotel was not so sure. “It’s clear that there are tourists of every sort, and some would prefer to go unnoticed in regular hotels, but others actually prefer a homosexual environment”. A report stated that the majority of gay tourists preferred to go to places which were sympathetic to their sexual orientation. “If someone belongs to this group, and there is a specialised service for them, it’s the normal thing to choose it”. Juan Manel did not think that specialising in gay tourism created a ghetto either, “It creates a comfortable atmosphere for the client, that’s all. Religious, political and social factors will always exist that will make gay people feel uncomfortable, and we are many years away from a society where everyone can feel equal in establishments which are not specialised”, concluded Juan Manel.

For a Majorca map visit yourmajorca.net

The Daily Telegraph in the UK interviewed Radio 1 DJ Annie Mac, who revealed her holiday thoughts.

To read the full article click here

I went to Thailand with my boyfriend earlier this year, and it was the first holiday in about five years that didn’t involve work. We went for two weeks and stayed in Khao Lak and Koh Pi Pi. We ate lots of lovely food, read lots of books, swam in the sea and went scuba-diving. We also spent a couple of days in Bangkok, which is an incredible city – intense and vibrant. I found it a really exciting place. It was my first time in Asia and it’s a whole side of the world that I need to discover.

And the best hotel you’ve stayed in?

I’ve travelled all over the world as a DJ and have stayed in loads of hotels, but the one that I love the most is Es Cucons, on the island of Ibiza. It’s a really beautiful farmhouse that has been converted into a hotel and everything about it is just gorgeous. It’s so peaceful, and the staff are the same each time and know your name. It’s also got lovely gardens and the food is the nicest I’ve eaten anywhere in the world. It’s a proper hideaway and a very nice contrast to the rest of Ibiza.

What do you need for a perfect holiday?

You need to go on holiday with someone you can relax around. It’s also worth doing your research beforehand. Rather than trawl through websites, I always speak to as many people as I can and get tips from people who have been to a place before.

What’s your best piece of travel advice?

Make sure you go away with someone you really get on with. There are so many times that a holiday can be ruined by a person rather than by the hotel room or the weather. And pack light. I go away every week, or sometimes twice a week in the summer, so I’m a mini-break expert and know exactly what I need.

For details of hotels in Ibiza visit youribiza.net

Are you one of many people who work out how much you’re going to need for a holiday, think you’ve got everything covered - and then halfway through your trip realised your financial planning was out?

You’re not alone.

Many people have found the amount of money they thought they would need for a trip overseas hasn’t been enough. And with airlines and holiday companies adding extra on to a lot of items that used to come as standard it’s not a problem that’s going to go away.

In their defence it’s not surprising that airlines and holiday companies do this - the recession has hit the travel industry hard, and they need to increase the amount of revenue per passenger they are carrying on the airlines, and hotels for each guest they accommodate.

But putting the full price on advertised rates could affect their business, as it’s the headline price that catches many people’s attention - and with travel portals searching for the lowest price more popular than ever travel companies have to get around the low prices offered by making money elsewhere.

As an example we looked for a holiday to Ibiza for next summer, June 2011, to see what the holiday companies were offering, based on 2 adults with a reasonable hotel for 7 nights and Ibiza flights included.

Thomson Holidays, one of the UK’s leading tour operators, have available return flights and a choice of two different Ibiza hotels for 320 a person, and they also include getting to and from the airport to either of the Ibiza hotels.

Their main competitor, Thomas Cook, are doing even better with flights, hotel and breakfast from 285 a person for 7 nights. Their main competitor, Thomas Cook, are doing even better with flights, hotel and breakfast from 285 a person for 7 nights.

Great deals from Britain’s two leading holiday companies - but extras available include choosing a seat on the flight, a meal and travel insurance. The first two can be missed for the budget conscious, but travel insurance should never be cut out and can be taken either with the holiday company when booking, or independently.

In some ways the hidden costs that only become apparent when booking a trip, in the above example Ibiza holidays, aren’t surprising given that the cost is often the first feature considered, and many holidaymakers expecting to have 5 star flights, hotels and holidays at 2 star prices - the most reliable companies have to compete at the headline prices offered by others.

