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Iberia

The Iberian Peninsula is the westernmost section of the European continent, lying between the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. It is separated from France by the snow capped Pyrenees mountains.

While the Spanish Canary Islands and Portuguese islands Madeira and Azores are far from the Iberian mainland, they are integrated provinces in their respective countries, and described here as part of Iberia.

Cities

 * — Gaudi's home and the capital of Catalonia.
 * — On Spain's northern coast, this is one part of Spain which has four definite seasons.
 * — In northern Portugal. Known for its beautiful churches. Do climb the monumental staircase to Bom Jesus and Mount Sameiro.
 * — City of the world-famous apparitions of the Virgin Mary that includes a Marian shrine which attracts millions of pilgrims every year.Estátua do Rei Dom José I DSC 0078 (52635007867).jpg
 * — Portugal's capital and most beautiful city. It's in a natural harbour, and makes a great city break.
 * — Spain's imperial capital in the centre of the Spanish mainland. Madrid has plenty to offer the common visitor for however long they have to spend.
 * — On Portugal's northern coast, best known for the famous Port Wine. Unmissable Midsummer festivities.
 * — One of Spain's most southerly cities, Seville is the home of explorers who found the Americas.
 * — This is the capital of Spain's region of Aragon. Its main monument is the Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar.

Other destinations

 * — long beaches at the south-western edge of Europe. Vilamoura and Marinha Beach (Praia da Marinha) are among the main upmarket tourist destinations
 * — out in the Atlantic half-way to North America, these beautiful volcanic islands have a lovely climate year-round
 * — the most populated one of the Canary Islands is also the most diverse of them — verdant forests and sunwashed deserts can both be found on this island
 * — the partying capital of not only Europe but also the whole world, this small Mediterranean island also has historic towns and pine woods packed on it
 * — wine region in northern Spain, home to sleepy and scenic old towns
 * — off the African coast, Madeira is also known as the "island of the eternal spring", and "the floating garden of the Atlantic"—and there is hardly any hyperbole in this
 * — too many tourists may be flocking to the beaches of this Balearic island for a sunbath, but step inland, and you'll have mountain vistas all to yourself
 * — deserts seemingly straight out of the Moon, mountains, volcanoes, spectacular beaches, and a lively nightlife are all abound on this island, which was once the last familiar piece of land for the explorers of the New World

History
Separated from France by the Pyrenees mountains, its history has frequently taken a different path from the rest of Europe, giving the region a separate identity. The Basque people settled here millennia ago, retaining their culture to this day. The Roman Empire expanded into it in the 3rd century BCE, before being supplanted by the Visigoths in the 5th century. The peninsula again took on a non-European character when the Islamic Berber and Arabic Moors took over in the 8th century, ruling parts of it until the 15th century. As Christian rule gradually took back the peninsula from the Moors, its people then looked outward; Portugal sponsored the Cape Route expeditions, and Spain the voyages of Columbus and Magellan-Elcano circumnavigation. The Tordesillas treaty divided the new lands between Spain and Portugal, allowing the Portuguese to colonise Africa, India and Brazil, while the Spanish Empire came to control much of the Americas and the Philippines. The Iberian Union between 1580 and 1640 held the Iberian peninsula, as well as the overseas colonies of both countries, at its time the world's largest empire.

Gold and silver from the colonies brought wealth and glory to the mother countries, but it was not sustainable. From the War of the Spanish Succession in the early 18th century, Spain and Portugal lost their status as great powers, and lost most of their colonies during the 19th century. While Brazil remained governed by a branch line of the erstwhile Portuguese royal house in the late 19th century, Spain lost Gibraltar to England in the 18th century, continental Latin America in the early 19th century and almost all its remaining colonies in the Spanish American War of 1898 which caused a literary movement often called "the generation of 98" to bemoan Spain's fall from glory.

