Inside Ibiza

Plastic Free Balearics

By Jerry Brownstein

The Balearic Islands have taken another step towards becoming a more sustainable destination with a new certification system called “Plastic Free Balearics”. Businesses in the hospitality industry can become Plastic Free Guardians with ratings from one to five stars. The number of stars depends on the percentage of highly polluting ‘red flag’ plastic items that they have stopped using. This program has been developed by the Ibiza Preservation Fund and Mallorca’s Save The Med Foundation, along with other environmental organizations.

Sa Qüestió: A passion for artistic expression

By Jerry Brownstein

Ibiza residents Gianfranco and Marilina dreamed of creating a place where music, art, culture and love could flourish here on the island. In 2014 that dream came true when they opened Sa Qüestió in Ibiza Town. For six years the energy of that special place continued to grow as it opened its doors and its heart to all forms of artistic expression: music, poetry, mini theatre, painting etc.. As 2020 approached Sa Qüestió was ready to rise to an even greater level of creativity... but then Covid came. As with many small businesses here and around the world, the restrictions forced them to [...]

Muriel Grossmann and All That Jazz

By Jerry Brownstein

Some years ago I was sitting with friends outside of a café in Ibiza, when suddenly the sweet sounds of music from within transported me back to the jazz clubs of my native New York. “Who is that?” I asked, and my friends said, “It’s Muriel, isn’t she wonderful!” Yes… she certainly is. Muriel Grossmann has been bringing beautiful music to our island since 2004, and it gets better every year. Born in Paris and raised in Vienna, she says that music has been her steady companion almost since birth. Her parents took her to concerts from early childhood, and her personal world of music began when they [...]

Hacienda Na Xamena - A Vision that is always Evolving

By Jerry Brownstein

Just before you get to the beach at Puerto San Miguel, there is a sign to turn left for Na Xamena. This road gently winds its way upward through the forest, going ever higher until it suddenly reaches its climax: the Hacienda Na Xamena. Overlooking one of the most breathtaking views on Ibiza, this very special five star hotel first opened its doors 50 years ago, but its inspiration came from an even earlier era. It was originally designed, built and managed by Belgian architect Daniel Lipszyc, who had been a regular visitor to the island since 1954. [...]

Water Sports on Ibiza

By Tanya Taylor

Looking out from the beach on a warm sunny day, it’s clear to see that we humans are a playful species. Whether it’s children frolicking in the shallows or jet skis speeding by on the horizon, we love to have fun in the water. Here on Ibiza we are blessed to be surrounded by the inviting Mediterranean Sea with its incredible purity and clarity. This is due in part to the presence of a special sea grass called Posidonia Oceanica. This plant filters and purifies the water, and we are lucky that the world’s largest and oldest colony of it lies just off the coast of Formentera. These hospitable [...]

New law protecting Ibiza’s waters

By Jerry Brownstein

The Ibiza Preservation Fund (IPF) recently announced a significant victory in the long-running campaign to stop oil and gas exploration in the seas near Ibiza. In early March of this year the Mar Blava Alliance, which IPF created in 2013, succeeded in winning support in the Spanish Parliament for a bill that will ban prospecting and exploration throughout Spanish Mediterranean waters. This new law should go into effect by early 2022, and it is the culmination of many years’ work.In 2013 several different groups were against the presence of oil prospecting near Ibiza, but their efforts [...]

Learning English with Good News

By Jerry Brownstein

The Step By Step language school in Ibiza has an interesting project that teaches their students how to use English creatively. It’s called ‘Good News from 2020”, and each student will write a summary of a positive news story from the very strange year that has just passed. According to Chus Zafra, the owner and director of the school: “The aim of the project is to be aware of the many good things that took place during this very difficult year; to look on the bright side of life with the positive philosophy of carpe diem.” Of course this is perfectly in synch with Ibiza Optimista, which has been [...]

Ecological waste treatment on Ibiza

By Jerry Brownstein

Driving towards Cala Llonga from Santa Eulalia you can see large structures on the distant hills. This is the new recycling plant at Ca na Putxa – the place where all of Ibiza’s rubbish is sent. The new plant began full operation in January 2021, and its mission is threefold: 1) to reduce the volume of garbage that is deposited in the landfill by 50%; 2) to keep the landfill free of biowaste (food and other plant-based rubbish); 3) turn the biowaste into bio-fuel that produces clean electricity. This operation will extend the life of the landfill for many years because all of the space that would [...]

Carritos Solidarios of Ibiza

By Jerry Brownstein

Ibiza resident Marco Martín found a way to help those who are suffering economically during the Covid-19 crisis. He has set up a system in supermarkets and food stores throughout the island that makes it easy for people to donate food. Special supermarket carts are set aside and clearly marked that they are for donations. Shoppers can then purchase extra items which they put in these ‘solidarity carts’. Initially people in need could come directly to the stores and take products from those carts free of charge. Now the pick-up and distribution of the food is handled by several organizations: Red [...]

Water consumption falls on Ibiza

By Jerry Brownstein

A silver lining of the Covid-19 crisis has been a great improvement in Ibiza’s perennial problems of water shortage. Measurements at the end of the summer showed that water consumption had fallen greatly compared to recent years, and this was obviously because of the great reduction in tourism. Ibiza has two sources of fresh water: aquifers (underground lakes) and water produced through desalination plants. The aquifers are supplied by rainwater, and the level of these water reserves is measured every two months. The low points are at the end of each summer when there has been little precipitation, [...]

Eco Catamaran cleans the Sea in Ibiza

By Jerry Brownstein

Ibiza has set a target to drastically reduce plastic waste in our waters, and a major step in that direction was taken with the launch of the solar powered Ocean Clean Up Catamaran. This boat is named “iBi”, and it includes a unique system that filters and removes plastic from the seas surrounding Ibiza and Formentera. The filters work at 50 cm below the surface collecting plastic of all sizes - from 2 cm up to the maximum of the boat's width. The design is based on La Bella Verde’s 100% emission free eco boat, which is powered entirely by the elements. The iBi Catamaran works every day, and each [...]

