If you are thinking of going on holiday to Spain, then the best area of the country you can head to is the Costa Del Sol. Firstly of all, the Costa Del Sol is so much fun! No matter where you stay in this part of the world, you8 will never be more than five or ten miles from a town which has a great reputation for night life. Benalmadena has a reputation of being a 24 hour city, and this is no exaggeration! Having said al this, if you prefer the quiet life, there are plenty of sleepy little fishing towns which barely come alive in the day, let alone the night, so you really do have both poles here.

The other great thing about this location of course is the weather. Nowhere else in Europe offers so much sunshine and heat for so little! It is undeniable that it is affordable in the extreme to go to Spain, and when you are in the south, you have weather that can match anywhere in the world on its day! More importantly though is the sunshine record. It hardly ever rains in the summer season, so you well be safe to pack your bags without sticking in a brolly!

If you think that this is the place for you this year, then you should book your flight now by visiting cheap flights. You will find the best prices at the best times, and a great selection of flights.

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If you are anything like me, you probably take every opportunity to make sure that your family holiday is somewhere at least near to a golf course! I don’t know what it is about family holidays – I enjoy them enormously – but I know that at some point on that holiday I will need to get away from the wife and kids and hit a few balls.

I was actually not a keen golfer before I started holidaying in Spain. I used to play a few times a year at most, and the reason for this was normally the weather. Of course, if you are playing golf in Spain this doesn’t really come into the equation.

If you decide tolook into golfing in Spain, you are best to stick to the coastal locations, such as the Costa De La Luz, the Costa Del Sol, the Costa Almeria, and the Costa Blanca. These are all great coastal tourist locations in their own right, and the whole family will love a holiday in these spots. There is something to do for everyone in all of these locations, and culture, sun, fun and activity are never far away. For me though, the best thing about all of these areas is the golf. Prepare to stand in awe as you see the design and condition of the courses out here – they are all state of the art and looked after wonderfully. All I will say is it is best to leave the golf until one of the last days of the holiday – otherwise you will want to play every day!

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The third Ibiza International Film Festival will be taking place at the Ibiza Conference Centre (Palacio de Congresos de Ibiza) in Santa Eulalia between May 27th and June 3rd. Several hundred films have been submitted for consideration, as the organisers and judges seek to promote and encourage independent yet high-class cinema. Festival Director Xavier Benlloch declared, “Our aim is to be considered as the European Sundance.” They appear to be well on track as many of the major global media players have confirmed their attendance to report on the festival.

In the main competition, where films are competing for the Golden Falcon, they are showing eight productions. Alongside these are categories for feature films (Silver Screen), for productions from the archipelago (Balearic Spirit) and Video Clips. There will also be a tribute to the filmmaker and actor Terry Gilliam, by showing a series of films by the director. Gilliam, who is a patron and active sponsor of the Ibiza competition, rose to fame in the 70s as a member of the Monty Python team. His extensive film career has given him a cult following with productions including “Twelve Monkeys”, “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” and “Tideland”.

Obviously many other major players from the film industry will be attending, including more than a few VIP household names. For security reasons we aren’t able to disclose this star-studded guest list, but we can confirm that the general public are invited to attend the film showings and, indeed, some of the social events surrounding the festival. One example of these will be a one-off special themed night on May 29th for the conference delegates at the Cardamom Club in Santa Eulalia, entitled “Bollywood v Slumdog”. The power of Indian influences in independent filmmaking is obviously massive at the moment, so this will be one of the highlights of the social side of the Festival. Highlights of the evening will include a famous UK banghra band, a big name Indian DJ, typical street stores in the restaurant’s garden and Punjabi folk dancing.

Tickets for this night are available from the Cardamom Club, but you would be best advised to book early for the chance to catch a glimpse of your heroes, as this is bound to be a sell-out! Details of other festival social events, the details and times of the films to be shown and availability of tickets will all be released on May 15th via the www.ibizaiff.org website. This information will also be displayed on our own website as soon as it becomes available. In the meantime we are advised that the latest information and tickets for the films will all be available from those in the know at the Cardamom Club.

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Throw open the gates and raise the curtain! Come all ye noblemen and gracious maidens to the Festival of Festivals!

From 8th-10th May Ibiza’s Old Town will once again be the showplace for a world between myths and fairytales, the alleyways and streets will be filled with colours, scents and life. The Medieval Festival enchants both young and old alike. Come and get lost in the fun, forget your everyday cares for a moment and let your inner child gape in astonishment and enjoy!

