Summer fun Ibiza style

The party island of Ibiza in the Mediterranean has a great deal more to offer than clubbing and drinking, with secluded coves, a rich history and stunning scenery.

Part of the Spanish Balearic Islands, Ibiza is warm almost all year round and has some stunning beaches. Covering around 434 sq miles (1,125 sq km), the island was founded as a port by Phoenician settlers in 654 BC and has 72 different beaches.

The rich natural resources and its location on major trade routes saw the island pass through the hands of Carthage, the Roman Empire, the Visigoths and Muslims. Ibiza was conquered by James I of Aragon in 1235 and has remained in Spanish hands ever since.

In the 1960s Ibiza became a favourite destination with hippies and now attracts more than a million visitors a year. The population of Ibiza is just 100,000 and it is reliant on its vibrant tourist industry for its wealth.

The main resort areas of Ibiza are party centres of San Antonio and Santa Eularia des Riu, with its charming harbour and shops, and Playa d'en Bossa.

The island's many nightclubs include some that are internationally famous and attract top name DJs, including Privilege, Es Paradis, Amenesia, Space and Pacha. Ibiza is at the heart of the global dance scene and many people visit every year to spend their nights in its clubs.

The island is covered in bars, catering to every possible kind of clientele, from lively tourist spots to quieter local venues.

The harsh rocky landscape of the centre of the island is covered in pines and visitors can choose to hike into the hills or take a scenic tourist train ride to look at the scenery, while the strange Las Salinas salt flats attract crowds of visitors each year.

For families, the best beaches are Platja de ses Salines and Platja d'es Cavallet in the south of the island, the Cova de Can Marca underground caverns are well presented and interesting, while shows go on each night at the Ibiza Marquee entertainment venue and the Aguamar Water Slide Park in Playa d'en Bossa is a fun day out.

For those visitors seeking a quieter holiday away from the hedonism, Ibiza has some delightful towns and villages along the coastline. More active travellers can choose from a dizzying array of sports and activities, including windsurfing, golf, horse riding, cycling, tennis, sailing, diving and quad biking.

The capital Ibiza City (Eivissa) is the centre of the island's night and cultural life. Places of interest during the day include the Museu d'Art Contemporani, the old quarter, the 14th Century cathedral, the shopping streets and the Museu Arqueologic.

The major resorts are packed full of cheap eateries, serving tourist meals. However, the island also has some excellent local restaurants and cafes serving Spanish dishes and tapas. Accommodation varies from basic tourist hotels to luxury rooms, hostels and villas with great views.

Flights to Ibiza are easy to arrange from the UK and numerous companies offer package deals catering to all tastes, with the winter months tending to be quieter than the rest of the year.

© Adfero Ltd

Comments

[stephen white]

A couple of points on your Ibiza article: Es Cavallet is a predominantly gay nudist beach so not suitable for families; the Ibiza marquee has been razed to the ground to make way for yet more apartments.

Hope this helps.