Where in the World Is: Ibiza?

Ibiza is a Spanish island in the Mediterranean sea. Although Ibiza is part of Spain, it is an autonomous community of Spain. Autonomous communities are similar to states in the US in that they have a high level of independence with their own government (to varying degrees, depending on the community).

Although in the Mediterranean, Ibiza is one of the Balearic Islands, named for the Balearic Sea, which is a part of the Mediterranean that forms its own “body” similar to a gulf spanning the section of the eastern coast of Spain between Valencia and Barcelona.

Located halfway between Spain’s mainland and the larger island of Majorca (Mallorca), Ibiza is known for its nightlife, and summer club scene, which attracts tourists from all over the world. But Ibiza isn’t only about nightclubs, it has beautiful natural parks and its coastline is ruffled with steep cliffs overlooking the breathtaking turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. Even if you aren’t into partying, the picturesque villages and magnificent sunsets are enough to make a visit to the island an unforgettable vacation.

For the kosher traveler, Ibiza can be a little bit of a challenge as there are no year-round kosher restaurants in Ibiza. There is, however, a Chabad that provides Shabbat and Holiday hospitality, and during the summer months (beginning after Passover) there is the Kosher Ibiza Delikatessen. This is a French-owned restaurant, deli and kosher grocery store with a catering service as well. Their Kashrut certificate is Glatt-Kosher Mehadrin, Chalak Beit Yosef by Badatz Barcelona. They are located at 16 avenue Père Noguera Matutes and their phone number is +34 682 82 68 30.

For those who will eat in strictly vegan restaurants, there are two options to choose from. In Ibiza Town you will find the first vegan restaurant on the island, Simbiosis, which has been open since the 1990s. The restaurant serves a fusion of Mediterranean, Asian, Mexican and Indian cuisine. Most of the dishes are gluten-free and everything is locally sourced and organic whenever possible.

The other strictly vegan restaurant in Ibiza is in Santa Gertrudis, and is called Wild Beets. With an ever-changing menu, Wild Beets is not only vegan, but focuses on low-carb and everything is gluten-free except the beer! The food is apparently so good that it’s also popular with non-vegans.

In spite of the limited options for kosher travelers food-wise, there is no shortage of incredible things to do, depending on your budget. Although there are cheaper hostels, hotels begin at $100/night and rise steeply from there, so it’s definitely not a budget-friendly vacation. But, regardless of your budget, you are sure to find wonderful and relaxing things to do. There are walking tours, bike tours and guided excursions with quaint villages, plenty of shopping and, of course, the Mediterranean Sea surrounding the small island. For those with more money, boat trips are an added option to help you experience the beauty that is everywhere you look when you visit Ibiza. There are snorkeling and sailing excursions, as well as jet skiing, beach hopping cruises, scuba diving and even kayaking.

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