Ibiza has much more to offer than the night-clubs and paella-and-chips package holidays normally associated with this Balearic Island. Leave the tourist trail and discover the hidden Ibiza of dozy provincial towns, restored farmhouses, unspoilt sandy beaches and remote rocky coves. The island, a paradise for walking, riding and swimming in clear seas, is best visited before or after the onslaught of summer clubbers.

Where is Ibiza?

Ibiza is a small island lying 90 km off the East coast of Spain, in the Western Mediterranean. It is part of the Balearic islands. Ibiza is only a two hour flight from most major European Capitals (London, Berlin, Frankfurt, Paris, Milan, Zurich), and a four hour Ferry ride from Denia or Alicante on the coast of mainland Spain (now only 2 hours with the new super-fast ferries).

What are the Balearics?

The Balearic islands (in Spanish, the 'Baleares'), are made up of Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera (which is a small island lying visibly just off the South coast of Ibiza). They belong to Spain and are a favorite holiday resort in the Mediterranean and Europe, both as a stand alone destination, and as a popular stop over as part of a European tour.

Indeed, Ibiza has to be one of the most beautiful and entertaining holiday resorts in the world, enjoying a wonderful mixture of culture, vegetation, beaches and nightlife.

How Big is Ibiza?

Ibiza is only 45 km long and 25 km wide, and has a year round population of 100.000. This of course increases dramatically during the summer months, when many seasonal workers and tourists descend upon the island. Most of the population is centered in and around the three major towns: the capital Ibiza Town, San Antonio and Santa Eulalia.

Distances:

Ibiza Town - San Antonio: 16 Km

Ibiza Town - Santa Eulalia: 15 Km

San Antonio - Santa Eulalia: 17 Km

The summer season runs from the 1st of May until the 31st October, although in recent years more hotels are offering all year accommodation. August is the fullest month, when it can get very crowded on both beaches and roads.

 

How developed is Ibiza?

 

Ibiza boasts an impressive, modern infrastructure: including an excellent public transport network, extensive mobile and fixed telephone network; running water and electricity in all towns and villages; high speed internet access; and excellent travel connections to the rest of Europe and mainland Spain, by air and by sea.

Climate and Weather in Ibiza

Summer - May until October

The summer season and the first really warm beach days begin in May, with beautiful clear, sunny days and temperatures in the mid-twenties.

Between the months of June and September, there is very little rain fall. In August and September the temperature rises up to over 30? C. With water temperatures of 25? - 27? C, beach fans are right in their element...  

What to Wear

May, June and September - In the evenings, when out and about, you might need a jumper or light jacket. Otherwise shorts, light-trousers and t-shirts will be ok.  

July and August - The really hot season starts. You ought to be fine with t-shirts, short sleeve shirts and shorts. Lightweight cotton trousers are popular amongst the locals.

October - pack a jumper and a jacket - best to be sure, as there are occasional rainy and windy days. The temperature in the evening can drop down to under 20? C!

Tip: May and October are really beautiful months to enjoy the island. There is a lot of room on the beaches and the island is very green and fresh.

Winter - November until April

Ibiza has a remarkably mild climate - even in winter the temperature rarely drops under 0? Celsius. Snow is a sensation, and the children save snowballs for weeks by putting them in the fridge!

From November to April the average daytime temperature is about 15? Celsius - however when the sun comes out this can rapidly climb to 25? C.

It does rain - but a general rule of thumb is that it only rains for 3 days at a time . The rest of the time the sun shines down from clear, blue skies. Ibiza in winter is not a beach destination, although on sunny days you'll find sun-worshippers on the beach, many of whom still swim! Ibiza in Winter is more a time for lazy beach walks, sport and touring around the island, stocking up on some well-needed Vitamin D (from all the sunshine!).

Ibiza Town, The Capital

Ibiza Town really is the most fascinating part of the island, day or night. Here you will see, in glorious living colour, a concentration of all the attractions and eccentricities which have made Ibiza world famous.

You can stroll through the winding lanes of the Port area, soaking up the vibrant, atmosphere of Ibiza by night; wander up through the cobbled streets of the Old Town to admire the stunning views across the bay; browse through the many and varied stalls and designer shops; dine in one of the many restaurants, for a moment of blissful calm amidst the action; you can even catch a ferry to Formentera or the neighbouring beaches!

Talamanca, Ibiza

The picturesque Bay of Talamanca is just 15 minutes walk along the Marina from Ibiza Town. A peaceful resort with a beautiful sandy beach.

There are several hotels lining the bay of Talamanca with fantastic views of Ibiza Town at night and some excellent restaurants on the beach.

Although there are no shops or supermarkets in Talamanca itself, the village of Jesus is a 15 minute walk away. There you will find some delightful caf?s and restaurants, supermarkets, shops, banks and international press.

From the Western side of the Bay (the side nearest Ibiza Town) you can catch a regular ferry boat into Ibiza Town, which runs until midnight. Alternatively take a leisurely stroll along the promenade past the Marina to the port area of Ibiza.

