
Ibiza
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 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.