It is one of the most closely guarded secrets on Ibiza. No one, except those involved, know what’s in store for us at the opening spectacle of the Medieval Festival. The organisers simply smile mysteriously and say nothing. Even at the necessary dress rehearsal the day before the event, curious onlookers can only really guess how the revellers in lavish costumes will be enchanting thousands of viewers.

One thing is certain: it will be breathtaking. In years past each new opening celebration has outshone the previous year’s event. We have printed a few pictures from last year’s spectacle. We hope they whet your appetite, as the festival this year will surely be a fireworks display of imagination once again.

We’re not just talking about a few street artists. Acrobats fly through the air. Birds of prey from the falconers swoop and dive in the background. Geese waddle along the alleyways. Even donkeys and camels are part of the everyday scenes in the transformed fortified city of Dalt Vila.

Countless numbers of stands offer you the opportunity to watch craftspeople at work, children can get dressed up or made up or listen to colourful tales from bards – and grown-ups will be seduced by the aromas of fresh classic specialities. Hearty meats from the BBQ, bread from a wood-burning stove, fruits from the Orient and all mixed with the fragrances of noble flower oils and the glitter of colourful glass.

You will run into spontaneous theatre scenes in the crowds. Here rival knights meet, musicians make their way up to the cathedral plaza, a fairy floats by or a witch is being led away in a cage on a cart. It is worth taking the time to explore the hubbub around you. Take a gander at the traditional craftworks of the island that show the centuries-old traditions of how they created the essential goods of those days. Some are still made this way today. There are hand-braided baskets, fine needlework and classic sandals – the heritage of Ibiza still plays an important role for the people here.

Take a break on the plaza in front of the city hall, which is about halfway up to the cathedral. The widest variety of specialities are on sale here. The majority of the action occurs on the first bulwark beneath city hall. With a view of the harbour all you have to do is wait for the next highlight to pass by.

The plaza in front of the cathedral is another great place to be, as they normally set up a small theatre there. Short pieces are played on the stage, as well as dance and music. Be sure to check out the many alleyways too. Suddenly around the next corner you might find a magic guild, come upon crossbowmen testing their abilities with their heavy equipment or you’ll find a fairy-tale forest opening up in front of you. If you need some help getting through the event pick up a festival map and programme near the palace guards at the main gate.

For the opening ceremony, which you definitely should not miss, be sure to get there early in order to find a good spot to watch the event. The pageant and spectacle is absolutely fantastic. However, you will miss the best of it if you end up too far back in the crowd. The opening celebration of the Medieval Festival happens on May 8th at 10:30 am on the ramp to the main gate of the fortified city.

From Friday to Sunday medieval life begins at 10:30am in Dalt Vila. The majority of stands close on Friday evening around 11pm. On Saturday they don’t close until about midnight. Then on Sunday visitors to this historic event will have until 11pm to experience it all. Then normality and quiet will return to the streets of Dalt Vila.

Speaking of quiet, even during the Medieval Festival it is a bit quieter during the midday hours. The siesta was already popular back then. It’s best to visit during the pleasant morning hours or once the sun starts setting and the lights go on everywhere.

A free shuttle bus runs into Dalt Vila every 20 minutes. It starts at the GESA car park and makes stops at the Multicines, the Consell and on the Paseo Vara de Rey. You can also get car hire Spain.

Have fun at this truly fantastic experience.

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Leading magazines for upcoming events and festivals in Ibiza are regularly published and cultural events fill the calendars of Ibiza and other nearby towns on the island. The magazines contain up-to-date listings of events throughout Ibiza and are aimed specifically at tourists and visitors.

These magazines are a useful source for shopping, dining and general entertainment in Ibiza – providing you with a huge choice of things to see and do in Ibiza, including numerous exciting fiestas. Get your car hire Pisa and travel to your preferred place easily.

Public Holidays in Ibiza, Spain – Ibiza, Spain

There are approximately fourteen accepted public holidays in Spain, which can be acknowledged on either a local or national basis. Listed below are those dates observed in Ibiza.

