Ibiza's wealth is uncountable. Historical, cultural, natural ... the island has a lot to offer to anyone who dares to discover it.
History of Ibiza
The island of Ibiza conserves Phoenician archaeological remains it was a relevant commercial enclave within the nautical culture of this town.
As well the Romans traded with the Balearic Islands thanks to the fact that they had certain riches such as salt, figs or different minerals.
Ybshm (Iboshim) It was the name that the Phoenicians gave to the island and Ebusus its transcription into Latin. Along with Formentera it forms the famous Pitiusas Islands.
The Arabs took possession of their territory in 902 and founded the city that today survives as a capital, the old part of which is called Dalt Vila (outskirts). Jaime I of Aragon granted the reconquest in 1235.
The native Muslim population was then subdued and brought to new Christian settlers. Ibiza was incorporated to the newly founded Kingdom of Mallorca, within the Crown of Aragon.
Already in modern times the island is dominated from the beginning of the Spanish Civil War (July of 1936) by the National side against the government of the Second Spanish Republic.
Traditions ibicencas
Ibizan culture and folklore that have survived to this day constitute an amalgamation of the different peoples that inhabited the island in the past. Traditional dances - sa llarga i sa curta - consist of a flirtation between men and women in which they draw circles around their suitors, while they show off their masculine abilities with big jumps and playing huge castanets.
Vestiges of North African culture have remained in traditional music. This footprint has also been evident in the jewelry worn by peasant women on the chest: the emprendada, which is made up of several golden cords, together with sa joia and s'adreç. The showiness of the traditional costumes and ancient dances can be seen in popular parties that are celebrated throughout the year in the different parishes of the Pitiusas.
Our seafaring celebrations in honor of the Virgen del Carmen (July 16) they become an explosion of color and joy in which the people of the sea go out in a sea procession with their boats, both fishing and recreational, carrying an image of their patron saint.
Cultural Ibiza
Ibiza, city declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999, enclose after their renaissance walls an interesting legacy of the different cultures that populated it. A artistic wealth which is reflected both in the monumental area of dalt vila as in the necropolis of Es Puig des Molins or Phoenician-Punic archaeological site from Sa Caleta.
The beauty of the island capital is increased by the natural diversity of the island and its picturesque landscapes, as well as by a privileged marine ecosystem characterized by the presence of dense grasslands very well preserved of oceanic posidonia and stands out for the great variety of species it houses.
A cultural heritage that is an amalgam of the different peoples who inhabited the island in the past.
Ibizan gastronomy
Ibiza's gastronomy is very rich and generous. The seafood is the essential ingredient of most of the typical dishes of the island. However, meat also has a leading role, since slaughter is a deeply rooted tradition on the island around which families gather.
There is a large number of ibizan recipesHowever, if you visit the island, there are some that you should not leave without trying. If you like fish, the Bullit of peix It is one of the star dishes. If you are more meat try to order a good sofrit pagès and, if what you like are the spoon dishes, the Killer rice Is the best option. The fried squid or pork also It is typical in Ibiza, as well as the salad of crostes or the bones with cabbage.
Ibizan gastronomy has dishes that are made only on specific dates such as 'salsa de Nadal', at Christmas, or the 'Cuinat' for Easter. In addition, their sweets they are also exquisite. Among them, the flaó, graixonera, fritters or orelletes.
Also exist typical drinks like caleta coffee or the famous Ibizan herbs, made with different herbs from the Ibiza countryside.
Ibiza handicrafts
Ibiza has a great artisan diversity that is manifested through its multiple modalities: wood, stone, glass, ceramics, embroidery, fabrics, shoe stores, leather, silver articles, costume jewelery, jewelry, pearls and also the latest fashion trends and everything that artists of any part of the world have been contributing to the tradition of the Balearic Islands over the years.
There are important artisan projects on the island such as the Cultural Association Es Retorn that meets during the summer months in Dalt Vila to show the public their workshops of handicrafts in Ibiza where they show the process of making handicraft products made with raw materials from the Earth.
We can also highlight the creation, in 1980, of the Association of Professional Artisans of Ibiza, which aims to dignify crafts and its promotion, and promote and protect the interests of artisans.
Ibiza fauna
The fauna is conditioned by the fact of being insularbased almost exclusively on insects and birds, with a few species of reptiles. Although large mammals do not abound, we can find genets and above all, endemic species that constitute a true natural treasure.
Birds are the most representative group of the island since they exist almost 500 species of birds registered in the Balearic Islands. So much so that the Government has developed a computer application, a search engine aimed at information and the commitment of tourist activity with respect for the biodiversity of natural spaces.
Ibiza has unique species in the world such as Lizard pitiusa or Podenco ibicenco (Ca Eivissenc), breed of dog of Egyptian origin.
One of the most important marine ecosystems in the Mediterranean is found here: the grasslands of Posidonia oceanica, in it live a wide diversity of marine beings and play a very important role in the conservation of the coastal ecosystem.
Among the marine fauna of the Pitiusas you can find multicolored maidens, sea anemones, flocks of sea bream, salps and monk fish fry ... At a greater depth we find a different landscape: corals, barracudas, mackerel, moray eels, tuna and even perch…. From the surface you can occasionally see dolphins, flying fish and sea turtles.
Weather in Ibiza
In Ibiza, the first hot days are noticeable from the month of May and last with milder temperatures until the end of October. The rains fall mostly in spring and summer on the island is characterized by being dry and very hot. In August and September the temperature rises to 30º C, and the water temperature ranges between 25º - 27º C.
Due to its island status, the climate in Ibiza is temperateEven in winter the temperature rarely drops below 0 degrees. Between December and March, the days are soft and bright. Winter visitors they have the incentive to know that at this time the island is a oasis of peace and tranquility, and it is possible to walk on the beach in shirt sleeves, sunbathe, relax in the countryside and practice outdoor sports, making Ibiza an excellent alternative for a weekend getaway.
From November to April, the average daytime temperature is about 15 ° C, although on hot, sunny days it can rise rapidly to 25 ° C. According to the native population, it never rains more than three days in a row. The rest of the time, the sun shines in a clear blue sky.