Away from the booking itself, once people are on their Ibiza holidays or elsewhere, the cost of mobile phone calls are the biggest cause of complaint, despite the EU having ordered charges to come down in recent years.

Other charges that holidaymakers deemed to be excessive included the cost of a taxi - most commonly used to get from the airport to the Ibiza hotels where most people would be staying.

To keep costs down it’s possible to book a taxi online with an agreed price and a driver waiting for you rather than taking pot luck upon arrival. Keeping luggage weights within the airlines allowance will ensure no surcharges, and some airlines offer half price luggage costs when it’s booked online instead of doing it at the airport.

For more details about 2011 Ibiza holidays with news and articles visit youribiza.net

The Daily Telegraph has run a good review about the state of the Ibiza property market - to read the full article and for photographs click through to them here

White parasols, warm sun and mellow Balearic beats floating into the breeze. This is the chilled-out island that Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell and James Blunt enjoy each summer; a far cry from the manic clubland portrayed in the television series Ibiza Uncovered.

Over the past five years a restored Ibizan farmhouse or olive mill (such as the one Jade Jagger owns) has become a status symbol for anyone with a fashion sense. House prices have increased by 15 per cent.

From the poolside at Las Nubes, a whitewashed house perched on a private hilltop near the pretty village of San Carlos, you look down on olive groves, green fields and the sparkling Mediterranean.

“It’s as if there’s nobody here,” says Zvi Smilovitch, who is selling the house for £10.5 million to create another (even more lavish) estate on the island.

“I’ve got houses in Los Angeles and London, but this is where I come to relax and regain some energy.”

That’s not to say that Ibiza has lost its mojo. The upstairs shutters at Las Nubes are closed, not to keep out the midday sun (there’s a gentle breeze), but because Zvi’s daughters are still sleeping, having returned from a nightclub a few hours earlier.

Live music and all-night partying have been part of the island’s culture since the Sixties. The difference these days is that the party scene (and nightclubs) are becoming increasingly upmarket.

“Clubs such as Pacha and Amnesia are not sleazy nightspots – I’ve taken my father along,” says Cathy Ouwehand, who runs Ouwehand & Wall estate agency on the island, an associate of Savills.

“It’s a performance every night with dancers, light shows and professional DJs. Whatever age you are, it’s an amazing event.”

A table in Pacha can cost up to £1,260 and groups regularly spend more than £850 on drinks in a night.

Over the past few years, restaurants, bars and hotels on the island have also smartened up their act to attract a wider range of visitors than young clubbers on package Ibiza holidays.

Blue Marlin on Cala Jondal beach, popular with Sienna Miller, Leonardo DiCaprio and P Diddy, has taken over from Club 55 in St Tropez as Europe’s hippest day-club. Afterwards, partygoers will head to restaurants such as KM5 near the airport or Sa Torreta in Ibiza Town.

“I chose Ibiza because of my daughters, but over the past few years it’s become more stylish,” says William Demetriou, who bought a villa on the Roca Llisa estate near Ibiza town four years ago.

“But it’s never going to be a place where you have to dress up to go out, which is what I love about it.”

His villa, which has four bedrooms, an infinity pool with sea views and a terrace garden, is on the market for £2.8 million as he wants to buy something smaller.

The Ibiza that exists behind the party image is still a bit of a secret, according to Ouwehand. “Ibiza has always had a glamorous side to it. Celebrities have come here for decades, they just haven’t talked about it,” she says.

“If you want to go to clubs you can, but you can live your life here without even knowing about them. It’s a wonderful place for families. Everyone has their favourite cala [cove] and the wonderful restaurants serve fresh fish.”

It is this aspect that is encouraging second-home buyers to Ibiza who would originally have looked to the quieter Balearic Islands of Majorca and Menorca. The island has a stronger economy than mainland Spain, where property prices have dropped since the economic crisis.

The island’s capital, Ibiza Town, with streets lined with tapas bars and linen shops, lies in the south-east, with a deep marina (for superyachts), while the hippy villages of San Carlos and Es Cana are in the north-east. The party town of San Antonio is on the south-west coast. “In terms of holiday homes, people can do everything here that they could do on Majorca and more,” Ouwehand says.

The property market slowed during the economic crisis but is now stable. “There is scope for some negotiation on prices but I don’t think they will fall further,” Ouwehand says.

