Ibiza

Ibiza, also known as Eivissa in Catalan, is a Spanish island in the western Mediterranean and part of the Balearic Islands. It lies east of the Iberian Peninsula, between Mallorca to the north and Formentera to the south. The island’s capital is Ibiza Town (Eivissa), with Sant Antoni de Portmany on the west coast. Ibiza covers about 571 square kilometers and has a resident population around 150,000, with a large seasonal influx of visitors. The landscape is predominantly limestone and hilly, with a coastline of coves and beaches. The highest point is Sa Talaiassa, at about 475 meters. The official languages are Spanish and Catalan, with Ibicenco as a local dialect.

Ibiza has been inhabited since ancient times, with Phoenician and later Carthaginian and Roman influence. The old town of Ibiza Town, or Dalt Vila, is a fortified hilltop district and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. The island is renowned for its nightlife and electronic music scene, which helped popularize Balearic beat in the 1980s. Traditional crafts, markets, and festivals contribute to a distinctive Ibizan culture, alongside maritime heritage and rural village traditions.

Tourism dominates the economy, centered on hotels, clubs, beaches, and services. While development has spurred growth, there are ongoing efforts to preserve natural areas and coastal habitats, including nature reserves around the island and the Ses Salines area shared with nearby Formentera. Ibiza remains a popular destination for sun, sea, and music, attracting visitors from around the world.