Ibiza is a well known Balearic Island that lies in the Mediterranean Sea, belonging to Spain. Dating back to 654BC, Ibiza and Formentura were known as the Pine covered Islands. Ibiza produced dye, salt, fish sauce (garum), and wool. It has had a turmulous past and the Island is scarred by centuries of Roman, Vandal and Byzantine rule. Shrines dating back to 400BC, such as the one at Es Culleram, can still be found.

Unfortunately, the history of Ibiza is not the reason why so many young people flock to it. It is of course the weather, the beaches and the entertainment. The weather is slightly cooler than neighbouring Mallorca, which suits many British visitors. There are over 60 beaches on the island, some busy, some of them deserted. If you take the time to explore Ibiza, you will be surprised to find that there are many beaches in the North, such as Xarracca or Xuclar, that only have two or three people on them. These are the beaches that you can relax on, but if you prefer a family beach, head for Cala Basa, the soft fine sandy beach rolls gently into the warm shallow waters. For daytime entertainment head for the Bora Bora Beach, located in Playa d’en Bossa. It’s a long busy beach which offers Jet ski hire, diving expeditions, and many sorts of boat rides, including banana boats! This beach is popular with the Club 18-30 brigade, so may get a little excitable!

Ibiza’s riotous nightlife is legendary. Centered around two main areas, the Island’s Capital, Ibiza Town and San Antonio on the Eastern shore, the party atmosphere is electric, so be prepared for a hectic time! The season begins in June with the explosive Space and DC10 parties. Parties are thrown all through the summer, and the legendary finale is thrown in October, to celebrate the end of one long hot summer thumping frenzy. The only club that remains open all year round on Ibiza is Pacha. After the party season has finished, Ibiza returns to its more sedate self. Visitors can expect a quieter time, but alas, plenty of rain.

A large proportion of the island is registered as a United Nations World Heritage Site, meaning that commercialism is kept to a minimum, thus ensuring that places like “God’s Finger” in the Benirras Bay area of the Island is kept as a traditional cultural site. A monument known as “The Egg” can be found at Sant Antoni, this monument was erected in 1990, to honour the birthplace of Christopher Columbus, although many places also purport this too!

Major cities on Ibiza are Ibiza Town, Santa Eularia des Riu and Sant Antoni de Portmany.

Ibiza Town is located on the southeast coast of the Island, and is known for its extravagant lifestyle. Here you can find Ibiza’s most luxurious nightclubs, such as Pacha and El Divino. Space is to the south of the town, near to Ibiza Airport (IBZ). Visit the Santa Maria d’Eivissa Church, which is a 14th Century Church, situated in the old town, Dalt Vila.

Sant Antoni de Portmany is on the Western coast of Ibiza, and has plenty of nightclubs which offer late nights, non-stop drinking and thumping tunes! Be sure to check out the beaches while you are there though, as Sant Antoni boasts some of the most beautiful shorelines that Ibiza has to offer.

Sant Joan de Labritja is on the Northern coast of Ibiza, and this is the place to go for peace and tranquillity. The area is relatively unspoilt by tourism (so far), and the beaches are flat with crystal clear waters. Visitors who spend the day at Sant Joan get a taste of the true Ibiza, where many local customs and ideals are still upheld.

Sant Josep de sa Talaia is a village in western Ibiza. Home to El Vedra, a magnificent extinct volcano, which lies just off the shore, it is claimed to be the third most magnetic place on Earth. This part of Ibiza has over 50 miles of the most beautiful beaches and coves. Many of the beaches have blue flag awards, including, Cala Comte, Cala Bassa and Cala Vadella. Surrounded by Natural Parks, Sant Josep also has some great historical heritage. Ses Païses de cala d'Hort and the Phoenician village in sa Caleta are both well worth a visit.

Santa Eulària des Riu is on the south-eastern coast and is the richest region on the Island. A weekly hippy-market is held on Punta Arabi, which attracts tourists from all over the island. The towns of Santa Eularia, San Carlos, Port des Torrent and Santa Gertrudis all deserve visiting.

Although Ibiza is notorious for it’s all night parties, drunken revellers, and hangover sleep-offs on the beach, it is a truly beautiful place to visit. Don’t be put off by the amount of younger people who stay there. Secluded coves and beaches are dotted all around the island, just waiting for visitors to spend the day there, where they can bask in the glorious sunshine. Bargain flights and package holidays are always available to Ibiza, leaving from all major UK airports, including Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool and Newcastle. Flights take approximately 2 ½ hours, and land at Ibiza Airport. Time wise, Ibiza is + 1hr GMT.