Plan an amazing trip to Ibiza

Everything depends on the atmosphere you are looking for and your budget. If you want open air parties, bars, chill-out zones, relaxing and cocktails, Playa d’en Bossa has it all. For outrageous partying until 3am to the sounds of a DJ, dozens of venues open from May to September, notably in Eivissa and Sant Antoni de Portmany. Among them, Pacha, with its flower power nights, is the most famous and closest to the town centre. Ushauaïa holds Avicci nights and Es Paradis in Sant Antoni has its famous water parties. Sant Antoni’s bars are cheaper and not so flashy. And on Benirras beach, for example, you can find the hippy drumming parties for those nostalgic for the 70s.

Yes, on condition that you absolutely avoid Eivissa and Sant-Antoni de Portmany, at least as far as accommodation is concerned. Make your way to the north of the island for a better family atmosphere. Santa Eulalia is a family friendly beach resort on the east coast. On Wednesdays, visit the hippy market in Es Canar. The village of Portinatx in the north is also good for children. In Santa Ines, you can take the excellent miniature train with the little ones. Plan a whole day for visiting the island of Formentera, you won’t be disappointed. We recommend beaches to the west of the island for swimming - Benirras during the day and Xarraca for the sunset. Finally, Aquamar water park near Eivissa promises you a fun-filled day out.

Yes, of course! We recommend you avoid the Sa Penya neighbourhood in Eivissa and Sant Antony de Portmany. Rather, head north to discover remote coves, peaceful villages and quiet hiking trails. Sant Eularia des Riu and Sant Carles de Peralta are far enough from the clubbers and provide a seaside resort atmosphere with perfect beaches like Agua Blanca. For those in need of tranquility and meditation, several yoga schools offer classes, from several hours to a whole week. There are even several ashrams.

You will find clothes shops in Eivissa, where "ad-lib" fashion was born - dress as you please, but with style! You can track down hippy paraphernalia in Es Canar. If you want to extend the party atmosphere to your living room, compilation CDs of the best club nights are available everywhere. There is also a bi-annual craft fair which takes place in Eivissa at the end of March and at the end of September.

Seafood is available everywhere in Ibiza. Try the renowned ‘guisat de peix’, fish simmered in a sauce and served with potatoes and garlic mayonnaise, and dried fish (peix sec). As for meat, ‘sofrit pagès’ is a local speciality of chicken, lamb and pork, simmered with spices and almonds. Typically served at All Saints, ‘panellets’ are a pastry dessert made with almonds, lemons and… potatoes! Food lovers will appreciate ‘flao’ - sheep’s cheese, mint and anise tart, and ‘greixoneras - a kind of French toast made with the previous day’s ‘enseimadas‘(a sweet pastry).

Ibiza and its smaller neighbour Formentera host more than 80 diving sites, with coral and sponges among the healthy and well preserved sea life. The wreck of the Mariana, which sank 25 years ago, is home to incredible flora and fauna, including barracudas. The rocky cove at Xucra is equally well known. In Cala d’Hort, the variety of bird life is as impressive as the aquatic species. To the north, cave diving enthusiasts will discover the beautiful underwater architecture of the Isla Murada and Isla Caldes caves. There are dozens of diving schools, based mainly in Sant Antonio and Santa Eularia. Everywhere you dive, you will see large fields of posidonia, an aquatic grass that is an indicator of the good health of the seabed.

Yes, considering that the island is not very big. Renting a car in Ibiza offers more freedom, but the bus network is good. From Eivissa, you can reach major towns such as Sant Antoni or Santa Eulalia in less than half an hour. The main roads are well maintained, but secondary roads can be more winding and less well kept. On Formentera, renting a bike or a scooter is a good way to discover the island. Check out our map for the distances of journeys around Ibiza.

-The spectacular natural environment, bays carved into the coastline and the island paradise of Formentera. -A culture of hospitality and diversity which is a real asset. The old town of Ibiza, a Unesco world heritage site.

- The surfeit of revellers that the government is making attempts to control. - The urban sprawl in some areas, particularly around Sant Antoni de Portmany.