PUNTA ARRABI AND SAN CARLOS IBIZA

In the 1960s, with the rise of Flower Power and hippy culture, the youth of the western world sought their own Utopia. In the USA they found it on the west coast of California, but in Europe it was found in what seemed a roost unlikely place - Ibiza. Franco's Spain was not the most liberal country in Europe, far from it in fact. But Ibiza was a backwater of Spain, an island a long way off. Franco's repressions caused major waves in Madrid, but by the time the waves had reached Ibiza they were minor ripples. There was another factor, too. The Ibizenco were a cosmopolitan folk, their history saw to that, and as a result they were philosophical about new settlers. If you could pay your way, you were ok .

The first hippies chanced upon Dalt Vila, relishing its ancient, unsophisticated feel. They smoked marijuana on the beach, listened to loud music and spoke endlessly of the new Utopia. Attracted by this European scene, the rich and famous followed. Then came those who saw in this gathering the possibility of making money Discos and bars opened and Ibiza changed forever. The real hippies ignored the new commercialism, moving north towards San Carlos. They maintained their clothing and their ideals, funding their lifestyle by running the hippy market at Club Punta Arabi, a 'village' named after the sharp, eastern pointing headland nearby. Now, every Wednesday, the market attracts coach loads. Go to savor the last embers of the '60s fire.