Dictatorial and fascist governments kept Spain and Portugal out of World War II, although Spain in particular was devastated by its civil war in the late 1930s, while Portugal provided limited assistance to the British under the auspices of the longstanding Treaty of Windsor. Since the end of the Salazar and Franco regimes in the 1970s, both have become full members of the European Union. Since the mid-20th century, tourism has been a substantial part of the countries' economies, especially on the islands, and while many seaside resorts are dominated by tourists, much of the inland is still off the beaten path. While both countries became democratic in the late 20th century and enjoyed tremendous economic growth, they were hit hard by the 2008 Global Financial Crisis. Several regions of Spain, especially Catalonia, call for independence, or increased autonomy. In the Basque country, pro-independence violence (and some measure of anti-independence reprisals) have plagued the region since the late Franco era, but the situation has notably calmed down in the 21st century with a peaceful autonomy/independence movement increasingly distancing itself from any violence.

Gibraltar is a tiny British outpost dominated by a massive rock. It was ceded by Spain in 1713. Spain continues to seek its return.

Talk

 * Spanish — Official language of Spain, with status of co-officiality in some regions with historic languages
 * Portuguese — The official language of Portugal
 * Basque — Co-official language in some regions of Spain, unrelated to any other living language, spoken in the Basque Country and Navarre in the northern part of the peninsula.
 * Catalan — Co-official in several regions of Spain and the only official language in Andorra, mainly spoken in Andorra, the Balearic Islands, Catalonia and as Valencian in Valencia.
 * Galician — Co-official language in Galicia, Spain, mainly spoken in Galicia and a small part of Asturias and Leon province. It is closely related to Portuguese
 * Astur-Leonese — Not official, but spoken in several provinces of Spain: Asturias and part of the provinces of Leon, Salamanca and Zamora.
 * Aragonese — Not official, but spoken in several valleys in the north of Aragon, Spain.
 * Mirandese — Co-official in the Portuguese city of Miranda do Douro, Mogadouro and Vimioso. Part of the Astur-Leonese languages.
 * English — Official language of Gibraltar

With the exception of Basque (and English), all the languages of the Iberian peninsula are from the Romance family of languages which has its roots in Latin, so if you speak one of those languages, you'll find it fairly easy to pick up the rest.

While most younger people have learnt English in school, it is not widely spoken or understood outside the small British exclave of Gibraltar, where it is the official language. As elsewhere in the world, English proficiency improves the closer you get to major tourists centres, especially in the resort cities along the Mediterranean coast and in Barcelona. As a general rule, English proficiency is higher in Portugal than in Spain.

Get in
The entire peninsula is in the Schengen Area, as are Spain and Portugal's overseas territories in the Atlantic Ocean and Africa. Andorra and Gibraltar are nominally outside the Schengen Area so an entry into either would terminate a single-entry visa but often passports are only given a cursory glance and aren't stamped out of the Schengen.

By plane
The Iberian peninsula is Europe's main hub for flights from South and Central America. Madrid's Barajas airport is the most important of the hubs, while Lisbon Airport is the main gateway from Brazil due to historic ties between the two countries. Both also have worldwide links. The situation is much the same with the two flag carriers: Spain's Iberia has an impressive South/Central America network, and Portugal's TAP flies from numerous destinations in Brazil and from African cities with colonial ties to Portugal. Both also codeshare with local airlines making an impressive number of links available throughout their focus areas.

Outside the two main capitals, Barcelona El Prat is a major airport with flights from all over Europe (being the hub for continental low-cost airline Vueling), and select cities in Asia and North America. Important smaller airports in continental Spain and Portugal include Alicante, Faro, Malaga, and Porto. The countries' various islands and archipelagos all have their own airports, most of which are very well-served from Europe, though some smaller islands only receive domestic flights. Gibraltar has its own international airport, while mountainous Andorra relies on its road links to Barcelona and Toulouse (France).

