Ibiza Map |
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 Ibiza Ibiza is the third largest of the Balearic Islands, covering
just 225 square miles (585 square km), 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 and 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, villages of white-washed houses tumbling down cliff
sides, 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 island's nightclub
scene and has a lively marina and quaint old quarter with some
great restaurants. It 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
attractions for many British holidaymakers are the two clubs of
Es Paradis and Eden but there are also some
beautiful coves nearby with glorious beaches. It's best to get
there early 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.
Resorts See our separate guides to the following Ibiza holiday resorts: San Antonio Attractions  Aguamar waterpark Aguamar
This fun filled water park has seven sets of water slides
ranging from an eight-line shooter, to the more gentle contours of
the single tube. There are also smaller rides and shallow pools for
the younger children. A range of fast-food outlets and arcade games
rounds out the offering. The kids will love it - but don't forget
the sun-screen!
Address: Located 10 minutes from Ibiza town, in Playa d'en Bossa;
Opening time: Open 15th May to 30th September.
 Cova de Can Marca © simpologist Cova de Can Marca
A 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)
 Ibiza Town © Spanish National Tourist Board 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.
 Karting San Antonio Karting San Antonio
With a range of go-karts ranging from super-fast to tandem, this
facility outside San Antonio is an adrenaline-fuelled family
excursion guaranteed to get the pulse racing. Full safety equipment
is provided. Not suitable for kids under 4.
Telephone: 971 34 38 05
 Ibiza salt flats © photoaf La Salinas
One 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.
 Puig de Missa © pioggia Santa Eulalia del Rio
Santa 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.
 Ibiza road train © ibizaholidays The Ibiza Express
This mini-train departs from Platja d´Es Canar for a
variety of routes around the island. The gentle pace and open sides
are ideal for watching the scenery roll by. The train stops off at
scenic places for the kids to stretch their legs.
E-mail: trenturisticoib@terra.es;
Telephone: 971 339 772
Excursions Formentera
The 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 attractions 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.
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