Ibiza is the 3rd biggest of the Spanish Balearic Islands. A favourite with the hippy community in the swinging sixties, Ibiza is famous today for its crazy nightlife, with dance clubs like Space, Privilege and Cream famous throughout the world. The island itself is more than just a club capital though it also has some magnificent scenery, unspoilt towns and villages of quaint houses, historical sites and white sandy
beaches.
The island capital of Ibiza Town (also called Eivissa), has a splendid old sector of myriad alleys and cobbled roads, which has only recently been designated a World Heritage Site. Top attractions of the old walled quarter, called Dalt Vila, include the cathedral of Nuestra Senora de las Nieves started in the early 13th century, and the recently renovated hilltop fort. The nightlife in Ibiza Town is found in the Sa Penya area. The original nightclub,
Pacha, has been open for over 30 years, is situated in this area.
Further south of Ibiza Town is the holiday resort of Playa d en Bossa, which boaststhe biggest Blue Flag beach on Ibiza Island. The popular
night clubs, Space and Bora Bora, are both found there, as is the water park, Aguamar. Further south of Playa d en Bossa is one of the best natural sites, the salt lagoons of Ses Salines which provide an important sactuary for flamingoes and many other birds. The beaches in this region, many of which are favoured bynudists, are thought as some of the best on the island.
The resort town of Santa Eulalia is located a few minutes north of Ibiza Town. Popular with both young families and couples, this first class destination has kept its pretty old sector complete with the original 16th century church. A short drive from Santa Eulalia in a beautiful location alongside pine forests, is the town of Es Cana. This small resort is famous for the huge
hippy street market, held here each Wednesday. Another holiday resort close to Santa Eulalia, also with a picturesque setting by a beautiful bay, is the peaceful town of Cala Llonga.
Many of the
clubbing venues, including the Es Paradis and Eden, are found in the West End part of San Antonio town. As well as the wild nightlife, the town also has fine sandy beaches, a few of which are located in tiny sheltered coves.
Ferries to other beaches can be taken from the
marina. San Antonio also has loads of water sports to help keep the tourists busy during the daytime.
The north and west coast is home to some fantastic beaches and plenty of quiet coves. Resort towns in this region include Puerto San Miguel plus Portinatx, which both are a good base camp for touringsome of the picturesque Ibiza villages. The north of Ibiza, noted for its forested landscape, is very popular with ramblers and bicyclists.
Ibiza airport is located just over 5 miles (nearly 8km) south of Ibiza Town. There are a regular
buses between the airport and the town centre in the day and there are good services to most resorts all overthe island.
