addicted to ibiza

the green way to ibiza

Let's face it, does anyone actually like flying? Especially if you're traveling from London. The journey to the airport takes over an hour and costs you as much as the flight itself, you spend the start of your holiday waiting in line at airport security queues and on top of all that you're killing the planet.

We're all increasingly aware that our tendency to jet off to Ibiza for the weekend isn't exactly great for the environment. A return trip from London creates 0.56 tonnes of CO2 per person - that's more than driving for 1,500 miles in an average car. But as Addicted isn't prepared to compromise our holiday plans to save the planet, we decided to seek out an alternative. And the alternative we found didn't just end up being better for the planet, it was also a lot of fun.

Most people would never dream of taking a train from London to Ibiza, but not only is it possible, it's also extremely comfortable and much quicker than you think. Addicted kicked off our trip at St Pancras station in London on a rainy afternoon, jumping on the Eurostar for the quick 2 hour 15 minute ride to Paris. Not only did we earn green points by avoiding the plane, but as Eurostar have completely rebuilt their business around being environmentally responsible, even the hot food served on board was locally sourced using organic, fairly traded products. The party started here too, with complementary champagne if you travel Leisure Select.

One of the best things about traveling by train is that you stop at interesting places along the way. Addicted spent a few lazy hours at a Parisian pavement café and then dropped into the Museé d'Orsay, before dashing across town to catch the 8pm sleeper to Barcelona from Gare Austerlitz.

Forget airport check in queues, forget twenty minute walks to your gate and forget not being able to listen to your iPod while on the runway. The French/Spanish cross-border trains, run by Elipsos, take you back to a time when traveling was not only less stressful, but more of an occasion. After checking into our luxurious sleeper cabin, which included a private hot shower (YES - a hot shower on board a train), our first stop was the restaurant car for more champagne, a three-course dinner and a fine bottle of Chablis. Our table buddies were two newlyweds from London kicking off their honeymoon en route to Spain. How often do you chat to the person next to you on a flight?

As dinner came to an end and the French countryside rolled past, Addicted tucked in for a comfortable sleep, with the gentle rocking of the train and the champagne haze ensuring a good night's rest before the Ibiza madness began.

Waking up in Spain, Addicted enjoyed a seriously good café cortado from the on-board coffee shop (beats the instant stuff on most holiday airlines) before rolling into Barcelona at 8am. From Barcelona, it's a short ferry ride to Ibiza. But why rush? The Catalan capital is one of the most beautiful and exciting cities in Europe and a good enough reason to take the train in itself.

Traveling to Ibiza by land took less than a day, included a comfortable sleep, involved a good amount of Champagne and cost only a fraction more than an Easyjet flight. Moreover, Addicted's environmental conscience is incredibly smug.

Addicted's travel was organised by RailEurope, who are experts at arranging Pan-European rail travel involving multiple train companies. Check out their website for fares from wherever you are in Europe. The London-Paris section of our journey was operated by Eurostar, the Paris-Barcelona section of our journey was operated by Elipsos and the Barcelona-Ibiza section of our journey was operated by Baeleria. Paris-Barcelona sleeper fares start at just €139. Don't forget that next time you check flight prices.

top five new ibizas

Every year, another hitherto unknown holiday destination is hailed as 'the new ibiza'. Ibiza is continually faced with threats to her status as queen of party islands, from legislation changes and club closures, to an expensive euro and the Spanish recession. Destination after destination tries to snatch Ibiza's crown - just where are these alternatives to Ibiza and do they live up to the hype? Addicted checks out the top five 'new ibizas'.

5. Florianópolis, Brazil

This 33-mile long island 450 miles south of Rio has come of age in the last few years, challenging Punta del Este as destination of choice for the South American jet set. Boasting its own massive outpost of Ibizan club Pacha and more beautiful people than you can shake a churro at, this should be your winter sun destination of choice when craving a bit of Ibiza in January.

4. Dubrovnik and islands, Croatia

Resting just outside of the Euro-zone, Croatia provides white sandy party beaches at a fraction of the cost of her Western neighbours. From the cobbled streets of Dubrovnik, head to one of the many islands offshore and up the coast or chill out at the beach bars of nearby Banje beach for a taste of Ibiza on a budget.

