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Interesting Facts
- Details details...One of the Balearic Islands, along with Mallorca, Minorca, and Formentera, Ibiza is the closest to mainland Spain. About 28 miles long and 15 miles at its widest point, Ibiza boasts numerous pristine beaches and small coves – ideal for enjoying over 300 days of sunshine a year. The three largest towns are the capital of Ibiza Town, San Antonio, and Santa Eulàlia.
- And the winner is... The Guinness Book of World Records lists Ibiza as the "entertainment island of the world," and nowhere is that more evident than the Privilege nightclub, a massive complex with a pool, multiple dance floors and bars, fountains, and trees, which holds over 8000 partiers. It's a record-holder as well – the biggest nightclub in the world.
- This looks familiar... The video for George Michael's song "Club Tropicana" was filmed at Pike's Hotel in Ibiza. The movie South Pacific was filmed on Ibiza, too.
- It's HOW old?? Re-discovered in 1907, the Cova d'es Culleram is located in the San Vicente area, and has a long and colorful history. During the reign of the Carthaginians (about 654BC-123BC), the cave was used as a temple to the goddess Tanoit, and the artifacts unearthed there in the early 1900s are on display at the Museo Arqueológic in the Dalt Vila area of Ibiza town.
- Speaking of... The Dalt Vila (old town) area of Ibiza town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and no trip to the island is complete without a visit there. Monuments, museums, the cathedral, and charming cobblestone streets give the area a unique character unlike any in Europe.
- If these walls could talk... Europe is well known for its walled cities, and Ibiza is no exception. Known as the Murallas de Ibiza, the city walls are largely intact and well preserved. Highlights include eight bastions, several main gates, and Roman statues, and the views of the island and neighboring Formentera are stunning.
- Feast your eyes on this... Situated in the building that housed Ibiza's government for more than 300 years, the Museo Arqueológic (Archaeology Museum) is a must see. The impressive collection of artifacts from the island's past includes tombstones, statues, coins, glass, and ceramics from previous inhabitants – the Carthaginians, Romans, Moors, Catalans, and even the pirates.
- What to do, what to do... Well, in Ibiza, when you're not clubbing, recovering from clubbing, or sightseeing, the best thing to do is go sailing. Or windsurfing, water cycling, diving, snorkeling, fishing, swimming, sea kayaking, or paragliding. Watersports are understandably hugely popular here, and you can easily rent equipment all over the island.
- Aye, matey! Although Ibiza was conquered by the Catalans in 1235, and therefore theoretically under their protection, the island was largely ignored, and in the ensuing years it was almost constantly besieged by pirates. So, in the 1400s and 1500s, the villagers constructed a series of towers and walls along the coast, and fortified all the churches.
- All roads lead to... The grand cathedral is just one of many historic structures along the San Ciriaco, a picturesque little cobblestone street. One of the more interesting though is the Capilla de San Ciriaco (Chapel of San Ciriaco). The chapel is actually a crevice in the rock, and is credited with being the spot where the first Catalan soldiers entered the city in 1235, in their quest to conquer the island.
