7 things you need to know when you go to Ibiza

Even among our oh so hip Amayzine editors, there is an Ibiza virgin. So it's important to read this piece carefully. But even if you've been here many times before, it can make you a lot wiser.

A reserve

That's important to know. To manage your expectations, I would say. You should see Ibiza as a dependency of the Netherlands located in a sunny, beautiful spot. Nine out of ten people you see here are Dutch. Nice Dutch people, but still Dutch. So no sneaky gossiping on the beach and such.

Fines are halved

I had the impression that on this freedom-happiness dance island, there is never an alcohol check, but the locals whispered to me that it certainly does happen. And they are not lenient, those fines. For a sip of Hierbas too many behind the wheel, you quickly pay 500 euros. But if you pay cash immediately or go to the police station the next day, they only charge half. That's very un-Dutch and really nice.

Dogs and beaches

As I already wrote, a dog is your best ticket to local-dom. But they are banned on most beaches. Don't sneakily take one along because if you get caught, you will get both a fine and they will take your dog away. You will then have to pick it up somewhere later. Just like when your car gets towed. You wouldn't like that, right?

How many Chiringuitos?

One of the hipster spots in Ibiza is Chiringuito, located at Es Cavallet. Since this weekend, there is another Chiringuito at a very small cove in the northeast: Aguas Blancas. I will check it out for you tomorrow. #iemandmoethetdoen

The menu of La Paloma

La Paloma, one of the nicest little restaurants on the island in San Lorenzo, serves Lebanese food one time and then Italian food another time. How does that work? The kitchen is shared by two people. Lebanese during the day, Italian in the evening, and both are always divine and idyllic.

Ibiza is gemakkelijk

If you think you have to walk around here looking your best and coolest, you are mistaken. The Ibiza look is the most understated look you can imagine. Hair beachy-messy, something with fringes and a kaftan, a flat slipper, and you're done. If you want to be completely ‘Ibiza’, tie a small hairband over your forehead and back of your head. Whether you will look your best is a question not everyone has an answer to, but you will fit right in.

Two more important words

Después: after. So after the starter, please the prawns.

Más: literally more, but here especially another glass or carafe please.