For weeks now, Ibiza has been filled with people speaking different languages, dragging suitcases through the streets of the port, and carrying backpacks and sunglasses. Although prices are always a topic of debate, most foreign tourists say that they are not put off by the cost.
Foreign tourists
A German family who have been on the island for ten days say that, for them, the cost is reasonable. «There are four of us and we plan to spend around 2,000 euros,» they explain. 'The most expensive things are eating out and activities, but it doesn't seem excessive to us. We understand that it can be expensive for Spaniards, but we don't feel that way from Germany. This is their first summer in Ibiza, although they were in Mallorca last year. They chose the island because of its climate and beaches, and because they wanted to discover another part of the Mediterranean.
Further south from Paris, a couple who are only spending two days on the island can see the impact on their budget. «Accommodation is the most expensive,» they say. 'But restaurants and taxis didn't seem too expensive. Despite only being on the island for a few hours, they are determined to make the most of their visit. After spending the day in Ibiza's old town, they plan to party at Pacha or Ushuaïa. «I think the tickets alone cost about 150 euros per person,» they say. 'It's a lot, but we knew that before we came. We're going to treat ourselves to it". They estimate that they will spend around 400 euros each for those 48 hours. It is their first time on the White Isle, and so far they have seen the old town and a few beaches.
A family from Uzbekistan stopped over in Ibiza for seven hours on a much shorter trip. «We’d like to stay longer,» they say, photographing facades and palm trees. "We're loving the architecture and the atmosphere," they say, although their cruise schedule doesn't allow them to explore much further.
A more common example is that of a French couple who have been coming every summer for eleven years, and who are now coming with their baby for the first time. They are planning to spend five days on the island and estimate that they will spend between €2,000 and €3,000. «It's getting more and more expensive, especially the flights and hotels, but we keep coming back,» they confess. Even so, it's not just the prices that have caught their attention this year. «We're surprised to see so few tourists at this time of year. The island is much quieter than usual,» she says. On Monday, they went to Ushuaïa and found the runway only half full. «We don't know if it's because it was Monday, when there's usually more atmosphere at a different club, or if there really are fewer people this summer.»
National tourism
For Spaniards Eva and Rocío, however, coming here has been almost a gamble, as they had a much tighter budget. 'If we hadn't received the extra pay in June, we wouldn't have been able to come,' they say. To cut costs, they are staying in the cheapest hostel they found four months ago in Sant Antoni. 'We go to the beaches and street markets, and we buy food at the supermarket. At night, we eat out in places that have been recommended to us and we've also gone out for a drink, but not much else. Even so, it seems expensive', they lament. «Everything will cost us around 600 euros per person, including flights, accommodation, a car, and food,» they explain.
A mother and daughter have also come to spend a few days here for the first time. They are staying in a hotel in the Santa Eulàlia area. «We wanted a place with beautiful beaches and a good climate,» says the mother. They say that Ibiza is a ‘slightly more expensive’ destination than they expected, but not so much that it ruins their holiday. ‘The most expensive thing has definitely been the hotel. They plan to spend around 1,000 euros in total. ‘Although the island has a reputation for being expensive, if you come as a family, you can organise yourself well and not have to spend a lot of money,’ he concluded.
Despite having different budgets, everyone agrees that Ibiza is a special place, even if you have to adjust yours.