When visiting friends’ houses over here, it’s completely normal to see stacks of books about Ibiza piled up on coffee tables. It seems we just can’t get enough of reading about all aspects of the island – the history, the lifestyle, the food, the architecture – many of which are envy-inducing tomes of ‘finca-style porn’ with glorious photos of some of the best houses and gardens on the island to drool over. There is a fascinating and varied array of titles to choose from, so here’s a round-up of what we think are some of the best books about Ibiza.
THE WHITE ISLAND by Stephen Armstrong
Described as ‘The extraordinary history of the Mediterranean’s capital of hedonism’ this fascinating paperback is a delicious and gossipy read, with some absolute gems of insider information. The White Island brilliantly combines the history and legends of Ibiza with more modern insights and anecdotes from some of the original movers and shakers of modern day Ibiza, culminating around the era of Manumission. We reckon an update is due from the author, to cover the most recent decade of debauchery on the island!
‘Lively, well-researched ramble through the island’s frenetic history’ (Time Out) ‘An honest and amiable account of the oddball history of this little land of extraordinary sunsets’ (Daily Telegraph) “Essential Summer reading. Keenly observed and sprinkled with a wealth of delicious titbits'” (Q)
You can buy White Island on Amazon by clicking here
MY IBIZA AND FORMENTERA by Hjordis Fogelberg
This is an absolute gem of a book from island resident Hjordis Fogelberg, an artist and writer who grew up on the island after her parents arrived in Ibiza in the early 1960’s. Hjordis was also the co-founder and Art Director of Pacha magazine, so you’d be hard pushed to find someone better placed to publish a genuine insider’s guide to Ibiza.
The book has a really personal feel to it, full of the author’s own illustrations and wonderful tips and recommendations for enjoying the real Ibiza without necessarily having a massive budget to burn. Even having lived on the island for ten years myself, I’ve used this guide endlessly to discover wonderful shops and restaurants that I’ve never come across before. It was absolutely invaluable when I took it on a recent trip to Ibiza’s little sister island of Formentera and we found some great places to eat and to stay, thanks to this charming and informative guide.
Self-published, with regular updates so it remains current and accurate, My Ibiza and Formentera is listed on Amazon here but can also be bought very easily on the island, where it is stocked in many popular shops, boutiques and restaurants. You can also connect on the Facebook page for more information on how to get hold of the latest edition.
GLORIOUS IBIZA FOOD (& MUSIC!) by Sid Shanti
Private chef to the stars and long term island resident, Sid Shanti, has written what has to be the best and most comprehensive book about the culinary landscape of Ibiza. More than just a cookbook, Glorious Ibiza Food is an encyclopedic journey through the customs and traditions of food in Ibiza, from its historical rituals and origins, the farming and foraging of island produce, and the traditional methods of preparing and cooking food by generations of Ibicencos, that remain in place today.
You don’t even need to be interested in cooking to thoroughly enjoy this book. Anyone who simply loves Ibiza and wants to know more about the rhythm of the island, its seasons and its agriculture will find this a fascinating and delightful read. The ‘& Music’ element of the title comes into play with a section of downloadable mixes from a stellar lineup of island DJ’s (including Carl Cox, Pete Tong and Groove Armada) who have personally created exclusive playlists for lunch or dinner soundtracks. Shanti himself is a renowned trance DJ who has played all over the world and who, for the last fifteen odd years, has called Ibiza his home. His love of food, music and the island itself has culminated in this authoritative and diverse volume that is a real treasure trove of information about the glorious food – and music – of the White Isle.
You can buy Glorious Ibiza Food (& music) on Amazon by clicking here
Find out more about Sid Shanti’s private chef services and events here
SECRET WALKS IBIZA AND SECRET BEACHES IBIZA by Rob Smith
Yet another talented island resident, Rob Smith, has written and produced a fantastic range of books based on his intimate knowledge of the most ‘off the beaten track’ parts of Ibiza. As founder of the Ibiza Walking Association, Rob’s non-profit walking group meets most weekends throughout the winter season, raising money for a different island based charity each week.
The Ibiza Secret Walks are edited into North and South editions, with each volume packed with stunning photographs of the island and each with 18 individual routes, taking in both stunning coastline paths and beautiful inland tracks of varying length and difficulty. There are clever detours and and short-cuts that take you to secret beaches, or incredible viewpoints, plus really useful details of how to combine, shorten or adapt the routes for time and fitness parameters. Rob includes his insider tips of the best local restaurants, bars, cafés and chiringuitos along the way and some fascinating ‘Extra Step’ articles that reveal some really interesting nuggets of information about island life.
Rob is already an accomplished author, with further titles in The Secret Seeker range covering destinations in the UK and further afield. He has recently been joined in his publishing house by Joanna Kirby, formerly a publisher at Rough Guides, so we can’t wait to see what other wonderful titles they have up their sleeves!
To order the Ibiza Secret Walks books on Amazon click here
To find out about all the titles in the Secret Seeker range check out the website
IBIZA STYLE by Ingrid Rasmussen and Chloe Grimshaw
When this book was first published in 2007 it was an instant hit as a fascinating ‘through the keyhole’ type look at some of the most glamorous, rustic, stylish and quirky houses on the island. Divided into six categories covering coastal chic, rural retreats, contemporary style, vintage inspiration, cool minimalism and natural living, this lovely hardback book, jam-packed with mouth-watering photography, is a real treat for lovers of Ibiza’s unique style where no two homes are the same. Detailing the real ‘labour-of-love’ stories of the lucky inhabitants of these fabulous houses, who have put their heart and soul into the building or renovating of their property, you’re left with a real sense of their dedication to the projects undertaken. Plus a little smattering of envy on the side!
You can buy Ibiza Style on Amazon by clicking here
Still want more? Here’s something a bit different… A stunning book of fascinating, provocative portraits of iconic island characters, by one of Ibiza’s leading photographers – Jerome Ferriere.
