IBIZA???

[chelle84]

Hey, thinking about going to Ibiza when we are there next year (be about mid May I guess).. I've read on these forums that Ibiza is very expensive - just need a bit mor info.

First how to get there? I assume Ferry? Is it expensive? How long does it take?

Exactly how expensive is Ibiza? Is it worth it or could you just stay in Barcelona and have just as much fun?

Also since it will be May when we go, will it be to quiet there?

[madamtrashheap]

chelle84, you're right about Ibiza being expensive. In particular the clubs and drinks. That said, Ibiza Town is a little cheaper in accommodation than that near San Antonio (clubs), but it is a bit of a hike to the big clubs from Ibiza Town (basically the other side of the island - but there is transport: taxis or "discobus"). Figueteras is about 15mins from Ibiza Town, but it's not the greatest of areas. Otherwise a lot of people stay at Playa den Bossa. As you're going in May, things will just be warming up up so you may be able to book a hostel in Ibiza Town for a decent rate. There's one called Hostel La Marina - I've not stayed there, but it's a good location from all accounts (friends stayed there).

You can fly or ferry to Ibiza, depends on what takes your fancy. Flying from Barcelona to Ibiza - Iberian Air or Spanair are two local ones. Prices seem to be around Euro50-80 and it takes just under an hour direct. There are a few other airlines (eg Air Berlin) that fly via another town.

The ferry choices range from slow (9.5 hrs) to fast (4.5hrs) Ferries run from Barcelona to San Anotonio port. Not sure of prices, sorry.

As for whether or not you should go - that's a hard one. I love Barcelona and could quite happily fill my days there, but, you're in the area and if you can fit it in, then I say check it out, even for just a few days. As I've said, it's not the height of the season (a good and bad thing) so things won't be full on, in fact May is the "magic date" when the Mediterranean starts to wake from its Winter break (Spain, Greece, Italy). There are still places like Cafe del Mar (just groovy), the beaches (it will be warmer there than the rest of Europe) and the old town that you can explore. Depending on when in May you'll be there, some of the bigger clubs start having party nights towards the middle and end of May.

I think Herrbert has been, so hopefully he, or anyone else, will chime in with some more advice.

Yours in sunsets! ;D

[herrbert]

I am sorry to disappoint you all ...

I am not a lover of beaches, so I stick to the inland of Spain (so far). I've never been to Ibiza. Ibiza is known for being a party-island (and that's what I tend to avoid), the last years it was a trendy place to go, esp. for fans of dance-music. If you go for the beach and the nightlife, you will be in the right spot (but it will be less busy in May, then during the holidays). As it is an island, there will be a little more wind, so it will likely be a little cooler than other places in Spain, but most likely the weather will be good.

Personally I would choose Majorca above Ibiza, this is also one of the Isles of the Balaeren-group. It is also a popular tourist destination, and therefor there are enough beaches, restaurant, hotels and nightclubs, but there is also a lot to see. the Cathedral of Palma de Majorca, some stunning landscapes, and old towns, that is: if you can escape the touristic places. When I was in Madrid a couple of weeks ago, a friend of mine, that went to Majorca this summer, was really positive about this Island. She showed me some of the photographs she has taken there, it looked more than OK. (she even considers living there for a while, next year)

It is up you, if you want to go to see one of the Isles, of course it is a little different, but it also means putting your money towards a ticket for a plane. You also ask the question if you could stay in Barcelona, and have just as much fun. In my opinion: yes. But there are some good places to consider in Spain besides Barcelona and Madrid, like Salamanca, San Sebastian, Valencia, Granada, Sevilla, Cordoba, Caceres, .... and the list goes on and on. If you think Ibiza, is the place you want to go, than go there and check it out.

If you decide to take a flight to Ibiza check: AirEurope, this is a new low-budget airline in Spain, focusing mostly on domestic flights, and for most flights by far the cheapest, if you book ahead, prices start at around 60 euros for a retun flight. (you can also check Iberia, Spanair and Vueling for tickets)

[crystal]

What to say about Ibiza
Remember when I say this that I have never been to Ibiza.
In the UK Ibiza is known as party central. This means a lot of drunken students on gap years. Although in May it should be a little quieter. However I have heard of extremly high prices - £6+ for a bottle of lager. Of course I have also heard that the quieter side of Ibiza is really chilled out and away from the mayhem.
I can't tell you whether to go or not (remember i've never been). I always think any travelling experience is time and money not wasted. But just pick your location wisely according to your tastes and budget.
:-) Happy travels

[Jules80]

my cousins have been a few times and they enjoyed it. but as cyrstal said, you go for the party and not to sleep. my cousin's husband went there for his stag weekend...