Ibiza National Public Holidays

* 1st January – Año Nuevo / New Year’s Day
* 5th January – Epifanía / Epiphany
* 19th March – Dia de San José / St. Joseph’s Day
* Late March or early April – Jueves Santo / Maundy Thursday
* Late March or early April – Viernes Santo / Good Friday
* 1st May – Fiesta del Trabajo / Labour Day
* 15th August – La Asunción / Feast of the Assumption
* 12th October – Nacional de España / National Day
* 1st November – Todos los Santos / All Saints’ Day
* 6th December – Dia de la Constitución / Constitution Day
* 8th December – La Inmaculada Concepción / Feast of the Immaculate Conception
* 25th December – Navidad / Christmas Day

Ibiza Special Events 2009 / 2010 – Ibiza, Spain

A variety of occasions are detailed for a taste of what Ibiza and nearby islands have to offer. However, the already busy social calendar of Ibiza is continually being added to.

Ibiza Events in January – Ibiza

* Revelta i Beneides de Sant Antoni Abat – January 16th and 17th, this fiesta in Mallorca includes bonfires, parades, dancing, feasting and many people dress up in costumes
* Processo dels Tres Tocs – January 17th, in Ciutadella, Menorca, this procession celebrates the victory of Alfonso III over the Muslims in 1287
* Festa de Sant Sebastia – January 20th, in Pollenca, Mallorca, a procession with two dancers, known as cavallets, mounting wooden horses

Ibiza Events in February – Ibiza

* Carnival Parades – February and March, many fancy dress balls marks the end of the Carnival before Lent. Palma hosts the most spectacular fiesta, known as the Cavalcade (Sa Rua)

Ibiza Events in March – Ibiza

* Semana Santa – held on Maundy Thursday in Palma, Mallorca, a procession leaves the church of La Sang, carrying a crucifix. On Good Friday, many other processions are held in towns, including Palma and Sinue in Mallorca and Mao in Menorca

Ibiza Events in April – Ibiza

* Festa Sant Francesc – April 2nd, a popular feast of St. Francis is celebrated throughout the islands
* Festa Sant Jordi – April 23rd, this feast day of the patron saint of many towns and villages is celebrated on all the islands
* Princess Sofia Trophy – in Palma, Mallorca, this yachting regatta is one of the most important in the Balearic islands

Ibiza Events in May – Ibiza

* Festa de Maig – first Sunday in May in Santa Eulalia, Ibiza, this spring flower festival is one of the most colourful fiestas in the Balearic islands

* Festa de Nostra Sanyora de la Victoria – second Sunday in May, held in Soller and Port de Soller, Mallorca, these mock battles are staged to mark the raid by the Turkish pirates in 1561

* Eivissa Medieval – second Sunday in May, held in Eivissa, Ibiza, this new festival includes concerts and dancing, celebrating the declaration of Dalt Villa as a World Heritage site in 1992

*International film festival in Ibiza – The third Ibiza International Film Festival will be taking place at the Ibiza Conference Centre (Palacio de Congresos de Ibiza) in Santa Eulalia between May 27th and June 3rd.

Ibiza Events in June – Ibiza

* Corpus Christi – held in Pollenca, Mallorca, this popular festival includes the ‘Dance of the Eagles’ and is performed in the main town square
* Sant Antoni de Juny – June 13th, held in Arta, Mallorca, this feast also includes parades of locals dressed up as horses
* Sant Joan – June 24th, held in Ciutadella, Menorca, horses are a major part of the event, which is King Juan Carlos’s name day
* Romeria de Sant Marcal – June 30th, in Sa Cabeneta, Mallorca, this is a popular fair which is also held in other towns

Ibiza Events in July – Ibiza

* Dia de Virgen de Carmen – July 15th to 16th, held all over the Balearic islands, the feast of the patron saint of sailors includes parades and the blessing of fishing boats
* Passejada dies Bou i Carro Triunfal – July 27th to 28th, held in Valldemossa, Mallorca, this celebration includes a feast and a bull and a procession of carts

Ibiza Events in August – Ibiza

* Copa del Rey – first week in August, held in Palma, Mallorca, this large and very popular international yachting regatta is held under the patronage of King Juan Carlos
* Sant Ciriac – August 8th, held in Ibiza, the feast commemorates the Spanish recapture of these islands
* Festa de Sant Lorenc – second week in August, held in Alaior, Menorca, with riding displays in the streets
* Assumption of the Virgin – August 15th, this is a major festival that is held throughout Spain
* Sant Agustin – August 28th, held in Felantix, Mallorca, this fiesta includes horse-riding shows and dancing

