Ibiza is one of the Balearic islands, an archipelago of Spain in the Mediterranean Sea. Although it is well known for the lively nightlife in Ibiza Town and Sant Antoni, where major European nightclubs have summer outposts, it is also home to quiet villages, yoga retreats and beaches for swimming, sun baking, dining and water sports.
Today Ibiza dawns blue and warm, just the way I imagined it to. Dalt Vila, Ibiza’s old town or ‘upper town’ is a walled historical centre from the Middle Ages. Perched on the hill top overlooking the harbour it calls to me from across the water. I have to wait a bit longer though, we have decided to take the boys to the local beach for the morning.
This is not quite what we had in mind originally. We had hoped to hire a board and do a private tour but despite Jason’s best efforts, the booking has not quite come together. Visions of sparkling crystal water and secluded white strips of picture postcard perfect sand evaporated with the sobering private tour boat price tags. We try our last minute luck at the marina but to no avail, everything is sold out now. Never mind, the beach is only a short walk away.
In fact, the small resort beach of Talamanca is located only 2 km from Dalt Vila, the centre of Ibiza and less than a 10 minute stroll from the Marina. The beach is long and heavily curved which creates soft sand shelves, clear water and protection from wind and waves. This provides perfect conditions for safe swimming and water sports as well as the mooring of smaller vessels.
Despite the promising descriptions, on arrival at the busy local Talamanca Beach the boys are unimpressed. There are two aspects to their disappointment: i) they are Australians living in Dubai so as far as beaches go, they have high expectations; and ii) although pretty and protected this is certainly not the best beach Ibiza has to offer.
Nevertheless we change and, determined to make the most of the day, the boys take to the water. Once they are in it doesn’t really matter that the beach is not ideal – a bit crowded and the water is far from crystal in parts. They splash and swim, Jason has had the foresight to pack snorkeling gear and they spot a few fish while I sit on the beach watching the water sparkle around the boats floating a little further out where the water is clearer.
It is a good place for people watching and it is obvious from the mix that this is an international destination. From where I sit I can hear conversations in at least 5 different languages and there are many styles of beachgoers making their way along the wooden boardwalk that runs the length of the beach enabling them to avoid the very hot sand underfoot. At the end of the bay is a lovely promenade and there is an excellent choice of cafes and restaurants from one end to the other judging from both the number of chairs and umbrellas and the enticing smells wafting in on the air.
After an hour or so of swimming and snorkeling the boys return to me for something to eat and we break out our sandwiches and fruit. From here we move up the beach a bit. Harley has spotted the paddle boards for hire and is like a dog with a bone. Jason paddles the boys out, one at a time, giving them turns with the long oar.
Then it is my turn. I stick to my knees. With the boys on the board it is not just the movement of the waves that can be unpredictable! We paddle out and back, out and back. It is only a short time but it feels fantastic. From here the water is clear and blue, the air is warm and there is only a gentle breeze that ruffles the waves as they lap against the boats ahead of us.
By the time our paddle board hire time is up we have been out in the sun for a few hours. There is some digging and drawing in the sand but eventually our little adventure must come to an end. It is a hot day and time to return to the shade. Jason takes Harley back to the ship while Jasper and I catch the local ferry from the Marina to Ibiza Centro for a late lunch and to explore the Dalt Vila.
Ibiza’s fortified old town, or Dalt Vila was founded by the Phoenicians in the 7th century BC with eras of Punic and Roman occupation before being seized by invading Muslims in 902 to become the Islamic city of Medina Yabisa. In 1235 it was conquered once again, this time by the Catalans and became part of the Crown of Aragon.
Being an island, Ibiza’s harbor is the centre of its historical culture and there is a strong maritime history with commerce dating back to the Middle Ages, largely based on the salt trade. This was produced in Ses Saline’s and supplied to Genon, Naples, Sicily and elsewhere around the Mediterranean.
At the end of our day, sun drenched views of the Dalt Vila sink into darkness. My shoulders continue to throw off the heat of the day, stinging from the sunburn that I had tried so carefully to avoid. The strap marks on my back from an hour or so of paddle boarding and playing in the sand give off almost as much an iridescent glow as that of the Dalt Vilas’s fortifications lit up high on the hill as we sail into the night.
Good To Know
Book early for tours, particularly private boats and transfers. Many companies offer boat trips with food and beverages included however the majority of these are aimed at adults and depart from Sant Antoni on the other side of the island.
Talamanca beach is walkable from the port and the old town and offers tourists a full range of facilities including the lovely promenade, lifeguards, showers, toilets, lockers (June – Sept), sun beds and parasols (for hire) and well as a good selection of cafes, restaurants and casual bars.
There are also paddle boats, jet skis, kayaks and stand up paddle board available for hire (June to Sept).
Would I Return?
Yes. Especially if I could go back to 1999. I feel a bit like I have missed the boat, so to speak, here amongst all the partygoers waking after midday. I would like to take one of those private tours though and float for a while in the azure sea of the postcards, whiling away an afternoon kicking at the sand with nothing on my mind but music, love and what to wear tonight…..