Ozone Therapy for Covid-19 on Ibiza

By Jerry Brownstein

Hospitals around the world are scrambling to find effective ways to treat the Covid-19 virus, and many are consulting the Rosario Clinic here on Ibiza because of their success in using ozone therapy. Staff doctors Montserrat Viñals and Alberto Hernández have experience with ozone therapy, and they proposed using it on Covid patients. Francisco Vilás, the head of the Rosario Polyclinic Group, gave his OK after seeing that the treatment was being used successfully in Italy. Their first ozone patient was Sergio Tonelli who was in the ICU (intensive care) with severe symptoms and low oxygen [...]

Beto of Ibizamassage - Health and Beauty Centre

By María V. R.

Close to Ibiza’s main harbour there is a garden of sensual delight for body, mind and spirit called Ibizamassage. If you ask its founder Beto Cerullo what has been his passion since he was five years old he will answer: “To take care of people; even then I loved to help people feel better.” This was understandable for a boy descended from three generations of physiotherapists and chiropractors, and by the time Beto was 17 he was already a professional chiropractor. He arrived on Ibiza in 1992, and in those days there were very few masseurs on the island. Young Beto was the first to come up [...]

A model for efficient use of water

By María V. R.

Casita Verde is an ecological centre on Ibiza which fully understands that water is a scarce natural resource that needs to be used in a sustainable way. The centre does not have an underground water source, so supplies come from the collection of rainwater, supplemented by water trucks during the dry season. Casita Verde has created innovative systems to make the most of their rainwater. At the upper end of the farm rainwater from the forest is channelled into a canal. From there it flows through two sedimentation tanks before arriving at an 80 tonne storage deposit. This water is used for washing, [...]

Horses on Ibiza

By Tanya Taylor

When you look around at the dry and dusty Ibiza terrain, it’s hard to imagine any kind of grazing animal being satisfied by the sparse greenery on offer. Nevertheless, one of humanity’s most loyal servants and faithful friends happily endures these arid conditions that are so different from its preferred lush, green pastures. Hidden deep within the countryside, resting under the shade of pine trees, tails twitching occasionally to deter the midday flies, you will find the ‘Nobel Equus’... known to you and me as the horse. These beautiful animals have found a happy home here on Ibiza, and just [...]

Online shopping platform in Ibiza

By Jerry Brownstein

The Ibiza Town Council and PIMEEF (association of small and medium sized businesses on Ibiza & Formentera) will launch a platform for businesses in Ibiza Town to easily offer their products online. deivissacasa.com will give you access to an ‘online shopping centre’ for products and services that include food, clothing, shoes, household items and much more. Customers will be able to simply check the items that they want from each store, and everything will be delivered to their home – and the delivery is paid for by the [...]

Sant Antoni training in gender equality

By María V. R.

The City Council of Sant Antoni, through its Department of Social Services, teaches a gender equality training course aimed at all professionals of Social Services, Police and general staff. This initiative, which is part of the Spanish government’s Pact against gender violence, includes training that is tailored to the specific needs of each group of professionals. For example, Social Service workers study the difficulties of working with cases of gender-based violence. They learn about the types of violence, their cycles, their consequences, and of course how to care for the victims. The Local [...]

Snakes on Ibiza

By Jerry Brownstein

For centuries Ibiza was famous for being completely free of snakes, but that is no longer the case. Over the past 15 years thousands of these slithering creatures have made the island their home, and they are changing its natural balance. How did this happen and what is being done about it? To get some perspective, let’s first take a trip back into Ibiza’s history. Over 2,800 years ago the first Phoenician settlers on this island named it ‘Ibosim’, which means the island of the ancient Phoenician god Bes. According to Ibiza historian Emily Kaufman: “Bes was a fun-loving deity whose two [...]

Ibiza’s History - Part VIII: Crusades and Conquests

By Emily Kaufman

Moorish culture in Spain under the Caliphate of Cordoba reached its remarkable zenith in the 10th century drawing praise even from its rivals for its incredible achievements. Ibiza, as part of that realm, attained levels of civic, commercial and agricultural prosperity greater than at any time since the fall of Rome. In fact, the Moorish influence lifted the whole of the Iberian Peninsula out of post-Roman stagnation long before the rest of Europe followed suit. Cordoba, in effect, was the new Rome and Ibiza basked in her glow.But, [...]

Teaching about healthy food in Sant Antoni schools

By María V. R.

The municipality of Sant Antoni has created an educational program that brings the knowledge of food and farming into their schools. Together with the Association of Producers of Ecological Agriculture of Ibiza and Formentera, they have launched a project that aims to teach children about healthy food and raise awareness of the importance of organic farming. This progressive proposal will develop ecological school gardens in each of the four educational centres of the municipality. The students will learn various skills that include planting procedures, growing traditional crops, treating the [...]

The Ibiza Spirit Festival

By Jerry Brownstein

To truly create a more beautiful world we need to ‘spread the love’ to as many people as possible. A great way to do this is through events that bring us together to explore and celebrate alternative ways of looking at the world. Here on Ibiza we are lucky to have many opportunities to participate in such activities, and the largest of these is the bi-annual IBIZA SPIRIT FESTIVAL which will next take place on Sunday 11 October. The beautiful agroturismo Atzaró will once again be the setting for this special day that inspires people to open their hearts and minds to new ways of thinking and being. [...]

Healthy food mandated in Balearic schools & hospitals

By María V. R.