Ibiza Events in September – Ibiza

* Processio de la Beata – first Sunday in September, held in Santa Margalida, Mallorca, this process of floats and people dressed in folk costume honouring Sant Catalina
* Diada de Catalunya – September 11th, this is a national holiday throughout the islands
* Festa des Vermar – last Sunday in September, held in Binissalem, Mallorca, this grape-harvest festival includes floats and also concerts
* Festa del Melo – last Sunday in September, held in Vilafranca de Bonany, Mallorca, this watermelon festival celebrates the end of the harvest

Ibiza Events in October – Ibiza

* Dia de la Hispanidad – October 12th, a national Spanish holiday, held to commemorate the discovery of the New World by Christopher Colombus in 1492
* Festa de Virgin – October 21st, held in Palma, Mallorca, this festival includes large amounts of cakes, singing and general festivities
* Festa dies Butifarro – third Sunday in October, held in Sant Joan, Mallorca, this festival includes eating large amounts of tasty sausages

Ibiza Events in November – Ibiza

* Sant Carles – November 4th, held in Ibiza, this is the patron saint’s day and is celebrated throughout Ibiza
* Dilous Bo – third Thursday in November, held in Inca, Mallorca, this is an important agricultural feast, including fairs
* Birthday of Junipero Serra – November 24th, the birthday of this Franciscan monk is celebrated throughout the region

Ibiza Events in December – Ibiza

* Noche Buena – December 24th, Christmas Eve celebrations, including nativity plays and midnight mass, throughout the islands
* Santos Inocentes – December 28th, a Spanish equivalent of April Fool’s day
* Festa de l’Estandard – December 31st, held in Palma, Mallorca, this feast commemorates the town’s conquest in 1229. Don’t forget to bring your checks along as you may want to buy many souvenirs there.

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A short list of the hotels in Ibiza:

Atzaro

Hotel Spa
Ctra, Sant Joan KM 15
www.atzaro.com
Tel: 971 33 88 38
The luxury agro-tourism to end them all… Atzaro is one of the most beautiful and exclusive resorts on the island. Mega-brands like Vogue and Bacardi host exclusive parties here but the real draw is the opulent, refined relaxation of its guest suites and spa, and the stunning setting. Marble-lined swimming pools, teak daybeds and verdant orchards make this a little slice of island heaven.

Pikes Hotel

Camí de Sa Vorera, s/n 07820 – Sant Antoni – Ibiza
Tel: 971 342 222
www.pikeshotel.com
From Wham’s Club Tropicana video to Freddie Mercury’s 41st birthday party this rock’n'roll hotel has seen it all. A favourite hangout for the likes of George Michael, Duran Duran and Grace Jones in the 80s it has never lost it’s reckless, sexy, totally over-the-top vibe. Whether you stay in one of its decadent rooms or simply drop by the pool for cocktails its an essential part of the Ibiza experience.

El Hotel de Pacha

Paseo Marítimo s/n 07800 IBIZA
www.elhotelpacha.com
Tel: n/a
Ibiza’s most glamorous club just wouldn’t be complete without one of Ibiza’s most stylish hotels included in the package. The slickly minimal El Hotel is a favourite with A-list DJs who enjoy its sophisticated restaurant or party till the wee hours in its designer bar. Swedish House Mafia man Axwell reckons its the best bar in town because “everyone stays there so you always have someone to carry on the party with.”

Hotel Es Vivé

C/Carlos Román Ferrer, 8 07800 Figueretas – IBIZA
Tel: 971 301 902
www.hotelesvive.com
Just outside of Ibiza Town in Figueretes, Es Vive is one of the most notorious hotels on the island. It was a dingy, run-down spot till Base Bar impresario Jason Bull got his hands on it a few years back, turning it into a super-chic hangout complete with a gorgeous pool and its own basement club. Well-heeled guests can party all night at the Experience Bar before emerging into daylight for a delicious breakfast and pampering at the new spa.

Ibiza Rocks Hotel

Calle Cervantes 27 07820
San Antonio Ibiza
Tel: 0871 716 1099
www.ibizarockshotel.com
Once upon a time the Manumission Hotel was the last word in rock’n'roll behaviour. So will the new Ibiza Rocks Hotel – run by the Manumission team – surpass its legendary forerunner? It’s too early to say but the signs are good, with an exciting summer line-up for Ibiza Rocks ensuring a steady supply of hedonistic music lovers and their rock star icons flocking to the brand new San An site.

