Ibiza: An Artist’s Haven

Ibiza enjoys a reputation as being one of the hippest islands in the Mediterranean, and it seems that it has long been this way. For even in the 1930s the island was attracting free-thinking liberals who were drawn to Ibiza for its quality way of life, climate and charm.

The Balearic Island was also very popular amongst artists who came to sketch, paint and create in the wonderful light in which the island bathes. Ibiza quickly became the European equivalent of San Francisco, where artists, writers and musicians amassed to produce some of the greatest works of art of their generation.

Many of the artists came to live in San Carlos and the surrounding area, where many of our villas in Ibiza to rent are situated.  San Carlos is a small village between Cala San Vicente and Santa Eulalia which is perhaps most famous for Anita’s bar, one of the original ‘hippy’ bars on the island to where painters, musicians and writers flocked to meet and discuss their work.  The bar is still very much a focal point of the village, and holiday makers staying in villas in San Carlos Ibiza are recommended to pop in and take a look.

San Carlos, which is home to some of the most luxury villas in Ibiza to rent, remains an artist haven. Many have stayed put on the island and display their paintings at Anita’s bar, or exhibit them for sale at the weekly hippie market, which takes place every Saturday.

Due to its artistic heritage it is not surprising that Ibiza is home to some of Europe’s finest and most exciting art museums and galleries.

For example the Museum of Contemporary Art, located in the historic quarter of Ibiza town, exhibits a collection of work which brilliantly shows the artistic creativity that emerged on the island in the 60s. The museum just 20 minutes from your villa in San Carlos Ibiza includes work by Tapies and Miralles, as well as other less known artists of the Balearic Islands.

The Galeria Van der Voort, in the city’s Plaza de Vila, is another excellent gallery which is easily accessible from your villa in San Carlos Ibiza, as is the Galeria Es Moli, an exhibition of modern art and photography located in a private house between the Port de Sant Miguel and Ibiza Town.

One of Ibiza’smost exclusive hotels also boasts its own living art gallery in many of its public areas and suites. The five star Ibiza Gran exhibits more than 365 works of art by 28 contemporary artists, not only from Ibiza, but all over the world. Make the short journey from your luxury villa in San Carlos Ibiza and marvel at the works of art while you enjoy a cocktail or two.

Posted in our Blog - Tuesday, 10 May 2011 14:24