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Ibiza Introduction
A holiday in Ibiza has so much to offer for all ages, you will want to come back again and again.
All around the Island the beaches are idyllic; imagine fine white sand trickling in between your toes. There are plenty of quiet coves where you will be able to find a spot of isolation and spend your day in tranquillity, completely unwinding and chilling out. The Mediterranean Sea is calm and warm. If you are looking for fun and excitement you will find everything you need in the way of water sports. You could take the opportunity to learn a new sport such as scuba diving or water skiing if you wish.
Inland and away from the beaches, you will be overwhelmed as you wander through its streets; it is often called the white islandbecause of its architecture and simple white houses. Here you will be reminded of the basic life the Ibizan's once had before the days of tourism.
For history lovers there are places to visit from archaeological remains to museums and caves of early life on Ibiza which remain intact for visitors to view.
Of course we mustn't forget to mention the main reason why Ibiza is called the clubbingcapital of Europe. Its nightlife is second to none. The partying starts in the afternoons and continues well into the early hours. It has some splendid clubs such as Space and Amnesia which is in the open air, so you will be able to dance and party under the stars. A truly magical experience.
Ibiza has something for everyone, young or old whether you are looking for peace and quiet or an action packed fun time, it is here.
Ibiza Location
The archipelago island of Ibiza lies in the Mediterranean Sea, along with the other Balearic Islands. It is the 3rd largest of the Balearic's at approximately 572 sq kms and because of its location, it benefits from warm summers and mild winters. It lies east of Spain from the Valencian coast.
From the UK it takes around 2 hours to fly into Ibiza's busy airport and once there, you will find a variety of methods to get you to your resort. Taxis are readily available outside the arrivals lounge; alternatively you will be able to hire a car from one of the agencies.
Ibiza has lots on offer from beautiful sun kissed beaches to archaeological monuments. As you travel away from the airport and through the villages and towns, you will find a landscape complete with pine, olive and fig trees. The different aromas are scintillating. The architecture is plain and simple, with its traditional white houses dotted about the villages amongst some contemporary houses. Of course there are some historical buildings too, for those who enjoy a piece of history.
Ibiza is an ideal location, quick to get to from most other European countries with weather you would expect from a Mediterranean destination. Whether you are an experienced traveller or, if this is your first time there is something for everyone.
Ibiza Weather
The archipelago island of Ibiza lies in the Mediterranean Sea and like the other Balearic's it benefits from warm summers and mild winters.
The warmer temperatures usually start to rise during May with the average being low to mid twenties, which is plenty warm enough for you to enjoy long, lazy days on the beach.
The evening temperatures can still be a little cooler, so it might be advisable to take a cardigan or light weight jacket if you intend to be outside. In June the weather really starts warming up and by July and August temperatures can reach a sizzling 35oC. There is very little rain during these two months and the sea temperature averages around 26º in August. So taking a swim really can be almost as warm as taking a bath.
It is possible to visit Ibiza even in October and still find it very pleasant. You can almost guarantee on sunshine and low rainfall during May to October.
Transfers from Ibiza airport
Arriving at a foreign airport can often be a strenuous affair and with most customers traveling independently these days having a pre-booked airport transfer is an essential part of your holiday package. Local taxis at the airport can sometimes be limited or with long queues, by booking a pre-booked you can not only make a fantastic saving on your transfer but also avoid all the stress of queues and haggling with taxi drivers. Book your airport transfer service here now >>
Airport Shuttle Bus Service from Ibiza airport
In most of our gateway airports you can pre-book an Airport Shuttle Service. This is a pre-booked only service that operates between the relevant airport and holiday resort. In normal times you can expect to wait up to 30 minutes for your shuttle bus to arrive however as this is a pre-negotiated service and only available to participating travel companies then expect to pay far less to get from the airport to your destination accommodation than other traditional forms or transport such as local taxis. Book your airport shuttle service here now>>
Ibiza Car Hire
By far the best way to explore Ibiza is to hire a car. You may find you have everything you need at your resort and won't feel like venturing much further, but for some you will appreciate the complete Ibiza if you have a car to get you around. For a more reasonable package you would do better to go a local agent rather than one of the international agents.
