Ibiza (or Eivissa in Catalan) is a sundrenched island in the Mediterranean Sea and has a surface area of 575 km 2 . Together with Formentera, it is one of the two Pithyusans (pine tree islands), and as such forms a part of the Balearic Islands: Mallorca, Manorca, Formentera, Ibiza, and many smaller, uninhabited islands.
Ibiza is the most visited island in Spain and is only about 25 miles long and 13 miles wide, which means that, no matter where you wish to go on the island, it’s never more than a half hour drive. The island is also easily reachable by ferry from the mainland from Denia, Costa Blanca.
Ibiza - Belearic Islands - Spain
General information about Ibiza
Ibiza is not only world-famous because of its bustling nightlife, but also because of its many fantastic beaches with many isolated, sheltered bays and coves where you will find yourself in paradise while you swim in turquoise, crystal-clear water surrounded by high, magnificent cliffs.
These beautiful natural conditions and the tolerant lifestyle of the Ibicenco, the inhabitants of the island, were part of the reason why Ibiza saw such an influx of mainland artists looking for safe haven in this paradise at the end of the 1950s. Later in the Sixties and Seventies these people were joined by others with liberal ideas from all over the world. This resulted in a cultural melting pot and in a lively coast scene, which inspired every migrant in his own way. Some even stayed here to live. Hippie markets are held every week at multiple places on the island, and shopping is fantastic because Ibiza is always ahead of the curve when it comes to trends.
Nowadays Ibiza is even more international and has something to offer to almost everyone.
This islands always keeps the flame of inspiration, you will notice that in every field, shops, markets, cuisines and restaurant. Ibiza is still a trendsetter and The Place to Be.
So if you are interested in clothing or interior decoration advice or culture in general, you will find only the newest of the new on Ibiza. Ibiza is bustling and charming, romantic and enchanting. It truly is a one-in-a-million island!
History of Ibiza
This very important Mediterranean island has been taken by many peoples through the ages. In these cases, violence was by no means restrained. The diverse defense towers point to a tumultuous past. Ibiza was occupied and inhabited in chronological order by Phoenicians, Romans, Vandals and Moors. In 1235 Ibiza was conquered by James I (Jaume I) who brought the island under Iberian influence.
Sa Caleta is a place where the remnants of a Phoenician civilisation are preserved as part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Nowadays Ibiza is more international than ever and inhabited by a cultural melting pot.
Going out on Ibiza
Ibiza is, hands-down, the vacation and leisure island. For years, the island has been the meeting point for party-goers of all ages and from all around Europe. In the extravagant nightlife of Ibiza City , everyone can live his dream with the enjoyment of seeing and being seen. The sympathetic city offers many bars, restaurants, terraces, and, of course, famous discotheques that don’t close until sunrise.
Not many other places in Europe will you fund so many trendy night clubs as on Ibiza.
The bustling nightlife is especially marked in San Antonio and in Ibiza City, in the area around the harbour. World-famous clubs and DJs entertain thousands of party-goers who fill up the dance floors every year, including well-known celebrities and, of course, the chic de la chic. The large dance palaces of the island are, amongst others: Eden, El Devino, and of course Pacha and Privilege, the largest club in the world, with a capacity of 10,000 guests.
Activities on Ibiza
But Ibiza has so much more to offer than just going out and parading around. The island has an abundance of beautiful beaches, ranging from very busy to unadulterated and quiet. Ibiza has beautiful nature that lends itself perfectly to a day with a rental car or an organised Jeep safari, exploring the narrow plazas with crooked streets and picturesque squares.
Ibiza is a great vacation island for families with children. The beaches are vast and long and generally lie on the sea. There are also many activities that are fun for children to undertake. There are small trains that run through the tourist spots, waterparks, zoos, and aquariums to visit.