The departments of health and education of the Balearic Government have realized the importance of a healthy diet, and are issuing a regulation that will change the menus served in the cafeterias and restaurants of schools and health facilities. The intention is to promote the Mediterranean diet which has multiple health benefits that aid in avoiding cardiovascular problems, some types of cancer and obesity. The new regulations call for the consumption of local seasonal products along with the use of genuine Mediterranean recipes and traditional Balearic cuisine. In non-university schools, [...]

Ibiza’s History - Part VII: The Moors

By Emily Kaufman

The arrival of Moorish culture in 902 breathed new life into an island adrift on the seas of oblivion. Ever since the shadowy withdrawal of the Byzantines, sometime in the 7th century, Ibiza had languished outside the realm of established governance. What the island’s geopolitical status might have been in this Dark Age remains unclear. In theory it continued to be a satellite of the Eastern Roman Empire, but the scarcity of archaeological finds during that period suggests otherwise. Not only are material remains negligible, indicating a level of isolation difficult to imagine, but written references [...]

Deva - Swinging Sax & Sound Healing

By Krishna Dias

A short summary of the life path of musician, composer and therapist Deva goes something like this: Expressing myself through the love of music to generate positive emotions in all areas of life. Born in Argentina with music in his soul, Deva has entertained countless thousands throughout South America, Europe and Asia. He has played with famous musicians and DJs on the great stages of the world, yet his deepest musical love is his spiritual work using sound to heal physical and emotional problems. His main instrument is the saxophone, but he can skilfully use multiple instruments to both entertain [...]

Ibiza to build a bio-waste treatment plant

By Jerry Brownstein

As part of Ibiza’s plans to go more green, a state of the art bio-waste processing plant is being built at the main rubbish landfill of Ca na Putxa (near the golf course). The mission of this new installation will be twofold: 1) to keep the landfill free of biowaste (food and other plant-based rubbish); 2) to turn this biowaste into fuel that produces electricity. It is expected to be completed sometime in 2020, and that is when new containers will be added at each waste disposal point so that vegetable based waste can be separated from other rubbish. This will then be processed at the new plant [...]

Balearic Government supports electric cars

By María V. R.

The progressive Balearic Government continues its support for environmentally friendly energy with a new measure that will give €5,500 to each buyer of an electric car. These grants will be supported by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) of the European Union. The purpose of the ERDF is to transfer money from richer regions (not countries) so that it can be invested in the infrastructure and services of less developed regions. An agreement was also reached with Red Eléctrica de España to monitor the public recharging points of electric vehicles on the islands. They will control the [...]

Supporting Ibiza’s agriculture

By Jerry Brownstein

The Ibiza Preservation Fund (IPF) is supporting the Ibiza Produce project to promote the consumption of local fruits and vegetables as a way to protect the island’s environment and its agricultural diversity. Only 2% of the food consumed here is grown on Ibiza, and since 2000 Ibiza has lost over 70 km2 of its agricultural land. In order to better understand the problem, IPF financed a feasibility study that identified the main obstacles and opportunities for local producers. They found that the problems included access to quality land, water scarcity, high costs, strong competition from the [...]

Care 4 Cats

By Jerry Brownstein

There are many cats on Ibiza without the security of having loving owners who care for them. For these wild, stray and abandoned felines the charity Care 4 Cats is their main hope for survival. This volunteer organization brings injured and sick cats to a vet for healing, and they also have many adorable kittens for adoption. Perhaps their main effort is devoted to keeping the wild cat population under control. They do this by trapping as many stray cats as possible so that they can be neutered. Several of the local vets give the charity generous discounts for doing this work. Care 4 Cats [...]

Casita Verde – The Green Heart of Ibiza

Many new arrivals on Ibiza are curious to find out about the green heart symbols that they see on so many cars. They are of course referring to the emblems of Ibiza’s Greenheart ecological movement, which is centred at the Casita Verde complex overlooking the beautiful Benimussa valley. The story of how Casita Verde came to be, and how it is evolving, is best told in the words of Chris Dews - the man who is the heart and soul of this amazing and important organization. Most permaculturists make an elaborate and detailed plan before they begin their actual [...]

Selim - Creating Art With Leather

By Krishna Dias

Selim is a magician in his ability to create beautiful art with leather. In his youth he travelled through many countries, but it was in Ibiza that he found his true home, and the inspiration for his unique work that is so rich in detail. His art can be found in prestigious collections throughout Europe, Japan and the US. He has lived on the island for almost half a century, and can bear witness to the very special early days, and the effects of the many changes since then. So to celebrate his “Golden Anniversary” with Ibiza, he tells us a little about his work and life experiences on the [...]

BSF... A Love Story

By Jerry Brownstein

The flowing fashions of Beatrice San Francisco (BSF) have become emblematic of the style of Ibiza: casual yet chic; simple yet sexy; natural yet exotic. This unique mixture of structure and freedom is a reflection of Beatrice’s creative style that blends intuition and inspiration with joy and imagination. Working together with her husband Francisco, the BSF brand has grown from humble beginnings to great acclaim. But this is more than just a story about a successful fashion business. It’s a story about how the power of love can express itself in so many beautiful ways... [...]

Atzaró - The Heart of Ibiza

By Jerry Brownstein

Over the past fifteen years Atzaró has become in many ways the very heart of Ibiza. Ibicasa is delighted to have had the opportunity to find out more about this very special place by talking with Víctor Guasch, who was instrumental in its creation.  The name Atzaró conjures up a vision of graceful elegance nestled within the natural splendour of endless orange groves. This is a place where interesting people from all over the world come to enjoy themselves, and it is also a cultural centre that gives the artists and designers of Ibiza a wonderful venue to display their talents. [...]

Ibiza’s carob harvest on the rise

By María V. R.

