car hire Ibiza

Ibiza, one of Spain's Balearic Islands, began to distinguish itself after the Carthaginians founded Ibiza City and established it as one of the region's key ports. But when the ensuing decades saw rule of the island change hands again and again, Ibiza experienced a slow decline that extended into the 20th century. For many years, neighboring island Majorca drew all the visitors, but around 1950 an art community popped up Ibiza, drawing the attention of the European flower children, who began to flock to the island in the 1960s, making it their laid-back, hedonistic escape of choice. In recent years, Ibiza has become a hot spot for travellers from all over, and its economy is now almost entirely based on tourism.

On the northern coast of the island you can find Cova de Can Merca, which is just off the road leading to Port de Sant Miquel (Puerto de San Miguel). This cave is more than 100,000 years old, and used to served as a hideout for smugglers and their illicit goods. It now features a guided tour led in a plethora of languages. The northern tip of Ibiza is also an idyllic place for a drive (hired cars can be picked up at Ibiza Airport), especially between Sant Carles (San Carlos) and Cala Sant Vicent (San Vicente). Not far from there is Playa Benirras, lying just north of Puerto de San Miquel. One of Ibiza's only (relatively) unpopulated beaches, this gem is reachable by unpaved road.

On the southern edge of the island you'll encounter arguably the finest beaches within easy reach of Ibiza City. Platja d'es Cavallet and the adjacent Platja de ses Salines are two outstanding beaches within a half-hour drive of Ibiza City.

The tiny hamlet of Santa Gertrudis De Fruitera makes a quaint side trip, but it's so tiny you're liable to miss it if you don't keep an eagle out the car window. The town square, called Plaça de l'Església, plays host to several nifty craft shops and galleries. If you're looking for an inland escape from the beach and party scene, this is your spot.