Ibiza Balearic Islands

Ibiza

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About Ibiza

Eivissa or Ibiza is one of the Balearic Islands located in the Mediterranean Sea, and belonging to Spain. With Formentera, it is one of the two Pine Islands. Major cities are Ibiza Town Santa Eularia des Riu and San Antonio.
Eivissa is the official Catalan name and the name used by its inhabitants and pronounced [əj'vi.sə]; but the name used by Castilian Spanish speakers and the rest of the world is Ibiza (usually pronounced using the Castilian variation)..

In 654 BC Phoenician settlers founded a port in the Balearic Islands, as Ibossim, later known to Romans (as "Ebusus") for its wine, marble, and lead (from the Phoenician ibshim "island of pines"). The Greeks, who came to Ibiza during the time of the Phoenicians, were the first to call the two islands of Ibiza and Formentera the Pitiusas ("pine-covered islands"; a translation of the Phoenician name). With the decline of Phoenicia after the Assyrian invasions, Ibiza came under the control of Carthage, also a former Phoenician colony. The island produced dye, salt, fish sauce (garum), and wool.

A shrine with offerings to the goddess Tanit was established in the cave at Es Cuyram, and the rest of the Balearic Islands entered Eivissa's commercial orbit after 400 BC. Ibiza was a major trading post along the Mediterranean routes. Iberia began establishing its own trading stations along the nearby Balearic island of Majorca, from which large quantities of renowned Balearic slingers were hired as mercenaries for the diverse wars Carthage was fighting.
During the Second Punic War, the island was assaulted by the two Scipio brothers 209 BC but remained loyal to Carthage. With Carthaginian military luck running out on the Iberian mainland, Ibiza was last used by the fleeing Carthaginian General Mago to gather supplies and men before sailing to Menorca and then to Liguria. Ibiza negotiated a favourable treaty with the Romans, which spared Ibiza from further destruction and allowed it to continue its Carthaginian-Punic institutions well into the Empire days, when it became an official Roman municipality. For this reason, Ibiza today offers excellent examples of late Carthaginian-Punic civilisation, but during such time the island became a quiet imperial outpost as it was further detached from the important trading routes of the time.
The island was conquered by James 1 of Aragon in 1235.

Eivissa is a very popular tourist destination, especially due to its legendary and at times riotous nightlife centred mainly in Ibiza Town, the island's capital on the eastern shore. The most famous clubs include Privilege (the largest club in the world), Es Paradís (noted for its water parties), Amnesia (known for foam parties), Space (an after party club), Pacha, Eden, and DC10. These clubs have become the centre of the world-wide electronic music movement. During the summer, world class DJs perform at the various clubs on weekly schedules, in between touring to other international destinations. Many of these DJs use Ibiza as an outlet for presenting new songs within the house and trance genres of electronic dance music. A typical schedule for vacationers includes waking at noon, early evening naps, late night clubbing, and "disco sunrises". Due to Ibiza's notable tolerance toward misbehaviour from young adult tourists, it has acquired the sobriquet "Gomorrah of the Med". It is also famous for Café del Mar, a long-standing bar where many tourists traditionally view the sunset.

The island is not just known for its party scenes, though, as large portions of the island are registered as U.N. World Heritage Sites, and thus devoid of the commercialisation of the main cities, for example, "God's Finger" in the Benirras Bay, or more traditional Ibithenco cultural sites. Because of its purported natural beauty, companies and artists alike frequently use the island for photographic and film shoots. A monument erected in honour of Christopher Columbus can be found in Sant Antoní: Ibiza is one of several places purporting to be his birthplace.

There also exists a genre of trance music named for Ibiza dubbed Balearic Beat, similarly to the way Goa trance is named for Goa in India. The style tries to reflect the atmosphere of Ibiza, and listeners often say they can see a Mediterranean sunset when they hear its euphoric, uplifting melodies. The atmosphere is brought on with the use of synthesised string instruments, the sound of waves, mandolins and guitars, and wispy vocals.

Around the Island

Eivssa

The capital town on Ibiza is Eivissa which has many faces, the old town of Dalt Vila standing proud over the capital, the harbour where people come to sit and watch others parade or the new town where you will find many restaurants and shops with the latest fashions.

The old town is well worth a visit for its spectacular views and architecture. Places of interest include the Baluarte De Sant Bernat, the Esiscopeal Palace and the Church of Sant Domingo.