For centuries the harvest of carob had been a crucial element for the survival of the population on Ibiza. It was the principal source of livestock feed, but with the advent of tourism the need for carob diminished to a trickle. Most of the island’s many algarroba trees went untended and the carobs rotted on the ground. But in recent years that has begun to change as this humble fruit has become more commercially desirable. It is now a fashionable food additive that is used as a natural thickener and as a substitute for cocoa. This of course has raised the price and thus stimulated the harvest [...]

Bamboo: Lighting up the Island

By Cat Weisweiller

If there were ever an island personality with a story or two to tell, it would be Bamboo. Widely known across the island, Bamboo is a visual artist who’s been enchanting party people with his light projections and distinctive visual effects for decades. Bamboo was born in Heidelberg, Germany, in 1949. At around 15, he set off on his first journey of discovery; hitchhiking to Denmark. “Make love not war” was the motif of the time, and something he depicted to great acclaim as a street painter. On his return, photography surreptitiously touched his life. Predominantly wanting to get [...]

The Ibiza Spirit Festival

By Jerry Brownstein

On Sunday 6 October, the beautiful agroturismo Atzaró hosts the IBIZA SPIRIT FESTIVAL – a very special day of inspiration and celebration. Guests are welcome to participate in over 50 events that will be happening from the opening at 11:00 right through the Dynamic Dance Party at night with DJ Kareem Raïhani. The events include Ecstatic Dance, Tantra, Meditations, Inspirational Talks & Workshops, and seven styles of Yoga classes going on all day. Children are very much welcomed in the Magical Children’s Garden created with love for kids of all ages. Over 30 alternative Therapists will [...]

The Message of the Wells

By Joanna Hruby

Since the first foreigners came to Ibiza’s shores over sixty years ago, this small, pine-clad island in the Mediterranean has had a certain something that attracts spiritual seekers. Beatniks, radicals, hippies, et al, have come seeking new ways of living and a deeper meaning to life. They have brought to the island a vast array of exotic spiritual practices and ideas… but what about Ibiza’s original spiritual traditions? Beneath the glitter of the new Ibiza, the island has its own set of ancient rituals that connect the ibicenco people to their land and to the cycles of nature. So what [...]

Ibiza’s History - Part VI: Dark Centuries after Rome

By Emily Kaufman

When Rome fell, the last embers of Classical Antiquity were extinguished. As the Empire broke up, its outlying lands were overrun by barbarians pressing in from the north and east. Despite Rome’s desperate attempts to retain control its western territories – Spain and the Balearics among them – were lost in the course of the 5th century. The breakdown of imperial rule was reflected in the Pitiuses by the sudden abandonment of villas and settlements as oligarchs, soldiers, civil servants and attending personnel were recalled to Rome. One testimonial of the exodus exists at Can Blai in Formentera, [...]

Volunteers clean Es Cavallet beach

By María V. R.

An increasing number of people on Ibiza are becoming actively aware of the need to protect our island’s natural beauty.  One example of this is a group of more than 70 volunteers who keep Es Cavallet beach clean. Greenheart Ibiza, based at Casita Verde, has been cleaning beaches for years through their program of Ibiza Limpia, and that initiative is now spawning other groups. This group of volunteers at Es Cavallet was organized by the biologist Agnès Torres and Gustavo Sánchez. They were joined by Ibiza Limpia and Voluntarios de Ibiza. The volunteers were provided with gloves, buckets [...]

Marine Reserve created in Formentera

By María V. R.

The Balearic Ministry of the Environment has approved a decree establishing the Marine Reserve of Punta de Sa Creu in Formentera. It will consist of 1,059 hectares of inland waters surrounding La Mola - an area which has great ecological and fishing value. According to scientific studies it is home to a wide variety of marine biodiversity, with at least 23 different species including posidonia meadows and photophilic algae communities. Marine reserves are areas where exploitation is limited in order to protect endangered species, and to preserve ecosystems with distinct characteristics. [...]

Ibiza’s History - Part V: Ibiza in Roman Times

By Emily Kaufman

As Rome extended its hegemony over the Mediterranean, Ibiza drifted inexorably into its orbit. The Pax Romana that followed Rome’s victory over Carthage in the Second Punic War left the Balearic Islands as the only territories in the Western Mediterranean still unclaimed by Rome. Mallorca and Menorca retained their local ‘Talayotic’ culture, while Ibiza carried on as a satellite of Carthage with no detectable break in political continuity. Local culture remained thoroughly Punic: Tanit still presided as the island’s chief goddess (in fact, her sanctuary at es Culleram was enlarged [...]

People in Sant Joan support a village in Africa

By Jerry Brownstein

The Scottish charity Ruda Tanzania (RT) works to help a community in that African country, and their mission is supported by people from the village of Sant Joan in Ibiza. Local resident Valerie Anderson coordinates the activities of the charity with Sant Joan and its local school. RT has built and maintains a primary school in this remote African village. The Sant Joan connection has been helpful in raising the necessary funds for this project having held fundraising events at the Sant Joan Sunday market with live music, an auction, a raffle and a grand paella. 100% of the proceeds go to the [...]

Limited number of vehicles on Formentera

By Jerry Brownstein

During the summer months of July and August Formentera's population triples, and the number of vehicles on the road becomes excessive for such a small island. The Formentera Council has taken action to limit the number of vehicles in order to “maintain environmental harmony and make sure that visitors and islanders can enjoy the tranquillity they expect to find.” From 1 July through 31 August 2019 the maximum number of vehicles that can be brought to the island will be 12,450. Of this number 5,200 can be cars and 7,250 motorbikes. There will be no quads, caravans nor motor homes allowed. Rental [...]

Ibiza is part of the EU energy plan

By María V. R.

The islands of Ibiza, Menorca and Mallorca have been included in a plan drawn up by the European Commission to promote the process of energy transition. A total of 25 islands in the European Union are part of this comprehensive plan to move away from fossil fuels toward sustainable energy. As part of this initiative Ibiza will receive the help of EU advisors and technicians in creating a program that will bring together a coalition of local governments, business leaders and citizens’ groups. The concept is to make Ibiza and other large islands a model for the conversion to clean and sustainable [...]

