The Balearic Island of Ibiza (pronounced
ee-BEE-tha) is most strongly associated, these days, with the club and drug culture of the hordes of young visitors who descend there each summer. The main club scene, including the huge, all-night spots that often have outdoor laser displays, are concentrated in the town of
San Antonio and its surroundings. If that's your bag, you'll be in heaven. If not, you need not be entirely put off—it is possible to visit and go home with memories of a beautiful Mediterranean island with fragrant groves of pine trees, beautiful old whitewashed towns, and fabulous coves and beaches. We recommend a visit out of season, if you want to avoid the worst of the rave crowds. The island also draws a large number of gay visitors.
The nearby island of Formentera has salt marshes, orchards, farmers and fishermen. Reached by ferry from the island of Ibiza, Formentera is very small and quiet, with no high-rise tourist developments marring the landscape. The inhabitants seem to prefer a slower pace and want to keep it that way. Ibiza is 290 mi/470 km southeast of Madrid.
