Ibiza (Eivissa)

The geography moulded the character of the island's inhabitants. Ibiza is situated in the Golf of Valencia 39 degree North and 1 degree East: 8o km separate it from the Balearic Main Island of Majorca, 90 km from the Spanish Mainland and 180 km from Algeria. The Island of Ibiza - or as she is called in Catalan "Eivissa"- has always exercised a special fascination on mankind: on the one side the surrounding sea protected the local peculiarities from too much pressure from outside influences, conversely she was occupied from ancient times, due to her favourable position, by merchants and conquerors of many different cultures: e.g. Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, and Moors - which created a cosmopolitan atmosphere. This mixture of obstinacy, when their own affairs are concerned, and tolerance where other peoples'affairs are concerned, characterizes most Ibicencos. As a result the 572 square kilometre island where nearly 120 000 people live, presents itself on the coast with lively colourful harbours, where during the summer visitor from all countries abound, and inland with dreamy white villages, where the time seems to have stood still. Learn more about the Ibiza Countryside and People.