Nestled in the Mediterranean Sea, Ibiza is one of the Balearic Islands of Spain. To many people, it is the ultimate party island, with its many famous nightclubs in Ibiza City. The island features spectacular sunsets, best seen from the lovely beaches. However, Ibiza is so much more than just a party island. It offers all the major water sports, including surfing, diving and more. The island also has beautiful, traditional rural villages to explore.
For those looking for the perfect escape from the daily grind, Ibiza also has some fascinating and beautiful abandoned attractions, just waiting to be found.
1. Abandoned hotel at Cala d'en Serra - Camí Cala D'en Serra,
Sant Joan de Labritja, Ibiza
It should first be mentioned that Ibiza has a full range of great accommodation to choose from. Whether your preference is for a hotel or beach resort, quaint rural bed and breakfast or a luxurious villa in Ibiza with all mod cons, the island has you covered. However, it is fun to explore this colourful, abandoned hotel.
A fun day out during your stay in Ibiza is Cala d’en Serra, a small bay with a pretty beach. What makes this spot more interesting is the abandoned hotel overlooking the beach. It was during 1969 that famed architect Josep Lluis Sert was chosen to design a luxurious hotel and resort on this lovely beach. The architect has been living in exile in the U.S. for several decades and was thrilled to undertake the task.
However, slightly over a year later, construction on the sprawling resort was halted. In 1983, Sert passed away and the development never picked up again. A number of discussions were held as to whether the project should be completed, using the original design or demolished to start anew.
Somehow, the project got shelved and instead, the hotel was left abandoned to the graffiti artists.
Nowadays, it is a worthy visit while on the island, not only for the colorful artwork, but also for its amazing views over the beach, the bay and the Mediterranean Sea. Visitors are warned to view the structure from the outside, as it could be unsafe to enter after all these years. The site is around a ten-minute walk from the road. Take a virtual tour of the hotel in the video included here.
1. Festival Club, Diseminado Can Puvillet, 4080, Sant Josep de sa Talaia
Believe it, or believe it not, Ibiza wasn’t always the party capital of the world it is today. It was only in the late 1960s that the island became a tourist destination. At that time, hotels and clubs started popping up all over the island.
Construction began on the Festival Club in 1969 and it opened its doors in 1972. At that stage, it was a popular and lively nightlife destination, despite the fact it was tucked away in the hills. Buses were laid on to shuttle tourists to the club where they watched shows, dined on fine cuisine and even watched fake bullfights in a mock bullfighting ring.
In the 1970s, the oil crisis hit Ibiza, with fewer visitors heading to the island. Without its many patrons, the Festival Club closed its doors in 1974. Over the years, the abandoned club has been transformed with colourful graffiti art. Visitors to the site can still see the amphitheater, the terraced restaurant and the bar area. Close to the entrance a number of gutted cars can be seen. The club is easily accessible using public transport, is fun to explore and offers beautiful views over its surroundings. Enjoy a virtual tour of Festival Club in the Spanish language video included here.
On your next visit to Ibiza in the Balearic Islands, take a step off the beaten path to visit these abandoned and highly Instagrammable beauties.