Charging electric vehicles on Ibiza and Formentera

By María Vila Rebolo

Ibiza has become one of the areas of Spain with the most chargers for electric vehicles per inhabitant, as it already offers 30 double recharge points. This infrastructure makes moving around Ibiza by electric car relatively easy since it is a small island so the distance covered between charges is not a problem. At the beginning of 2017, the Ibiza and the Balearic Governments agreed to promote pollution-free transport by offering recharging stations throughout the Pitiusas that were free for at least a couple of years. The municipalities of Sant Joan, Ibiza, Sant Antoni and Sant Josep, [...]

Government protects the Posidonia

By María Vila Rebolo

The Balearic government has approved a decree to protect the 650 square kilometers of marine posidonia meadows within its borders. This is highly significant as half of all the posidonia on the coasts of Spain are located in the Balearic Islands. The preservation of this important plant is of great importance because it is the longest living organism in the world (100,000 years old), and it is a vital generator of oxygen for the Mediterranean Sea.One of the main reasons that more protection was needed is the damage caused by indiscriminate anchoring of pleasure boats. The new law will [...]

Synchronized swimming championships in Ibiza

By Jerry Brownstein

The Club Deportivo Sincro Ibiza is hosting two championship synchronised swimming events over the three days 24-26 May: the MEN’s CUP 2019 (www.menscupibiza2019.com) and the first Mixed Championship Ibiza. Both competitions will be held at the Municipal Sports Complex of Es Viver. The Men’s Cup has been a biannual event since 2005, and was previously held in Prague, Stockholm, Paris, Barcelona, Milan and Amsterdam. [...]

Ibiza’s History - Part IV: The Gods of Ancient Ibiza

By Emily Kaufman

The gods of Antiquity thundered out from the heavens, brandishing lightning bolts and defeating all foes... or so the mythological cliché goes. In fact, the ancient world view encompassed a remarkable scope of masculine archetypes. The attributes they ascribed to their male deities ranged from the fierce and bellicose to the mild and holy. Using Ibiza’s pantheon as a case in point, let us explore this rich diversity as it was expressed by the five male divinities worshipped in Phoenicio-Punic times.High on the list is Melqart, top god of the Phoenician city-state of Tyre and consort to [...]

Adjusting the limits on live music

By María Vila Rebolo

Over the past two years the Sant Josep council has undertaken measures to control the noise level from music in its municipality. Responding to many complaints from residents, an ordinance and subsequent amendments were passed to regulate the volume of music. The regulations required all establishments with sound systems to install noise limiters with a maximum sound level of 65 decibels (dB). The Local Police were authorized to take action against establishments that: 1) did not have limiters fully operational, or 2) exceeded 65 dB in the immediate area around the bar or restaurant before [...]

The Spirit of Ibiza

By Jerry Brownstein

This is an incredibly interesting time to be alive. You can feel the pull of powerful transformative energy all around us as people awaken to the realization that the rhythm of the world we have inherited is not in harmony with the song that plays in our hearts. More and more of us are becoming aware that there must be a better way, and we are compelled to search for alternative ways of living. This movement towards positive transformation is growing stronger each day, while at the same time our traditional systems of economy, ecology, government, and spirituality are proving to be outdated and [...]

Sant Josep takes steps for water conservation

By María V. R.

Water is a scarce resource on Ibiza, and one of the ways to help make it more sustainable is the intelligent use of recycled water. Once this water is purified it can be used for non-consumption purposes like irrigation, watering gardens and cleaning streets. This would save the best quality water for personal use: drinking, cooking, etc.. The municipality of Sant Josep and its mayor Josep Ribas, support this idea and are taking steps to implement it. At present most of the recycled water is wasted as it goes into the sea. Sant Josep wants to improve their purification plants so that farmers will [...]

The Ibiza Spirit Festival

By Jerry Brownstein

On Sunday 28 April, the beautiful agroturismo Atzaró hosts the Ibiza Spirit Festival – a very special day of inspiration and celebration. Guests are welcome to participate in over 50 events that will be happening from the opening at 11:00 right through the Dynamic Dance Party at night with DJ Kareem Raïhani. The events include Ecstatic Dance, Tantra, Meditations, Inspirational Talks & Workshops, and seven styles of Yoga classes going on all day. Children are very much welcomed in the Magical Children’s Garden created with love for kids of all ages. Over 30 alternative Therapists will [...]

Ibiza’s History - Part III: The Goddesses of Ancient Ibiza

By Emily Kaufman

Religion was a cornerstone of the ancient world. To understand history in all its nuanced complexity, we must contemplate not only the outer events of wars and statecraft, but also the spiritual underpinnings that stirred and sustained early societies. Ibiza, as evidenced by abundant material remains, developed an exceptionally strong religious component, especially during pre-Roman Antiquity. The gods and goddesses that comprised its pantheon – eight in total – are not as familiar to us by name as their Greco-Roman counterparts; yet, the themes they encompassed drew deeply from the same cultural [...]

Balearic Government to ban diesel cars in 2025

By Carmen Loren

The Balearic Government will ban the entry and purchase of diesel cars to the islands beginning in 2025, and gasoline cars by 2035. The aim is to make the entire archipelago fleet electric by 2050. These bans will not only affect new car registrations, but also visitors who bring their cars to the islands by sea. The measure excludes motorcycles, cars and vans that already circulate on the islands, and these may be driven until the end of their useful life. This measure also affects the car rental companies which must begin to incorporate electric vehicles into their fleets by 2020. They will [...]

