Ibiza

Why Ibiza is special
The Mediterranean island of Ibiza off the coast of mainland Spain hosts one of the world's most hyperactive, packed party scenes.

Ibiza tips and insights
Hippy heritage
Ibiza became internationally infamous in the 1960s when it became a hippy mecca. The island's hippy markets are vestiges. They sell an eclectic assortment of goods to tourists.

Gay favorite
Ibiza Town is one of the world's great party destinations for homosexuals.

Clubs
Throngs dance nonstop from dusk to dawn (and sometimes beyond) in Ibiza's many huge and small clubs energized by gifted deejays. The clubs attract the young and beautiful - and a few won't let you in if you're not.

How not to pronounce Ibiza
Many foreigners mispronounced the name as ee-bee'-zah. Savvy travelers speak it the Castilian and islander way:
eh-bee'-thah

Other Ibiza draws
Of course, Ibiza is not just for young clubbers. Other travelers come to enjoy:

• D'Alt Vila
  It's the old, walled, hilltop quarter of Ibiza Town with narrow streets, good nightlife, interesting restaurants, small shops, nice accommodations, and an 11th century cathedral bell tower (see photo on page one). The castle walls provide a stunning view of the buildings and sea below.
• Sunworshiping
  Ibiza has pleasant sandy beaches and generous sunshine.

Family choice
Vacationing families seeking a less hectic Ibiza should consider the less developed northern coasts. The seaside village of Portinatx is a popular choice.

San Antonio
This town on the other side of the island also has nightlife, dining, hotels and rental apartments. But expect a different atmosphere because it caters to mass-market package tourists.

Location in Spain