Jet Apartment Complex

Playa d’en Bossa, Ibiza
Tel: 971 305 972
www.jetibiza.com
The Jet Apartments are more than just a place to stay: they’re part of Playa D’en Bossa’s party cultura. With the thumping kick drums of Bora Bora next door and the buzz of the every-busy heart of Pd’B outside its front doors the Jet Apartments are the perfect place for partiers who don’t want to miss a moment’s action.

Insotel Fenicia

07840 Santa Eulalia del Rio, Ibiza
Tel: 971 807 000
www.insotel.com
Set just back from the seafront in Santa Eularia Fenicia has one of the loveliest approaches imaginable. You walk beneath spreading shade trees, across a suspension bridge, past boats bobbing gently at their moorings and up to the imposing facade of the glorious five-star hotel. As well as luxuriant accommodation it provides top-quality beauty and relaxation at its Thalasso Spa.

Ocean Drive

Port Deportivo Marina Botafoch S/N
07800 Eivissa, Spain
Tel: 971 318 112
www.oceandrive.de
A slick, Art Deco monument overlooking Marina Botafoch, you can hardly turn a corner at Ocean Drive without bumping into an A-list DJ. The entire We Love… line-up can be found hanging around its simple, stylish rooms of a weekend, or getting up to mischief in the well-appointed downstairs bar. With gracious staff and a relaxed atmosphere it is the ideal locale for clued-up visitors who want to party on in comfort.

Hotel Lux Mar

Apartment Complex
C/ Ramon Muntaner 78 Figueretas Ibiza Spain
Tel: 971 301 458
www.grupoplayasol.com
One of the loveliest locations in Figueretes, the Hotel Lux Mar Apartment complex has long been a favourite retreat for partiers who crave privacy and comfort that is within easy reach of the best clubs. You can dance all night at Space or Pacha, be back in your hotel in a matter of minutes, and spend the day soaking up the sun poolside or lazing on the white sand beach.

Bossa Sol

Apartment Complex
C/ Carlos Román Ferrer, 30 07800 Playa d’en Bossa – Ibiza – Spain
Tel: 971 30 06 18
www.hotelplayasoluno.com
For those who want to be in the beating heart of Ibiza clubbing Playa d’en Bossa has always been the favoured destination, and the Bossa Sol is a great home-away-from-home. Blissfully close to the all-important Space and Bora Bora its apartments mean total freedom to enjoy Ibiza as if it were your own home. These simple, comfortable apartments are perfect, whether you prefer after-parties or dinner parties.

Ibiza Grand Hotel *****

PASEO JUAN CARLOS I 17, Ibiza 07800, Spain
Tel: 971 313 312
www.ibizagranhotel.com
For immaculate surrounds and five-star luxury treatment look no further than the brand new Ibiza Gran Hotel. Set on Marina Botafoch (all the better to stroll to your yacht…) it houses fine dining, a spa, an exquisite art collection and of course sumptuous designer rooms. Better still, it’s just a hop skip and a jump from Pacha and the gorgeous Planet Sushi restaurant (set to open in June).

Argos Hotel

Playa Talamanca , Ibiza, 07800, España
Tel: 971 33 25 51
Long the favoured retreat of grown-up clubbers, Talamanca is a perfect seaside village within minutes walk of the bustle of Ibiza Town. The Argos Hotel caters for an upmarket but not ostentatious set of holidaymakers and industry types who appreciate its lovely rooms, stunning views and proximity to the beach and its many cosy bars and restaurants.

Ibiza Villa Rental

Suncentre

HUGE RANGE OF FABULOUS IBIZA VILLAS & HOTELS in top locations from Suncentre, leading UK based travel company offering some of the best accommodation deals in Ibiza.

On-line search & booking service. 20 years experience, ABTA member. Hotels from £19 per night up to Luxury villas at £10,000 per week. Pounds Sterling, Euros & credit cards accepted. Chill with Suncentre.