You can also catch up on the history of Ibiza by visiting one of the many museums such as the Museo Arqueologie that is full of Archaeological finds dating back to the Roman and Moorish occupants of the island.

Cala D’Hort

This little beach is very popular and you need to get there early to find a parking space. You may need to park further away from the beach then you would like but the views as you approach are stunning and the beach is well worth a visit. There is a restaurant right on the beach so you can by lunch and a cool beer while taking in the scenery.

Cala Llonga

Cala Llonga has been some what spoilt by the large hotels on either side of the bay but this should not put you off visiting this very picturesque area. The beach is wide and sandy with gently shelving waters making it ideal for families. The beach does get sea weed from time to time that is driven up on the beach by rough seas.

The town is full of gift shops and restaurants and the nightlife is a little low key. From time to time markets can be visited selling all kinds of goods. This resort can cater for most needs so if your not one to visit other resorts on the island this may be for you.

Cala de Sant Vicenc

The resort of Cala de Sant Vicenc is a comparitively new resort and the beach facilities are excellent although there are no restaurants on the beach. There are beautiful walks along the cliffs towards Punta Grossa but beware the cliffs are quite steep. Boats trips to the island of Tagomago can be had from Cala de Sant Vicenc.

Cala Vedella

Cala Vedella just about sums up what Ibiza is all about. A charming beautiful little cove, not easy to get to but the sand is soft and white and the water crystal clear. There are facilities and water sports on the beach and you will find bars and restaurants where you can have lunch and a cool drink.

This is where you will find villas hidden amongst the pine trees that over look the bay.

Es Canar

Es Canar is a beautiful gently curving beach that has grown up from a small fishing village into one of the most popular resorts on the island. The calm waters and golden sand make it ideal for families. Sun beds and parasols can be hired and the beach has plenty of water sports to chose from. A number of restaurants and bars can provide all you need to eat and drink. Boat trips can also be taken to explore the surrounding coast line.

Port Des Torrent

It was inevitable that San Antonio would eventually engulf this small fishing village. The one or two hotels that used to enjoy this part of the coast line now blend in with others that stretch out from San Antonio. The little beach serves this area but most tourists choose to venture further to resorts like Cala Bassa, Cala Roig or Cala Comte. All these local beaches offer excellent beaches and cool clear water. Another attraction to this area is the island of SA Conillera which is ideal for those who like to snorkel. Just further afield is the resort of Cal Tarida, this really is worth a visit. So, Port Des Torrent has many good points, that include the surrounding area and of course it is also close enough to San Antonio for those who are looking for a more adventurous night life.

San Miguel

San Miguel sits on the northern coast of Ibiza nestled between the pine clad hills that offer many wonderful walks to some of the most beautiful scenery on Ibiza. The town has grown around the beach with hotels and apartments that have not spoilt the area to any great degree. The town is almost self contained in that it has all the facilities you would want for a family holiday. Great beach, great walks and some of the best hotels in Ibiza.

Portinatx

Portinatx has just about developed to a stage where enough is enough. It still offers some of its old charm and beauty that tourists have come to this resort for over the past 40 years. The main beach is made up of fine white sand and is very sheltered offing calm waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling. The resort has many fine restaurants for those who like to holiday, self catering. Those who like to stretch their legs will also find excellent walks amongst the pines along the cliff tops.

Sant Antoni De Portmany (San Antonio)

In the early 1970’s San Antonio was still a charming fishing port with a couple of hotels and one disco, a town without a beach. The early tourists walked down to the harbour every morning and picked out a boat that would take them to the beach of their choice. The evening entertainment was very often found in the small bars and restaurants that were hidden in amongst the village shops, the locals played guitar music to pull in the tourists.

To day the situation is quite different the man made beach means tourists do not have to use the boats and the night life is more upbeat and lively. The roads into and out of the resort make getting to the local beaches much easier and with this has come development. For those of us who remember what the original resort was like it can be very off putting. Having said that the resort does fulfil a purpose and those who go there have a good time and enjoy the sort of holiday that they want. If you are looking for a quite resort and low key nightlife this is not the resort for you.

Cala Mastella

A pretty little bay just north of Santa Eularia. This beach is quite small so it can get a little crowded at times but the area is a delight. No mass development has taken place although there are a couple of small restaurants serving cool drinks and fish meals. The water is very clean and clear and is ideal for snorkeling.
Two other bays are close to Cala Mastella they are Cala Boix and Cala Llenya, both these bays are worth visiting.