By train
The conventional rail network has a different gauge (the distance between two rails) from that in most of Europe, so running cross-border trains has been difficult. The Spanish high speed rail network operates on the same standards as the French one, so through trains can be run from the French city of Perpignan to Barcelona and from either endpoint to the French or Spanish high speed rail network. RENFE and SNCF together run two daily direct trains from Paris to Barcelona and one train from Madrid to several destinations in the south of France. Since the route via Canfranc has been shut down, there is only one further rail connection between France and Spain, namely the one via Hendaye. Other connections through the Pyrenees have also been proposed, but seem unlikely. Nonetheless, conventional trains do ply the Hendaye route and the Spanish Talgo train was among the first practicable systems to handle breaks of gauge and is still highly regarded. The sleeper trains of yore (often called Trenhotel) have been cut down a lot since the turn of the millennium.

By boat

 * See Ferries in the Mediterranean

By plane
Given the distances involved, there are some routes on which flying makes sense. Service on once popular routes like Madrid - Barcelona has been reduced since the opening of new high-speed rail lines.

By train
Quality and speed of train service varies a lot. While high-speed lines between major cities are fast and convenient, there are some Iberian gauge legacy lines that take torturously long and make several detours making buses the faster option. In Portugal the fastest trains are tilting trains on upgraded legacy lines that are not as fast as Spanish high-speed rail but still often faster than driving. Plans to link Spain and Portugal by standard-gauge high-speed rail lines have not borne fruit.

See
Beside the natural scenery, Iberia has a cultural heritage back to the Stone Age. As the peninsula was spared from the World Wars, many archaeological sites and old towns remain in good condition.

Spain has several of the world's most renowned art museums, including the Prado and Reina Sofia in Madrid, and Guggenheim in Bilbao.

There are sixteen national parks in Spain, a number of nature parks in Catalonia and a number of similar parks in Portugal.

Eat

Having long coastlines, Spain and Portugal are known for their seafood dishes. In Portugal, cod fish (bacalhau) is among the most appreciated dishes. Spain is also known for jamón ibérico, literally "Iberian ham." Spain – especially Valencia and Catalunya – are the wellspring of tapas, small plates to be eaten with wine. In addition, Spain has been at the forefront of new directions in international super-high-end cooking.

Drink
Sangria is wine usually mixed with a collaboration of fruits and some added spices like cinnamon.

However, although sangria is popular with tourists it is rare to see Spanish people drinking it. The locals drink tinto de verano - red wine diluted with lemonade or carbonated water. Spain is also known for Rioja and Jerez (Sherry).

Portugal is known for its Port wines, among others.

Go next

 * France — across the Pyrenees to the north and east, France is among the most visited countries in the world and rightfully so: its cities, its cuisine and its natural beauties — be they sunny beaches or alpine peaks like Montblanc — have fascinated and attracted generations of visitors
 * Morocco — just a short hop across the strait of Gibraltar is this North African beauty that blends Arab, African and European influences into its own captivating culture
 * Caribbean — if you are sailing around the world, your landfall in the western hemisphere will likely be somewhere in the Caribbean. If your mode of travel is plane instead, Spain's flag carrier will get you almost any place Caribbean or Central America

title: Iberia


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Ibiza

Ibiza or Eivissa (in Catalan and officially) is one of the Balearic Islands, a group of autonomous communities of Spain. Known for being a party hotspot, Ibiza's part in the post-1950s package holiday boom means there is something for everyone on this island. Long beaches, big nightclubs, historical towns, and the Mediterranean sun mean Ibiza makes a great holiday for families and couples of all ages. Its much-loved status amongst European holidaymakers is a testament to the Eivissa way of life - relaxed and easy-going, but with vivid enjoyment throughout.

Cities
Ibiza has 5 separate municipalities, which are the designated 'regions' of the Island. They are often named after their largest town, with some exceptions.