Georgina Richards, of estate agency Knight Frank, is experiencing most demand for properties in the £420,000 to £630,000 bracket.

“There seems to be a spike in interest from a younger, London-based European crowd, generally between 25 and 35 years old,” she says.

Ouwehand agrees: “Demand from international buyers has returned strongly. Ibiza has a very good rental market and home owners achieve a good return during the summer months.”

Las Nubes, which has 49 acres, a pool and a gym (sadly not quite as big as Kate Moss’s, who is rumoured to own the biggest gym on the island) is one of the best houses on sale now in Ibiza.

“It’s very rare to get such a large, private property on the island,” Ouwehand says. There are five bedrooms, an open-plan kitchen/sitting room and a barbecue terrace and kitchen garden. At the lower end of the market, apartments in Cala Tarida, in the south-west, cost from £193,000. The properties are a short walk from Tarida beach and are very spacious for their price, with balconies looking out over the sea.

“They’re selling out fast because their rental potential is so high,” Ouwehand says. “Owners can get £85 to £125 per day in high season.”

San Antonio, Ibiza’s party town, was not included on my itinerary. Is it really that bad?

“It’s the classic package-holiday destination, so you are going to get your Brits on tour,” says Fiona Kingdon, of Savills. “It’s nothing like Benidorm, though.”

According to Ouwehand, it’s the best place to watch the sun set. “It isn’t as crazy as it’s made out to be,” she says. “It also has some of the best beaches on the island.”

In truth, I’d have been more interested to see Formentera, the small island that Ibiza looks out over, which, according to Ouwehand, is the closest Europe gets to the Seychelles.

House prices there were unaffected by the economic crisis, she says, and have climbed higher this year. “Nowhere in Europe has beaches like Formentera,” she says. “But at least if you buy a house on Ibiza, you can take a boat to Formentera whenever you want to lie on them.”

For the Ibiza weather visit youribiza.net

The tourist board have been busy promoting Majorca and the other Balearic Islands for mid August to end September holidays, with Opodo reporting:

People considering a late summer break this year have been offered a number of reasons to choose Spain’s Balearic Islands as their destination.

The tourist board representing the archipelago pointed out that one of the region’s main advantages is its weather, with 300 days of sunshine every year.

Beach lovers will be spoilt for choice in the Balearics, with Salines in Ibiza, Cala Pregonda in Menorca and Es Trenc in Mallorca among the seafront hotspots being recommended.

People who enjoy a bit of celebrity spotting will be in with a good chance of seeing some famous faces on the Spanish islands, according to the tourist board.

Michelle Obama recently visited Mallorca, while Kate Moss regularly enjoys breaks in Ibiza and Formentera and both Claudia Schiffer and Elle Macpherson own villas in the region.

Travellers who enjoy outdoor activities were encouraged to try some of the sports on offer in the Balearics, with both Majorca and Ibiza boasting an extensive network of cycling routes and most islands providing facilities to go scuba diving.

If you’re off on holiday to Ibiza in the next few weeks and it’s the first time with a toddler, we’ve found the airlines to be helpful and understanding.

Thomas Cook Holidays have come up with a guide that’s pretty good, and the Daily Mirror reported on it yesterday.

Flying with very young children can be a challenge - it’s frustrating for parents and other passengers when little ones play up.

Cabin crew at Thomas Cook Airlines have come up with the following tips to help families taking Majorca flights this summer…

COMFORT

When taking off and landing, give your baby a bottle or a dummy as this will help stop their ears from popping.

Be prepared if you’re travelling on a night flight. Some parents think their child will sleep but this often isn’t the case as the child is not in their usual environment.

Take a small blanket in case your child gets cold, as some Majorca flights don’t provide them for short-haul trips.

Nappy-changing facilities are in the aircraft toilets and there isn’t much room - dress your baby in clothes that are easy to get on and off.

Consider getting a baby sling for your journey. That way you can carry your tot and have two hands free for luggage.

Pack your child’s favourite snacks so you have food to hand if they want something to eat quickly.

If your child is having an inflight meal, be prepared with alternatives in case they don’t like what they’re given.

If you want to give them milk while flying, pick up some once through check-in/security as this is not often available on board.

