Debbie Rae Does ... Marina Ibiza, Botafoc & Talamanca
If you’re an Oliarc, footballer, or movie mogul, chances are you have a boat moored in Ibiza or Botafoc Marina. and with monthly pricing as high as 100000 euros a month, you’d have to be.
Taking a wander here, I found myself dwarfed by The Lady Moura, which was once the words 9th most expensive yacht. At 334ft, it made the rows of awe-inspiring vessels, with their bikini-clad inhabitants, parading like gargoyles, looking down from on high, look almost unimpressive.
Lined with designer boutiques, restaurants and mega-clubs, this coast line is the home of the legendary, and extortionately priced Lio and Pacha. Great for dancing in the footsteps of celebrities and socialites, not so great for your budget! But don't be put off, this is a playground for the polished elite, but it's far more inclusive and welcoming to all than you might expect.
The yachts may be unobtainable ot most of us, but there are rows of more modest boats, many available to hire. We hired a 17ft rib for around 1000 euros for the day. It's not exactly a cheap outing, but a boat like ours could comfortably carry 8 people. The cost would be higher if you needed a skipper for the day, however it was from this Marina that my husband secured his Level 2 motorboat license ,so my life was in his hands for the day. A course takes 2 days and cost between around 500 euros (prices depend upon how many people are doing the course with you)depending upon how many people are on the course together. For more details check out their website: Ibizamed Yachting. Specialists in boat hire, rental and trips, sailing, powerboats, Sunseekers and VIP corporate events in Ibiza and Formentera.
Walking the rows of stunning yachts, I was surprised to find a pleasant atmosphere, where the music on the streets was chilled, and the view is spectacular, staring out across the water at Dalt Vila, standing high and proud at the top of Ibiza town.
The restaurants can get very busy in the high season, I would recommend booking to escape disappointment. At some higher-end eateries, the prices can be extravagant (you won’t find a main for under 35 euros), but most offer excellent lunchtime deals (menu del dia).
We ate a three-course meal at Restaurant Trattoria del Mar (TRATTORIA DEL MAR, Ibiza Town - Updated 2021 Restaurant Reviews, Photos & Phone Number - Tripadvisor) for 20 euros each, which exceeded our expectations and tempted us back for a far more extravagant dinner.
This place is a molten pot of stunning old, spangly new and sparkling nature. I found the best way to enjoy it all was to take the pedestrian or cycle path, from the Marina through to Talamanca. The stone walkway gives way to a sturdy and pretty wooden path (approx 3km).
The large hotels, playgrounds and outdoor gyms first give way to luxury apartments, superyachts, clubs, grand casinos, designer boutiques, restaurants, and bars before pittering out. Then you will find yourself at the charming beach cove of Talamanca. It's a gentle route with plenty of benches to stop at, should you need a rest or to enjoy your varied view.
I wasn't initially too impressed with Platja de Talamanca as a beach destination; perhaps I have been spoilt with the perfection of others on the island? The waters were choppy when I first visited, and the seaweed churned, creating a horrible smell and line of brown scum on the sand.
One of the big appeals of this beach has to be the restaurants. There's a hippy vibe of white washed battered driftwood furniture, wind chimes and sand beneath your feet; the antithasist to the grandure only a few kilometres away.
It was the delicious food and scenery which caused me to return on a number of occasions. I found that the winds remained but the shallow and safe water had returned to clear; an obvious favourite for children And youngsters kayaking, and sailing. I never saw any litter here, which is a wonderful norm for Ibizian beaches. However, this is a beach next to a major town and Marina so I was particularly impressed.
Admittedly, this is not one of Ibiza’s finest beaches, but it’s a lovely addition to the town and this stretch of coastline, which is well worth a visit, for It’s bling, hippy vibes, man-made splendour and views of the town.