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Go BackShhh! Ibiza's secret sights...

Posted: 11/8/10 16:47

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F***ck Me I'm Famous, Ibiza Rocks, Café Del Mar - institutional and iconic they may be, but they're anything but Ibiza's hidden gems. And, while each year sees a surge of newly arrived 'hot and happening' bars and clubs (in 2009 it was Ushuaia) each of them, although continuing in success, quickly become over-publicised and the spotlight eventually moves on. But what about the lesser-known jewels of the White Isle? Put simply, there are plenty of them.

We caught up with a few of the music industry's Ibiza-goers who were kind enough to spill the beans on some of the ultra-cool beaches, clubs and more that they love - all sneakily shared from their well-thumbed little black books. But shhh!...keep it quiet, keep it special - these are the places where that illusive Balearic magic remains truly at its best.

The sights
In-between partying there's a host of treats stowed away on the island awaiting discovery. While it's a must-see, the historic Dalt Vila (Ibiza Old Town) and the spectacular views it offers at its summit are far from secret. And, although Café Mambo and We Love Space Sundays resident Alex Wolfenden does recommend the requisite trip to the old town, he also reveals another more unheard of attraction; "The secret hideaways of Ibiza are everywhere. I have been coming to this island since '97 and every year I find something new...it's truly a magical place - from inside the rich historical walls of the Dalt Vila, to the breathtaking views of Es Vedra at Cala d'Hort beach. However, my special place is Atlantis where you will see amazing hand drawings on the rocks, just of the eroded cliff faces, that could be hundreds of years old. Then there's the caves and oasis pools and of course, the gigantic cliffs to dive off - but only if you have the nerve!"

A feast fit for a king
Moving from the South to the North of the island, you'll find yet more undiscovered treasures that include everything from secluded beaches to top restaurants and more.

Fabric resident and Wiggle Records' boss Nathan Coles, who lives on the island, has first hand knowledge of the pleasures of the north; "We discovered this amazing little gem [Pou d'es Lleo beach] when our friends moved there. It really is special with lots of secret places and crevices to swim out from, fantastic snorkeling and a great 'Chiringuito' [beach bar] serving up the greatest cocktails, plus two of the best fish restaurants on the island. What more could you want?!"

One of the aforementioned restaurants is El Bigotes ("the moustache") which Coles describes as; "A shack basically, and famous with the locals for its Bullit de Peix (fish stew). The restaurant is virtually in the sea, with the water lapping up against it."

Its cuisine and picturesque setting are so unique that the restaurant is rumoured to have once attracted an un-announced visit from the King of Thailand, who was unable to get a table at the popular eatery, and so forced to return the next day.

Travelling back south, just off the main-hub of Playa d'en Bossa's beach, it's Shardana restaurant and lounge and its free bites and DJs on Thursdays that wins Circo Loco and DC-10 resident Andrew Grant's heart. "I know, you think 'Playa d'en Bossa?' but it's on a road just the other side of Martina Disco (going away from the beach). Great food, relaxing atmosphere and pool to fall into!"
Danni King pres. Shardana Lounge Ibiza Video Here »

The clubs
As the undisputed global champion when it comes to clubbing, it's hardly surprising that Ibiza is also home to a bounty of billboards promoting every over-commercialised party going. Not quite your scene? No problem.

If you're on the hunt for a party that oozes old-school Ibiza, then grab your iPad, iPhone or equally as old-school pen and paper, as Deporto and Finale's Mickey Blue, a regular to the isle, has a couple of tip-offs you won't want to miss.

First up is Ibiza Underground, somewhere Blue describes as; "A place that embodies the original party spirit of the island, retaining zero ego and giving maximum spirit. This converted farmhouse with a courtyard plays host to some of the best music on the island. You won't see posters up with who's playing sprawled around and you may turn up one night to find it shut or your favorite DJ playing back to back with someone you have never heard before, but rest assured the place will be rocking. The secret to this place being so good is that it pretty much is still a secret, so if you remember what the terrace in DC - 10 felt like when there was a bar in middle of it and the roof didn't exist, then you will understand just how good this place can be."

In addition to Ibiza Underground, Blue is also a firm supporter of Bedouin-style lounge-bar Km5 as he explains; "[Km5] Always seems to get better with age...if the term Balearic chic was in the dictionary, surely there should be a picture of the courtyard during one of the full moon parties! Impeccable attention to detail mixed with a wild and flamboyant layout that makes the place feel like a cross between the magical inner depths of Willy Wonka's chocolate factory combined with a dream-inspired vision of luxury. The food and drink at Km5 is some of the best Ibiza has to offer and in my opinion worth every pound, penny, euro or shekel!"

The beaches...
It's Ibiza's golden sands and tranquil blue waves that prevail as the biggest attraction with DJs and promoters alike. After showcasing their skills in the clubs, they certainly earn their downtime so who could blame them for taking to some of the island's most impressive tucked-away beaches?

For Nathan Cole it's the north's secluded retreats that do it best. "If you want something off the beaten path with the most incredible views and perfect turquoise snorkeling waters, then you definitely need to head to Cala Xarraca. Then five minutes up the road check out Cala Xucla", says Cole. He also highly recommends a trip to the most northern point of Ibiza, where you'll find Portinax.

Time it right by getting there for mid-July and you'll experience Ibiza's only legal beach party, with music that goes through the night on the Saturday during this three-day fiesta.

Heading south, it's Cala Moli that Kiri, one half of Double Trouble Productions, names as his perfect place to chill out at. It's set at the end of a 'torrent' (a cleft in the hillside) so you'll need a car to reach this pebbly beach with caves made for snorkeling. Best of all, Cala Moli beach was officially named as a 'natural' beach by San Jose Town Hall, meaning you will never see rows of sun loungers spoiling it's naturally beautiful view.

For Andrew Grant, it's south that wins his vote too; "My beach is Es Codolar, where you can get the perfect sandwiches in the supermarket just before the beach called El Rincon de Es Codalor."

So from hideaway beaches and top-secret restaurants to cryptic clubs, now you too are in the know about some of the coolest places to check out on your next trip to the White Isle, each tried, tested and much loved by the music industry's insiders. All that's left to do now is pack your bags, get on a plane and make discovering them for yourself top of your to-do list before summer bids a fond farewell.

All in one Ibiza Guides...
 Words by Clare Scott

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