Ibiza - Lively Parties and Quiet Rural Life

Located in the Mediterranean Sea, Ibiza is the third biggest Balearic island and belongs to Spain, which is about 90 kilometres away. While the island's heartland is covered in hills, you find harsh, rocky regions and fine sandy bays at the coast. Ibiza is characterised by pleasant, mild Mediterranean weather with temperatures around 12 °C in winter and around 26 °C in summer.

Ibiza's nature looks like it arose from a storybook. Pines, stone pines and cedars characterise the landscape. They cover Ibiza's mountains, which display rugged, bizarre rock formations. Olive groves, fields, fruit gardens with orange and lemon trees and wine-growing estates extend to the horizon. Spices like rosemary, oleander and thyme also flourish in this mild climate. In addition, numerous flowers make the island a colourful place. In the midst of this natural idyll you find partridges, hares, lizards and falcons. Another magical sight are the island's fine beaches which line the turquoise blue sea. Harsh rocks protrude at the coast and whales circle the island.

Visitors can best experience Ibiza's natural beauty in the Ses Salines Natural Park in the south, which used to be an important salt production site. Age-old cedars, lush swamps, beaches and bizarrely beautiful cliff coasts are circled by eagles and falcons. The area around the rocky islands Es Vedrà and Es Vedranell is ideal for experiencing Ibiza's wonderful nature. This region accommodates the island's highest mountain Sa Talaia (485 m) as well as beautiful beaches and forests. A journey to Formentera, which lies four kilometres south of Ibiza, promises a quiet, relaxed trip into the impressive nature. A tourist highlight is the mysteriously shaped limestone cave Cova de Can Marca in the north, which is over 100,000 years old. There are about 50 magical beaches on Ibiza with the Platja Talamanca and Platja d'en Bossa as the best-known examples.

The first population of Ibiza probably consisted of shepherds from the Spanish mainland. In the course of time, the island was conquered by a number of different peoples – the Phoenicians, Romans, Vandals and Moors. Pirates also invaded the region over a long time. The famous club scene, which is represented by international DJs today, evolved in the 1990s. The locals live a quiet life in the island's heartland. Farmers have been practising agriculture and breeding sheep for centuries. You find the typical white, cubical houses in this region. Traditions generally play a major role on Ibiza. Folk dances such as the farmers' dance Ball Pagès, at which people wear elaborate costumes, are very common. Castanets, flutes and drums accompany these lively dances. Furthermore, the inhabitants worship their saints and patrons. The women still practise the art of embroidery, which is used to decorate costumes, for example. Ibiza recently became popular with international artists, who are also a part of the island's atmosphere now.

The trendiest place on Ibiza is without doubt Ibiza Town, also called Eivissa, with its prominent harbour. The many ships which enter and leave fill the harbour with activity. In addition, you can see numerous fancy yachts, pleasure crafts and sailing boats anchored at the coast. Boutiques and shops invite visitors to go shopping. Ibiza Town is vibrant with life at night. People celebrate exuberantly in fashionable clubs and discos until the early morning hours. The island metropolis, however, also accommodates cultural treasures. The best example is the old part of town Dalt Vila with its patrician houses, defense towers, the fortress and the beautiful cathedral. San Antoni is Ibiza's second top location for sun-worshippers and party-goers (especially the district West End). In this town you also find the legendary Café del Mar, in which you can experience magical sunsets accompanied by expressive music. The north of the island is known for its lively hippie scene. It dates back to the flower people of the 1960s, which were trying to escape modern life on the island. Goods made by hippies, like scarves, jewellery and art handicraft, are still sold on the markets. You find the most famous market in Es Canar. The cave Es Culleram, which served as a temple to the Phoenicians in the early days, is also located in the north. Insights into the island's history are offered by the Puig des Molins (over 3,000 underground tombs from Phoenician times), Balàfia (old defense towers and walls as well as a beautiful church) and Sa Caleta (testimonies of the Carthaginians).

Ibiza's legendary party mood is ever-present in the island's towns and tourist centres. The Privilege (which can hold up to 14,000 people), the Pacha, the Amnesia and the El Divino are among the most fashionable clubs. Ibiza is characterised by its excellent party scene. You find DJs of international distinction on the island. Many clubs are vibrant with glamour and elegance. Trendsetters, wealthy people and stars party here until the early morning hours. Especially in summer, Ibiza becomes a centre for party-goers from all over the world. You get to know the island's placid, rural side on a visit to the calm villages or on a ride on the charming, small tourist train. Those who want to taste local food can try the cheesecake flaó. Dishes with fish and seafood are also popular. The island's cuisine contains dishes like paella and the appetiser tapas, which resemble Spanish food. Ibiza is also a great location for going shopping. You can buy anything from luxurious goods like precious Majorica pearls to clothing, leatherware and perfumes to art handicraft and typical souvenirs.

Whether you want to relax or do sports – Ibiza offers everything which can be done at the seaside. Some visitors will relax at the beach or bathe in the sea, while others go surfing, jet-skiing, sailing, diving, kayaking, karting or play beach volleyball. A special highlight are tours with a hot-air balloon. Other popular activities are those which improve your health such as yoga, Ayurveda or body cleansing. The island's heartland also offers opportunities for being active. It is especially suited for hiking, climbing, quad biking and cycling.

You reach the island via the airport in Ibiza Town (IBZ). It is also possible to take a ferry from the mainland, in which way travellers can arrive in their own cars. Renting a car on Ibiza, however, is easy and comfortable. The island has a well-developed bus network, which is also operated at night. The official language is Spanish.