The morning after the night before - Ibiza, Spain

The dichotomy of Ibiza has been written about extensively - the contrast between the debauchery of San Antonio and its Super Clubs and the rural idyll of the centre and north of the island.  The island’s music, disseminating from the early Balearic Beat to chill-out sunset music to the chart topping hands in the air summer anthems is a big part of Ibiza’s recent story, and the petite size of the island mean that it’s possible to follow a Pete Tong night with a David Cameron daytime. When the morning-after the night-before dawns it is time to be satiated by a completely different Ibiza.

 

The bars surrounding Ibiza Town’s covered traditional food market are thick with smoke and gossip and there’s nowhere better for a recovery cheese, tomato and Jamon Serrano bocadillo and a jolting Cafe con Leche. Afterwards wander the market’s aisles of gigantic fresh fish, local meats (I snapped up some Morcilla) and vegetables jumping with colour. At one stall a man hand crafted tortellini – he also did Sushi and Empanadas.

 

The journey from wherever you are on the island to St Agnes de Corona is monumental. The road climbs up forest covered hills into a Martian like plateau where almond trees grow up from the deep red earth and flower a creamy white in late winter.

The centre of the hamlet is a triangle of two restaurants, a leather shop and a white-washed, flat roofed church. At the base of the triangle is the veranda of Can Cosmi which serves a Tortilla Espanol that is deliciously creamy and thick with peppers and potatoes.

 

Amante Beach Club perches on the cliffs above one of Ibiza’s most mesmerising pebbled coves. Call ahead to reserve a sun lounger and dream the afternoon away in a cocktail blur or treat yourself to lunch on the terrace. I feasted on Marinated Anchovies from the mainland served with chunky bread and a mini pot of a gazpacho like dip followed by juicy Chargrilled Chicken with local vegetables.

 

As evening falls it’s the time for a little indulgence Aura style. This fairy-lit culinary wonder garden serves seasonal and locally sourced food made by El Bulli trained Gerard Ortiz. The grills are sensational – from a King Prawn starter to Veal chop enhanced with sage oil. After dinner, make your way to the Mojito Terrace for spectacular Strawberry and Balsamic Vinegar cocktails and then follow in the footsteps of Kylie, Sienna and, yes, Sam Cam by dancing to the sounds of DJ Antz or Nightmares on Wax.

 

Further information

• The traditional market is at the end of the Carrer de Cataluna in Ibiza Town and is open every day apart from Sunday.
• Can Cosmi (+34971805020)
• www.amanteibiza.com
• www.auraibiza.com
• I flew to Ibiza with British Airways from London City Airport and stayed at the Hotel Es Vive.

Fran Harris