IBIZA - ALL ABOUT THE ISLAND

IBIZA ONCE UPON A TIME.....
8 Million years ago, to the end of the Tertiair Era, the Balearic Islands arose from the sea, as all other European mountains chains did by then.
At first the Balearic Islands were attached to the Spanish mainland but caused by rising of the sea level, the islands arose from sea about 12.000 years ago. A 1500 meter deep sea ditch seperates the Balearics from the Spanish mainland and so Ibiza is located 90 kilometers east of the Spanish mainland.

Together with the island lain south, Formentera (7131 inhabitants) and numerous smaller and uninhabited rock islands, Ibiza forms the islandgroup named: Pityusen. The Pityusen have, as the Balearics, its own continental shelf.
The official languages are Catalan and Castilian and Ibiza's inhabitants are called Ibizenco. Ibiza's official name in Catalan is EIVISSA.

Ibiza Administration
Ibiza belongs to the autonomous community of the Balearic Islands, which holds alltogether 67 municipalities. Its capital is Palma on Mallorca.
Ibiza comprises five municipalities: Sant Josep de sa Talaia, Sant Antoni de Portmany, Sant Joan de Labritja, Santa Eulària des Riu, Ibiza Town (Eivissa Vila).

Ibiza is the most western island of the Balearic Islands, and human habitation dates from at least 5000 BC.

Ibiza - Eivissa - is the third biggest island of the Balearic Islands and has a surface of 572 km², the principal city is Ibiza City - Eivissa Vila.
On Ibiza live approximately 106.220 inhabitants durably, together with officially announced foreigners called Residents.

Ibiza Climate & Environment
Ibiza is hilly and has sandy Calas and rocks and the most beautiful beaches and sandy shores of the Mediterranean.
The highest 'mountain' is Atalaya of Sa Talaiassa de Sant Josep - 476 m.
Ibiza has the most balanced climate of the Balearen.
The temperatures in summer are around 30 °C, and in winter temperature rarely drops below zero.
There are no "dangerous" animals on the island, like poisonous snakes, lizards or spiders.
The biological variety and culture from Ibiza were declared World cultural heritage by Unesco on December 14,1999.

Ibiza History
Ibiza history tells us that the Balearic Islands were on Phoenician trade routes therefore Ibiza was conquered and inhabited by these Phoenicians.
Later on the Carthaginians did the same but more important they also founded Ibiza City, which became an important port in those days.
They also used Ibiza as their burrial grounds and constructed The Salinas for saltmaking, Ibiza's most important trading product 'White Gold' = Salt.
Later in Ibiza History came, in succession the Romans, Visigoths and Muslims.
The Muslims left an important and recognizable imprint in the island's typical architecture and their traditional costumes.
The Muslims however were driven out during the Christian Reconquista in the 13th century and the islands became Catalan colonies, and by then they lost their importance for the region. Ibiza was under Bourbon control for most of the 18th century.

The remains of domination by all these different cultures are still to be found on Ibiza, mostly restored.
The fortified Upper Town (Dalt Vila), the Phoenicia settlement of Sa Caleta, the Phoenician-Punic cemetery of Puig des Molins, and the Prairies of Oceanic Posidonia of the Natural Park of Las Salinas were declared World Heritage.
While staying on the island make sure you spent time to visit these impressive reminders of passed ages of Ibiza History.

Ibiza Tourisme
To the end of the fifties many artist came to the island to escape their 'after-war' countries to experience real freedom on this beautiful and paradisical island. Later on hippies and other freedom seekers followed and some of them still live on the island today.
Nowadays many, many people from all over the world, travel to the island to experience its magic and beauty and ofcourse its frantic nightlife and party scene. Most of them, young, come for the decadent, extravagant nightlife and dance all night to their favourite clubanthems in Ibiza's world famous clubs.

The Ibizenco are extremely tolerant towards these millions of people that spread over their island every year during the summermonths.
Unfortunately, over the last decades it became more and more obvious to them that their wonderful island and surrounding seas, have to be ecoligically protected from all pollution that comes along with mass tourisme.
The natural waterresources of the island are not ment to cover all these visitors needs, and something needs to be done about this big Ibiza issue!
Environmentalists started their enlightenment instrucions in educating the locals by starting all kinds of ecological projects that are worthwhile visiting!

But more and more people however, discover the beautiful and more the unspoiled places of the island where it is still possible to enjoy a quiet and layed back holiday among the friendly local Ibizenco in wonderfull rural surroundings.

Are you searching for an alternative lifestyle, then Ibiza offers a marvellous opportunity to enjoy a break amidst the warm sea breezes of Ibiza! People who are passionate about living a more natural, positive and inspiring life can enjoy one of the many  Holistic Holidays on Ibiza that are being held throughout the year in a tranquil, or if you wish a luxurious environment.

Every available facility and accommodation has been gathered and catagorized beforehand by IBIZA4ALL in order to help you plan a perfect holiday for you and your family.
We present Ibiza, All about the Island, everything you need to know for your perfect holiday - the most complete directory!