Orientation
The island is 153 km off the eastern coast of Spain, situated in the Mediterranean Sea. The Island is split into five Ajuntaments, as noted in Cities above. Their role is much the same as a council: providing local government, services, and maintenance for both citizens and tourists. Sant Joan de Labritja occupies the north, with Santa Eulària des Riu  in the east, Sant Josep de sa Talaia in the south, and Sant Antoni de Portmany in the west. Eivissa Vila (Ibiza Town) tucks in-between Santa Eulària and Sant Josep - but its small size shouldn't detract from its position as the third-highest populated municipality in all of the Balearics.

Outside of the towns, the municipalities are strikingly rural: their untouched simplicity and majesty being a strong contributor to the Island's position as a for its biodiversity and culture. Their beauty is due to their preservation: many areas, such as the Ses Salines Nature Park, have strong restrictions on which areas can be walked on, whilst some beaches (even those within resorts) might have designated roped-off areas to access the beaches in order to maintain and preserve both the sand dunes themselves and the biodiversity within them.

The Island is largely flat, with rocky inlets occasionally rising above sea level. The sand and calcium-rich volcanic soil lend themselves to wildlife, resulting in thousands of pine trees and almond blossom lining the Island. The highest point on the Island is Sa Talaiassa which stands at 476 metres.

Name
Given the multitude of languages spoken on the Island, the name for Ibiza has evolved gradually - the designation Ibiza only becoming a concrete moniker after the late-20th century package holiday boom. Ibiza is the Spanish name for the Island, which has led to its widespread use in English cultures. As detailed in Talk, however, the Island's official language is Balearic Catalan. In Catalan, the island's title is Eivissa - though this is now more often is used in reference to the island's capital city.

Historically, the Island's name was Ibossim, a Phoenician name that evolved into the Roman Ebusus. From this title, the modern name emerged - with the title Ivica being applied by the British army in the 18thcentury.

Ibiza and Formentera are also known collectively as the Islas Pitiusas (from the Greek word "pitys" meaning pine tree) because of the abundance of pines that cover their landscapes. This phrase is an evolution of the original Pityoûssai, which literally meant 'Pine-covered Islands'.

There are about 111,200 inhabitants.

It is world-famous for its intense nightlife and huge clubs, and attracts top DJs from all over the planet.

Talk

 * See also: Catalan phrasebook, Spanish phrasebook

The co-official language of the Balearic Islands, alongside Spanish, is Balearic Catalan, or simply Catalan, as in the Autonomy Statute, and all sign posts are in Catalan. Nevertheless, Spanish (Castilian) is more common as an everyday language on the island. English is also very widely understood throughout the island.

By plane
There is one main airport on the Island. Its capacity swells with the tourist season, and so it benefits from many charter and low-cost holiday flights in the Summer months, particularly from the UK, Italy, and Germany. These seasonal services are principally operated by Ryanair, Jet2.com, Easyjet, and Tui. Services in the winter are typically limited to other Balearic islands and Mainland Spain, through Iberia and its subsidiaries.

Airport Services
There is a tourist information centre in the airport building itself, at the These are also present in Ibiza town and the larger resorts too, and are extremely useful for maps!

The airport does have a paid-entry lounge, but it is on the smaller side. It's often worth checking if there is any space as soon as you enter the terminal - leave it too late, and you can really struggle, particularly if you are in a group.

There is no left luggage service at the airport building, but there is one in the vicinity at

Bus lines
Bus lines link the airport with the various towns and resorts on the Island. Follow the signs for buses once in the arrivals area to reach the bus station.

 * Line 10 links the airport to Eivissa (Ibiza Town), from which buses run to most resorts and towns on the Island.
 * Line 9 links the airport to Sant Antoni, meaning no trip to change in Eivissa is necessary.
 * Line 24 runs through some of the Island's other popular holiday resorts, taking in Santa Eluaria, Es Canar, and Cala Nova on its route. Ideal for holidayers in the eastern resorts.

Car rental
The airport has a variety of official car rental services on site, as well as firms that operate a shuttle bus to a larger site nearby. The airport-mandated firms are Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, Europcar, Goldcar, and Sixt.

