Not Part of the Package

Every generation has its own vision of escape, its European retreat. For urban youth of a certain taste and temperament, it is a small island off the Spanish coast - Ibiza. How this backward place with its classically Mediterranean sights, tastes and smells came to acquire its reputation as a Shangri-la of tolerance and Mecca of youth culture is part of the story told in this travel book. The dazzling landscape of this island of organic farmers and gardeners is enhanced by archaic local architecture and ancient festivals. But this civilization is under threat. This book catches Ibiza at a crisis point that makes it a paradigm of the effect of tourism on a traditional lifestyle. Richardson describes his adventures, the growth of his vineyard and many local characters of an island now being rediscovered as offering much more than a package holiday.