Ibiza (2009)

A two-day city break on one of Spain's beautiful Mediterranean islands. Departure on 5 March, return on 7 March 2009. Superb weather despite the forecasters' jinxing, sea, cerveza muy fria in hand...

Thursday 5 March Why Ibiza in March? For 10 excellent reasons: 10 euros for the flight \r x 2 people, taxes included! With an offer like that we certainly couldn't let slip the chance of a weekend in our beloved Spain: so, with light luggage and a great craving for sun\sea\tapas, we set off on Thursday 5 from home towards Orio al Serio. After a little over an hour's drive we arrive at the terminal (indoor car park) 2 minutes before the gate opens. Ryanair lived up to its name and we left perfectly on time, a very calm flight (2 hours), and a big sleep at least until 10 minutes before landing, when a fat agitated bloke decided to let us know his plans for the following days, practically shouting them in our ears. Ibiza airport is small and well kept, a pity about the lack of an internet point. The bus to the city (line 10 or 10b) leaves every hour and takes about 25 min to reach Av.

d'Espanya, the central street; the cost is around €3 \r (for info

Unfortunately for us that bus had just left and, having no desire to wait an hour in the middle of nowhere, we opted for a taxi: exactly 9 minutes for €9, definitely convenient. Once in the city we easily reach the hotel (Maritimo). Very quick check-in, helpful staff, a clean and decent room with a wonderful sea view (specifically requested when booking). We'll discover later that the hotel also has a small indoor pool and a gym, as well as an in-house restaurant\bar open until late, ideal for a late-night snack.

We quickly drop our backpacks and head straight for the old town, strolling along the coast. The weather, despite the doom-laden forecast, is excellent: 16°, full sun and not a cloud on the horizon, just plenty of wind. The fortress is very pretty, typical little white houses with blue window frames that feel a bit Greek. In 10 minutes you can easily wander it up and down. We noticed quite a few bars\shops closed for renovation; in summer it must be a very lively area: in our case it was half-deserted. We decide to head down towards the port, the central and most touristy part of the city. Worth noting in this area is the tourist office: it's right in front of the port, a tiny little shop (3 sq m) recognisable only by the big “I” for information above it.

Here two old crones will be happy to give you maps (up to date) and information (probably dating back to just after the war) about the island.

The centre of Ibiza offers young and unusual clothing shops; strangely, unlike what happened to us in other European cities, we didn't come across the various Zara, H&M and co...from this point of view the island seems a bit forgotten by globalisation. The exact opposite, though, when it comes to food. Forget tapas bars and Spanish-style little restaurants. This is the home of fast food: Burger King, McDonald's and KFC EVERYWHERE. Sadly this time we didn't manage even one tapas: and to think we were on Spanish soil!!!

After a bit of very quick shopping we go back to the hotel for a refreshing nap ahead of the evening. On the way back to base we discover, alas, that the hotel isn't as close to the centre as it looked on the map, or rather it is as the crow flies: a pity that right in the middle of the path there's a hill to go around! Towards evening, rested and refreshed by a nap of almost 3 hours (we'd been on the go since 7 in the morning), we go back to the port area expecting to find little bars\pubs to have a drink.. Disappointment: in the whole centre there are three micro-sized bars open (next to each other) and one pub. We start with an ice-cold cerveza at the pub (deserted) and bounce into a couple of the three bars, decidedly more crowded (only locals, no tourists). Towards 10.30 pm we go back to the pub and to our surprise find it packed with people laughing: it was cabaret night.

When the show ends, a bit of a DJ set and then live music. The pub in question is the Teatro Pereyra (nice atmosphere, very affordable prices, quality drinks and beers, frequented by people of all ages. Small note: when the live music starts the drinks double in price..better to stock up beforehand. Satisfied we go back to the hotel to enjoy a good sleep. CONTINUES ON OUR BLOG: