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This has to be one of the most pleasant resorts on the island of Ibiza. Due to its
modest size, its north-east location and its welcoming atmosphere, Es Cana is the
ideal spot for a family vacation.
Built around a moon-crescent bay, Es Cana offers accommodation for every budget.
There are self-catering apartments to be had near the beach-front, and three-star
hotels elsewhere in the resort.
A proud possessor of the much-coveted Blue Flag, the beach at Es Cana is not only
gorgeous, but a very safe place to enjoy, and it's packed with amenities. Patrolled
by lifeguards, this is one beach where you don't need to spend your day fretting
over the little ones. For the young, young-at-heart and the just plain adventurous
of any age, there are also water-skiing lessons, windsurfing, parasailing and, naturally,
the intestine-rattling banana boat.
The right-hand end of the beach is also home to a small marina where the locals
moor their tiny, traditional fishing boats. This is also where you can catch the
small island ferries to just about any destination on the island. Reasonably priced,
these 'water taxis' will transport you to Santa Eulalia, Cala Llonga, Ibiza Town
and, for a very special day out, to fabulous Formentera.
The town of Es Cana, though developed somewhat in recent years to accommodate a
growing influx of tourists, still retains some rustic charm, and there are many
traditional villas, whitewashed against the summer sun, dotted throughout the resort.
While the days here are all about relaxing on the beach, shopping and eating out,
Es Cana can get nice and lively in the evenings and on into the night. Don't worry
though, it's nowhere near as hectic as Ibiza Town or San Antonio, and the pace of
the night is more suited to gentle, warm fun than to outright hedonism. There are
dozens of fine restaurants to choose from, many bars and also a number of English
pubs for when you're missing your quiz nights and bingo!
The biggest draw in Es Cana happens every Wednesday, when from ten in the morning
the famous hippy market begins trading. It feels like everyone on the island descends
upon Es Cana on these days, so prepare for a crowded day once a week. The roads
are chock-full of traffic too, and finding a parking space can be quite a battle!
The market itself takes place on the hillside around Punta Arabi. Something that
began in the 60s with just a few hippies bringing goods back from their travels
in Africa and Asia has become these days a phenomenon. It is not impossible to envisage
further commercialisation of this fantastic event in the not-too-distant future,
so pay the place a visit while it still holds a modicum of authenticity. In the
market proper, you'll discover hand-made items from all over the world. Jewellery
and leather-goods, ranging from belts and bags to hats and coats. Souvenirs from
many lands including pottery, candles and all sorts of clothing, not all of which
are tie-dyed.
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