About Ibiza and Formentera, Spain
Ibiza and Formentera form the southern end of the Balearic Islands archipelago, lying in the western Mediterranean approximately 50 miles (87 Km) off the coast of Spain. Formentera, often labeled “the ultimate Mediterranean paradise,” comprises 35 square miles (90 Km2) of unspoiled natural landscape framed with white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters along its 57 mile (92 Km) of coastline. Formentera’s easy-going, unpretentious population of less than 6,000 residents preserves an ambiance reminiscent of a bygone era.
The larger island of Ibiza lies about 4.3 miles (7 Km) away, its 209 square mile (541 Km²) interior of gently rolling verdant hills and fertile valleys, encircled by long stretches of white-sand beaches in the south and a series of majestic sea cliffs interrupted by scores of idyllic sandy coves along the rest of its 148 miles (238 Km.) of coastline.
The island’s principal town – also named Ibiza – surrounds a magnificent bay at the southeast end of the island and is crowned by a UNESCO World Heritage citadel of picturesque plazas, cobblestone streets, art galleries, and architectural sites reflecting the island’s rich and varied history since Phoenicians settlers arrived in the year 654 BC.
The island’s other major population centers are San Antonio Abad on the west coast, which boasts a spectacular bay and a lively summer tourist season; and Santa Eulalia on the east coast, which began attracting writers and artists from around the world during the early 20th century, a past that continues to shape its distinctive ambiance. Away from the main towns roads diverge through pine-covered hills and fertile valleys of almond, olive, carob, and fruit trees, vineyards and pasture lands with some fifteen picturesque little villages preserving the timeless nature of Ibiza’s pastoral interior.
Foreign residents now comprise more than 20% of the islands’ population, adding a rich diversity to its popular culture. Ibiza and Formentera have become a point of reference at the cutting-edge of various art forms, much of this creativity emanating from its cosmopolitan population. Spanish, English and French elementary and high schools plus a university extension of the Universidad de Las Islas Baleares in Mallorca offer a variety of educational options for all ages.
With more than 3,000 hours of sunshine per year, an enjoyable Mediterranean climate with annual mean temperatures around 19ºC (66º F) and with most of Europe’s major airports only a two-hour flight from Ibiza, these two islands offer an appealing variety of options and lifestyles in the sunny southern Mediterranean.
