Ibiza

Ibiza is the third largest of the Balearic Islands with white sand beaches, pine forests, and rocky coves along its coastline covering 572 square kilometers. The interior shows terraced hills with almond and carob trees between small whitewashed villages.

Phoenicians founded a trading port in 654 BC and developed industries for salt production, wool manufacturing, and fish sauce called garum. Later rulers included Carthaginians, Romans, Moors, and the Catalan Crown in succession.

Local markets sell handwoven baskets and textiles made using traditional techniques passed down through generations of island families. Many villages celebrate their patron saints with processions and open-air dances that continue through warm summer evenings.

The island has an international airport and multiple ferry connections to Barcelona, Valencia, and neighboring Balearic Islands. Local buses connect villages while many visitors rent cars or scooters to reach remote coves.

The underground chamber Es Cuieram holds archaeological remains of offerings to the Phoenician goddess Tanit from the 3rd century BC. Visitors can reach the cave carved high into a cliff above the northern coast.