Where is Ibiza?

Ibiza’s size – just 45km by 25km – belies its diversity. Famed for its party scene, many imagine the entire island to resemble San Antonio; capital of nightclub culture and home to the bulk of large Ibiza hotels and bars. But a short boat ride out of San Antonio harbour takes you to a different world and the peaceful Cala d’Hort.  This romantic little bay offers spectacular views of towering cliffs behind and the mystical island of Es Vedrá just across the sea.  Few islands have as many legends attached to them as this volcanic rock, which is claimed to be the birthplace of Hannibal, the tip of Atlantis and a sacrificial altar for the goddess Tanit.

Head east from here and you reach Ibiza town, the island’s capital.  The town is home to the ancient Punic necropolis Puig des Molins, which has been listed by UNESCO for its historical importance.  Criss-crossed by winding cobbled streets that are lined with quaint little restaurants, Dalt Vila – the old town – offers some superb dining and is the perfect place to sample local seafood.  This is particularly handy if you’re making the long climb to the 14^th century cathedral of Santa Maria d’Eivissa at the top of the hill.

Figueretas, just outside Ibiza town, is home to some of the quietest coastal hotels in Ibiza, making it an ideal base for a relaxing stay. On Wednesday mornings, a boat arrives at a small jetty jutting out from the town’s beach and transports passengers up Ibiza’s east coast to Es Cana.  Here you get to experience the island’s original hippy market, Punta Arabi, where you can browse stalls to the sound of tabla drums and sitars, and perhaps leave with a henna tattoo to commemorate your visit.

It’s easy to dodge Ibiza’s revelry in favour of a peaceful sight-seeing break on this gorgeous Balearic Island if you want to relax and unwind.  But one of the most exciting things about Ibiza is its diversity, from pretty beaches in the south to leafy almond groves in the north, with world-famous nightclubs in between.  So if you’re looking for a holiday that offers everything, this pint-sized Balearic gem really is the perfect destination.

This post is part of a monthly Spanish Series sponsored by www.hotels4u.com, where you’ll find plenty of Ibiza hotels, suitable for all tastes and budgets.

Mallorca, Menorca & Ibiza (Eyewitness Travel Guides)

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TravelTipsPlus Google Map of Ibiza

One Great Reason to Visit Ibiza

One great reason to visit this travel destination is it really has something for everyone!

Ibiza!

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Travel Photo of the Week: Women of Elephanta Island

During a wet, steamy October visit to Elephanta Island and after disembarking from the boat trip from ‘ Gateway of India’ Mumbai, we were welcomed by a group of local women. They modeled for the visitors charging 2 rupees for a photo and more if they could get it! This photo was taken before a further 10-20 ladies came rushing over trying to get in the photo shoot to claim their 2 rupees.

Travel Photos of the Week: Sunsets over Magnetic Island, Australia

Magnetic Island is one of my favourite travel destinations having visited there twice now. It’s the perfect destination for a relaxing family holiday in Queensland. Both times we stayed at Arcadia by pretty Alma Bay where it’s an easy 5mins walk to the beach. One thing we notice about visiting during May, is it’s off-peak and very peaceful but more than that, there are sensational sunsets like these to enjoy.

Where is Lake Maggiore?

Isola Bella

Situated in northern Italy and not far from the Swiss border, Lake Maggiore or more commonly known by the locals at Lago Maggiore, has much to offer as a spectacular travel destination. The lake and surrounding area make it a popular summer destination, attracting visitors from all over.

A number of islands are dotted throughout the lake, with Isola Bella being one of the more significant. The island forms part of the Borromean Islands and has been occupied since well before 1632 by inhabitants of a tiny fishing village. However, during 1632 the construction of the monumental Baroque ‘Palazzo Borromeo’ commenced by Count Carlo III. The Palace contains priceless furniture, tapestries and art collections. The terraced gardens are an excellent example of a seventeenth century “Italian garden”. Isola Bella is easily accessed from the lakeside town of Stresa.

Rick Steves’ Italy 2010 with map

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TravelTipsPlus Google Map of Lake Maggiore

One Great Reason to Visit Lake Maggiore

One great reason to visit this travel destination is for the utterly romantic location of Isola Bella and the Palazzo Borromeo.

Lake Maggiore – Italy

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