Not a drop to the sea

By Carmen Loren

The Alliance for Water of Ibiza and Formentera (AWIF) is continuing its awareness and environmental education campaign under the slogan 'Not a drop to the sea'. This initiative was spurred by the negative results from the data monitoring Ibiza’s water usage. The research shows that Ibiza and Formentera have been in a situation of drought for some time, with severe over-exploitation of our aquifers. This dire situation led the AWIF to raise the alarm about the urgent need to reduce the pressure on the underground aquifers (that supply our water), and to improve the water supply and sanitation [...]

The Passion of Lana Love

By Esther Nicklin

The Lana Love story started in Playa d’en Bossa, where she planted a healthy eating seed in one of Ibiza’s least likely places. During the past five years that seed has blossomed into an array of seven special eateries that have extended the Passion Café brand throughout the island. Passion has paved the way for Ibiza to ascend into healthier dining realms, so we met Lana to find out how her dreams are coming to fruition.  I have read that after all you have achieved you still don’t feel fulfilled?I don’t think I will ever feel fulfilled [...]

APNEEF, a tribute to life and commitment

By Marina G. Peñarrubia

We have enjoyed the opportunity of getting to know the story and the heart of APNEEF (an association for people with special needs in Ibiza and Formentera) thanks to its president, Susi Fresneda and its coordinator, Carmen Bonet. The former was one of the first members of this well-known island association. It spontaneously came to being in 1998 as a not-for-profit thanks to a group of parents who found themselves in similar situations and decided to join forces because of their need and desire to help their kids do well. This is a story of unconditional love and commitment, an example of how [...]

Mercat de Forada – Interactive Market of Local Products

By Carmen Loren

At the very heart of Ibiza, between San Rafael and Santa Ines, lies the tiny village of Forada in the area known as Buscstell. It is almost unknown to tourists, but every Saturday one of the most authentic markets on the island takes place there. Its exact location is opposite the bar Can Tixedó at the crossing of the road that connects San Rafael with Santa Inés and the back road from Santa Gertrudis to San Antonio. Every Saturday from 10am to 4pm the local farmers and producers meet to sell the fruits and vegetables that they grow nearby... but that is just the beginning. They are joined by [...]

Javier Vargas. Music with the soul of Ibiza

By Carmen Loren

“When I hear Bob Marley I think of Ibiza…”Ibiza is a unique and wonderful island where creativity flows... where the natural beauty and multicultural environment inspire the many artists who live here. One of those artists is Javier Vargas, who after travelling throughout the world, has chosen to make this Mediterranean paradise his home. Javier is a renowned musician who is the founder and leader of the Vargas Blues Band. He was born in Madrid in 1958, but his family moved to Argentina when he was quite young. As a teenager he began his musical career in the US, and more specifically [...]

Ibiza’s History - Part Two: The Carthaginians

By Emily Kaufman

The Carthaginians have come down in history as more notorious than glorious. Rivals of Rome and thorns in the side of Greece, they are regularly airbrushed from the classical legacy handed down to us by their vanquisher, Rome. Consequently, although Carthage was a major player on the classical world stage, it has been denied membership in the exclusive Greco-Roman club, once extolled by Edgar Allen Poe as, “the glory that was Greece and the grandeur that was Rome.” Carthage, the outcast, hovers on the fringes - an Iron Age culture only dimly remembered. That memory is a bit brighter here on Ibiza [...]

Oceanic Global event at Atzaró

By Jerry Brownstein

On Monday 8 October from 17:00 to 20:30, Agroturismo Atzaró will be hosting an event by Oceanic Global to educate hospitality industry leaders in Ibiza on how to adopt sustainable business solutions. An important part of the presentation will show restaurant, hotel and catering establishments how to go plastic-free. This is in line with Ibiza’s goal to ban single-use plastics by 2020. Atzaró is already moving in this direction, as most of the plastic they use is recyclable, and by next year they will be 100% recyclable.Oceanic Global is a non-profit organization that [...]

The Ibiza Spirit Festival

By Jerry Brownstein

On Sunday 7 October, the beautiful agroturismo Atzaró hosts the Ibiza Spirit Festival - a very special day of inspiration and celebration. Guests are welcome to participate in over 50 events that will be happening from the opening at 11:00 right through the Dynamic Dance Party at night with DJ Kareem Raïhani. The events include Ecstatic Dance, Tantra, Meditations, Inspirational Talks & Workshops, and seven styles of Yoga classes going on all day. Children are very much welcomed in the Magical Children’s Garden created with love for kids of all ages.Over 30 alternative Therapists will [...]

Community cooperation salvages a beloved Chiringuito

By Lara Young

The charming Chiringuito at Cala Gracioneta was almost swept out to sea by a flash storm on Saturday 15 September. Torrential flooding in the surrounding area created a fierce channel of water that careened down the hill and forced its way through the Chiringuito’s terrace. Everything including tables, chairs and even heavy sun loungers were washed into the sea. Thankfully nobody was injured, but the staff were forced to stand by and helplessly watch as their terrace was swept away by the raging flood waters. Whilst they had experienced some minor flooding in the past, it had never been on this [...]

Let’s clean IBIZA and be part of the movement!

Ibiza Limpia, Proartso and Plastic Free Ibiza invite everybody who loves the beauty of Ibiza, to join them in the biggest World Clean up Action ever, on the 15th of September 2018. On the World Clean up Day 15th of September, millions of people in 150 countries will stand up against the global mismanaged waste problem and clean the world in a single day. The environmental groups in Ibiza will rise to the challenge and organise a massive clean up of the whole island the same day. Citizens, local governments, NGOs and various companies are already getting [...]

Ibiza’s History - Part One: The Phoenicians

By Emily Kaufman

Ibiza occupies a unique and venerable place in the annals of history. Overstatement? Not at all. Consider that Dalt Vila, the walled citadel overlooking the harbour, is the oldest preserved coastal fortress in the Mediterranean. Far from hyperbole, this substantiated fact is the basis of the city’s designation as a World Heritage Site. Consider also that the archaeological remains at Sa Caleta earned Ibiza a second World Heritage award due to the valuable information they convey regarding the Phoenician’s civilizing influence on Western Europe.The [...]

