Is dance music dead?: The rise of Alternative Ibiza

Long gone are the days when Ibiza was the place for hedonistic holidays in the sun.

While its wild nightlife is by no means a thing of the past, this beautiful Balearic island is re-inventing itself as a sophisticated holiday destination, offering more than bars, bass and booze to the millions of sunseekers hitting Ibizan shores every year.

Made infamous by the ‘Ibiza Uncovered’ reality TV series of the ’90s, the island’s reputation for lairy young Brits bingeing to excess in its clubs has led Ibizan authorities to re-brand the island, publicising it as a cosmopolitan centre – much quieter and more cultured than in its previous years. Placing stricter limits on nightclub opening hours and higher standards on new-build hotels, Ibiza is looking for a different kind of holidaymaker.

And with ecotourism, agrotourism, cyclotourism and even nautical tourism available on the island, the days of ‘Alternative Ibiza‘ are dawning. There’s so much more to do on a Balearic break now; holistic therapies, Ashtanga yoga and triathlon training camps mean you can balance out all the beer-drinking by looking after your body instead. Whether you explore the island by foot, bike or boat, the rugged natural landscape and great weather makes Ibiza the perfect place to get to grips with nature – hiking, cycling and sailing trips offer an even more exciting way to see the sights.

For aural excitement, variation from the usual electronic club sound is especially popular, with world music club nights, jazz, blues and loads of live guitar music breaking the house-music hold on the average Ibizan tourist. Gigs from Reverend and the Makers, The Streets, Soulwax and Pendulum make up the Ibiza Rocks schedule across San Antonio, while Thursday nights at Somni bring Calypso rhythms and a carnival atmosphere with the Las Fabulosos club-night.

Culture vultures can explore all the island has to offer with great monuments and natural landmarks to visit, while history buffs can spend days wandering around the island’s many museums. Magnificent views of the ‘Ses Feixes’ wetlands, the stunning Almond Blossom orchards at Santa Ines and the vineyards of San Mateo are mind blowing in their natural beauty, while superb sunsets at the Benirras beach in the north of the island have to be seen to be believed. Find a peaceful spot on the sands and let the new bohemia of the island overtake you as drums and singing celebrate the setting of the sun.

Whatever you’re seeking from your last minute 2008 or even 2009 summer break, there’s never been so much to do on this fantastic island. Whether you fancy sipping champagne cocktails as the sun sets, wandering off the beaten track with a walking holiday, or simply rejuvenating yourself with a spa break amongst the sea and sand, alternative Ibiza offers an unmissable holiday break.

Book your Summer 2009 holidays in advance and have something to look forward to, Freedom Direct offer cheap package holidays, made up of cheap flights, great bargain accommodation and even airport transfers and travel insurance. View cheap holidays to Ibiza, whether it be party Ibiza and/or alternative Ibiza you’d prefer, package it your way at FreedomDirect.co.uk

About Freedom Direct

Freedom Direct Holidays Ltd is based in Newcastle upon Tyne and the company has a network of holiday bookings specialists across the UK, Europe and Australia.

Freedom Direct has been trading for over ten years and as a booking agent for a range of approved suppliers of holiday accommodation and flights and other related products.

Freedom Direct is a fully bonded member of the Association of British Travel Agent (ABTA) and their suppliers are covered by ATOL licences.