Ibiza, not just summer: what to do out of season

Ibiza is in fact famous for being full of mysteries, and certainly one of the best is the gorgeous and imposing Es Vedra, an outstanding rock of about 400 meters high. Located just in front of Cala d’Hort Beach, near San José, this enigmatic small island rises histrionically from the sea, only some hundred meters from the shore. Es Vedra is considered among the few most magnetic spots on earth (actually the third one after the north Pole and the Bermuda Triangle!). It is a fact that if you navigate near this rock the boat instruments will be affected…

There are several myths around Es Vedra, and you can’t avoid feeling all the mystery while you are getting close to the site. One of the most fascinating myths is that it was a home for sirens and sea-nymphs, who tried to trap Ulysses from his boat in Homer’s Odyssey. It was also considered the birth-place of the Goddess Tanit, the chief Deity of Carthage alongside her consort Ba’alHammon. She is also Goddess of Ibiza, and for this reason you will be able to admire her Statue.

An even more mysterious Myth about Es Vedra is that it was used to build the Pyramids in Egypt, because of the particular type of rock, which is similar to the one of the Pyramids and Stonehenge. These are just some of the fascinating mysteries around Es Vedra, and it certainly represents one of the most inspiring destinations in Ibiza, during more peaceful months.

Further than discovering interesting spots, there is much more you can do in Ibiza out of season. First of all, you will be able to enjoy everything in a more relaxing way, out of the summer crowds. From the beaches to the restaurants, you may be sure to fully appreciate the tranquillity of the island. If you are doubting the opening of hotels and restaurant, don’t think about it. There are many choices for a perfect accommodation all year-long, and one of the best is a private villa with a view on the sea. The perfect base for winter explorations.

The weather and the temperatures should not worry you as well. There are about 300 days of sunshine a year, and the temperatures are between 12C in the coldest month and 21C in October! Even swimming is almost always possible, thanks to a long hot summer which keep the waters warm till beginning of December. And if the water temperature shouldn’t be warm enough for swimming, you can still sun-bathe at one of the many beaches. A very interesting trip is to one of the many caves to explore, like those at Atlantis beach, South-West of Ibiza. This area has also become popular among climbers, and there are many routes today to follow.

A famous cave is the one of Ses Fontanelles, where you can admire pre-historic paintings in the small cave also called Cova del Vi (wine’s cave). It is situated in the amazing rocky cliffs between Santa Agnes and San Antonio. The paintings were discovered by the French archaeologist Henri Breuil, and they are estimated to date back to the Punic era (6^th-4^th centuries BC!). Another extraordinary cave is Cova de Can Marca Caves, a real subterranean world dating back to 100.000 years ago and containing many fossils and bones remains. It was first discovered by traffickers, who used to hide their contraband in the cave. It is nowadays a unique nature performance, with a number of underground water courses, waterfalls and pools, all with fossils. It’s also possible to attend a guided tour enjoying a light show on the waterfalls.

Not to miss the Sunday sunset drumming ritual at Benirras, a historic tradition, based on the generous spirit of tolerance which is typical among Ibiza people. The origin of this ritual dates back to 18^th August 1991, when many hundreds of people congregated at Benirras beach, protesting against the Gulf War in Iraq. The event attracted peace-lovers from all over the world and soon become a happening with thousands of people. For safety reasons the authorities banned the event, but since than several drummers are still going at Benirras every Sunday, to keep on this tradition. Listening to the drums in front of the sunset is a hypnotic, involving experience and people feel so free to start dancing, like in a tribal ritual.

During off-season it is also much fun mixing-up with locals, enjoying a simple, yet tasteful and authentic Ibicencan meal. You may always find islanders at Cas Costas, a great restaurant where you can taste fresh fruit and vegetables brought directly from the island ecological vegetable gardens. There is a lovely courtyard where you can eat under the trees, and drink the typical hierbas, the local spirit, made by the organic market nearby.

There is anyway a long list of restaurants open all-year, just because local people enjoy going out as much as the tourists!

If you are looking for a  luxury villa to live Ibiza out of season, then you can visit our collection.