Ibiza, Spain

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 well expressed by its famously 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.

Attractions 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 - just don't forget the sun-screen! 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. 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. Ibiza Archaeological Museum Situated in Cathedral Square in D'Alt Vila (Ibiza Old Town), the Archaeological Museum is an impressive attraction both outside and within. It houses an extensive range of artefacts dating back to prehistoric times as well as the 5th and 7th centuries BC. All of the Ibiza Archaeological Museum's displays are in explained in English as well as Spanish. Interestingly, the museum is said to be constructed on a Carthagean burial site of about 4,000 graves. 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. La Salinas One of Ibiza's famous landmarks are its 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. uig 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. Another attraction in Santa Eulalia is the Sant Carles settlement a few kilometres to the north: the last true 'hippie' commune on Ibiza island remaining from the 1960s ,when hippie cultists flocked here. The famous Ibiza northern beaches like Aigues Blanques and Cala Llonga can be reached by bus or boat from the town. 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 and sunbathe or swim. Visitors can choose from the four tours available. The Sant Carlos and Beaches route take three hours and stops at some of the more remote beaches on the island. The highlight of this tour is the village of Sant Carlos with its picturesque 18th century church. The Santa Eulalia evening tour takes about two hours and gives passengers the opportunity to see the quaint village of Santa Eulalia, where visitors can stroll along the promenade or engage in some souvenir shopping. The three-hour Environment and Culture tour allows visitors to explore the spectacular Ibiza landscapes before stopping for snacks at a 17th century farmhouse. Photo enthusiasts should take the train along its Prtinatx - Puerto San Miguel - Cala San Vicente route. Passengers on this route get the opportunity to explore many of Ibiza's beaches, wonderful shopping opportunities and the scenic white churches of Sant Llorenc, Sant Vicente and San Joan, as well as the oldest church-fortress on the island, the 13th century Sant Miquel. 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 on 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 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.