3. Mykonos, Greece

The other Mediterranean party island attracts loyal visitors year after year, attracted by amazing villas and crazy beach bars. Consistent with it's partying reputation, Mykonos has become popular with both gay travellers and Australian backpackers, and provides the perfect base from which to island-hop around Greece.

2. Miami, USA

The only credible challenger to Ibiza as the spiritual home of dance music, Miami's winter music conference needs no introduction. A 'love it' or 'hate it' destination, Miami's obsession with status and the body beautiful even surpasses Ibiza. Critics lament it is Ibiza without the fun and say the best parties can be difficult to penetrate. That said, it's difficult to not have fun in the glorious Florida sun. One to consider if the dollar gets cheap again.

1. Ibiza, Spain

In Ibiza there is a saying: 'Pacha es Pacha'. Well equally, Eivissa es Eivissa. Just as black is forever the new black, Ibiza is always the new Ibiza. Every year the island is knocked, but every year it makes a comeback. It evolves, it changes, it doesn't grow old. New legislation forces tired venues to improve and keeps the island fresh. When dancing outdoors was banned, the new terrace at Space turned out to be even better than the old one. When DC-10 was closed down, the Zoo Project filled the gap. We're not abandoning the old girl yet.

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ibiza for beginners

If it's your first time, the amount of choice in Ibiza can be daunting. With so many parties to go to and so many places to dance, how do you cram it all into just one week? Here's a rough itinerary for a week long trip especially designed with Ibiza newbies in mind. Going back to work the following day is not recommended.

MONDAY

When you get off the plane, jump straight in at the deep end and head to the world's biggest nightclub to see the world's biggest Trance DJ. Privilege hosts Tiesto and up to 10,000 partygoers every Monday night. You don’t even need to worry about checking in at your hotel first. As we discovered last year, the coat check at the gift shop will look after your suitcase. The icing on the cake? The DJ booth is surrounded by a swimming pool.

TUESDAY

Live rock music in Ibiza? Really? Isn’t this island supposed to be the spiritual home of dance music? Founded on the premise that dance kids like to rock and rock kids like to dance, Ibiza Rocks is the unexpected success story of the last few years. Every Tuesday this year Ibiza Rocks plays host to the Ting Tings, the Klaxons and MGMT, just to name a few. Moreover, they now own their own hotel so you can host after parties worthy of rock stars.

WEDNESDAY

You’ve been on the island for two days now, so it’s probably time for a bit of a rest. Ibiza is famous for sunsets and the best place to watch is Café Mambo on the sunset strip in San Antonio. Not only will you have the thrill of watching the crowd cheer as night begins and the sun goes down, but often you can catch big name DJs warming up for their sets later that night – for free.

THURSDAY

Tonight, it’s time to check out the most famous club in the world: Pacha. The name is synonymous with celebrity, hedonism and glamour; and David Guetta’s Thursday night ‘F*** me I’m Famous’ party is Pacha at its finest. With the VIP, VVIP and VVVIP areas (yes, really) taking up well over two-thirds of dancefloor, some question whether mere mortals are actually able to let their hair down and party. But experiencing Pacha’s unique vibe is a vital Ibiza experience and one you will come to love. The clincher? Destiny’s Child Kelly Rowland is their resident PA this summer.

FRIDAY

It’s Friday, you’ve now been in Ibiza for five days and you’ve still not found time to dance on the beach! Make amends and head down to Bora Bora Beach Bar in Playa d’en Bossa for some cheeky afternoon sangria. Once you’re all danced out, it’s time to experience the more civilised side of Ibiza. Get in a cab to KM5 - one of Ibiza’s many laidback countryside restaurants. Many people say the best thing about Ibiza is the balance between crazy nights out and beautiful places to chill. KM5 and their outdoor cocktail lounge does that job nicely.

SATURDAY

You know you're in Ibiza when it's four o’clock on a Saturday afternoon and you're dancing in an abandoned zoo surrounded by people in fancy dress. The club on everyone’s lips this summer is The Zoo Project, taking over from the much missed DC-10. Their Saturday day time sessions are the talk of the island and attract top underground DJ talent. You’ll definitely leave with stories to tell everyone back home.