Car hire is easy. There are agencies available at most of the bigger resorts, you will need your driving licence and a valid passport when you take the agreement.
You will be able to visit many of the finest restaurants which are located just outside the main resorts. You will also be able to visit a greater choice of beaches, some of which are a little off the beaten track, but once you get there will be well worth the visit.
Driving is pretty straight forward and all Ibiza roads use internationally recognised road signs.
Shopping in Ibiza
Ibiza is duty free, along with the other Balearics. You will find your tobacco, alcohol and perfumes much cheaper from supermarkets in the resorts than at the airport. Your allowance is treated as outside the EU so you need to be aware of your tax allowances for travelling back to the UK.
It doesn't really matter where you go to find shops on Ibiza; all over the island most resorts have something a little bit different.
Ibiza town has a wide range of designer boutiques offering the latest fashions and you will find plenty of shops with ceramics, pottery, leather and jewellery. The port is scattered with stalls which open in the evening, here you will find a magical atmosphere as you browse.
Figueretas, San Antonio, San Antonio Bay have a selection of boutiques, sportswear and souvenirs and at Santa Eulalia you will find much of the same but also some perfumeries where you can buy well known perfumes less expensive than at the airport duty free.
Spain is famous for its porcelain figurines Lladro where you will find a wide selection at much better prices than back home in the UK.
Markets
Saturdays - all day the Hippy Market - Las Dalias, San Carlos -
Sundays - after 16.00 - a general market at Portinatx
Wednesdays - mornings - Hippy Market - Punta Arabi, Es Cana
Thursdays - 17.00 - 22.00 - a Handicraft market at San Miguel
Thursdays - from 18.00 - Hippy Market at Cala Llonga
Fridays - mornings - Hippy Market at Playa d'en Bossa
Eating Out in Ibiza
Ibiza owes its superb cuisine to its delightful seasonal crops and fantastic fishing industry. Not all meals are cooked with fancy ingredients, Ibiza prouds itself on having a simple, but basic cuisine cooked with care and attention.
At most restaurants you are bound to see a menu of Lobster Stew, which is a typical Ibizan dish. The lobsters are caught around the shores of Ibiza adding a touch of localism to the dish. It can be quite expensive but if you are treating yourself to a luxurious meal, then why not splash out and give this a go.
Another delightful fish dish is that of peix sec. Fishermen lay out their catch on the slipways and jetties to dry under the scorching Ibizan sun. After the curing process the fish is crumbly and soft, and usually added to salads.
A third and very tasty fish dish is that of borrida de rajada. This is a ray fish cooked with potatoes, wine and spicy sauces cooked and served as a stew. Almonds add to the delicate flavour and this is often served with pastis - an aniseed alcohol.
Pork is also a favourite, you will often find this being spit roasted, especially at local fiestas and festivals. Its skin is often brushed with a delicious coating of herbs, garlic, and tomatoes or sometimes it is just salted and dribbled with olive oil.
Potatoes are grown locally and usually accompany most dishes, as do Mediterranean vegetables roasted with garlic and herbs.
You must try the delightful olive oil bread, either with the local cheese or in an open sandwich. A sausage which derives from neighbouring Majorca is sobrasada, and is often added to a sandwich.
The Ibizan's take great delight in their eating. It forms the basis of their culture, something that you might experience if you attend one of their fiestas during the year. They usually eat a good meal at lunch time, and then take their time over their evening meal which starts late but takes hours to complete.
Some Ibizan cuisine that you would be offered if you attend an Ibizan festival or fiestas is the flaó, orelletes and the bunyols, all are very rich and packed with calories, but are delicious.
There are some wine producers on Ibiza: Ibiza's wine producers have been awarded the Vins de la terra Eivissa - an award they are proud of. Local wine is not as cheap as imported wine, but if you go to eat a special meal in one of Ibiza's fine restaurants, give yourself a treat and sample the delights of local wine.
Ibiza also has some typical liqueurs called frigola, palo and their own variety of herbal liqueurs, hierbas which is an aniseed flavour made from its own and Formentura's freshly grown herbs.