Beaches of Ibiza
Ibiza has 50 beaches, of which the Platja de Ses Salines and the Platja d’en Bossa are the most well-known. Both are southwest of the capital of Ibiza City and are long, broad, and covered in fine white sand. Typical of the beaches are the chiringuitos (beach shacks) where you can have a drink and a delicious bite to eat.
On top of that you will also find on Ibiza many smaller beaches and even deserted bays that you can only get to by boat. Most beaches offer watersport opportunities such as jet skiing, surfing, and boat rental. You will often also find a beach shack where you can have something to eat or drink, as well as other facilities such as sun chairs and parasols for hire.
Beach tip: Not far from Sant Antoni lies the Punta de Sa Galera. As there is no sand here, you can still find super clear water, enormous rock plateaus, and a free mud spring with mud that has healing properties (at least, according to the residents of the island).
Sights of Ibiza
A good way to visit all the things worth seeing on the island is by car. With your own rental car you can easily go from one spot to the other whenever and wherever you want. There is plenty to see, from mysterious caves, salt mountains, quiet towns, medieval churches, and hippy markets to undiscovered bays and natural beauty.
The remnants of an Arabic irrigation system, named Seis Feixes, form a protected shelter for flamingos, who brood there from the latter half of April to the end of May. The most important attractions are also offered by travel agencies organising bus excursions.
Sports and recreation on Ibiza
The island offers a variety of sport possibilities. The beach allows for different watersports opportunities, among them jet skiing and surfing. Ibiza also has a large amount of sailing and diving schools. And for real enjoyment you can rent a motor or sail yacht for the day. Strolling and biking are also good options to discover the beauty of the island. Horseback riding and golf are also a part of the sport opportunities on Ibiza. The golf terrain is about 4 miles from Ibiza City. Ibiza also has much to offer the adventurous vacationist: bungee jumping, parasailing, kite-surfing, hot air balloon rides, jet skiing and mountaineering.
Cuisine of Ibiza
On Ibiza you can find all the cuisine from around the world, from French, Italian, and Dutch to Mexican, Chinese, and Japanese. On top of that, the tourist centre of course also features all the fast food chains. In Ibiza City you will find the best tapas bars and authentic Spanish restaurants. In the restaurants and pubs on the beach the menu often offers a choice between a real American hamburger or baked fish, fresh from the sea. In other words, Ibiza has the right solution to every culinary preference.
In Ibiza City you can, of course, eat at a regular British hour (between 6 and 7PM), but it becomes particularly cosy and fun after about 9PM, when the locals begin to shuffle in.
Restaurant tip: One of the best tapas restaurants in Ibiza City is the Taberna Lizarran.
Location of the vacation houses, vacation villas, and vacation fincas
The vacation houses, vacation villas, and fincas are spread over the rolling landscape of Ibiza and always close the beach and leisure possibilities.
Ibiza tips
Generally the electricity grid runs on 220 volts, although you may sometimes encounter 125 volt plugs.
Normal business hours are from 9:30AM to 1:30PM and from 5:00PM to 8:00PM. However, supermarkets and shopping centres are generally open from 9:30AM to 9:30PM. The shopping centres are also usually open on holidays.
Holidays
 | - January 1 – New Year’s Day January 6 – Three Kings
- March/April – White Thursday and Good Friday
- March/April – Easter
- May 1 – Labour Day
- August 15 – Day of the Ascension
- October 12 – Spanish National Holiday
- November 1 – All Saints Day
- December 6 – Constitution Day
- December 8 – Immaculate Conception
- December 24 – Christmas Eve
- December 25 – Christmas Day
|
Climate on Ibiza
Ibiza has a subtropical Mediterranean climate with warm summers, during which the daily high in July and August can reach above 35º Centigrade and the evening low is always above 25ºC. Even in the winter the average daily temperature is a pleasant 15ºC. The island has an average of 70 days of rain per year. The summers can sometimes bring overcast skies, but this does not mean it will necessarily rain. Besides, a bit of rain is more of a breath of fresh air after the many warm days full of sun.