facts about ibiza

By admin • July 17, 2008 • Filed in: Tourist Information

Ibiza’s history dates back to the Phoenicians (around the 7th century BC). They began to build settlements and to communicate with the outside world. The location of Ibiza in the Mediterranean sea made communications easy, allowing it to trade with the whole of the Mediterranean region. Ibiza city was founded, under the name of IBSM (Ibosim) in 655 BC.

Later the Carthaginians took over from the Phoenicians, and the island became a real trading post. Money was minted and various industries were established. After the fall of Carthage, Ibiza became close to Rome and in the first century AD the island became a Roman municipality.

The island suffered successive invasions, from the Vandals, Byzantines and Arabs. The Arabs were the people who made the most impact, and their heritage is reflected in place names and farming methods, as well as the ruins of Ibiza Castle.

ibiza castle

Ibiza suffered another historical catastrophe in 1235. King James I, consented an attack on the island to take it from the Arabs. The Christian expedition was led by Guillem de Montgrí (whose monument stands next to Ibiza Town Hall), the Archbishop of Tarragona, and the noblemen Nunó Sanç and Peter of Portugal. They won the attack and divided the island into four districts, known as “quartons”. Once occupied, the island had to be reorganised, and so the parish of Santa Maria, (whose first church made way for the present Ibiza Cathedral, which is located in the upper part of the old town, the casco antiguo”, known as Dalt Vila) was established.

Despite its conquest, Ibiza continued being besieged by pirates and privateers. Their repeated attacks on the island made defence important for religious buildings (that is the reason why so many churches on Ibiza were fortified), and resulted in the construction of a wide network of towers on the coast (some inland), which acted as a lookout point as well a refuge. Many of these towers are still there.

In 1782 Ibiza was named a city. Three years later it was divided into parishes, and in 1830 it became part of the Balearic Province which incorporated the five municipalities which it now comprises: San Juan de Labritja, San Jose de sa Talaia, San Antonio de Portmany, Santa Eulalia del Río, and Ibiza town.

In 1970 many hippies went to the island. This is part of an important cultural change to the island which had begun with the arrival of a large number of refugee artists from Central Europe during the Second World War. All these factors have given Ibiza the cosmopolitan and multi-ethnic character that it continues to develop nowadays, and have played a part in shaping the islands history.

Ibiza is an Autonomous region of Spain. It is famous for it’s beautiful beaches and sunsets. It has the biggest club in the world with a capacity of 10.000 people. It has won the second place of the most beautiful beach in Europe (Cala Salada). It is also the 3rd magnetic place on earth (after Antartica and the Bermuda Triangle) and many more trophies and records.

beach cala conta

Ibiza is situated in the south of the Balearic Islands in the Western Mediterranean, Ibiza has an area of 575 km2. It has a beautiful coast that stretches along 210 km. The longest journey across the island is just 40 km. It is the third biggest island in the archipelago. Together with Formentera, it forms the “Pitiusas”, a name given by the Greeks, meaning “islands of pine trees”.

Ibiza has an average temperature of approximately 28 degrees Celsius, mild winters with little rain and an average temperature of 15- 20 degrees Celsius. With its wonderful climate, position in the Mediterranean, its excellent sunshine record and its historical heritage the island of Ibiza has everything to offer.

Tourism is very important to Ibiza. They have a stop in the construction sector during the season in order to make it a relaxed stay. The last thing you want is to find your accommodation next to an active construction base. Ibiza has also recently renewed their infrastructure.

Much of your holiday experience on Ibiza will depend on where you stay, what season you choose to visit in, and of course, what you are looking for out of your holiday experience.

Ibiza has hundreds of miles of unspoilt coastline and nearly 80 beaches to choose from, all within an hour’s drive. Most visitors come to Ibiza primarily for the beaches in the day and the nightlife at night. The thousands of coves and headlands provide a great range of beaches, from the more populated resort-style stretches.

Area: 1125km²
Population: 105000
Electricity: 220V, 50 Hz
Currency: euro (EUR)
Weights & Measures system: Metric
Longitude / Latitude: 1°27′ / 38°45′N

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