Travel to Ibiza - where the party never stops

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Economic and cultural centre of the island, Ibiza (Eivissa in the Catalan language) is the capital of the Pine archipelago comprising Ibiza and Formentera. The city is divided into several distinct areas with the historic districts of Dalt Vila and the Marina that have the biggest concentration of tourist sites. Encircled by great walls and dominated by the cathedral, the Dalt Vila consists of a network of narrow streets that is best suited to exploration on foot. There are magnificent ancestral homes dating back to the Middle Ages and the Punic ruins.

On the outskirts of the old town, the picturesque area of Sa Penya, a very popular site among the gay community, is home to a multitude of bars, restaurants and shops that line the winding alleys that are reminiscent of an Arab medina. Reaching the marina, you will discover the true heart of Ibiza, where the small whitewashed houses are full of trendy shops, restaurants and bars. As dusk falls upon the city, enjoy some tapas, drink a chupito or collect flyers for your evening out. This is only the beginning of a night which can be seemingly endless for the party animals who frequent Ibiza's nightclubs.

As for seaside pleasures, Ibiza has beautiful beaches in the immediate vicinity such as Talamanca, the huge Playa d'en Bossa or Figueretes conveniently located close to the town centre. Outside the old town, the Punic necropolis of Puig de Molins, the largest known monument so far, will arouse the curiosity of history enthusiasts. Housing a multitude of subterranean burial chambers accessible through a well, only one of these caves is open to visitors. The objects from the tombs are included in the exhibition at the Museo del Puig Monografico de Molins, located nearby.

In Ibiza, a night out in a discoteca is THE thing to do, after all Ibiza is the grande dame of nightlife. The emblematic Pacha, probably one of the island's most famous, is open all year round (and everyday from May to October) and located near the marina. El Divino has a beautiful terrace overlooking the sea, Amnesia is known for its 'foam party' evenings, while Privilege is supposedly the largest nightclub on earth, accommodating up to 12,000 people at any one time! The more motivated will venture out to Space, on the Playa d'En Bossa, a very popular spot for its resident superstar DJ Carl Cox. For a little tranquility, the Cap d'Es Falco offers its punters sunset views from its terrace while the lounge bar and restaurant plays the famous Ibiza 'chillout' music.

Ibiza's old town has been added to UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites while the fortified walls of the Dalt Vila and its seven bastions are a magnificent example of military architecture dating back to the Renaissance. Be sure to visit the city's cathedral (founded in the 13th century), the archaeological museum and the church of Santo Domingo, as well as the bastions of Santa Lucia and Porta Nou offering a spectacular panorama over the harbour.

Live your days like the locals: the Spanish rhythm means that the afternoon starts at about 4:00pm. and extends to 9:00pm, dinner is not eaten before this time! Stores and offices close between 2:00pm and 5:00pm, but most will reopen their doors until 8:00pm or later.

People looking for a bit of privacy or tranquility should avoid the beaches situated in the immediate vicinity of the city, namely Talamanca, the huge Playa d'En Bossa or Figueretes.

The local bars and the restaurants are perfect for a spot of tapas, a chupito (shot) or a jug of sangria. The specialties of the island stem from Catalan cuisine; pork, tomatoes, eggplants, peppers and onions feature in many dishes and soups. In Figueretes, not far from the beach, between the Nautico Ebeso and Ibiza Playa hotels, we recommend the excellent tapas at Croissant Playa.

There are few local handicrafts in Ibiza but you may find some pottery or clothing. The market in the marina district is open daily from 5:00pm till late from May to October. A common sight are the hippie artisans who offer a variety of goods.