One of Ibiza’s beautiful coves (on the west coast)

Forget the tabloid image of all-night clubbing, loud music and young visitors in various states of inebriation and undress.

The real Ibiza is a beautiful place, blessed by a wonderful climate with many hours of sunshine each month.

Numerous fine white beaches and little coves tempt the swimmer and sun-worshipper, while walking/biking trails meander through wild flowers underneath a canopy of fragrant pine woods.

A few Ibizan facts:

• Ibiza is one of the Balearic Islands, in the Mediterranean east of the Spanish mainland.
• It’s a naturally beautiful island with white sand beaches, turquoise seas and verdant pine woods, olive groves and wild flowers.
• The island has a long history of invasion by various forces including the Ancient Romans, the Vandas, Byzantines, the Moors, the Norwegians and were finally claimed by Spain. Nowadays, the ‘invaders’ are tourists.
• Ibiza is 572.56 square kilometres (221.07 sq miles) land area.The highest point of the island is Sa Talaiassa, at 475 metres (1,558 ft).
• The population is estimated at approximately 132,500.
• Eivissenc, a dialect of Catalan, is spoken on Ibiza, as is Spanish. English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
• Though renowned for its clubbing scene, there are beautiful beaches, pine woods and walking/biking routes across the island.

Late summer, when most of the tourists have gone and the sun is kind rather than fierce, is a perfect time to explore this gem.  Take the best map on your adventures – more info here.

Ibizan sunset