Ibiza, also known in Catalan as Eivissa, is an island in the Medi terranean Sea off the east coast of Spain. It is 150 kilometre from the city of Valencia and has become well known for its association with nightlife, electronic music that originated on the island, and for the summer club scene, all of which attracts large numbers of party-loving tourists from all over the world. Neha Dhupia, who was on the party island recently, decodes its magic.

On the beach, by the ocean
I've visited Ibiza four-five times already and in the last five years I try to go there at least once every year. I'm not much of a party person but what's beautiful about Ibiza is that while you can rock there, you can also chill. I'm a water baby so being around water is always special. I've tried water sports once but I don't like doing anything you need to pay for. It's a trap, I would rather go for a swim in the ocean or just lie on the beach on my towel all day, and read a book.

Old is gold
I love food and the food there is amazing. There's a place called Old Ranch La Paloma in San Lorenzo, a little village in the middle of the island, which should not be missed. The menu is small, with two types of pasta, a choice of risotto and two meat dishes - one of them being their famous Solomillo (steak fillet) - one fresh fish dish and a bio plate that is totally organic and vegan on the main course. There are also eight-nine starters, including their famous mixed salad with veggies straight from the kitchen garden and cheeses flown in from Tuscany.

Everytime I'm in Ibiza, I also make it a point to live in the Old Town. There are little motels there, small but very exclusive. I stay at a place called La Ventana and love walking down the cobbled streets. I don't think there's any other place in the world where the sunsets are as beautiful. If you like a little bit of lounge music then Sunset Ashram is a great spot. It offers good food and has a beach bar too.

There's another place called the Sa Trinxa Beach Bar on the Las Salinas Beach, one of the best Mediterranean beaches where people from all over the world gather. It's very green and has peppy music. Another interesting place to check out is Leo's Cabaret. The show is entertaining and the setting fantastic.


More islands close by
If you are in Ibiza, check out other parts of South of Spain. I recommend Formentera, another island that's just across. It's stunning and known across Europe for its white beaches. Bob Dylan once lived in the Cap de Barbaria lighthouse on the island and it is the muse of the opening track of the King Crimson album, “Formentera Lady“.

Alicante is another option with its many beaches. Playa del Postiguet is the main beach with the smaller and quieter Playa del Coco a short walk away. San Juan Beach has lots of shops and bars and also Alicante Golf Club. The tourist attractions are the Castle of Santa Barbara and the St Mary's Church built over three centuries ago on the site of a former Moorish mosque.

Coffee, caramel and chocolate
Ibiza is famous for its coffee, caramel, sea salts and dark chocolate. I picked up a beautiful beach bag and a blanket for a night on the beach when it gets nippy. I also picked up some funky sea jewellery from the streets.

Crime is low and its a tourist-friendly getaway. But you can't always cab it from one place to the next so it's best to hire a car and keep Google maps handy. Travel light as you don't really need anything in Ibiza except your bikinis and credit cards.

Spain's climate, geographical locations, coastlines, historical legacy, vibrant culture and excellent infrastructure have made it a big tourist attraction. In the last five decades, international tourism has grown to become the second largest in the world in terms of spending, approximately 40 billion Euros. Amy Jackson who frequently takes off to the Latin European country describes it as “hot, happening and her favourite place to unwind!“ Over to Amy:

FAM JAM IN VALENCIA
I was five years old when I first went to Spain for a summer holiday. My mum, dad, grandmamma, sister and I had a wonderful stay in Valencia, a busy port city on the Mediterranean. My mum is an expert equestrian and we spent a lot of time at the Spanish school for horse-riding which houses gorgeous Andalucians. I love Spain because it offers everything in one four-day weekend - you can sunbathe, go cliffhanging and scuba-diving and party through the night.

BRING FLOWER POWER BACK
While Ibiza is famous as a party island, it's also great for its spas. I went there with my girlfriends earlier this year and we stayed at a mountaintop resort with a view of the city. I love the local magazines which are as colourful and flamboyant as the locals and highlight street fashion with all its greens, reds and yellows. I'm usually in comfy maxi dresses and boots, but when I'm exploring the night party scene in Ibiza, I'm all about headgears and chunky jewellery. My friends and I turn hippies! We also took a ferry to the island of Formentera and a 20-minute boat ride along the entire stretch, buzzing with restaurants and street musicians.

MEMORIES OF A LIFETIME
I visited the Cathedral of Saint Eulalia, popularly known as the Barcelona Cathedral, and was awed by the Gothic architecture. Its roof is notable for its gargoyles, featuring animals, both domestic and mythical. I bought a crucifix, got it blessed by the priest and have worn it ever since. The house, DJ-style and techno music scene of Madrid and Barcelona is a favourite. I also enjoy the cosmopolitan nightlife every girl looks like an effortlessly chic fashionista. The country is a lot warmer than the UK and it's lovely to see women in dresses with bright, large prints. Barcelona is also famous for its architecture. When I was city hopping in Spain last year, I also visited Seville, one of the most charismatic cities for a day-long getaway.

Paella is my all-time favourite, I could eat it for all meals. But I've turned vegan now, so I'll be exploring more organic foods on my next trip this December.