Ibiza HolidaysIbiza is the third largest of the Balearic Islands, covering just 225 square miles, but in recent times it has become the best known of the archipelago and a hugely popular destination for young revellers, middle-class European package tourists, and gay travellers, whose collective character imbue the island with a chic, trendy atmosphere that is at its most colourful in the frenetic nightlife. Ibiza has plenty to offer besides night clubs – its jagged coastline contains dozens of dreamy white sandy beaches, hidden coves and bays, picturesque villages of white-washed houses tumbling down cliffsides, and a green, hilly interior landscape decorated with fig and olive trees. The island's main town is the port of Ciudad de Ibiza – known as Eivissa to the locals and Ibiza Town to the Brits. Located in the south, it is the centre of the Ibiza’s nightclub scene and has a lively marina and quaint old quarter with some great restaurants. It also lies close to the beautiful beaches of Figueretes, Es Cavallet and Ses Salines. San Antonio is the main resort town of the island and is blighted with high-rise hotels and apartment blocks though it is making efforts to clean up its tarnished image. The main attraction for many British holidaymakers are the two clubs of Es Paradis and Eden but there are also some gorgeous coves nearby with glorious beaches. Its best to get there early, before the revellers have awoken, to reserve a spot. Just three miles (5km) offshore is the ‘satellite’ island of Formentera, a little haven reached by ferry, with less crowded stretches even in the height of the sweltering summer season.
Attractions
Cova de Can MarcaA few miles north of the village of Sant Miquel, which has an attractive hill-top church and some good tapas bars, is the tourist attraction cave complex of cova de Can Marca. The caves have been commercialised and fitted with some spectacular sound and lighting effects, providing for an entertaining guided tour. The caves are situated atop a rocky inlet and there is a good view from the cave site. Telephone: 971 334 776; Opening time: Daily 11am to 1.30pm and from 3pm to 5.30pm, tours depart every half-hour; Admission: €5.50 (adults), €3 (children)
D’Alt Vila (Ibiza Old Town)The old medieval district of Ciudad de Ibiza (Ibiza Town), the capital of the island, sports narrow cobblestone streets, picturesque whitewashed houses and Gothic buildings around courtyards bright with blooming geraniums and bougainvillea. The old town, enclosed by historic walls and entered through the Puerta de las Tablas, contains some interesting sights, most noteworthy of which is the Archaeological Museum. The museum contains artefacts from prehistoric sites on the Balearic Islands, dating as far back as the Punic period between the 5th and 7th centuries BC. Also in the old town is the cathedral with its 10th-century Gothic tower and 18th-century Baroque nave.
FormenteraThe tiny island of Formentera covers 35 square miles (90 sq km) and is home to just over 5,000 people. It can only be reached by ferry from Ibiza town, with a regular service running every two hours. The island is a popular day trip from Ibiza, and is relatively unspoilt by tourism development; accommodation options are very limited. The main attraction of this flat piece of land are some pretty villages and marvellous beaches flanked by palms and pines, many frequented by nudists. The best way to explore it is on a rented moped. The main port is La Sabina, and the other villages include beautiful Las Salinas, San Francisco Javier and San Fernando, all featuring quaint white-washed houses. Recommended beaches are Es Pujols in the north, Mitjorn in the south, and Cala Saona in the wild west. Other beaches of note are En Boster, Ca’n Xico Mateu and the natural port of Es Calo. The highest point on the island is in the southeast corner at El Mirador.
La SalinasOne of Ibiza’s famous landmarks are the salt flats, La Salinas, close to the airport on the southern-most tip of the island. The saltpans have been in use for more than 2,000 years, since the earliest colonists, the Carthaginians, traded in the ‘white gold’ left in the pans when water evaporates in the hot summer months. The sparkling salt lakes provide one of the world’s most beautiful sunset photograph opportunities.
Santa Eulalia del RioSanta Eulalia is a pretty, atmospheric little town about nine miles (14km) north of the island's capital, much favoured by tourists because of its proximity to some of the best beaches and for its scenic setting. The town is situated on the estuary of the only river in the Balearic Islands, overlooked by the Puig de Missa, a fortress-church, sited on a hilltop view site. Another attraction in Santa Eulalia is the Sant Carles settlement a few kilometres to the north: the last true 'hippy' commune on Ibiza island remaining from the 1960s when hippy cultists flocked here. The famous Ibiza northern beaches like Aigues Blanques and Cala Llonga, can be reached by bus or boat from the town.
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