The Marina itself is split into two sections: The Marina Botafoc, nearest Talamanca, with high class restaurants and boutiques, and the Marina Nueva, nearer Ibiza Town, where the ferries to Formentera embark.

In between lies the glamorous club El Divino, the Ibiza Casino and a bit further back still is the club Pacha.

Talamanca is a very popular holiday destination, as it offers wonderful relaxation, a broad sandy beach and is still very near to Pacha and El Divino and the shrill and vibrant night-scene in the Port of Ibiza.

Figueretas, Ibiza

This small suburb, with an international mixture of tourists and locals has a selection of caf?s, bars and restaurants throughout the area, catering for all tastes. In the main section of the promenade from early evening until late, appear artists, caricaturists and artisans with little market stalls offering all sorts of trinkets & handmade items - something for everybody.

Along the left side, at the end of Ramon Muntaner (the road running parallel to the promenade) there is a car park where you can stop and take in the panoramic view, or enjoy an ice-cream, refreshment or snack in one of the little caf? bars or restaurants along the prom.

Figueretas Beach

A well made central beach, divided into smaller parts sits in front of apartment blocks and hotels, and is bordered by a long, palm-fringed promenade.

Because it is so near to Ibiza Town and Playa d'en Bossa (both a 5 minute drive or 20 minute walk away) and offers real local flair, Figueretas is a much loved holiday destination for people of all ages.

San Antonio, Ibiza

San Antonio, Ibiza, really does offer something for everybody, with a great variety of accommodation and entertainment, and just 20 mins drive from Ibiza Town.

Famous for its sunsets and lively night-time vibe, San Antonio is a great holiday choice.

The pre-season months of May and June, and the later months of September and October are popular with families and couples, who enjoy the new promenade, the safe, shallow waters of the bay and the fantastic beaches, just a short ferry ride away.

The high season months of July, August and the beginning of September are the best time to come if you are looking for buzzing nightlife, when the predominantly British holiday makers are joined by an increasing number of German, Italian, Scandinavian and Dutch guests.

San Antonio Bay, Ibiza

The Bay of San Antonio, Ibiza, is famed for being one of the most beautiful in the Mediterranean. With the thriving resort of San Antonio on the north side and the Bay holiday area extending along the south; both enjoy panoramic views out to the islands and the amazing sunsets to be seen all year round. In terms of holiday appeal they are two distinctly different resorts.

The Bay has a relaxed friendly atmosphere, perfect for strolling around. By day, you are never far from a beach and at night there's plenty to do and see. On the spacious terraces of the cafes & bars, many have live shows & music until midnight when everyone continues the party inside in air-conditioned comfort - or move on to the famous big clubs.

Santa Eulalia, Ibiza

Santa Eulalia, Ibiza's third largest resort is only 21 kms from the airport and is a beloved destination for families and those seeking a quieter holiday. There is a beautiful, palm-lined promenade running the length of the broad and sandy beach, (which is perfectly safe for the kids), and some excellent hotels and apartments in and around the town itself.

Santa Eulalia has a long-established reputation as the island's gastronomic and cultural centre. Art Galleries, the beautiful and exclusive Yacht Marina, some of the island's best restaurants, some very exclusive shopping, and a thriving all-year community, ensure that life in Santa Eulalia is led at a rather slower and more relaxing pace. There are some excellent bars here too, but the nightlife is nothing like Ibiza or San Antonio.

Portinatx, Ibiza

A complete mini resort, ideal for families, and one of Ibiza's best known beauty spots with three good, sandy beaches to choose from.

The largest beach S'Arenal Gros is in the Bay across from the main Coach Park; little S'Arenal Petit, which is more private, is around the corner from the rocky promontory to the left. The third is Playa Porto Beach, surrounded by little pineclad hillocks, it is in a little cove at the end of the main road. All these beaches have shallow water and are excellent for bathing.

Cala Vadella and Cala Tarida, Ibiza

Each of these beautiful and protected bays on the West coast have a few hotels and shops. Peaceful and family friendly, they both offer great bathing and watersports.

Cala Vadella is a beautiful little fishing village in the middle of the West coast of Ibiza, below San Antonio. It is very popular with families in the low and high season, due to the extremely sheltered nature of the bay, and the wide sandy beach and shallow waters.

There is an excellent selection of apartments right by or near the beach. The main road running through the village is extremely curvy - this means low traffic speeds and a very safe environment for children.

If you are staying in one of the apartments in Cala Vadella, you'll be pleased to hear there is an excellent selection of restaurants, cafes and supermarkets all lining the beach. There can be a lively night-scene in some of the bars, and the sunsets are particularly beautiful.

Cala Vadella is a 25 minute drive from San Antonio or Ibiza Town, which means it is a very peaceful resort. There are good bus connections to the rest of the island. A shared taxi is not too expensive. There are dive schools, pedaloes, banana boats and sunbeds.

