Cruises To Ibiza, Spain

Port of Call Guide - Ibiza, Spain

The style of Ibiza is as diverse as the ways you hear people saying its name. 'E-zee-tha', 'e-bee-tha' and 'e-vee-thaa' are common variations. And you'd be hard-pressed to think of such a diverse blend of people anywhere. Ibiza plays host to all sorts of people with its outrageous nightlife, beautiful beaches and mild summer climate.

Through time, the 3 main islands, Ibiza, Mallorca and Menorca, were the object of invasion by foreign empires. As early as the fifth century BC Carthagian forces held Ibiza . Moorish forces came around the eight century AD and established control until the collapse of the empire. James I of Aragon gained dominance over the island in the 12th century. Only 50 years later he lost his claim to the separate kingdom of Mallorca. Later the islands returned to the Spanish crown.

Today the original Ibiza, a characterful an island of villagers, and fisherman still exists. But Ibiza is equally famous for its laid-back vibe, its dance-music roots, its chilled beach-bars, and its energetic parties. Thousands of visitors arrive on cruises to Ibiza to enjoy the beach culture and nightlife.

The Port

As your cruise ship enters the port of Eivissa (also known as Ibiza Town), you'll have a fine view of the magnificent fortifications of the Dalt Vila, or Old Town. The fortified ramparts were finished in the late sixteenth century, to protect the town from pirates, and are 75 ft high and 15ft thick. On your right hand lies the new part of town, the home to one of the largest clubs in the world, Pacha.

Most ships on cruises to Ibiza will berth at the outer port of Botafac. It is about a 5 minute coach ride to Dalt Vila. Smaller ships will dock at the Abrigo Dock, next to the boho Sa Penya area, and a 5 min stroll to the Old Town.

Don't Miss

La Marina
La Marina, Ibiza Town's portside area, often just called 'El Puerto', is the heart of the Ibizan capital. A crooked warren of cramped streets, it's shoed-in between the port waters and the high walls of D'Alt Vila. Its alleys and small plazas are brimful with stylish boutiques, characterful restaurants and trendy bars, and a busy market of eye-catching stalls.

Dalt Vila
Climb through D'Alt Villa and enjoy quaint shops, picture-perfect homes jammed into cramped streets - all hallmarks of a relaxed port. You'll have many opportunities to stop and marvel the view over the town and port. At last you'll get to the Placa De Catedral, at the very summit, for all around views of the complete of Ibiza. The island of Formentera is easy to spot on the horizon.

Archaeological Museum
Here the island’s tempestuous history is fully represented, with a variety of exhibits from pre-Roman times to the 15th century. The main hall has a fine vaulted-ceiling, which hails from the 14th century.

Museu Puget
The Museu Puget has a excellent collection of paintings and pictures by the renowed Ibizan artist Narcis Puget Vinas.

Puig d’en Valls
The eighteenth century windmills of Puig d’en Valls highlight the importance of windpower in the development of Ibiza. Currently you should be able to spot 4. Under the hill's lee sits the fascinating Punic Necropolis.

Playa Den Bossa
To reach Playa Den Bossa beach take a short ride from Ibiza town by bus or taxi, or sail on the water taxi, which departs from outside McDonalds. Here is the longest stretch of sand on the island, and is also host to the chilled-out Bora-Bora beach bar, and the fabulous Space megaclub.

Other Information
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Language: Spanish
Time Zone: GMT +2