# Tel. 01383 820999
# Fax 01383 820888
www.ibiza-villas.com

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The name Alhambra comes from an Arabic root which means “red or crimson castle”, perhaps due to the hue of the towers and walls that surround the entire hill of La Sabica which by starlight is silver but by sunlight is transformed into gold. But there is another more poetic version, evoked by the Moslem analysts who speak of the construction of the Alhambra fortress “by the light of torches”, the reflections of which gave the walls their particular coloration. Created originally for military purposes, the Alhambra was an “alcazaba” (fortress), an “alcázar” (palace) and a small “medina” (city), all in one. This triple character helps to explain many distinctive features of the monument.There is no reference to the Alhambra as being a residence of kings until the 13th century, even though the fortress had existed since the 9th century. The first kings of Granada, the Zirites, had their castles and palaces on the hill of the Albaicin, and nothing remains of them. The Nasrites were probably the emirs who built the Alhambra, starting in 1238.

The founder of the dynasty, Muhammed Al-Ahmar, began with the restoration of the old fortress. His work was completed by his son Muhammed II, whose immediate successors continued with the repairs. The construction of the palaces (called Casa Real Vieja, “old Royal House or Palace”) dates back to the 14th century and is the work of two great kings: Yusuf I and Muhammed V. To the first we owe, among others, the “Cuarto de Comares” (Chamber of Comares), the “Puerta de la Justicia” (Gate of Justice), the Baths and some towers. His son, Muhammed V, completed the beautification of the palaces with the “Cuarto de los Leones” (Chamber of the Lions), as well as other rooms and fortifications.
The Alhambra became a Christian court in 1492 when the Catholic Monarchs (Ferdinand and Isabel) conquered the city of Granada. Later, various structures were built for prominent civilians also military garrisons, a church and a Franciscan monastery.Emperor Charles V, who spent several months in Granada, began the construction of the palace which bears his name and made some alterations to the interior buildings. These measures were to cause interminable controversy often motivated by political agendas. The remaining Austrian kings did not forget the monument and have left their own more discreet impressions on it.During the 18th century and part of the 19th, the Alhambra fell into neglect and was to see its salons converted into dungheaps and taverns,occupied by thieves and beggars. “Thus bats defile abandoned castles, and the reality of Spanish criminals and beggars destroy the illusion of this fairy palace of the Moors;” writes Richard Ford. As the crowning blow, Napoleon’s troops, masters of Granada from 1808 until 1812, were to convert the palaces into barracks During one retreat they mined the towers and blew up part of them. Two of them, the Torre de Siete Suelos and the Torre de Agua were left in ruins. And so the incredible neglect continued, until 1870 when the Alhambra was declared a national monument. Travellers and romantic artists of all countries had railed against those who scorned the most beautiful of their monuments. Since that date and up to now, the Alhambra, protected, restored, cared for and even improved, has been preserved for the pleasure and admiration of all.

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Getting There

Again, as with Palma, if you come in July and August, be sure you have a return ticket and a reservation. Stories of passengers who were stranded for days in Ibiza in midsummer are legendary.

Iberia (tel. 90-240-05-00) flies into Es Codolar International Airport (tel. 97-180-90-00), 5.5km (3 1/2 miles) from Ciudad de Ibiza. Seven daily flights connect Ibiza with Palma de Majorca, and three flights a day arrive from Barcelona. It’s possible to take one of two daily flights from Valencia or one of three from Madrid. With the exception of charter flights winging in from virtually everywhere, Iberia is the main carrier servicing Ibiza. Its only other competitor on this route is Air Europa (tel. 90-240-15-01 in Ibiza), which offers flights to Ibiza from Barcelona (a maximum of two flights a day), as well as from Madrid and Palma, at intervals much less frequent than those offered aboard Iberia. The price of flights to Ibiza varies considerably because of season, promotion, and availability.

Transmediterránea, Estación Marítim, Muelle Ibiza (tel. 90-245-46-45; www.trasmediterranea.es), operates a ferry service from Barcelona at the rate of four per week; a one-way ticket costs 60€ ($78). One boat per day departs daily from Valencia; a one-way ticket costs 75€ ($98). From Palma, there are four ferries per week, Tuesday to Friday; a one-way ride costs 75€ ($98). Check with travel agents in Barcelona, Valencia, or Palma regarding ferry schedules. You can book tickets through any agent.

Getting Around

If you land at Es Cordola Airport outside Ciudad de Ibiza, you will find bus service for the 5.5km (3 1/2-mile) ride into town. Sometimes taxis are shared. In Ciudad de Ibiza, buses leave for the airport from Av. Isidor Macabich 24 (by the ticket kiosk), every hour on the hour, daily from 7am to 10pm.

