When the highlight of your week in Ibiza is a four-hour hike in baking sunshine, it’s clear that local guide and Ibiza guru, Stivi from Balearic Outdoor Adventures offers something very special.
Our group gathered in the small-town meeting point of Santa Agnès, with grogginess levels ranging from those on an hour’s sleep post-partying, to some well-rested and fuelled with much-needed bananas. However, no one had quite prepared themselves for the breathtaking experience ahead.
Before setting off, Stivi briefed the group on the possible trails that lay ahead, assessing appetite for the easy, medium or hard option. Eager for a challenge but not wanting to overdo it, we unanimously opted for the medium difficulty and after a quick flurry of photos at the start point, we were off!
Putting our faith in Stivi's capable hands, the group marched towards the forest while he explained the damage done to the Ibizan ecosystem by the influx of snakes to the island - a story he can recount in six languages, English, German, French, Italian, Spanish and Catalan!
Trekking through wispy trees and hopping over exposed roots along the undulating path, stopping frequently at various clearings for a swig of water or a nature lesson that would have made David Attenborough proud.
After over an hour of walking, we emerged near the coast, with the glistening, turquoise Mediterranean below us. Stivi provided two options for a wild sea swim: push off from a collection of flat, shaded fishermen’s huts to our right or clamber over rocky boulders to reach a sun-kissed cove to our left. We opted for the latter.
After a quick change, we followed Stivi down towards the water. He hopped from rock to rock, with the agility of a mountain goat, a man clearly at one with the surroundings.
As our gang basked in the refreshing deep blue waters, Stivi showed some of the more daring amongst us the best place to cliff jump, although no one could quite replicate his amazing somersaulting dives.
After a quick snorkel and snack to top up our energy levels, we made for the hills again with mountainous terrain to our right and the ocean to our left. Stivi explained that even though we were halfway through our hike, the real challenge was about to begin. We walked over old terraced hillsides where casas and fincas once stood, the narration from our guide bringing the history to life.
As we ascended, leaving the sea hundreds of meters below, we found time for ‘top of the world’ photo opportunities and a splash of water from a fresh spring to keep our spirits up.
With pulses raised, adrenaline pumping and lunchtime approaching, we worked (or walked) up an appetite for paella while admiring the breathtaking views. The hike was challenging enough to work up a sweat but never too difficult and Stivi was the perfect guide – engaging, encouraging and informative, with an endless supply of stories.
Ibiza is a relatively small island at just over 500 km2 but for even seasoned veterans there is so much more than meets the eye. And, after half a day of amazing adventure, it was clear many of us had failed even to scratch the surface of Ibiza’s abundance of nature, scenic views, and wild swimming.
A Balearic adventure with Stivi is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in nature, experience the stunning scenery of the island and learn a lot while doing so. Already inundated with requests for hikes next year on both Ibiza and Mallorca, make sure to snap up a spot while you still have the chance.
Balearic Outdoor Adventures is a local outdoor activities company run by Stivi, a Swiss mountain guide who knows the Balearics like the back of his hand and is fluent in six languages.
Here on Ibiza, Balearic Outdoor Adventures offers a wide range of hikes to secret and secluded spots, away from the masses and into the wild. With over 40 different routes, from nice, easy strolls, with scenic views, up to adventurous, strenuous hikes that may include some scrambling and the use of ropes, Balearic Outdoor Adventures has it all covered!
Book your hiking adventure directly via its website.
