Information on Ibiza island
The island of Ibiza is the third largest of the Balearic Islands (along with Mallorca and Menorca), and is located in the Mediterranean of the southeast corner of Spain. It covers an area of 221 square miles, and has a coastline of an incredible 150 miles, which is three times the length that one would expect from a uniformly round island of this size.
One of the lovely aspects of Ibiza is that it is small enough never to be too far from anywhere, and yet large enough, that even if you have been living there for thirty years, you will still be finding parts you never knew existed!
The coastline is full of little coves and peninsulas. There are 56 beaches (of which 18 are blue flag). Ibiza is also fairly mountainous, and this together with the length of coastline is what helps Ibiza host an incredible selection of properties, many with outstanding sea views and at prices that are cheaper than on the Costa Blanca for a property with equivalent view.
The coastline of Ibiza is a mixture of beautiful sandy beaches and rocky coves. Towards the south of the island is an area known as Salinas, where the salt lakes are that still produce salt. Once this was Ibiza's most important export. Now it is tourism!
Ibiza & Formentera Climate
Ibiza can boast a near perfect Mediterranean climate with an average 300 days of sunshine a year. Hot and dry in the summer, cooler and occasionally wet in the winter. Daily highs can peak at 35ºC (95ºF) with up to 12 hours of sun in August. Nights can turn chilly outside July and August. The winters are cooler than other Balearic Islands and the mainland. February, April and October are the wettest months. Water temperatures rise in June reaching an average of 21ºC (71ºF) 26ºC (79ºF)
Ibiza & Formentera |
J |
F |
M |
A |
M |
J |
J |
A |
S |
O |
N |
D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Hours of Daily Sun |
4 |
4 |
6 |
8 |
6 |
11 |
11 |
12 |
8 |
6 |
5 |
4 |
Average Temp ºC |
12 |
12 |
13 |
15 |
17 |
22 |
25 |
26 |
22 |
20 |
16 |
13 |
Average Temp ºF |
54 |
53 |
56 |
59 |
63 |
71 |
77 |
79 |
72 |
68 |
61 |
56 |
Days of Rainfall |
5 |
14 |
10 |
15 |
3 |
2 |
4 |
0 |
2 |
12 |
6 |
3 |
Rainfall mm |
39 |
51 |
34 |
32 |
13 |
6 |
8 |
0 |
8 |
38 |
28 |
17 |
Rainfall in |
1.6 |
2.4 |
1.4 |
1.2 |
0.6 |
0.2 |
0.2 |
0.3 |
0.0 |
1.5 |
1.1 |
0.7 |
Ibiza a brief history
Ibiza has a rich history of conquest and settlement with many different cultures leaving their mark on the island. Many believe this is why the island developed the 'live and let live' attitude to visitors that is still prevalent to this day.
There is evidence of pre-historic settlers on Formentera as early as 2000bc. The Phoenicians settled on the island in 700bc. They were followed 40 years later by the Carthaginians, a powerful race of merchants and traders from North Africa. They were drawn to the island by its beauty and the natural resources of lead and salt. Hannibal the famous Carthaginian leader was allegedly born on Ibiza. He was defeated by the Romans in 202bc during the Second Punic War.
The islands were unprotected after the fall of the Roman Empire and in 426 were conquered by the Vandals, an aggressive tribe from northern Europe. In 535 Count Belisario defeated the Vandals and Ibiza became part of the Christian Byzantine Empire.
The Islamic Moors from North Africa had been raiding islands for centuries. In 902 they took full control of Ibiza and Formentera, eventually making them part of the Moorish kingdom of Mallorca. In 1114 after a siege of several weeks Ibiza was plundered the Pisans, seriously weakening the rule of the Moors.
On August 8 th 1235 Archbishop Guillem de Montgri raided Ibiza on behalf of King James I of Aragon. After a bloody battle his troops entered the walled city of Eivissa and the Moors were driven out. Christianity replaced Islam as the island's religion and the Catalan language was established.
From the late 14 th to the late 18 th century Ibiza became a backwater in European politics as Spain forgets the island in its enthusiasm for Empire building. Barbary pirates from North Africa frequently attack the islands, resulting in many coastal watchtowers and fortified churches being erected. The threat was so severe that Formentera became uninhabited.
In the 1960's Ibiza witnessed a very different type if invasion. Hippies from California began to visit the island. Many stayed and were followed by artists and designers attracted by the islands beauty and carefree attitude. Soon Europe's rich and beautiful discovered the paradise island spawning Ibiza's famous nightlife.
In 1983 Ibiza and Formentera become part of the autonomous community of the Balearics. Spain joined the European Economic Community (European Union) in 1986.
In the 1990's Ibiza became the party capital of Europe with the development of huge superclubs featuring the worlds greatest DJ's. All the hedonistic excesses and non-stop dancing are limited only to certain parts of the island. After two thousand years of colorful history of conquest and settlement Ibiza now receives 2 million visitors every year.