Once in Ibiza, you’ll have to walk, but the city is compact and can be covered on foot. There are buses, however, leaving for the nearby beaches. The two main bus terminals are at Av. Isidor Macabich 20 and 42 (tel. 97-131-20-75).

One of the most popular means of getting around the island, especially in the south, is moped or bicycle. Rental arrangements can be made through Casa Valentín, corner of Av. B. V. Ramón 19 (tel. 97-131-08-22). Mopeds cost from 25€ to 35€ ($33-$46) per day.

If you’d like to rent a car, both Hertz and Avis have offices at the airport.

Visitor Information

The tourist information office is at Antonio Riquer 2, in the port of Ciudad de Ibiza (tel. 97-130-19-00). It’s open June to November Monday to Friday 9am to 9pm, Saturday 9:30am to 7:30pm; and December to May, Monday to Friday 8:30am to 3pm, Saturday 10:30am to 1pm. There is another office at the airport (tel. 97-180-91-18), which is open only May to October Monday to Saturday 9am to 2pm and 3 to 8pm, Sunday 9am to 2pm.

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Ibiza (ee-bee-thah) was once a virtually unknown and unvisited island; Majorca, its bigger neighbor, got all the business. But in the 1950s, Ibiza’s art colony began to thrive, and in the 1960s it became the European resort most favored by the flower children. A New York art student once wrote, “Even those who come to Ibiza for the ‘wrong’ reason (to work!) eventually are seduced by the island’s easy life. Little chores like picking up the mail from the post office stretch into daylong missions.” Today, Ibiza is overrun by middle-class package-tour visitors, mainly from England, France, Germany, and Scandinavia. It has become a major mecca for gay travelers as well, making Ibiza a wild combination of chic and middle-class.

At 585 sq. km (225 sq. miles), it is the third largest of the Balearic Islands. Physically, Ibiza has a jagged coastline, some fine beaches, whitewashed houses, secluded bays, cliffs, and a hilly terrain dotted with fig and olive trees. Warmer than Majorca, it’s a better choice for a winter vacation, but it can be sweltering in July and August. Thousands of tourists descend on the island in summer, greatly taxing the island’s limited water supply.

Ciudad de Ibiza boasts Playa Talamanca in the north and Ses Figueretes and Playa d’en Bossa in the south, two outstanding white sandy beaches. Las Salinas, in the south, near the old salt flats, offers excellent sands. Playa Cavallet and Aigües Blanques attract the nude sunbathers. Other good beaches include Cala Bassa, Port des Torrent, Cala Tarida, and Cala Conta — all within a short bus or boat ride from San Antonio de Portmany. The long sandy cove of Cala Llonga, south of Santa Eulalia del Río, and the white sandy beach of El Cana to the north, are sacred to Ibiza’s sun worshippers. In Formentera, Playa de Mitjorn stretches 5km (3 miles) and is relatively uncrowded. Set against a backdrop of pines and dunes, the pure white sand of Es Pujols makes it the most popular of Ibiza’s beaches, and deservedly so.

Many travelers still arrive dreaming of soft drugs and hard sex. Both exist in great abundance, but there are dangers. It’s common to pick up the local paper and read the list of the latest group of people deported because of irresponsibilidad económica (no money) or conducta antisocial (drunk and disorderly conduct). Some young travelers, frankly, have forsaken Ibiza, taking a ferry 40 minutes away (and just 5km/3 miles as the crow flies) to the tiny island of Formentera, where they find less harassment (although anyone looking suspicious will be noticed out here too). Formentera is the most southern of the Balearic Islands, and because of limited accommodations, restaurants, and nightlife, it is most often visited on a day trip from Ibiza.

Eivissa is the local (Catalán) name for Ibiza. Catalán is the most common language of the island, but it is a dialectal variation — called Eivissenc or Ibicenco. The same language is spoken on Formentera.

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Getting There

At certain times of the year, the trip by boat or plane can be pleasant, but in August these routes to Palma must surely qualify as the major bottleneck in Europe. Don’t travel without advance reservations, and be sure you have a return plane ticket if you come in August — otherwise you may not get off the island until September!