A sculpture highlighting social exclusion

By Carmen Loren

People being helped by Caritas have joined with art students to create an igloo-shaped sculpture that draws attention to the problem of social exclusion. The sculpture will be located in a prominent place on the streets of Ibiza. The author of this initiative is the artist and professor at the School of Arts and Crafts, Augusto Moreno. He introduced Caritas to the project with the aim of allowing people who are at risk of social exclusion to express themselves through art, and get their message out to the public.The sculpture is a metal structure in the shape of an igloo, symbolizing a [...]

Classes at the Dance Conservatory of Ibiza

By María Vila Rebolo

The Education Office of the Balearic Islands has announced that for the 2018/19 academic year elementary dance lessons will be taught at the Conservatory of Ibiza and Formentera. This will satisfy a demand that has been increasing for decades. Before coming to this decision, surveys were conducted among primary school students on Ibiza about the possibility of having a program of dance studies. Up until now such classes were only available at professional private dance schools. A large majority of the families surveyed responded very positively to the proposal for dance classes within the school [...]

More solar power for Ibiza

By Carmen Loren

The installation of large solar energy arrays could be a big part of Ibiza’s energy future. The construction of the first solar energy park on the island has recently been authorized at Can Mariano Lluquí near Sant Miquel. It will occupy an area of almost 30,000 square meters and will consist of 9,240 solar panels. The company Sun Awip 2020 is the developer of this photovoltaic park that will occupy only 0.02% of the territory of the municipality. It will supply the electricity network with a total of 3,650 kwh per year, which represents 10% of the annual electricity demand of Sant Joan. [...]

A new oil drilling threat to Ibiza

By Jerry Brownstein

It was only a few years ago that the people of Ibiza rose up in protest of plans to drill for oil and gas in the seas near our island. Huge public demonstrations, massive signings of petitions and tireless work by Alianza Mar Blava and other organizations eventually won the day, and the prospecting was cancelled. But like a bad horror film - where the monster whom you thought was dead rises up again - the spectre of new oil prospecting near Ibiza is once again very real. This time the oil companies are using a loophole in the environmental laws to sneak into our waters under the guise of something [...]

Improvements for Ibiza to Santa Eulalia road

By Jerry Brownstein

The Ibiza Inspiration strives to publish positive stories, but in this case the news is mixed. The good news is that major steps are finally being taken to fix the terrible traffic problems on the important main road between Ibiza Town to Santa Eulalia. The not-so-good news is that the work will start in June when the busy tourist season begins. It is hoped that the construction will be intelligently planned so as not to interfere too much with the high season traffic. The Ibiza Consell says that the project will cost 14.5 million euros and will take at least 18 months to complete. This means [...]

A new product could save Ibiza’s trees

By María Vila Rebolo

After 13 years of research, the German company B+H Solutions has created a product based on nanotechnology that can destroy Xylella fastidiosa – a bacteria which has become a serious threat to the olive and almond trees of the Balearics. Although the Balearic Government has implemented a strategy to contain this bacteria, it continues to spread, and has recently reached Andalusia. B+H Solutions is a pioneer in the application of nanotechnology to agriculture, and they work in over 120 countries around the world finding solutions to bacterial infections of crops. In this case their [...]

New night buses for Ibiza

By Michelle Robertson

A whole new network of night buses will link the island this summer (2018) and beyond, thanks to a huge extension of the public transport system by the Ibiza Consell. The new lines will serve Ibiza Town, Santa Eulària, Sant Antoni, Sant Josep, Sant Joan, Santa Gertrudis, Sant Miquel, Sant Jordi and Cala de Bou. This will be in addition the existing Discobus service which already operates between May and October. Pepa Marí, the Minister of Territory and Mobility, explains that this is not just a plan for the high season: “These new schedules will assure residents that they can obtain safe transport [...]

A magazine gives a voice to the homeless on Ibiza

By Carmen Loren

The NGO Cáritas of Ibiza runs a workshop for homeless people to give them training and advice that will improve their living situations. One of their innovative activities is creating a magazine called "Hablamos". It is similar to publications like ‘Big Issue’ in the United Kingdom and ‘La Farola’ in Madrid that aim to give a voice and visibility to the homeless. The participants in the workshop write about their concerns, desires, life stories, illnesses, treatments and any creative topics that come to mind. The social worker in charge of these Caritas workshops is Natasha Quitak, and [...]

Delphine Tempels, from actress to jewellery designer

By Krishna Dias

A passion for art and designing things has been a constant in Delphine Tempels’ life. The actress and jewellery designer, who was born in Belgium, arrived in Spain 12 years ago. She has had a very successful acting career in theatre, television and cinema, but her greatest success was discovering an artistic flair as a jewellery maker. She is the creator of Maison Del Tempels, a brand of jewellery that is distinguished by the uniqueness of its collections, with its striking shapes and details. Some of her jewellery was recently seen adorning actresses at the Goya Awards, [...]

Ibiza's libraries – a hidden treasure

By María Vila Rebolo

Following the recent closure of the bookstore on Vara de Rey - an icon in Ibiza’s book world - it is good to be reminded that there are still other places you can turn to in your quest for knowledge. There is a rich network of libraries that has been established on the island for years. Ibiza is part of a shared knowledge project that spans the Balearic Islands with a large database and thousands of titles. Here are a few of these libraries, some of which are likely to be close to your home: Can Ventosa in Ibiza town, Santa Eulària, Sant Antoni, Sant Josep, Sant Jordi and Sant Joan. They [...]

