Eivissa

Eivissa, also known as Ibiza in Spanish and English, is an island in the Balearic Islands archipelago in the western Mediterranean Sea, belonging to Spain. The island’s administrative capital is Vila d’Eivissa (Ibiza Town), a fortified hilltop historic district on the southeast coast that serves as the island’s main urban and economic center.

Geography and environment: Eivissa covers about 571 square kilometers and features a varied coastline with numerous coves and beaches, as well as hilly inland terrain. The landscape includes pine forests, agricultural terraces, and coastal salt flats such as Las Salinas. Nearby landmarks include the offshore rock Es Vedrà, which is a notable natural feature. The island has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters.

History: Human presence on Eivissa dates to the Phoenician era, followed by Carthaginian and Roman influence. It later experienced Islamic rule before being incorporated into the Crown of Aragon in the 13th century. In the modern era, tourism became the dominant economic activity, transforming settlements and land use. In 1999, the Cultural Landscape of Ibiza was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, including the walled town of Dalt Vila and the necropolis of Puig des Molins.

Economy and culture: Today, tourism dominates the island’s economy, attracting visitors to beaches, historic areas, and a vibrant cultural scene. Catalan and Spanish are widely spoken, and hospitality and services are major employment sectors. The historic center of Ibiza Town, Dalt Vila, is a UNESCO-listed site, and the island preserves archaeological and rural heritage alongside its contemporary coastal culture.

Transportation: Ibiza is served by Ibiza Airport (near Sant Josep de sa Talaia) and by the Port of Ibiza, with ferry connections to the mainland and other Balearic Islands.