Gardens to visit in Ibiza
- Miranda Luke
Published: Wednesday, 13 December 2023 at 12:31 pm
Ibiza has a reputation as party central, but once you escape the crowds you'll find an island of quiet beauty, private coves and rolling hills, says BBC Gardeners' World Magazine's Miranda Luke.
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The summer before lockdown, I visited Ibiza and stayed at the Atzaró Agroturismo Hotel. My pre-conceived ideas about the island, known famously for its night clubs, were blown away by how beautiful, authentic and calming Ibiza actually is. A hidden gem of beautiful beaches and rolling hills, most of the island is an escape from modern distractions and wonderfully quiet.
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The idyllic gardens. Photo: Atzaró Agroturismo Hotel
Driving from the hotel out toward the coast I was able to visit and enjoy a range of natural beauty spots including secluded beaches, coves and shoreline. The region I was in, Santa Eulària des Riu, boasts 46 kilometres of swimmable coastline with clear water and stunning scenery. I enjoyed spending an afternoon driving through the countryside and along this coastline exploring some of the many attractions, stopping to take in the natural beauty.
The grounds. Photo: Atzaró Agroturismo Hotel
On my exploration of the coast, my first stop was Es Figueral, a village with secluded beach made of golden sand just a 16-minute drive away from the hotel. Like many of the spots in the north of Ibiza, it has a bohemian vibe and is family friendly. The beach is backed by rocky cliffs, with views out to the island of Tagomago.
The rugged coastline of Ibiza - easy to escape the crowds. Photo: Miranda Luke
The next stop was Cala d’en Serra further up the coast, offering a peaceful spot for those enjoy snorkelling, with fish visible in the calm waters and panoramic views of the surrounding coasts. The beach and surrounding area is great for long walks and exploration.
Ibizan architecture. Photo: Miranda Luke
Finally, I stopped off at Cala Benirrás before returning to relax by the pool at the hotel. It's a sheltered bay enjoyed for its hippy market and bars, but also offers picturesque views getting there. You join the beach via the winding valleys and enjoy the backdrop of pine-forested cliffs. I was excited to head back for dinner, but those staying until dusk enjoy its famous sunsets and perhaps some local drumming, for which it is known.
Private space to sunbathe in the grounds. Photo: Atzaró Agroturismo Hotel
I also spent time just enjoying the hotel itself, with its naturally beautiful landscape and 'farm to fork' dining – the restaurant grows its own produce on site. The kitchen garden is open to guests, and it’s delightful to wander through and spot watermelons growing on the ground, as one might expect to see pumpkins growing at home. There are luxury spa facilities and bars too. I was ready to melt away after a day spent just sunning, swimming and relaxing.
As there's on average 300 days of sunshine in Ibiza, spring through to summer is a great time to visit, but I really enjoyed the comfortably warm climate and calmness in early autumn.
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Factfile
- Getting there: Miranda flew to Ibiza with British Airways
- Where to stay: Atzaró Agroturismo Hotel in Santa Eulària des Riu
- When to visit: Ibiza is typically hottest in July and August with pleasant mid-season periods of April-May and mid-Sept-Oct
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