Nightlife in Ibiza
It has to be said that Ibiza could win the competition for the clubbers capital of Europe. It has a lively nightlife in some resorts and draws crowds from all over Europe to enjoy the music scene.
Privilege - between Ibiza Town and San Antonio
The world's largest club, it is easy to see why when you enter the club and look at the vastness of the club. Its huge glass dome entrance is spectacular: once inside you will find a large swimming pool and landscaped gardens. The club provides a bus service from Ibiza Town, San Antonio and Playa d'en Bossa every 30 minutes and there is a disco bus running between all the main resorts. There are both resident DJ's and guest DJ's host special event nights.
Pacha - Ibiza Town
A worldwide chain of clubs with a longstanding history on Ibiza. It has 5 different rooms each playing music simultaneously. There are terraces with restaurants and snack bars. Professional dancers perform on the podium to entertain you.
Es Paradis - San Antonio
An awesome club shaped like a giant pyramid. Podiums with dancers of different themed costumes. The highlight of the evening is when the giant sprinklers are turned on, everyone gets wet - what a way to cool down when the party gets hot.
Eden - San Antonio
Eden is one of Ibiza's newer clubs and is host to many nights of entertainment. It has 9 bars. Some of Ibiza's top DJ's have hosted music events here, and continue to do so.
Space - Playa d'en Bossa
A club that caters for all types of music lovers, this is an upmarket club with a mega terrace area so that you can enjoy the music outside as well as inside.
Amnesia - Ibiza Town
One of the larger nightclubs on Ibiza and rather unique in that it is in the open air. It has resident DJ's and guest DJ's with regular party nights. Particularly popular is their foam nights.
El Divino - Ibiza Marina
Housed in a spectacular location with the marvellous views of the Marina at night, the El Divino with the DJ's stage being right in the middle so you can see who is hosting the party. One of the highlights is the dancers with the live snakes.
Summum - San Antonio
A club on a smaller scale than most of the others so with a more intimate feel about it.
Live Music Bars
Guarana - DJ's Santa Eulalia Port
Mirage - Santa Eualia
Ibiza Beaches
Ibiza has a large selection of beautiful beaches and these are what the island is typically most famous for! Therefore you should make the most of your stay in Ibiza and explore the islands diverse and dramatic coastline.
One of the joys of being on this island is that, no matter where you are, especially when driving, you are never far from one of the many wonderful beaches or secluded little coves.
Cala Codolar
Has a beach that is ideal for windsurfing but be warned, it is a little off the beaten track and quite difficult to get to. You will definitely need a car to get to Cala Codolar. It is a beautiful sandy cove, perfect for scuba diving, snorkelling and wind surfing. There is restaurant above the beach and a beach bar/café.
Cala Gracio
Cala Gracio is all about the beach, which is a beautiful bay of white sand that is well equipped with sun beds, parasols and pedalloes. It does, however, get very busy during the summer months as it easily reached by both foot and transport. The sea is warm and shallow so it is ideal, and safe for families. There are a few rocks just out to sea at one end which is excellent for scuba diving or snorkelling, fishing is also possible from these rocks.
Cala Llenya
As you lounge on the beach here at Cala Llenya, you can smell all the aromas of the pine trees that surround it, whilst listening to the calm sea lapping to the shore gently. The sea is warm and shallow so it is ideal, and safe for families. There are some water sports available such as pedalloes and wind surfing equipment and there are plenty of beach bars enabling you to take a break from the sun and have a nice cold drink to cool down.
Cala Llonga
Cala Llonga is a beach based resort, calm, peaceful and inviting. The beach is sandy and the sea is calm and shallow, ideal for young children.
Cala Portinatx
The beach is a sandy cove which has the warm, azure blue sea for you to swim and laze in, whilst looking up at the cloud free sky. There are some water sports available.
Cala San Vincente
It has a charming cove, set below hills of pine forests and if you look at it in a certain way, the rock formation out to sea looks like a peaceful, sleeping man which gives it this uniqueness. The beach is sandy, and the sea is crystal clear and warm.
Cala Tarida/Cala Vadella
The beach is very sheltered, with a wide stretch of golden sand which leads to shallow and warm seas. It is perfect for families with young children, although it can become busy during the |