Iberia (tel. 90-240-05-00) flies to Palma’s Aeroport Son San Joan (tel. 97-178-90-00) from Barcelona, Valencia, and Madrid. There are daily planes from Madrid and Valencia, and several daily flights from Barcelona in summer. Spanair (tel. 90-213-14-15; www.spanair.com) flies into Palma from Barcelona (up to three times a day year-round) and from Madrid, Bilbao, Minorca, Santiago de Compostela, Málaga, and Tenerife. Air Europa (tel. 90-240-15-01; www.aireuropa.com) flies to Palma from Barcelona a maximum of two times a day during peak season and, to a lesser extent, it flies to Palma from Madrid, Minorca, Ibiza, and Seville.

British and other European travelers should really consult a travel agent and look into the available package tours, which combine airfare and accommodations; they can save you a ton of money.

Countless charter flights also make the run. Bookings are very tight in August, and delays of at least 24 hours, sometimes more, are common. If you’re flying — say, Iberia — on a transatlantic flight from New York to Madrid or Barcelona, you should have Majorca written into your ticket before your departure if you plan to visit The Balearics as part of your Spanish itinerary.

From the airport, bus no. 1 takes you to Plaça Espanya in the center of Palma from 5:30am to 2:15pm daily; the cost is 2.50€ ($3.25). A metered cab charges from 24€ ($31) for the 25-minute drive into the city.

Transmediterránea, Estació Marítim in Palma (tel. 90-245-46-45), operates a daily ferry from Barcelona (trip time: 3 1/2 hr.), from 75€ ($98) one-way. There are six ferries per week from Valencia, Monday to Saturday, taking 7 hours and costing 46€ to 50€ ($60-$65) one-way. The fast boat takes 4 to 6 hours and costs 70€ ($84). In Barcelona, tickets can be booked at the Transmediterránea office at Estació Marítim (tel. 90-245-46-45), and in Valencia at the office at Terminal Transmediterráneo Muelle Deponiente, Estacio Marítima (tel. 90-245-46-45). Any travel agent in Spain can also book you a seat. Schedules and departure times (subject to change) should always be checked and double-checked.

Getting Around

At the tourist office in Palma, you can pick up a bus schedule that explains island routes. Or call Empresa Municipal de Transportes (tel. 97-175-22-45 or 90-250-7850). This company runs city buses from its main terminal, Estació Central D’Autobus, Plaça Espanya. The standard one-way fare is 1€ ($1.30) within Palma; at the station you can buy a booklet good for 10 rides, costing 6.40€ ($8.30). Some of the most frequented bus routes include transportation from Palma to the Coves del Drac; the one-way trip takes 1 hour and costs 7€ ($9.10). Other popular routes go to Dexa (45 min.; 3€/$3.90 one-way), and to Valldemossa (30 min.; 1.50€/$1.95 one-way).

Ferrocarril de Sóller, Carrer Eusebio Estada 1 (tel. 97-175-20-51; www.trendesoller.com), off Plaça Espanya, has train service through majestic mountain scenery to Sóller. Trains run from 8am to 7pm; a one-way ticket costs 9€ ($12). A “tourist train” leaves daily at 10:50am and 12:15pm and costs 9€ ($12). The only thing special about this route is a 10-minute stop at Mirador del Pujol d’en Banya. A ride on the tourist train itself, however, is a worthwhile experience. Privately owned, it was constructed by orange growers in the early 1900s and still uses the carriages of the Belle Epoque days.

Another train runs to Inca; it’s often called “the Leather Express” because most passengers are on board to buy inexpensive leather goods in the Inca shops. Servicios Ferroviarios de Mallorca leaves from Plaça Espanya (tel. 97-175-22-45 for more information and schedules). The train ride is only 40 minutes, with 40 departures per day Monday through Saturday and 32 per day on Sunday. A one-way fare costs 2.40€ ($3.10). For a radio taxi, call tel. 97-175-54-40.

If you plan to stay in Palma, you don’t need a car. The city is extremely traffic-clogged, and parking is scarce. If you’d like to take our driving tour you can rent cars at such companies as Europa Car Rental, at the airport terminal (tel. 95-615-01-38), where rentals range from 57€ to 100€ ($74-$130) per day. Avis at the airport terminal (tel. 97-178-90-00) is well stocked with cars; its rates range from 80€ to 129€ ($104-$168) per day. Both Atesa and Avis maintain offices at the airport. Reservations should always be made in advance.

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