Ibiza is an island paradise that invites you to dream awakening that part of you that loves romance. St. Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and the “white island” has all the ingredients for a unique weekend, an opportunity to discover the most beautiful parts of the Balearic Islands, with its mild and temperate climate all year round.
Many local hotels and rural tourism establishments have special offers for a blissful long weekend, including accommodation and dinner, providing top cuisine as the backdrop to a perfect lovers’ tryst. But want to know the best way to make the most of every moment of the weekend of 14, 15 and 16 February? Here’s how:
Day 1:
Visit the old walled town of Dalt Vila, in the city of Ibiza, as one of the island’s biggest cultural attractions, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site. As you wander the white streets with their real maritime feel, make sure you visit the fortified bastion of Santa Llucia with views of the port of Ibiza, and the Dominican cloisters which today form part of the local Council Buildings, the Puget Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art, culminating in the jewel in the crown, namely, Ibiza’s Cathedral Santa María de las Nieves.
One of the essential places to visit at the foot of the city walls is the Paseo de Vara de Rey, a local meeting point and buzzing hub of the town, which has plenty to offer in the way of retail shops and bars and restaurants. The port of Ibiza is close by and boasts an obelisk dedicated to pirates, the only one of its kind in the world, along with a sculpture erected by the British to commemorate Sir Francis Drake.
Romance is alive on St Valentine’s evening, with many restaurants offering special dinners for the occasion.
Day 2:
Saturday is the perfect day to visit another of the island’s well-known tourist attractions, the Ibizan flea markets. One market that tourists often miss is in Sant Jordi, which is held at the local racecourse, where you can wander among the numerous stalls selling second-hand goods, antiques, jewellery or outlet bargains. Also on Saturday the village of Forada holds a farmer’s market with various stalls selling crafts and organically grown fruit and vegetables. The most famous market of all, which is renowned worldwide, is Las Dalias, the most traditional flea market of Ibiza, where you can take a wander through the garden, browsing the stalls selling unique objects, crafts and exclusive artworks. The perfect plan for a romantic Saturday, in the charming village of Sant Carles de Peralta.
The ideal way of ending your special day out is to watch the Ibizan sunset on the beach of Cala d`Hort with views across to the islet of Es Vedrá. Other beautiful locations for watching the sun go down are the beach of Platges de Comte or Ses Variades in Sant Antoni de Portmany.
Day 3:
For the final day of your romantic weekend a visit to the Ses Salines Natural Park is a must. Extending over almost 3000 hectares, the park has ancient salt pans, not to mention the beaches of Ses Salines, Es Colodar and Es Cavallet; and you can visit the ancient defence towers as you take a romantic stroll through the park.