Entertainment on Ibiza Flights

Crayola’s Colour Wonder paper pad and markers are a great way to keep kids entertained. The pens only work on the special pad so you don’t have to worry about your child marking the seats or the walls of the aircraft.

Kids love presents, so wrap up lots of small surprises you can give to your child throughout the flight to keep them entertained.

Bring toys out one by one so that you can keep children entertained with each toy individually.

For more information about holidays with Thomas Cook Holidays visit their site.

They also do Menorca flights

Hello magazine recently revealed their travel writers’ opinion of where to find the best sunsets, and Ibiza was included:

Ibiza offers exciting options to savour the sunsets to a background of chill-out music at Cafe del Mar, Mambo or Kumara.

On the island, you’ll also find the somewhat more intimate settings of Punta Galera and Cap des Falco, the sandy bay at Cala d’Hort looking out over the islet of Es Vedra, and the romantic hotel Hacienda Na Xamena.

Set alone atop a cliff, the hotel is surrounded by pine woods, and the sunsets can even be enjoyed from the luxurious open air spa, a hedonist’s delight where the water tumbles between pools and waterfalls among the natural rock formations.

For hotels in Ibiza visit youribiza.net - they also have the latest Ibiza weather

The Sun has been to Mallorca Rocks, and report:

YOU’RE chilling on your hotel balcony, watching the sun set after a day of sizzling pool action.

And the best is yet to come - you grab a cocktail and prepare to enjoy top seats at one of the hottest gigs of the summer as the best bands around play just below your room!

Welcome to Mallorca Rocks - the coolest way to enjoy music and more this season at bargain prices.

The original, Ibiza Rocks, has been a favourite with celebs and now creator Andy McKay has opened a new budget hotel, bar and concert venue in Magaluf to offer young Brits another option for a music-soaked sunshine break from less than £112 a week. Over the summer, acts headlining at Mallorca Rocks include Dizzee Rascal, The Courteeners and Pendulum and all will be free for hotel guests.

I was invited to the sunny isle for the opening and was pleasantly surprised.

I had my doubts about going back to Magaluf ten years after my original visit as a wide-eyed, binge-drinking teenager.

But the planners have done a great job with the hotel, creating a clean and simple near-replica of the Ibiza Rocks resort. An enormous pool sits in the middle of a square of 12 apartment blocks, with a huge permanent stage for the gigs.

Rooms are basic-but-modern cool, with whitewashed walls and pop art prints. Most sleep four with a twin bedroom and sofa bed in the lounge. There’s also a kitchenette, maid service three times a week and either balcony or terrace.

The resort is a holiday destination in its own right, with three new bars, a restaurant and fashion store.

At the opening weekend gig some fans had to be turned away as the 2,000 capacity crowd, spanning 18 to 50, crammed in to see The Kooks.

Radio 1 DJ Zane Lowe and indie band Bombay Bicycle Club warmed things up before The Kooks’ Luke Pritchard launched into an energetic two-hour set.

Later Luke said: “I was chuffed to bits to be asked to open Mallorca Rocks. I’ve really enjoyed playing in Ibiza over the years but this feels like we’re on holiday.”

Mallorca Rocks is right in the centre of Magaluf and just 300 metres from the nearest beach, but there is plenty more on the doorstep if you fancy venturing out.

After a morning of sun worshipping by the pool, we caught a taxi to Camp De Mar Beach, a 20-minute ride away, for a paella and wine feast overlooking the Med at Resturante Illeta.

From there we headed to the capital, Palma, a further 15 minutes in a taxi, to catch a sunset harbour cruise. Back on dry land, we made straight for Palma institution Abaco.

This bar in the heart of the old town is part of a beautiful old mansion and features an eclectic interior as well as serving cocktails to die for.

Feeling slightly light-headed, we soaked up the view of glorious Palma Cathedral before stumbling upon a lovely tapas restaurant called Tast.

The next day we woke up bright and early to catch a two-hour ferry to Ibiza and a date with headliners Biffy Clyro - the first of 15 weekly gigs - at the original Ibiza Rocks hotel in San Antonio.

For photographs and to read the full article click here

For a Majorca map visit yourmajorca.net

The Wall Street Journal (no less) reflect on the island some visitors don’t get to see.

