December 18th, 2008 Ibiza: Spain’s “White Island”
Its beautiful beaches and world-famous nightlife have made Ibiza one of the top summer tourist destinations. Millons of visitors invade this idyllic island of 111,000 each year. Most flock to the dozens of beaches and nightclubs for a holiday of sun, fun, and parties. Tourists can stay in private rental cottages, gather at the popular resorts, or check in to one of the Ibiza 5 star hotels. The island is also known as S’Illa Blanca or “the white Island.”
The natural beauty of this island is stunning. Aside from the beaches, Ibiza offers a rugged coastline, rustic hills, and verdant pine forrests. The Greeks referred to Ibiza and Formentera as the “Islas Pitiusas” which translates to the “Islands of Pine Trees.” The island is home to two National parks and a unique coastal and marine ecosystem. These natural resources are protected as World Heritage sites along with some of the historical architecture of the island.
During the 1960s Ibiza became a haven for hippies. While Americans were heading to Haight-Asbury, European hippies made their way to this laid back island paradise. Still a haven for hippies looking to “turn on” and “drop out” this heritage is most obvious in the popular Hippie Markets where shoppers can find handmade jewelery, crafts, and clothing.
In recent years the island has been working to reverse its party-destination reputation. There are more family-oriented attractions and lodgings available and some laws have been changed to limit the hours of bars and clubs. However, as the professed birthplace of the rave, Ibiza is not likely to entirely betray its past. It is still home to some of the most (in)famous nightclubs in Spain and has a thriving restaurant and bar scene.
Related posts:
- Family Fun on the Island
- Ibiza and Christopher Columbus
- Jade Jagger Has Home on Ibiza
- God’s Finger
- Windsurfing Championship on Formentera