Free bus travel for Ibiza’s youth

By Carmen Loren

The Consell of Ibiza has launched a pioneering plan which provides free bus travel for residents up to 18 years of age. Until now only children up to four years old could use public transport without cost, but this has been greatly expanded. The Consell will issue around 7,000 youth travel authorizations called ‘T-Jove’ cards, which will allow the use of public transport for any itinerary with no limitations. To obtain this card it is not necessary to go to the Consell office - representatives of the Department of Mobility will go to the schools of the island to formalize the processing of the [...]

Care 4 Cats comes to the rescue

By Jinny Throup

The volunteers at Care 4 Cats work tirelessly the whole year round to help the abandoned and feral cats of Ibiza. Whilst their work can be difficult - and at times heartbreaking - it’s stories like this that make it all worthwhile. This past summer a kitten turned up in the engine of local resident Kath Berry’s car. She could hear it, but could not find it, so she called Care 4 Cats who arrived at her house within the hour. The plan was to capture, rehabilitate and domesticate the cat so that a home could be found for her. The volunteer stayed for half a day hoping the cat would [...]

Growing hemp on Ibiza

By Carmen Loren

Hemp is a plant that has multiple beneficial uses which have unfortunately been forgotten for many years. The confusion that exists between this vegetable and marijuana is what has caused us to lose the many uses of this valuable resource. One example is hemp seeds which are considered a superfood, and are an excellent source of protein for vegan diets. In addition, hemp has many uses in cosmetics, medicine and industry. You can also extract from this plant a very high quality natural fiber with strong resistance that can be a substitute for polluting plastic.Given all of this, Casita [...]

Preserving Ibiza’s water supply

By Jerry Brownstein

Having enough fresh water has always been a challenge here on Ibiza, but the island has historically recovered from its long dry summers during the wetter, less busy autumn and winter. However, during the past decade greater consumption during the tourist season has depleted the underground water table (aquifers) to such an extent that the natural rainfall has not been enough to refill them. During the past three summers (since 2014) the water reserves have gone down to dangerously low levels of less than 25%. The winter of 2016/17 had extremely heavy rainfall which partially refilled the aquifers... [...]

Ses Feixes: Ibiza’s Forgotten Cornucopia

By Martin Davies

The extensive wetlands next to Ibiza Town and Talamanca are called ‘Ses Feixes’, and many of us have heard that name in connection with efforts to save this area from further development. Less well known is the fact that this was an amazingly innovative agricultural system which was created over a thousand years ago by the Moors who ruled Ibiza at that time. Ses Feixes means ‘the strips’ because the plots were laid out in lines with each farmer having his own narrow ‘strip’ of land. The area was cleverly drained and irrigated to provide the main source of food for a burgeoning Ibiza Town. It’s [...]

Limits on beach clubs in Ibiza

By Carmen Loren

The Balearic Parliament has voted to give the individual island consells the option of regulating or prohibiting the opening of new beach clubs. The previous law of 2012, approved by the Popular Party, allowed restaurants and beach bars to become beach clubs without applying for a special license. The Socialist party (PSOE) of Ibiza put forward this amendment to curb the situation of chaos on the island with regard to these types of establishments, In fact, the goal of this party is to ban them. The Consell de Ibiza will meet with the town councils to study the situation of each one and [...]

The Spirit of Dance

By Jerry Brownstein. Photos: Sofía Gómez Fonzo, IbizaPhotoStory

Most of you who are reading this have at some point heard the call of Ibiza... the call to come to this place of freedom... to leave your past behind and discover who you really are. This call often expresses itself through two of the key aspects of Ibiza’s magic... music and dance. The reason that this small island has been the dance music capital of Europe for over 40 years is because the special Spirit of Ibiza naturally sways and flows to the rhythms of music and movement. The freedom that you feel here on Ibiza comes to life when the music sets your heart free... and your body begins [...]

More protection for posidonia in Ses Salines

By Carmen Loren

The ability to control the damage caused by the anchoring of boats in the Ses Salines Natural Park will be strengthened this season of 2017/18. Vicent Vidal, the Counsellor of the Environment, has announced that the Government of the Balearic Islands is going to allocate 14 boats to ensure protection of the posidonia sea grass in this area of Ibiza and Formentera. This is an unprecedented measure in the Pitiusas that will mark a new beginning in the protection of these vital plants. The main purpose is to limit the uncontrolled anchoring of boats which threatens the plants’ ecosystem.The [...]

A truly eco-friendly house in Ibiza

By Carmen Loren

One of the world’s most energy efficient houses has recently been constructed right here on Ibiza. It is located in the San Lorenzo area, and has been awarded the coveted Premium Passivhaus energy certificate. This exclusive designation is only given to buildings that meet the most demanding construction standards, and are powered entirely by renewable energies. This fascinating house was built by the Ibiza company Terravita in the record time of just eight months, using sustainable materials to minimise the carbon footprint.The house covers an area of 210 square [...]

Caritas – Transforming Society

By Jinny Throup

Most people on Ibiza have heard of Caritas; the charity run by the Catholic Church that has been dedicated to fighting poverty, supporting the island’s homeless and those in financially vulnerable situations for over 50 years. Their red containers, where clothing and other goods can be donated, are a familiar sight throughout the island. Many are also aware of the important work that the organisation carries out by providing food to families and individuals in need through their Food Project. However, on a recent visit to the Caritas Headquarters and Day Centre in Ibiza Town, IbiCASA was astounded [...]

“Ibiza is not only parties, it is also art”

By Carmen Loren

When you enter the art gallery P|Art Ibiza, located in a small traditional house in Ca Na Negreta, you get the feeling of diving into very special universe. This is a laboratory of ideas where creativity finds a perfect space to be and expand; where modernity, originality and colour are the on full display in the modern artwork that is shown there. It is a warm-hearted meeting place for the island’s artisans and artists where they can not only present and sell their work. But can gather to create, connect and debate.The person [...]