Ibiza islands spain: Ibiza (Island). Discover the best travel plans and what to visit

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Ibiza — History and Culture

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Ibiza is part of the Balearic Islands, which were populated by Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, and the Spanish. Isolation and a lack of trade through much of history meant the island’s residents were traditionally poor farmers, craftsmen or fishermen. This changed dramatically when Ibiza began to attract large scale tourism. The food, habits and culture reflect a close relationship with the land and sea and a strong Catholic influence. An influx of bohemians in the 1930’s and 1960’s added another dimension to the artistic side of the island.

History

Ibiza began as a port town, founded by Phoenician settlers in 654 BC. Their decline in power saw the island come under control of Carthage, during which time locals produced dye, salt, wool, and fish sauce to become a regular stop on the Mediterranean trade route.

Ibiza negotiated a treaty with the Romans that allowed the island to retain its Carthaginian–Punic institutions while avoiding further destruction during the Second Punic War. The island became an imperial outpost, off the trading radars of the time, which also allowed for the preservation of many buildings, monuments and artifacts.

After the Romans, Ibiza was conquered by the Vandals, Byzantines and then the Moors, who brought in Berber settlers and converted much of the population to Islam. The Norwegian King Sigurd I was the next to invade Ibiza as part of a crusade in 1110, followed by Aragonese King James I, who conquered it in 1235, deporting the Muslims and importing Christians from Gerona. The locals were reduced to just 500 people by the black plague in 1348, which struck again in 1652, killing about 1,000 of the 7,000-strong population. The island was allowed to maintain various forms of self-government until King Philip V of Spain imposed strict rules and language in 1715 after the War of Spanish Succession.

The Catholic Church ran much of Ibiza’s affairs in the 18th and 19th centuries, building churches and restructuring island life around faith while doing little to improve the lives of the inhabitants, many of whom emigrated to escape the pitiful working conditions in the salt mines. Tourism began to reverse the island’s fortunes with the introduction of a regular ferry from the mainland in the early 1930’s. The spread of fascism in Europe also saw a number of artists and writers escaping to Ibiza.

The Spanish Civil War pitted Republican and Franco-Nationalists, often from the same families, against each other, lasting from 1936 to 1939, resulting in much bloodshed and the expulsion of the Nationalists.

Ibiza transformed from a backwater into a major tourist destination in the 20 years that followed with the development of major beach resorts in the 1950’s. The population nearly doubled in the 1960’s and 70’s, mainly due to the travel boom that attracted builders, tourism workers and hippies from the mainland.

Spanish rule continued in Ibiza until democracy was established in the late 1970’s, resulting in the creation of the Statute of Autonomy of the Balearic Islands, which applies to Ibiza, Majorca, Minorca, and Formentera. Today, the beaches and massive nightclubs have made it a major party destination, especially amongst the hip, young European crowd.

Culture

Ibiza is part of modern Catholic Spain with a culture largely reflective of that. However, Ibiza’s historic isolation and occupation by various ethnic groups, including Moorish and Roman people, has left its mark on the architecture, art and cuisine. The Catholic calendar and turning of the seasons are the main drivers behind many of the community events, but the people’s love of family and food help make Ibiza a pleasant and interesting place to visit any time of the year. The unusual geography and the myths around such landforms like Es Vedra give a mysterious and interesting dimension to this sandy paradise.

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Ibiza – the island of delights. Spain in Russian

Ibiza is the most fashionable resort in Europe. Sun, sea, freedom, 24/7 fun that turns into a “breakaway” and a relaxing family vacation – you will find it all in Ibiza, a wonderful island in the Mediterranean Sea, which is part of the Balearic archipelago and belongs to Spain.

The island is not too small and interesting enough from all sides not to get bored, but also not too big, so that in a few days after your arrival you will already feel at home. It has all the necessary components to make your vacation truly luxurious: well-maintained, well-equipped beaches or wild swimming areas, tennis courts, golf courses, an ancient fortress, narrow stone-paved streets, but the most tempting thing is that the island is simply dotted with bars and restaurants. Wonderful nature with pines, cacti and palm trees, combined with an atmosphere of unbridled entertainment, turns your stay on the island into a complete holiday.

