Ibiza On Tour

By Author: Bonny Kominek
Total Articles: 46
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Famous for its hedonistic club scene and luscious beaches, the White Isle is not usually visited by families and the over 35s. But did you know that it''s a mixed World Heritage Site, home to thousands of pine trees and you can still find peace and quiet in the middle of summer?

Don''t let the Ibiza''s reputation as the world''s greatest party zone put you off. The club scene is actually confined to a pretty small area, predominantly San Antonio, elsewhere you can still find real Ibiza.

Central Ibiza is dominated by pine trees and in fact the ancient Greeks called Ibiza and neighbouring Formentera the Islas Pitusas ? the Islands of Pine Trees. Aside from pine the rugged landscape is only hospitable for olive, fig and almond trees.

The thick forest have halted development and there are very few roads heading north. In fact there is no direct road from San Antonio, you must drive via Eivissa or Ibiza town as the Brits call it. This remoteness means the north of the island has managed to maintain some of its original charm and villages here are traditional idylls that are almost completely unspoilt by tourism.

You ...
... can enjoy white sand beaches, azure water, jutting rock formations that form caves, coves, tunnels and arches all by yourself. These ''hidden'' beaches are sheltered from prying eyes by myriad pine, lemon, orange, almond, fig and olive trees giving off a wonderful aroma that is unique to the island.

Portinatx is as good a place as any to start. Here the untouched beaches are unbelievable and the hotel complex located on the headland is particularly exclusive. Just a bit further down the coast is a collection of underground caves magically lit up with lights called Cova de Can Marca.

Ibiza town does have a lot more to offer than high-rise hotels, clubs, bars and drunken tourists. The old walled town D''Alt Villa is a Unesco World Heritage Site dating back to the 16th century. Inside is Placa de la Villa, home to a plethora of upmarket shops, restaurants, bars and trendy art galleries. If you walk along the fortifications in the evening you can admire Ibiza''s legendary sunsets from one of the best vantage points on the island.

If you want to explore the real Ibiza you will need a car as public transport isn''t all that reliable. You can hire a car from several locations in Ibiza including the airport. Bonny Kominek is very fond of the Balearic islands and has been going to Ibiza for years. Getting a car is very useful, you can get cheap car hire Ibiza from Ritmocars.co.uk