Getting to and around Ibiza
1. Return Trip from Manchester to Ibiza
We took a 3-hour direct flight from Manchester to Ibiza via Jet2.com airline. On our return, we took Ryanair flight.
2. Getting Around Ibiza
2.1. Taxi
Personally, I thought that the taxi ride from the Ibiza airport to our accommodation in San Antonio was quite expensive, costing 40 Euros for a 20-minute journey. In contrast, a similar 20-minute taxi ride at night in London was only 13 pounds. However, since it was late at night, we preferred taking the taxi instead of the bus for convenience and speed. A bus ride would have taken us an hour.
2.2. Public Bus
In June’23, the bus rides in Ibiza cost around 2-3 Euros per trip. Some ticketing booths only accept cash as payment. Public buses are the most affordable way to travel around the island.
2.3. Other Modes of Transportation
If you plan to travel extensively across the island, it’s highly recommended to rent a car in advance. Additionally, there are cycling paths along the roads, making biking another possible way to get around. You can also get around to neighbouring towns via taxi boats but we did not explore that option.
Accommodation
Aparthotel Casita Blanca – Adults Only
The staff at the reception and breakfast cafe were very nice and friendly, providing us with a pleasant service. We were so impressed that we would give them 12/10 stars for our stay if we could. My dad even tried to give tips to the service crew at the cafe, but they refused.
The room was very nice and clean. I was a little apprehensive before our trip because I saw some reviews mentioning cleanliness issues, but I was satisfied with the cleanliness of our room. The interior design matched the pictures, and the size of the room was comfortable for three people. Breakfast was included in our stay but do note that the food selection is pretty limited and repetitive.
The location was also quite good, as it only took 7 minutes to walk to the bus terminal, which provided easy access to other parts of the island.
The accommodation was the highlight of our trip and we were very satisfied with our stay.
Attractions
1.Beaches
1.1. Calo des Moro Beach (10 mins Walk from our Accommodation)
This beach is located right in the heart of San Antoine town. It is a 10 mins walk away from our accommodation. There are ice cream shops, cafes and hotels right next to this beach. You can take a stroll or cycle along this beach.
One of the most reassuring aspects of this beach was the presence of a lifeguard on duty. Knowing that a watchful eye was keeping tabs on the swimmers provided a sense of comfort.
Another delightful surprise during the swim was the presence of fishes in the shallows. Their vibrant colors and graceful movements added an element of enchantment to the overall experience.
However, I must admit that I was slightly dismayed by the sight of dead corals scattered in the water. While this was disheartening to witness, it also served as a stark reminder of the fragility of our oceans and the need to protect their delicate ecosystems.
1.2. Cala Comte Beach (30 mins Bus ride from our Accommodation)
Nestled within a tranquil cove, Cala Comte beach boasts sandy beaches and clear blue water. As you step onto the soft, golden sands, you’ll be mesmerized by the crystal-clear waters inviting you to take a dip. Although the absence of fish may disappoint marine enthusiasts, the breathtaking scenery more than compensates for it.
Keep in mind that Cala Comte tends to be more crowded, especially during peak seasons, which can make finding a tranquil spot a bit challenging. Additionally, getting there might require some effort due to traffic congestion and limited parking. Despite these minor drawbacks, Cala Comte’s sheer beauty and expansive shoreline make it undeniably worth a visit for beach lovers seeking a memorable coastal experience.
While my beach holiday at Cala Comte was graced with natural splendor, I couldn’t help but feel frustrated with my self-centered mum, whose relentless focus on shopping disrupted our otherwise tranquil getaway. She kept hurrying us to swim so she could indulge in her afternoon shopping spree, leaving me feeling like our beach holiday was overshadowed by her incessant demands. Despite the annoyance caused by my mother’s behavior, I still cherish the moments of peace and serenity that Cala Comte offered. The beach’s beauty was a stark contrast to the tumultuous emotions within me, making it a destination worth visiting, despite the personal challenges I encountered.