The holiday season in Ibiza starts in March-April and lasts until November. However, in winter the resort is full of tourists. In summer, there is no unbearable heat: the gentle sea breeze makes the rest in the hot summer months quite comfortable.

During the day you can go diving, windsurfing, fishing, visit spas, buy souvenirs at the “hippie market” or just walk among the fashionistas of Europe. The evening should start with contemplation of a beautiful sunset in the world-famous Cafe del Mar, and only then indulge in fun in the numerous nightclubs of Ibiza.

Ibiza nightlife and parties is a cocktail of European youth clubbing and traditional Spanish nightlife. The main tourist center of the island is the Playa d’en Bossa area, where the inimitable spirit of Ibiza reigns. It is in Playa d’en Bossa that the mega-club “Space” (the largest nightclub in the world), the legendary Amnesia, Privilege and Pacha are located. Every season, the most famous DJs in the world perform in Ibiza.

The beaches of Ibiza is another treasure of the island. The most fashionable beach is Playa de las Salinas. Here you will meet not only wonderful sand and blue sea, but also a lot of people with a very attractive appearance who come here specifically to show each other their perfect bodies. And for those who are looking for solitude and want to take a break from a crazy pastime, we recommend that you go to Cala De Portinatx beach, which is located in the north of the island in a quiet fishing town.

Most of the architectural and historical sights are concentrated in the capital of the island, Ibiza Town. Here, behind the ancient fortress walls, on a hill above the entrance to the port, the Old Town (Dalt Vila) is located, where it is so pleasant to walk along the narrow streets going up and down, where the shiny cobblestone of the pavements and the ancient walls of intricately decorated houses keep the atmosphere of long gone years; panoramic views of unreal beauty open up from the fortress walls – grace is spilled everywhere, as far as the eye can see: the sea splashes, the sun shines, the mountains are buried in the bright greenery of pines; and when the moon rises, it’s time for nighttime romance…

Sometimes the seeming theatricality of what is happening is breathtaking, but the scenery and the feelings they evoke are exceptionally real! In the Old Town there is a magnificent Archaeological Museum, the Cathedral, the Museum of Modern Art. Below the walls of the Old City lies the historic port area of ​​the capital, where literally at every step you can find a stylish bar, an authentic restaurant or a trendy boutique.

Ibiza Resorts

San Miguel is a resort for “exclusive” holidays. There are luxurious palaces surrounded by natural landscapes and protected areas. You can take a walk in the picturesque surroundings, if you are not confused by the abundance of steep ascents and descents. Portinatx is a fully equipped mini-resort, ideal for families and the main point of sightseeing tours around the island. Santa Eularia des Rio is a favorite place for those who want to relax with the whole family and the elderly. There is an excellent promenade lined with palm trees, stretching along a wide sandy beach (perfectly safe for children), excellent hotels and apartment complexes for rent.

City Santa Eularia is particularly famous for having some of the most colorful restaurants on the island, offering a selection of delicious local, Spanish and international cuisine. Coastal areas, more remote from the city of Santa Eularia (Cala Pada, S’Argamassa, Es Cana, etc.), are of particular interest to romantic travelers, there are many beautiful secluded coves and bays with crystal clear waters and delightful small beaches, bordered low mountain ranges with dense lush greenery. The only river in the Balearic Mountains also flows here. Not far from the resort town in a place called Punta Arabi, the famous “hippie market” takes place every week, where curious products of local craftsmen are sold: beads, bracelets, “xivnitsa” and other “baubles”.

Talamanca is a traditional holiday destination for young people and all lovers of nightlife. Playa d’en Bossa is a youth resort with many popular clubs, night bars and discos, operating both on the beach itself and in the capital of the island, which can be reached by taxi in 5-10 minutes.

Sant Antoni – resort area in the west of the island of Ibiza. May and June, as well as September and October, are especially popular with families with children and those who want to enjoy long walks, swimming in the shallow waters of the bay and relaxing on comfortable beaches. July and August are chosen by everyone who wants to “break away” in incendiary night fun.

We have devoted a separate article to the gay culture of Ibiza.

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