Objective: A day out in Ibiza on a budget of 20€
Location: San Miguel
9:30am: Today is going to be a hectic day, so my advice to you is to stock up on some breakfast in your home or hotel and pack some snacks and water before you go out as you don’t want to be wasting a single euro today!
10:30: Our first stop of the day is the impressive caves of San Miguel known as Cova de Can Marca. These caverns were first discovered by smugglers who used it to store and trade their contraband. The marks they made to signal the entrance and exit routes are still visible today, but even without these historical etchings the grotto offers some dramatic panoramas made up of natural stalagmites and stalactites framing dark, dry crevices of old rock pools. Even before you get to the cave itself, the walk along the cliffs’ edge to the entrance offers some great views over the sea and surrounding areas. Entrance for adults is 10.50€ (kids go for 6.50€). They say a photo is worth a thousand words and in this case it is definitely worth just over half our budget.
12:00: Whilst in the area we pay a little visit to the coast of San Miguel and its picturesque beach. As we are armed with water and a few hearty snacks we are able to while away a few hours exploring, sunbathing and swimming at no extra cost.
Money remaining: 9.50€
17:00: Peckish from the days’ activities, we decide to head into the centre of town for a bite to eat. San Miguel does have a couple of local restaurants, which serve up tapas and baguettes as well as main meals. As money is tight, today we opt for a good, sturdy carb-overload in the form of a substantial bocadillo which will set you back about 4.50€ in most places.
Money remaining: 5€
18:00: We arrive at the church of San Miguel just in time to catch the traditional Ibicenco dancing show that happens here every Thursday. It will be take up the last of my funds, but can you put a price on culture? Well, yes, actually, it’s 5€, but what you get out of the experience is far richer than those last few pennies. Locals come out dressed in their traditional gear (long dresses and headscarves for the women, trousers, waistcoat and floppy hats for men) and explain the details and history to this attire, as well as the cultural significance of the dance (often a type courting rite). It’s normally around this time that the priest who is giving the speech cracks a joke about having “big castanets” himself and everyone decides it’s time to get the actual dancing show underway.
Money remaining: 0€.
