car hire ibiza

guide to ibiza

history
One of the Balearic Islands, Ibiza rose to prominence when the Carthaginians founded Ibiza City and made it one of the region's major ports. But over a long period during which rule of the island changed hands repeatedly, Ibiza went through a gradual decline that continued into the 20th century. For a long time, neighboring island Majorca got all the attention, but around 1950, Ibiza's art community began to flourish, just in time for the 1960s, when European flower children targeted it as a hedonistic getaway of choice. Eventually, it became a destination for travellers of all kinds, from all over. The entire economy has become more or less wholly based on tourism.

things to see
An enchanting side trip is the tiny hamlet of Santa Gertrudis De Fruitera, which you should keep an eye out for – you're liable to drive right past it. There are a number of quaint craft shops and galleries in the town square, called Plaça de l'Església. This little inland gem is a great place to spend a little timeout from the beachfront scene.

At the island's southern tip you will find arguably the best beaches within easy reach of Ibiza City. Platja de ses Salines and the neighboring Platja d'es Cavallet are two spectacular beaches within a half-hour drive of Ibiza City.

A prime attraction on the northern coast of Ibiza is Cova de Can Merca, located just off the road leading to Port de Sant Miquel (Puerto de San Miguel). The cave here is more than 100,000 years old. This underground wonder used to serve as a hiding place for smuggled goods, but now features a guided tour given in several different languages. The northern part of the island also makes for scenic driving (you can pick up your car hire at Ibiza Airport), particularly between Sant Carles (San Carlos) and Cala Sant Vicent (San Vicente). Playa Benirras is also nearby, just north of Puerto de San Miguel. Reachable by an unpaved road, this beach is one of the few that's relatively underwhelmed by visitors.