SUNDAY

Dancing on the terrace at Space on a Sunday afternoon defines Ibiza clubbing. The former 22 hour We Love Space marathon now restricts itself to a mere 14 hours due to changes in club licensing laws, but that’s not held back the stream of massive international DJs that make the line up every week. Literally, nothing compares to this. Just make sure your sunglasses are suitably oversized and overpriced.

That only leaves one more decision. Once the sun comes up and the music turns down at 6am, will you be running to catch your flight? Or will you be running to the nearest internet café to change your flight home? (It’s just across the road, in case the latter takes your fancy.)

it's not too late - airlines slash ibiza fares

We've all heard the story countless times. The credit crunch means more people aren't going on holiday this summer and the expensive Euro is encouraging people outside of the eurozone to stay at home. But what does this actually mean for those of us who fancy a cheeky last-minute trip to Ibiza?

It's good news! Airline bookings are down, planes are flying half-empty and that can only mean one thing: cheap flights. Addicted has tracked down some fantastic deals for readers in the UK, France, Italy and Spain who are in the mood for some Balearic sun.

From the UK, if you're based in the north and fancy a quick tip next week, we found flights from Thomson for only £74 inc tax. That's leaving on 13th July and coming back on 16th July. Moreover, we found many flights with Monarch for £38 one way inc tax.

On the whole, London is a more expensive place to travel from due to exorbitant airport taxes, but there are still bargains to be had. Addicted found a return flight with Thomson for only £74 inc tax, flying out on 11th August and coming back two weeks later.

If you want to go to the closing parties then now is the time to book. Addicted found some bargain basement flights from London, flying out on Sat 12th September for just £15 inc tax and coming back a few days later for £30. When you deduct taxes from these fares, the flights are pretty much free.

Combining airlines can save money too. Addicted found an amazing closing party deal for our French readers. Flying from Paris on Monday 7th September on Vueling and returning on Saturday 12th September with Easyjet will only cost a combined total of €103. That's much cheaper than booking a round trip with either airline. In order to compare return deals flying with different airlines in either direction, use a flight comparison web site such as Skyscanner (In English) (En Español).

It's not too late to book a mid-season trip either. For our Italian readers, Addicted found one-way tickets from Milan to Ibiza with Easyjet on 19th August for €19 inc tax. Similar fares are available on a whole range of dates towards the end of August.

Our Spanish readers know that they are only a hop, skip and jump away from Ibiza. But have our readers from further afield considered a mini-break in Spain combined with a couple of cheeky days at the Ibiza closing parties? Why not go to Madrid, enjoy a few beautiful days eating tapas in the Spanish capital, then make the short flight to Ibiza. Easyjet currently have fares from Madrid to Ibiza for just €36 return inc taxes. That's flying out on Tuesday 1st September and coming back on Friday 4th September. Plenty of time to squeeze in a few parties and some beach hours.

Click here to see flight prices from your closest airport using Addicted to Ibiza's flight search tool.

top five places to chill

Partying in Ibiza can be hard work and after two nights of crazy clubbing it is perfectly respectable to want to take things down a notch. You're supposed to be on holiday after all. Thankfully, Ibiza's chill-out scene is just as famous as its party scene. After all, everyone has at least a couple of Ibiza chill-out compilations knocking about their CD rack. Here are Addicted's favourite ways to kick back on island.

5. Portal de las Tablas
More usually known as 'The Gate' to Dalt Villa (The Old Town) in Ibiza Town, the historic square in front of the Portal de las Tablas on Calle de Antoni Palau is home to sleepy pavement cafés and a small food market. Spend a lazy afternoon in this quiet square sipping a café con leche and watching the world go by. You'll feel like you are in a quiet continental town a million miles from the crazy club of the night before.

4. KM5
Set in the countryside five kilometres out of Ibiza Town on the road towards San Josep, KM5 is an Ibiza institution. Divided into a restaurant and cocktail lounge, both outdoor spaces were made for balmy summer evenings. The modern Spanish menu is gastronomic heaven, especially if you've spent the rest of your trip eating in Playa d'en Bossa or San Antonio. After dinner you can walk a few meters to their cocktail lounge and kick back on sofas underneath the moonlight, listening to chilled out beats while acrobatic dancers provide the entertainment. Reservations for dinner are recommended.