Playa den Bossa, Ibiza

Playa d'en Bossa is one of the most popular resorts on Ibiza:

Beach lovers adore the longest beach on the island with fantastic water sports; clubbers and youngsters love it for Space and Bora Bora, its lively vibe and myriad bars and nighttime entertainment; families love it for the beautiful and very long sandy beach with safe, supervised bathing and a great variety of family entertainment and water sports. In short, whatever type of holiday you are looking for, you can be pretty sure to find it in Playa d'en Bossa.

Es Cana, Ibiza          

Es Cana is very much a family resort, with a long, crescent-shaped sandy beach and a small harbour for fishing boats, where you can catch a ferry to Ibiza Town, Santa Eulalia or even Formentera.

Well known for the Hippy Market, which takes place every Wednesday, Es Can? enjoys increasing popularity amongst those looking for all the advantages of a resort combined with the peace and beauty of the East of the island. The resort is only a 5 minute drive from Santa Eulalia with all its attractions.

The beach is safe and supervised by lifeguards - perfect for children - and there are some excellent watersports in Es Cana and in nearby Cala Martina and Cala Pada, including bananaboat, sailing, catamaran, windsurfing, parasailing and diving.

There is a good selection of quality and good value accommodation right in the resort, either directly on the beach or just a few metres away. Take a look at some of the apartments and hotels in Es Cana. They can all be easily and safely booked right here online in Spotlight.

Es Cana is a resort complete with all the amenities, including cheap and cheerful restaurants, and fun pubs and bars galore.

For the active, there is some stunning coastline to explore; to the north the walk to Cala Nova and Cala Le?a takes in idyllic places to rest in the shade or to swim from the sandy beaches along the way. To the south past Cala Martina, and S'Argamassa the coast walk back to Santa Eulalia also takes in perfect resting spots in shady areas and swimming from rocks and sandy beaches: little bars are strategically placed.

The trip by ferryboat which runs daily to Santa Eulalia is a favourite alternative.

Cala Llonga, Ibiza

A complete mini resort with a magnificent wide sandy beach which borders the picturesque Bay with pineclad hills on either side. Shallow waters to quite a way out make it safe for children. Reached by ferry boat which runs daily from Santa Eulalia or bus or car.

30 years ago Cala Llonga could only be reached by boat. It has certainly come a long way since then, providing all the amenities you could possibly wish for to make that holiday a perfect one. Shops, supermarkets, bars, caf?s and restaurants, Cala Llonga has become a much loved and thriving resort, especially popular with families.

There are mini-amusement parks, a fantastic wooden playground right on the beach (with sandy floor) and plenty of cheap and cheerful cafes and bars.

Only 5 minutes by car from Santa Eulalia and 15 from Ibiza Town along the old coast road which stretches between these two towns. Beautiful countryside surrounds the resort, and the golf course at Roca Llisa is only a 5 minute drive, direction Ibiza.

Puerto de San Miguel, Ibiza

Puerto de San Miguel has a broad sandy beach protected by the surrounding cliffs. A favorite for families in the high season and low season; also popular with peace-seeking couples.

The port of San Miguel is right on the Northern coast of Ibiza, 5 km from the village of San Miguel. It is set in some very beautiful surrounding countryside and is well away from the hustle and bustle of the major resorts.

There are a number of apartment complexes and hotels lining the cliffs. Not all of the complexes have been built with architectural beauty in mind, but you will have some stunning sea views from your accommodation.

The beach is perfect for families, with lots of sand and shallow, protected waters. In fact it's probably the most sheltered bay on the island. There are plenty of watersports, including a dive school and lots of room to run around. Read more about the beach of San Miguel

Although Puerto de San Miguel is not really a fully-fledged resort, there are some souvenir shops and a supermarket. Several bars and restaurants line the beach, including the Port Balansat - heralded by many as THE best fish restaurant on the island!

The nearby Caves of C'an Mar?a are a must-see too.

There are regular bus connections to the rest of the island and Ibiza Town, Santa Eulalia and San Antonio are only 25 minutes drive away.

Winter on Ibiza

The hordes of summer visitors have departed, most of the hotels are shut, many souvenir shops and cocktail bars have locked and barred their doors.... at last the winter is here, the most gorgeous, peaceful and relaxing time of year for us all.

Ibiza in winter has unfortunately remained a well-kept secret, known only to a few discerning holiday makers, sports enthusiasts, hikers, and residents

Chase away those winter blues, strolling along deserted sandy beaches with the sun gently warming your back...bliss. Make your winter a little brighter!

AIRPORT

Ibiza airport is 8km east of Ibiza Town (www.aena.es).

WHEN TO GO

Visit Ibiza during the spring to discover the quieter side of the island, or during the autumn when the island has come back into its own after the summer onslaught of tourists.

TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE

Paseo Vara del Rey, Ibiza Town, Ibiza (00 34 97 1301 900). There are also tourism information branches on Paseo de les Fuentes in Sant Antoni (00 34 97 1343 363) and on Calle Mar?a Riquer Wallis in Santa Eular?a (00 34 97 1330 728).