Coach Transfers
Those travelling on package holidays and those seeking a slightly cheaper alternative to a taxi might find a coach transfer useful. Departing from the directly opposite the terminal exit, they will service resorts across the Island. Various companies offer them, and their minibuses and coaches are often more practical than Taxis for luggage. A good comparison tool can be found using Dipesa.

Taxis
The airport has an official

By boat
Ibiza is regularly serviced by ferries from across mainland Spain, as well as ferries between the other Balearic Islands. The majority operate to the Port of Ibiza town, with some terminating in San Antonio. Ferries often accept passengers and vehicles, and can be used for day trips around to the other islands.

Other Balearic Islands
If entering from the other Balearic Islands, the bulk of journeys will terminate in the Port of Ibiza. The Island is only directly accessible from Mallorca and Formentera: in order to enter from Menorca, then a transfer between ferries will need to be made in Palma de Mallorca. Several Car Hire companies are located around the perimeter of the Port, alongside ample car parking. Do consult Get Around for information regarding transfers with Formentera.

The principal inter-island Ferry companies are: Prices and times are extremely reliant upon demand, so do check their websites.
 * There was a third company, Iscomar, that ceased operations in 2016.
 * There was a third company, Iscomar, that ceased operations in 2016.
 * There was a third company, Iscomar, that ceased operations in 2016.

Mainland Spain
The same companies identified above also operate to the mainland. The following destinations can be reached directly from Ibiza Town Port:
 * Denia from Ibiza (Eivissa) with Balearia. There are 9 weekly sailings.
 * Barcelona (all year): Trasmediterranea (5 sailings weekly), Balearia (3 sailings weekly).
 * Valencia (all year): Trasmediterranea (6 sailings weekly) Balearia (8 sailings weekly).

By bus
Bus lines in Ibiza and their schedules are listed at Ibizabus site. There is also unofficial schedule search engine.

Formentera
The most popular destination for ferries is Formentera, given the high volume of day trips to the nearby Island. Some of the larger resorts might even have direct routes to Formentera - Playa D'en Bossa and San Antonio certainly do - so do check the local port for any information. Sailings will often be an early morning and late afternoon/evening to maximise the time on the Island.

Operators include:

By taxi
Taxis can be used to get around the island and cost €20-30 to travel between cities. Don't use the fixed-prices taxis right after you leave the airport. Instead queue to use one of the licensed taxis - prices will be around 50% lower.

By car
Driving a car requires an extra care, as the locals are terrible drivers. Many tourists have been run off the road trying to avoid deadly head-on collisions. New road construction has led to the temporary development of detour roads which are poorly marked and dangerous. During the summer months many tourist drivers under the influence of alcohol, pose a potential threat.

Renting a car on Ibiza is easy as long as you can show your driving license. During the summer months of July and August renting a car can be difficult due to high demand, best to book early. Car hire prices are highly competitive.

See

 * Es Vedra, the mystical island rock off Ibiza's west coast
 * Atlantis, a hidden cove, but only if you can find a local who'll tell you its secret location
 * Passeig de ses Fonts in Sant Antoni de Portmany
 * Sunset Strip in Sant Antoni de Portmany
 * The old centre of the city of Ibiza
 * Visit nearby Formentera by boat
 * Explore the many beaches all along the coast
 * The famous Es Canar Hippy Market (held only on Wednesdays) on the east coast of the island and Las Dalias Hippie Market in San Carlos on Saturdays
 * Visit Bar Anita in San Carlos, the historical venue where the artists and writers of the 1950s, 60s and 70s used to collect their cheques and stop for a drink
 * Visit Cova de Can Marçà in Puerto de San Miguel, the biggest natural caves in Ibiza, a must in Ibiza

Many young people will be seen flocking to pay for daily rentals on beach chairs, and hawkers scan the beach looking for young adults to attend their club of choice.