3. Your villa terrace
There are many reasons for getting a villa rather than staying in a hotel, but top of the list is being able to chill out on your private terrace by your pool. Villas give you privacy and quiet that you just can't find in any busy Ibiza hotel. Don't forget to pack some chill-out compilations in your suitcase to set the mood.

2. Benirras beach
Also known as the 'hippie beach', Benirras is situated in the north of the island and is popular with locals. It is a considerable drive if you are staying in San Antonio or Playa d'en Bossa, but well worth the trip. Undeveloped and unspolit, be sure to take essentials such as water and suncream with you. Try to get there before sunset to watch the sun go down to the sound of bongo drums. Don't forget a road map!

1. Blue Marlin
Imagine lounging on a bed outside by the sea, eating great food and drinking even better cocktails, while a fine water mist keeps you cool in the sun. And we haven't even mentioned the models paid to walk around and make the place look fabulous. The Blue Marlin is Ibiza at its sophisticated best.

top five ways to enjoy ibiza on a budget

Our beloved white isle isn't exactly famous for bargains, but I'm not prepared to cancel my annual trip just because of the credit crunch and the sky-high Euro exchange rate. Neither should you, that's why we have put together five easy ways to enjoy Ibiza on a budget this summer, allowing you to soak up the Balearics in these cash-strapped times without breaking the bank.

5. Picnic on Salinas Beach
Salinas beach, just a short drive from Ibiza Town and Playa d'en Bossa, is famous for beautiful people and fantastic food in a national park setting unspoilt by tourist hotels. But instead of paying top dollar for lunch at the Jockey Club, why not take a picnic to the beach. Right beside the bus stop at Salinas beach (towards the rear of the car park) is a small supermarket where you can buy delicious Spanish cheeses and hams from the deli counter. Take them to the beach with a cheap bottle of vino rosado and think how much money you've saved to spend that night. If you pass through Ibiza Town on the way even better - pick up some fresh bread from one of the many bakeries. Just remember to take your rubbish with you! Map

4. Get into Pacha for free
Well, almost. Pacha Ibiza might be the most famous club in the world, but it is also famous for €70 door charges and €17 drinks. Instead, book dinner at Pacha restaurant and you will get free entry into the club once you have finished your meal. Furthermore, drinks in the restaurant are a fraction of the club price. The restaurant serves some of the best food on the island including modern Spanish dishes and an exquisite sushi menu. Reservations are essential (they have sittings at 10pm and midnight). Expect to pay between €50-€75 a person for dinner including wine, probably around what you would pay for the door tax alone. Reservations: +34 971 310 959

3. Party at Bora Bora
Every Ibiza newcomer never fails to be amazed that Bora Bora has no door tax. Space charges €50 a head to dance on the terrace, but just across the road Bora Bora provides the same experience for the cost of a beer - plus its right on the beach. Get there in the afternoon when you can look over the sea while dancing on the terrace, an Ibiza experience not to be missed. In the evening they are required to put a wall around the bar by local law.

2. Take a walk
You've probably spent the two months before your Ibiza trip slogging away in the gym in pursuit of the perfect beach body. Why waste all of that hard work in an orgy of food and drink during your trip? You don't have to spend your party money on an elite health spa (although Ibiza does have many should the fancy take you), simply get up early one morning (well, before lunch), put on your walking shoes and go see why people have flocked to this beautiful island for centuries. The hike from Playa d'es Cavallet to Salinas beach lasts around an hour, takes you past an old lighthouse and secluded coves, and finishes right next to Sa Trinxa beach bar for a much needed fruit juice (or a cocktail, if all the hiking is too much for you). Don't do the hike the other way, as it is much easier to catch a taxi or public transport from Salinas. You need to get a taxi or drive to Playa d'es Cavallet. Don't forget a map!

1. Don't spend all your money before you arrive
The competition between airlines for flights to Ibiza has never been greater - particularly in 2009 as flight bookings are down. Use a price comparison website such as Skyscanner to find the best bargain. It compares all airlines - you can see prices from full-service carriers such as British Airways and Iberia alongside local Spanish budget airlines such as Vueling in order to get the best deal on the dates you want to fly. You could find yourself on a full-service airline with complementary food and drinks for less than the price you would pay on EasyJet. And that's more money left in your pocket to spend where it matters - in the sun.