Fishing Frenzy

Ibiza's reputation as a party isle has never been rivalled and the summer sees hordes of over 2 million sun-seekers hit the beaches and clubs for an unparalleled clubbing experience. But with the heady highs come the crashing lows, and Ibiza in the summer can be dirty, smelly and noisy as well as fun-in-the-sun. Visiting the place in its mellow winter months could open your eyes to a whole new take on this little Balearic gem.

In the winter months, the madness subsides to leave behind a very different image. The gaudy commercialism, smoke and mirrors of the summer months are stripped away, like a drag queen's heavy makeup, to reveal a thing of beauty in an altogether different light. The lustre of the island in the summer is opulent hedonism, while the fall signifies a return to the island's Spanish roots and culture. As the landscape is revealed and the beaches are swept only by quiet surf, the temperature cools and the locals breathe a sigh of blessed relief.

Infamous clubbing hotspot Pacha stays open for most of the year and if you go dancing, you can see how the Spanish really do it when their European cousins pack off home. Some other Ibiza favourites play the long game for the locals to enjoy, and bars Shardana and Grial stay put serving drinks long into the night. The hippie markets of San Jordi are another feature that don't close, and you can experience some of the star-child culture of the island straight from the Seventies here when you buy jewellery and trinkets.

You can browse the hippie markets, visit caves, eat local food, walk the blossomed almond groves, all undisturbed by the dulcet tones of a huge group of Watford fans belching as they pass. There is a really actually quite wonderful Medieval Festival, the charm of which is remarkably unhampered by the fact that not a word of it is in English. And why should it be? This is after all, Ibiza for the Spanish, territory regained for the mellow winter months.

And yes, you can still go clubbing. Despite the best of intentions, one cannot see Ibiza without one night of thumping basslines and the island knows this. Pacha stays open pretty much all year round and the Spanish actually go, which is interesting to watch. They certainly have more style when shimmying than the average check-out girl from Doncaster. Grial and Shardana, and some other reputable bars are open for pre-drinks, so you can get your fix, don't worry. If you go down to Ibiza in Feb, you're sure of a big surprise. Take a chance and see.