The island of Ibiza is the third largest of the Spanish Balearic islands and lies about 80km off the coast of mainland Spain. It is just 45 km long and 25 km wide, so you are never far from anywhere. It has a population of 113,000.
Ibiza has a remarkably mild climate, making it popular with holidaymakers all year round. Villas in Ibiza are popular with retirees looking to escape the cold winter and they are equally popular for family holidays during the summer. From November to April the average temperature on Ibiza is 15C and it can reach 25C in the sun. From June to September it is dry and temperatures rise to over 30C. May and October are some of the most beautiful months to enjoy the island.
Ibiza has a reputation as a party island, and in the summer it certainly can be, but it has far more to offer. It has 80 sandy beaches, quiet coves with steep cliffs and juniper-covered hills. Diving trips, snorkeling and water sports are all available. Walkers can enjoy Ibiza’s unspoilt countryside and there are some scenic road trips to take by car or scooter. The inland towns of Santa Gertrudis and San Rafael have pottery workshops and offer amazing views down to Ibiza harbour and beyond. Santa Ines is in a fertile area on the north coast where orange and almond trees thrive. San Miguel is the gateway to the rugged north coast and has a 14^thcentury fortress church.
The main towns are Ibiza Town on the south coast and San Antonio to the west. The town of Ibiza is one of the oldest and best preserved medieval towns in Europe. It has narrow cobbled streets lined with perfume shops, boutiques and restaurants. The harbour is always busy with cruise ships, ferries and smaller fishing boats coming and going. Ibiza’s main airport is at Sant Josep on the south side of the island.
San Antonio is Ibiza’s main party hub. It was the birthplace of rave music and is a gathering place with beach bars, clubs and discos which are open `till dawn. The clubs draw international DJs in the summer season, which opens and closes with legendary parties.