This summer traditional Spanish tourist resorts have welcomed record numbers of visitors as the holidaying public returns to familiarity.
In July, aviation authority AENA reported a 17th consecutive month of passenger growth through Ibiza Airport, but agent Sotheby’s International Realty says there’s still plenty of peace and tranquillity to be found.
Glynn Evans, Managing Director of Ibiza Sotheby’s International Realty, says, “Many of us saw the photos of jam-packed beaches at Spanish hotspots last month, reflecting the fact that in the first seven months of 2015 a record 37.9 million tourists arrived in Spain, up 4.7% on last year. In the same period, almost 3.5 million passengers passed through Ibiza Airport, up 4.9%, and July figures from the official Hotel Owner’s Federation show occupancy rates up again, and now well above 90% in both Ibiza and Formentera. This is great news for the economy, and Ibiza was ready with many new coastal attractions to welcome the extra visitors. At the same time, travellers can still find peace and tranquillity just a few moments from the coast.”
“We have dozens of properties for sale, and for rent, located in Ibiza’s unspoilt ‘boho’ countryside interior,” continues Glynn. “And, thanks to the relatively small size of the Island, some 571km², even if your property was positioned right at the centre of the island, beaches, nightlife and bright lights will never be more than 20 minutes away. The advantages of buying an inland property can be many, including more extensive grounds and even larger room sizes, while the likelihood of being overlooked by neighbours, or even hearing them, is greatly reduced.”
2015 is proving to be a vintage year for the tourism industry in Ibiza. Year on year, the Island sees returning royalty, A-list celebrities, industry leaders and some of the world’s wealthiest plutocrats. Among those not managing to hide from the press lenses have been Princess Beatrice, Anne Hathaway, Mariah Carey and James Packer, and Oprah Winfrey.
The other trend to emerge from first-half tourism figures is that more travellers than ever are choosing to make their own arrangements, rather than relying on package tours. A record 10.2 million tourists opted for non-hotel accommodation, up 8.7% on 2014, and 70.7% of arrivals came to Spain without booking as a package. Both of these figures indicate that buying a countryside property in Ibiza could also prove to be a profitable rental investment.
On the back of such a successful summer for tourism, the Balearic Government is opening a public tender process with the aim of encouraging more airlines to continue to fly to the Islands between October and March. Additional flights during the winter months will increase visitor numbers and open up Ibiza’s other inland attractions – from hiking to cycling and yoga to bird watching.
On the Market in Ibiza:
Ref 7144 – Fusion Minimalist Villa, Santa Eulalia
Can Bassó represents one of the most authentic restoration projects you’ll find in Ibiza. The traditional farmhouse has been stripped bare and rebuilt using stones and handcrafted wooden beams to replicate the originals. The handiwork of a Belgian property expert and local Ibiza architect Amélia Molina, this ‘finca’ has also embraced state-of-the-art technology, but in a discreet manner so as not to disturb the aesthetics. Set in tranquil unspoilt Ibiza countryside, just minutes from the coastal resort of Santa Eulalia, the luxurious home has six en-suite bedrooms, an outdoor dining arrangement, swimming pool with concrete ‘deck’, and manicured lawns. Peace, serenity and style – perfect escapism.
- Six Bedrooms, Seven Bathrooms
- Built Area 400m², Plot Size 26,000m²
- Price 5.25 million euros (approx 3.73 million pounds)
Contact Ibiza Sotheby’s International Realty on (+34) 971 31 07 99
Ref 7187 – Hilltop Villa, San Miguel
This hilltop villa is built in very private surroundings in an isolated plot in a well-maintained forest, yet is just 20 minutes from Ibiza Town, and within easy reach of a number of beaches including Puerto San Miguel and Benirras. Perfectly set up for family living, but lending itself perfectly to conversion into any other lifestyle, the property is set in the upper part of the terrain, which also includes the top of the hill. The property is arranged over two floors of flexible living space, with the four bedrooms, living spaces and various terraces all having panoramic views.
- Four Bedrooms, Three Bathrooms
- Built area 336m², plot size 25,000m²
- Price 3.75 million euros (approx 2.7 million pounds)
Contact Ibiza Sotheby’s International Realty on (+34) 971 31 07 99
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