Away from the razzle - the real ibiza

Many assume Ibiza is nothing but a clubbing mecca, bursting with stag weekends, cheap drinks and drunken revelers, but, whilst all of these can certainly be found, the White Isle also has a good deal more on offer...

While the round-the-clock razzle remains a massive draw, Ibiza Town has plenty more to offer, including a charming old quarter, elegant restaurants, a rich history and beautiful natural coves and countryside.

The towns themselves, of which the main ones are Ibiza Town, San Antonio and Santa Eularia, are where the majority of the hotels and nightclubs are based. But, for those who don't want to do the night shift, you can explore the cobbled streets of the historic Dalt Vila, Ibiza's Old Town, (pictured) which was built as a defensive fortification between the eighth and fourteenth centuries.

You could almost forget that you are a stones throw away from the crowds of tourists swarming around San Antonio's West End - the hardcore clubbing mecca. More than four million visitors head there every summer chasing the nightlife, which doesn't come cheap but it will certainly be memorable.

Depending on your mood, choose from enormous cattle market clubs such as Privilege to the more intimate and trendy Pacha and the super trendy Space.  

One Ibiza attraction that will appeal to everyone is the vast array of beaches. With so many on offer, you can choose between a party beach- Salines and Platja d'en Bossa - or a family beach with great sand - Cala Llonga and Cala Tarida - or a secluded sunbathe at Cala Conta.

Not all of Ibiza is dedicated to wild nightlife. In fact, most of the northern half of the island is made up of unspoilt forest which proves very popular with cyclists and walkers. The coastline of northeastern Ibiza consists of countless small coves and some of the island's most charming beaches. Two great bases from which to discover the north are the laid back family resorts of Portinatx and Puerto San Miguel which provide easy access to lovely inland villages set amongst the wooded landscape as well as fabulous little beaches far away from the tourist masses.

Fancy a drink?

I felt I couldn't let an article on Ibiza go by without highlighting some of the best Bars. Even if you are looking for more than just nightlife, there's always time for a relaxed drink en route home from the beach...

The rustic bar Chiringuito, at the far end of the Benirras beach on the north west Coast is a family beach by day and a hippie paradise by night. Bongos, dancers and incense make this bar a fun experience if you want to try something a bit different.

The location of the Kumharas bar in Port des Torrent may be enough to put some of you off- it's adjacent to tourist central, San Antonio. But in fact, this bar offers fabulous sea views and offers a welcome escape from the crowds.

I had to put this last one in just because I love the name. The El Bigote bar (‘The Moustache') in Cala Mastella is a teeny shack set on a small bay that offers excellent snorkeling. In order to dine on the freshly caught fish, you have to make a reservation in person the day before. Bear in mind if you fail to obtain a table then you are in good company. The King of Spain has been refused service at The Moustache before...

Picture by photoaf