Ibiza (Ibiza, Cap. Eivissa) is an island belonging to the archipelago of the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean Sea. It is located 80 km from the coast of Spain, being an integral part of its territory. Its total area is 571.6 km2. Has a population of 135,000 people. The capital, Ibiza, bears the same name as the island and is part of the Balearic archipelago, an autonomous region of the Kingdom of Spain.
Ibiza (in Catalan: Eivissa) is one of the most popular party destinations in all of Europe. It is one of the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean Sea, off the coast of Spain. Its culture and history date back to the time of the Phoenicians.
Ibiza and its neighboring island of Formentera are part of the islands of the southwest of the Balearic archipelago and are the smallest of its four main islands. This mini-archipelago also includes several uninhabited islands such as Espalmador, Espardel, Es Vedra, among others.
Ibiza and Formentera are about twenty kilometers apart and separated by the Strait of the Sea of Es Freus. In addition to geographical proximity, these "sister islands" combine many other things, including the fact that both are equally endowed with the generosity of the soft sun and bathed in the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea. It is also known that they have been linked by the blood ties of the inhabitants since at least the 18th century, when the population of both islands was practically mixed.
The name of this Mediterranean resort has long been synonymous with sunshine, summer, and quirky hobbies. Ibiza's two hundred and ten kilometers of coastline, with magnificent beaches, majestic cliffs and cozy coves, leave no one indifferent, offering unlimited opportunities for marine entertainment and the island's nightlife.
Weather:
The Ibiza holiday season starts in March / April and lasts until November. However, Ibiza is also full of tourists in winter. In summer the gentle sea breeze makes resting in the hot summer months very comfortable.
History:
The history of the settlement on the island of Ibiza begins at least four millennia ago, as evidenced by the cave paintings found on the island. The Phoenicians are also known to have settled here in the first millennium BC. In 654 B.C., on the south coast of the island, these skilled navigators built the port city, which in time became one of the most important outposts in the Mediterranean. The city and the island were called Ibossim which means "Island of Besa", in the 19th century the researchers managed to decipher the inscription of the coins found in the excavations. The worship of Bes, the deity who sponsored the home, dates back to ancient Egypt, while the Phoenicians spread their worship throughout the region.
With the decline of the Phoenicians, the island fell under the rule of Carthage. The Carthaginians considered the land of Ibiza sacred. Many of them settled on the island to be buried here. The descendants of Carthage brought to the island the cult of the goddess Tanit, the patron saint of fertility and fertility, whose worship was accompanied by human sacrifice.
In the 2nd century, the Carthaginians were replaced by the Romans, who granted the island wide autonomy. On the coins of the Roman period found here, the inscription "The island is self-governing" is coined. The Romans called it their way: Ebusus.
After the fall of Rome, Ebusus was devastated by the Vandals. In the 6th century. Like all the Balearic Islands, it became part of the Byzantine Empire, but later it became occupied by the Arabs. In the 10th century, they finally conquered the Balearic archipelago. During his reign, Ebusus was renamed Yebis.
In the 13th century, the Spanish, led by King Aragon and Count Jaime I of Barcelona, expelled the Arabs from the Balearic Islands. Ibiza, another conqueror, gave a new name - Evissa, as well as introduced liberal legislation that recognized the rights and privileges of its inhabitants, very unusual for the feudal Middle Ages. In fact, Ibiza was not in the crosshairs of the powerful Spanish. Hailed for its geographical location as a "door" to the Mediterranean, the island was the subject of devastating pirate attacks for several centuries. Today, the island's defensive towers, which the islanders built in an effort to fend off sea robbers, are everywhere. The strategic places of Ibiza also house monasteries. As a rule, they had powerful walls that served as defensive fortifications. The islanders also organized their own fleet of cabriolas, which, having received a license from the Spanish king, had the right to attack the maritime aggressors, taking what was stolen from them, as well as to sink enemy ships.
In the early 18th century, the island fell under the authority of the Bourbon dynasty. By King Felipe's decree, the autonomy of Ibiza was abolished and the Spanish language was made official, although the inhabitants who spoke a Catalan dialect did not understand it.
During the Civil War of 1936-1939, the Ibiza military garrisons joined Franco. During the dictatorship, the Spanish population began to move to Ibiza to stay away from the centers of political life and preserve freedom of expression. In 1958 Ibiza airport was opened and soon became international. In the 1960s, an avalanche of hippies swept the island, leaving an indelible mark on its modern history. The flow of national immigrants and tourists from all over the world was increasing and by 1973 the island had already received half a million visitors a year. With the restoration of the constitutional monarchy in Spain and its return to democracy, the process became so massive that in recent years the local authorities began to take measures that somewhat restricted immigration.
What to do:
The island is not too small to be bored, but not too big either, so a few days after your arrival you will feel at home. There are all the necessary components to make your stay truly unforgettable: well-equipped beaches, tennis courts, golf courses, an old fortress, narrow cobbled streets, but the most tempting thing on the island is that it is simply full of nightclubs and restaurants . The wonderful nature with pine trees, cacti and palm trees, combined with an atmosphere of unbridled entertainment makes the stay on the island a celebration.
During the day you can go diving, windsurfing, fishing, visit spa centers, buy souvenirs at the "hippie market" or just walk among the people. The evening should start with watching the beautiful sunset at the world famous Café del Mar, and then have fun at Ibiza's many nightclubs.
The Old Town has a magnificent Archaeological Museum, the Cathedral and the Museum of Modern Art. Beneath the walls of the Old City lies the historic port area of the capital, where literally every step you can find an elegant bar, an authentic restaurant or a trendy boutique.
The city of Santa Eularia is especially known for its colorful restaurants that offer a selection of delicious local, Spanish and international cuisine. The most distant coastal areas of the city of Santa Eularia (Cala Pada, S'Argamassa, Es Cana, etc.) are of special interest to romantic travelers, there are many beautiful secluded coves and bays with crystal clear waters and charming little beaches bordered by low ridges with thick and lush greenery. The only river in the Balearic Islands immediately flows.
Talamanca is a traditional vacation destination for young people and all nightlife enthusiasts. Playa d¨en Bossa is a youth tourist center with many popular clubs, night bars and discos.
Sant Antoni is a tourist area in the west of the island of Ibiza. The months of May and June, as well as September and October, are especially popular with families with children and those who want to enjoy long walks, swim in the shallow waters of the bay and relax on comfortable beaches. July and August are chosen by all those who wish to have a getaway.
Security:
The crime rate in Ibiza is very low. But, as in any other corner of the world, in places of tourist congestion, problems are not excluded: theft of pocket money, equipment, personal belongings. It is important to be careful and stay away from potential thieves.
Spanish legislation is intolerant to the use and distribution of drugs - this is severely punishable, the punishment for drug smuggling can reach 12 years in prison.
Driving under the influence of alcohol is punishable by a fine of 300 to 600 euros. Attempting to "solve the problem" by offering a bribe to a police officer could result in ending up in prison.
