Ibiza is the third largest of the Balearic Islands, covering just 225 square miles (585 square km), but in recent times it has become the best known of the archipelago and a hugely popular destination for young revellers, middle-class European package tourists, and gay travellers, whose collective character imbue the island with a chic and trendy atmosphere that is at its most colourful in the frenetic nightlife. Ibiza has plenty to offer besides night clubs – its jagged coastline contains dozens of dreamy white sandy beaches, hidden coves and bays, villages of white-washed houses tumbling down Cliffside's, and a green, hilly interior landscape decorated with fig and olive trees.

The island's main town is the port of Ciudad de Ibiza – known as Eivissa to the locals and Ibiza Town to the Brits. Located in the south, it is the centre of the island’s nightclub scene and has a lively marina and quaint old quarter with some great restaurants. It lies close to the beautiful beaches of Figueretes, Es Cavallet and Ses Salines. San Antonio is the main resort town of the island and is blighted with high-rise hotels and apartment blocks though it is making efforts to clean up its tarnished image. The main attraction for many British holidaymakers are the two clubs of Es Paradis and Eden but there are also some beautiful coves nearby with glorious beaches. Its best to get there early, before the revellers have awoken, to reserve a spot.

Just three miles (5km) offshore is the ‘satellite’ island of Formentera, a little haven reached by ferry, with less crowded stretches even in the height of the sweltering summer season.

Cala Llonga Situated on the east coast of the island, the village of Cala Llonga is set against a backdrop of pine-clad hills. With its clear waters, gently shelving cove and wide sandy beach, this resort is recommended for families and anyone looking for a relaxing holiday. Cala Llonga has an excellent range of shops, bars and restaurants. An excellent golf course is only 3 miles away.

Es Cana Situated on the east coast of the island, the medium sized resort of Es Cana is a popular destination for families. The beach is safe and sandy with a variety of watersport activities on offer. The promenade joins the resort with Cala Nova, a short walk to the north. The resort has a wide range of bars, restaurants and shops. Es Cana is famous for its Wednesday 'Hippy Market', drawing people from all over the island.

Playa d'en Bossa Situated on the east coast of the island, Playa d'en Bossa is the nearest resort to both the airport and Ibiza Town. The sandy beach is the longest on the island, stretching over 2 miles, and is an excellent location for water sports. The water is clear and shallow making it ideal for children. Playa d'en Bossa has a lively strip of bars and restaurants lining the beach along with a few disco's.

Portinax Situated on the north-east coast of the island, the medium sized resort of Portinax is beautifully set around a double bay and boasts three beaches. Perfect for families, it is also a popular place for divers and snorkellers to explore the clear waters. Portinax claim to fame is that it was used in scenes from the film 'South Pacific'. Quieter than other resorts, it still has a good selection of restaurants and bars. One should bear in mind that it is some distance from other island attractions and the road isn't for the nervous driver.

San Antonio Situated on the west coast of the island you will find the resort of San Antonio. Only thirty years ago it was a small fishing village but has quickly developed into one of the party capitals of the world. As you would expect, there is no shortage of bars, disco's and restaurants. WARNING. If you're seeking a quiet holiday then give San Antonio a miss.

San Miguel Puerto San Miguel nestles beneath cliffs in an almost landlocked bay In the north of Ibiza. San Miguel has a large range of shops, bars and restaurants.

Santa Eulalia Ibiza's cosmopolitan second town is situated on the east coast of the island and runs alongside the only river in the Balearics - which also gives the town its full name, Santa Eulalia del Rio. There are 2 beaches which are suitable for families and offer a wide range of watersport activities. Santa Eulalia has a large range of shops, bars and restaurants and an attractive marina.

Talamanca Talamanca is becoming very popular with British tourist who are looking for a peaceful - yet not boring, holiday. Ask anyone what they liked about Talamanca and they'll all say the stunning views of the old town of Ibiza, especially when lit at night. Second is the lovely curved sandy beach, which is idle for families as it has a shallow slope out to sea. Many of the hotels run a ferry service (10 minute calm ride) to Ibiza town. There's plenty to do in and around Talamanca including a Casino, Golf course plus some excellent eateries. Distance from the airport 7 km.

Spanish Travel Facts:

Time: Local time is GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the last Sunday in March and the Saturday before the last Sunday in October); The Canary Islands: GMT (GMT +1 in summer).
Electricity: Electrical current is 220 or 225 volts, 50Hz. European-style two-pin plugs are standard.
Money: Spain's official currency is the Euro (EUR). One Euro is divided into 100 cents. Money can be exchanged at bureaux de change and major hotels, but banks give the best rates. All major credit cards and travellers cheques are widely accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are widespread and are generally the cheapest and most convenient method of obtaining money.
Language: Spanish is the official language, but English is widely understood in areas frequented by tourists. Catalan, Galician and Basque are spoken in the relevant areas.
Entry requirements for UK nationals: British citizens must hold a passport (can be expired for up to one year), but no visa is required for a maximum stay of 90 days for those holding a passport endorsed British Citizen, European Community, British Dependent Territories Citizen or British Subject. Other UK passport holders require a visa and a passport valid at least three months beyond visa expiry date.
Health: There are no health risks associated with travel to Spain, and no vaccination certificates are required for entry. Spain has a reciprocal health agreement with most EU countries, including the UK, providing free emergency health care at State run hospitals. UK travellers should take a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Note that private clinics are not covered, and the scheme gives no entitlement to medical repatriation costs, nor does it cover ongoing illnesses of a non-urgent nature, so comprehensive travel insurance is advised.

Tipping: Hotel and restaurant bills usually include service charges, but additional tips are welcomed for services rendered. In restaurants tips of about 15% are expected. In Mallorca value-added-tax is usually included in restaurant bills, designated 'I.V.A', and may be mistaken for service charge. Drivers of metered taxis expect tips of 10 to 15%. It is customary to tip small amounts, usually 5-10% for most services, including guides.
Safety: Visitors should be aware of the activities of the Basque terrorist group, ETA, who have renewed their threat to extend their terrorist campaign to Spanish tourist areas. Numerous small bomb explosions have occurred in a number of hotels and cities across Spain, but due to prior warnings severe damage and serious injury have been avoided.

Customs: From 1 January 2006 laws against smoking in public places came into effect and stiff fines will be imposed for smoking in areas such as enclosed public spaces, areas where food is prepared and sold, public transport, designated areas of bars and restaurants, and any places that cater for children.
Communications: The international access code for Spain is +34. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). Pay phones are either blue or green and accept either coins or phone cards, which are sold at post offices, tobacco shops, and newsagents. Three mobile phone operators provide thorough GSM 900/1800 coverage throughout the country and the Balearic and Canary Islands. Email and internet access is available at internet cafes in most towns and resorts.
 

Useful contact information:

Spanish Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7589 8989

British Embassy, Madrid: +34 91 700 8200

ABTA & ATOL protection is included on all holidays