2. Sunset at Cafe Mambo
Staying in San Antoine made catching the sunset an effortless delight for us. Every evening, throngs of tourists flock to this spot, eagerly anticipating the mesmerising display of brilliant hues at sunset. As the sun gracefully dips below the horizon, the lively atmosphere transforms, and the party comes alive. If luck is on your side, you might witness the vibrant energy of dancers swaying to the rhythm on the podium at cafe Mambo as you pass by.
3. Hippie Market (only on Wednesday)
I decided to give the hippie market a miss since it was located quite far from our hotel, and I was concerned about missing the last bus back. The thought of having to take a cab back and potentially paying around 100-150 Euros for a 1 to 1.5 hour car ride was daunting. Although my mum was disappointed, I believed it wasn’t worth taking such a risk. If you’re planning to visit this market, it’s advisable to stay in the area to avoid transportation uncertainties and make the most of your time exploring the vibrant offerings at the market.
Food
1. Tiki Tacos
Tiki Tacos is a hidden gem when it comes to serving exceptionally delicious tacos. The restaurant offers a tantalizing array of flavors at affordable prices, with their mouthwatering tacos starting at just 1 Euro each. From the first bite, it’s evident that the ingredients are fresh and thoughtfully combined to create a delightful explosion of flavors. Whether you’re a fan of traditional fillings or seeking adventurous and unique combinations, Tiki Tacos is sure to satisfy your cravings while keeping your wallet happy. Don’t miss the chance to indulge in their affordable and delectable taco offerings.
2. Restaurante Gran China
Restaurante Gran China is an excellent choice for Chinese cuisine in Ibiza, thanks to the warm and welcoming atmosphere created by the very friendly Chinese lady boss. Her humility shone through when I complimented the beautifully decorated restaurant. What makes this place even more enticing is the availability of lunch set meals, a common feature in Asian restaurants on the island, offering great value for money. For those seeking a delicious and budget-friendly dining experience, Restaurante Gran China is a must-visit, and be sure to keep an eye out for their enticing set meal deals that add an extra touch of delight to your dining experience.
3. Restaurant Bar Benitez
During our last day in town, we decided to savour the authentic flavours of Spanish Paella at Restaurant Bar Benitez. While waiting for the dish to be prepared which we were informed that it would take 20 mins, I was constantly worried that we may miss our bus to the airport.
Aside from that nagging worry, the paella was served in generous portions, with a minimum serving for two priced at 13 Euros per person. The staff provided nice and friendly service, adding to the overall pleasant dining experience. If you have the time to spare and a craving for delicious paella, Restaurant Bar Benitez is a fantastic choice to indulge in this traditional Spanish delight.
Total Expenditure
I will be sharing the expense report once I get around to compiling the information.
After-Thoughts
This year, I was determined to plan a beach holiday for my dad, especially after he expressed his desire to go swimming during his visit to the UK last year. I was very excited and pleased with myself after I booked our trip to Ibiza this year. The anticipation of spending quality time with my dad in such a vibrant and picturesque destination filled me with joy and eagerness to create unforgettable memories together.
Bringing my parents to Ibiza proved to be an interesting experience, particularly when I observed their reactions to seeing naked women on the beach. Ibiza is predominantly renowned for its vibrant party scene rather than being perceived as a family-friendly beach town. Nevertheless, I was captivated by the picturesque images of its beaches online, which prompted me to plan a trip there.
During my visit, I couldn’t help but notice the striking similarities between Ibiza and Bali. It seemed apparent that Bali’s tourism development drew inspiration from Ibiza. Additionally, Ibiza’s hilly landscapes reminded me somewhat of Japan. While I found Ibiza to be enchanting, I don’t believe it’s worth traveling all the way from Asia solely to visit this destination, especially when Bali offers a great beach alternative that is closer to home. Furthermore, Bali’s beaches boast stronger waves then Ibiza, which is the reason why Bali is often considered a surfers’ paradise. As a vegetarian, I personally prefer and miss the food diversity and flavours in Bali.
In the future, I would love to explore other beach destinations in Europe such as Greece, Italy and Croatia to give you a more informed comparison of my experiences.