On a narrow country road in Ibiza’s sparsely populated, mountainous north, a longtime resident points at a signpost in the shadow of some knotty pines. “See that?” he says, gesturing at a name on the sign obscured by black spray paint. “The locals did that, so the tourists can’t find this!”

Think Ibiza and solitude probably doesn’t come to mind. But on these islands about 100 miles east of the Spanish city of Valencia, a different world begins beyond the high-rise hotels, the wild club scene and the package tours. Here, the land is a deep reddish-orange, and the smell of orange, olive or almond blossoms alternates with pine and sea salt. Life continues at a pace closer to that of the ancients.

The rutted road to which the illegible marker points winds through hilly, semi-cultivated terraces, where red poppies and Queen Anne’s lace grows beneath olive trees. When the road becomes impassable, visitors park and continue on foot through the pines. After a rainy winter, tiny wild orchids have sprung up in the hard earth.

Crossing Ibiza takes about half an hour by car, so it’s easy to reach many of its more remote areas. (Bicycle is another option.) One place to start is up the hill from the modern, crammed Ibiza town. In Ibiza’s old city, Dalt Vila, one can wander through the still-inhabited stone streets of the fortified acropolis where the Phoenicians, who arrived on the island in the 6th century B.C., first founded the city. The museum by the cathedral tracks the remains of Roman, Vandal and Byzantine rulers who followed the Phoenicians, as well as the two centuries of Arab rule that preceded the Catalan arrival in 1235. Nearby is a Phoenician burial ground with tombs dating from the 7th century B.C. Then it’s off on Route C-733 northeast toward the town of Santa Eulària, with its whitewashed 16th-century church and peaceful cemetery. The short distances make it easy to continue north, then head inland and have lunch at Es Caliu, one of the island’s few restaurants that is open year-round.

Over a lunch of Ibizan aioli (a garlicky olive-oil spread), bean salad, and goat ribs on the terrace, Madrid-based architect Jacopo Monti reflects on the island’s mystique. “This was an island of peasants, farming the land to survive,” says Mr. Monti, whose father, a sculptor and collector of African art, moved to Ibiza from Italy with his family in 1981, when Mr. Monti was seven. As a result, he said, “In Ibiza, you feel close to the land. It’s very sensual.”

A new wave of upscale rural hotels has begun to appear in the less-developed, less-visited northern part of the island. Nine years ago, Margaret von Korff and her Ibiza-born husband opened Cas Gasi, a 10-room luxury hotel down some twisty backroads off the route to Santa Eularia. Cas Gasi, in the hamlet of Santa Gertrudis, offers its star-studded clientele (Richard Gere, for one, according to its website) hiking, biking and sailing along with meditation and yoga.

The two rules of thumb might be: If it’s built up, keep moving. And if it isn’t, keep exploring. In Saint Joan, up Route C-733 in the island’s northernmost reaches, the battered sign for “Balàfia” looks highly unpromising. But the bumpy dirt road leads to a five-house town where footpaths wind through fig trees beneath stone towers. In the 16th century they served to warn of frequent pirate attacks. Or explore tiny beach coves, with sunbathers close by fishermen’s boathouses built into the cliffs.

At Cala Mastella, a tiny gem of a beach on the island’s northeastern side, the island friend who pointed out the blacked-out signpost suggests walking out along the rocks of the gently sloping cliff that lead away from the beach, hugging the land. Around a corner there’s restaurant Cala Mastella, with chairs and tables set up on the edge of a second cove, not visible from the first beach.

Fishing boats moored here bring the day’s catch right up to the grill. The pale green seawater is so clear that it reveals its sea life as if in an aquarium. On Saturdays, in nearby Sant Carles, it’s open house at Es Trui de Ca n’Andreu, a home a local man keeps in the same condition it had been in since the 17th century, when his forefathers lived there.

Moving west, another set of back roads leads to the Santa Agnes valley, filled with almond groves whose blooms in January and February draw pilgrims from all over the island, especially during the full moon, which shines on the snowlike white blossoms. Just on the other side of the valley, the steep cliffs overlooking Ses Margalides offer fine sunset views. To read the full article click here

Holidays in Ibiza are available with Thomson Holidays who have all inclusive packages available, or just flights or Ibiza hotels can be booked seperately.