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 cliffsides, 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
attraction for many British holidaymakers are the two clubs of
Es Paradisand
Edenbut there are also some beautiful coves nearby with
glorious beaches. Its best to get there early, before the revellers
have awoken, 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.
