#review: Step into Ibiza

Social network travel app Step co-founder Rachel Rockowitz is spending her summer in Ibiza. We asked for her itinerary and she answered with a few extra recommendations from the app’s “culture leaders”

1. Where to eat

El Chiringuito @elchiringuito_ibiza

El Chiringuito is an elegant seaside restaurant that’s the perfect spot for a chill day at the beach. It sits on one of Ibiza’s most beautiful beaches, Es Cavallet, where you can see Dalt Villa (Ibiza’s old town) to the left and Formentera to the right. The restaurant serves various dishes that are considered a mix of Mediterranean and Spanish cuisine. Don’t miss the seafood, which includes dishes like sea bass in salt, flavourful grilled calamari skewers, fresh Mediterranean lobster, Ibicenco prawns and more. 

“El Chiringuito has a beautiful, chilled setting on the beach. Menu highlights were salt baked fish and Iberico ham”

Juan y Andrea @juanyandreaoficial

Run by the same family since 1971, Juan y Andrea is recognised as one of the best restaurants in Formentera. Its stunning location – marked by four huge palm trees – at the centre of Playa Illetes is surrounded by sand dunes, juniper bushes and crystalline waters. Alongside the majestic view, the restaurant serves up excellent food guaranteed to satisfy with a menu consisting of seafood dishes, pasta and paellas, meats, and meals catered to kids. 

“We went to Juan y Andrea for lunch and spent the day on Formentera which is a protected area/natural park with bright blue water and generally a stunning location. The lobster pasta was a highlight”

Also see: The Mira Hong Kong offers a seacation experience

Casa Jondal  @casajondal

Nestled on the coast of the Balearic Islands, Casa Jondal combines a simple yet gorgeous interior with exquisite meals and a sublime view of the ocean. While the location and interior are pleasing to the eye, the menu is both enticing and delectable – offering a variety of seafood dishes to be paired with vegetables of your choice and quality meat and caviar meals.

“Amazing interiors by Burberry!”

Lio @lioibizaofficial

If you’re searching for a restaurant that serves not only food but also entertainment, then Lio is for you. It offers Mediterranean aromas and flavours alongside a cabaret show with incredibly engaging performances throughout the evening and at night transforms into a nightclub bringing internationally acclaimed artists to the White Isle year after year.

“Lio has incredible performances all evening, and the room is buzzing with energy and good vibes”

Also see: #review: sparking joy at Andaz Seoul Gangnam

2. What to see

Es Vedra 

The famous monolithic limestone rock formation Es Vedra, found on the southwestern seaboard of the Spanish island of Ibiza, is a hot spot for tourists as it not only has gorgeous views of the ocean and sunsets but is also an especially magnetic place. The island, while mostly uninhabited, is home to many legends, mythologies and fables that continue to intrigue its visitors.

Old Town 

If you want a break from sandy white beaches and turquoise waters or thrilling nightlife, then take a walk around the cobbled streets of Dalt Vila, better known as the “Old Town”, and discover Ibiza’s cultural side. This UNESCO World Heritage site is known for its historic acropolis and ancient buildings such as the Cathedral of Santa María de las Nieves. Touring around the town you get to learn about the history, see spectacular views, and visit restaurants and shops that give you a taste of the local crafts and products.

Also see: 7 activities to do in Hong Kong to make you feel you’re abroad

3. What to buy

Annie’s Ibiza @anniesibiza

This unique shop sells a variety of clothing that is either vintage, rare or reconstructed. All items are hand-picked by Annie herself during her travels around the globe, and include archived designer pieces dating back from the 1960s to ’90s from brands such as Moschino Couture, Dior and more. The eclectic collection is both timeless and striking, offering stylish options for customers to buy or rent.

Step Curator Recommendations

Robyn Nicholl @robynhopenicholl (Step co-founder)
Cala Gracioneta | @calagracioneta
La Paloma | @lapalomaibiza
Los Enamorados Ibiza | @losenamoradosibiza

Naomi Anwer @naomianwerr
The Giri Café | @thegiri_ibiza
Jul’s | @julsrestaurant

Maddie Demaine @maddiedemaine
Amante | @amanteibiza

Christa Lockyer @christalockyer
Restaurante Cala Bonita | @cala.bonita.ibiza
Casa Maca | @casamacaibiza

Also see: #legendeats: 5 unconventional dining spots with an amazing sunset view