Ibiza is an island in the Mediterranean sea off the east coast of Spain and is the third largest island of the Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Minorca, Ibiza and Formentera), an autonomous community of Spain. The island comprises five municipalities: Ibiza or Eivissa (Ibiza town), Santa Eulària del Rio, Sant Antoni, San José and San Juan Bautista while it covers an area of 572 km² and has 210 kilometres of coastline. Its population is 141,000 , of which around 76% are Spaniards while 24% are foreign residents. The island's major cities are Ibiza Town (the capital), Santa Eulalia del Rio and Sant Antoni de Portmany. Ιbiza is often referred as either the "White Island" because of its white buildings and typical smooth domed architecture or as the "Pine Island" because of its abundance in pine trees. The island became a major tourism destination during the 1960's famous for its 'hippie-culture' and its vivid nightlife which continues up to date. Today Ibiza is a world famous destination offering a mild climate, exotic beaches, traditional Mediterranean lifestyle, beautiful scenery and a famous party scene. The cultural richness and biodiversity of Ibiza was declared a World Heritage Site in 1999. Due to its geographical location, Ibiza and Formentera have always been a key strategic point on transport routes from east to west Mediterranean.
By
Ezio Poinelli, Senior Director of HVS Southern Europe, head of HVS office in Milan and supervising HVS activities in Italy and Spain,
HVS