Ibiza From 7th to 15th of August 2016 with my boyfriend

 

My second time in Spain was a one-week summer holiday in Ibiza and Formentera in August 2016, spent with my boyfriend. It was the perfect mix of slow beach days, road trips, sunsets, and, thanks to me insisting on it, at least one proper night out.

We stayed at Apartamentos Xaloc in San Antonio, in a central location that made it easy to reach both beaches and nightlife. The apartment was simple but practical, with everything we needed as a base for exploring the island. From the airport, we picked up a car from Europcar, which turned out to be one of the most important choices of the trip. Ibiza really comes alive when you can move freely between coves and viewpoints.

DAY 1 – 07.08.2016

( Night at: Apartamentos Xaloc, San Antonio )

We flew in the evening from Milan Malpensa with EasyJet, landing in Ibiza around 22:00. Even at night, the island already felt warm and alive, with a soft sea breeze as soon as we stepped outside the airport.

After collecting the rental car, we drove north toward San Antonio. The roads were quiet and unfamiliar, and I remember looking out of the window trying to catch glimpses of the coastline in the dark, imagining what everything would look like in daylight. We arrived at the apartment late, unpacked quickly, and fell asleep excited for the days ahead.

DAY 2 – 08.08.2016

( Night at: Apartamentos Xaloc, San Antonio )

We woke up early and immediately headed to Cala Comte, one of Ibiza’s most famous beaches. The first impression was unforgettable: water so clear it almost looked unreal, with shades of turquoise, deep blue, and even green depending on the light. We spent the morning swimming, lying in the sun, and slowly getting into holiday mode.

The atmosphere was relaxed but still lively, with boats anchored offshore and people moving between small rocky viewpoints to take photos. It already felt like one of those places where time doesn’t matter.

In the afternoon, we drove to Cala Tarida. This beach felt slightly calmer and more laid back. We stopped at a chiringuito right on the sand and ordered drinks while watching the sea slowly change colour as the sun started to lower. The sunset there was soft and golden, and we stayed until the sky faded into pastel tones.

It was the perfect introduction to Ibiza: two beaches, two moods, both beautiful in completely different ways.

 

Day 3 – 09.08.2016

( Night at: Apartamentos Xaloc, San Antonio )

( Sangria time at Cafe de Mar )

 

We spent the morning at Cala Bassa, a beach surrounded by pine trees and known for its incredibly calm, clear water. It was easy to spend hours just floating in the sea or walking slowly along the shoreline.

This was also the day I tried jet skiing for the first time. I was both excited and slightly nervous, but once I got the hang of it, it turned into one of the most fun parts of the trip. The feeling of speeding across the water, with waves splashing and the coastline moving past, was unforgettable.

After a long beach day, we went in the evening to Café del Mar Ibiza in San Antonio. The atmosphere there is iconic: chill music, people sitting quietly facing the sea, and everyone waiting for the sunset as if it were a shared ritual. We ordered sangria and watched the sun slowly disappear into the horizon while the music built the mood in the background.

It was one of those evenings that feels simple but stays in your memory.

Day 4 – 10.08.2016

( Night at: Apartamentos Xaloc, San Antonio )

The weather was cloudy with occasional rain, so we decided to explore Ibiza Town instead of going to the beach.

Walking through Dalt Vila, the old town, felt like stepping into a completely different side of the island. Narrow cobbled streets, whitewashed houses, small shops, and hidden corners gave it a much more historic and local atmosphere compared to the beach areas.

We also visited the hippie market, where colourful stalls sold jewellery, clothes, and handmade items. It was less about shopping and more about wandering, looking, and soaking in the atmosphere.

Even without the beach, the day felt rich and interesting in a completely different way.

Day 5 – 11.08.2016

( Night at: Apartamentos Xaloc, San Antonio )

( Formentera island, Cala de Migjorn )

We woke up early and took the ferry from Ibiza port to Formentera. The sea crossing already felt like part of the experience, with the water becoming clearer and bluer as we approached the island.

As soon as we arrived, we rented a scooter, which was the best decision of the day. Formentera is small, and exploring it this way felt free and effortless.

We started at Cala de Migjorn, a long and peaceful beach where everything felt quiet and open. Later we continued to Caló des Mort, a small hidden cove that felt almost unreal, with turquoise water surrounded by rocky cliffs.

The highlight of the day was definitely Ses Illetes. The water there was unbelievably clear, almost like a tropical postcard. We spent hours swimming and just lying in the sun, not really wanting to move.

In the evening, we took the ferry back to Ibiza tired but completely sun-drenched.

Day 6 – 12.08.2016

( Night at: Apartamentos Xaloc, San Antonio )

We spent the day driving around the eastern side of Ibiza, exploring smaller beaches and stopping wherever something looked interesting. This part of the island felt quieter and less crowded, with more natural scenery and fewer big beach clubs.

We had lunch at Cala Xarraca, a peaceful spot with clear water and a relaxed atmosphere. It felt like a break from the more famous west coast beaches, more local and less busy.

In the evening, we returned again to Cala Tarida for another sunset. Even though we had already been there, it was one of those places that felt worth repeating.

Day 7 – 13.08.2016

( Night at: Apartamentos Xaloc, San Antonio )

We spent the entire day at Cala Salada, a beach surrounded by pine forest with a more natural and slightly wild atmosphere. The water was calm and perfect for swimming, and the whole day passed slowly without any rush.

This was also the day I pushed for something different. At 21, I loved the beaches and relaxed pace, but I also really wanted to experience Ibiza’s nightlife at least once. My boyfriend was happy to stay in beach mode the entire time, but I insisted that we had to go out properly at least one night, because Ibiza is famous for both sides.

So that evening, we went to Ushuaïa Ibiza.

It was a completely different world compared to our beach days: loud music, huge crowds, lights, performances, and a very intense energy from the moment we arrived. It felt like stepping into another version of Ibiza entirely. I remember thinking that it was exactly the contrast I wanted, even if it wasn’t his natural choice.

It ended up being one of the most memorable nights of the trip, not because it was relaxing or romantic, but because it was so different from everything else we had done.

 

Day 8 – 14.08.2016

We returned one last time to Cala Comte in the morning, one of our favourite beaches of the trip. The atmosphere was calm and unhurried, making it the perfect setting for a final swim. We stayed for a while, soaking in the views and trying to hold on to those last moments by the sea.

Eventually, we headed back to get ready for our evening flight home, already feeling nostalgic about a week that had passed far too quickly.