For up to date ticket/party information please visit our update (1) here.
UPDATE: Since writing this article, the President of the Spanish Government Pedro Sánchez has subsequently announced that tourism will officially be permitted to resume from the beginning of July. Our future updates will reflect how the changes might affect our visitors.
So here we go! On Monday 25 May Ibiza has been given the green light to progress to Phase 2 of the Spanish Government's planned de-escalation from the State of Alarm. This is when life really does start to return to something resembling normality.
Obviously international travel is still highly restricted, and we are not yet even allowed to move between the Balearic Island's without good cause, but our personal freedoms are being significantly improved.
The past fortnight has seen a cautious return to opening in Ibiza, combined with a welcome return of good weather! Bars and restaurants have been able to open their terraces, limited open-air sports, recreation and activites have resumed and groups of friends have been free to hang out together again. (For more information please of what's open, check out our list of currently open businesses here.)
During Phase 1 we have not witnessed any evidence of the feared spike in Covid-19 cases on the island. In fact, there have been no new infections for five days in Ibiza and only 16 cases are still being treated in hospital. Most importantly, there have been NO recorded deaths on Ibiza in that period either.
It is now compulsory for masks to be worn by all persons over 6 years old in all public spaces and public transport, inside or out, where 2m social distancing cannot be maintained. Here are the up to date regulations that come into effect from Monday:
- Beaches will be completely reopened for recreational swimming. Sitting on the beach is permitted, with social distancing.
- Shops will be able to open up to 40% of their sales area, with 2m social distancing limit.
- Restaurants and bars can now open up to 40% of their inside dining area, as well as 50% capacity of their outside terrace space – for table service only, no standing. Pre-booking is advisable.
- Hotels are permitted to reopen 30% of their communal areas. Although, the feedback we have is that, in the absence of tourists, most hotels are still unlikely to participate. Small boutique and agritourism hotels are starting to reopen though.
- Sport. Individual exercise permitted, without time restriction but within your own municipality, and non-contact sports events, including indoor but with no audience. Public swimming pools can open up to 30% capacity.
- Marketplaces, museums, cinemas and cultural events, with 30% capacity and strict social distancing regulations
- Social groups at home and outside, of up to 15 persons, excluding vulnerable ones and those with symptoms
Things are definitely starting to look up for us all in Ibiza, as we start to emerge, into the beautiful spring sunshine, from this unprecedented time of our lives. Hopefully, in Phase 3 (scheduled for 8 June), a limited return to movement between the islands and mainland will be permitted, owners will be able to return to their holiday homes and limited tourism will begin again.
Meanwhile, please let us not forget those whose lives will have been permanently affected by the indirect effects of the virus. Many island residents and businesses still face incredible challenges, uncertainty and hardship during the months ahead.
If you would like to help ease the plight of the most seriously in need, please make a generous donation to the Ibiza Food Bank initiative, who are raising funds to feed families on our own neighbourhood. Every euro would be very gratefully received and will go directly to buying food.
To the best of our knowledge, this information is correct at the moment of writing, but is subject to change at any time.