Do

 * Explore some of the traditional countryside of this beautiful island that few people take the time to enjoy
 * Take a boat ride
 * Go parasailing
 * Learn Spanish in some of the language schools around the island. Some of them specialise in teaching Spanish as a foreign language. Most of them are located in the city of Ibiza, where you also will be able to make use of your knowledge the best way and it also will be easier to stay in hostels near a school
 * Explore the wharfside festival. Hundreds of locals flock to the carnival-style stands for fresh foods, enticing smells, and quality made trinkets. In addition to incredible tastes and smells, there is a strong visual aspect to the festivals. A snake charmer is seen leading a small parade through the different stands at the glee and fright of small children everywhere

Eat
Don't forget to try two local specialities: ensaimada, a sort of flat, soft pastry coil - what a Danish pastry would be if it was more like a doughnut - and flao, a sweet cheese and mint flan. Most pastelerias and many bars sell ensaimada - flao is a bit more difficult to track down.

Drink

Ibiza is famous for its nightlife. During the day most tourists are soaking up rays at one of the gorgeous beaches or sleeping off the past night's drinks. Bars do not get busy in the city of Ibiza or San Antonio until early evening, about 19:00.

Nearly every bar, particularly in the busier summer months, has "drink specials" that will be advertised (more like hawked) on the street outside the bar. These are good options to save some cash in a notoriously expensive destination. Usually this will be a beer and a shot for €5, but the terms vary depending on the area, the time of night, and the bar.

The West End, near San Antonio center, is a long, wide street packed with bars and revelers. The party shuts down at around 03:00 or 04:00 here.

Ibiza is most known for its large clubs. Some famous examples are Privilege, Pacha, Eden, Amnesia, and Es Paradis. Most of these clubs have hefty entry fees and the drinks will be extremely expensive. Plan on paying €30-80 for admission (unless you are able to find a special deal from one of the hawkers on the street) and from €15 per drink (prepare yourself to pay €10 for a bottle of water).

Ibiza clubs attract some of the best DJs in the world who play a weekly 'residency' at a particular night.

 * Jockey Club and "Malibu" (both on Salinas beach) - perfect places to drink and watch the beautiful people lying in the sun while DJs spin deep house and chill out tunes, one of the residents. Nati Holland plays every Saturday afternoon during the summer season.
 * DC10 Plays mostly underground dance music and techno.
 * DC10 Plays mostly underground dance music and techno.
 * DC10 Plays mostly underground dance music and techno.
 * DC10 Plays mostly underground dance music and techno.
 * DC10 Plays mostly underground dance music and techno.
 * DC10 Plays mostly underground dance music and techno.

Sleep
When it comes to choosing a place to stay on Ibiza, it really depends on what type of vacation experience you are after. Ibiza offers everything from basic hostel-style modest accommodation to five star mega-bling, such as the Ibiza Grand Hotel in the city of Ibiza. Unless you enjoy surrounding yourself with mainly large groups of rowdy drunks who rarely leave their comforts in "San An", then avoid the central 'West End' bar strip of San Antonio, although its peripheries are far classier, offering sunset viewing at the hugely popular 'sunset strip', including Cafe Mambo for the Pacha pre-parties, the legendary Cafe Del Mar next door, plus a selection of other bayfront bars. If you just want to relax and chill, and visit nice unspoilt beaches, then it's better to spend a little more on a nice villa (and, of course, rent a car).

The resort area of Playa D'en Bossa has upmarket beach bar/restaurants such as Nassau and Coco Beach adding to a market of upscale clientele that was once monopolized by Blue Marlin in Cala Jondal. The resort area has a wide range of hotels, with its proximity to the city of Ibiza and the airport being an advantage (although Ibiza is a small Island with a decent road network).

If you prefer a hotel, you have plenty to choose from. There are more than 300 licensed accommodation possibilities on Ibiza, that cover the entire budget range, from hostels to exclusive and intimate rural hotels, and most are represented with web pages online and in numerous travel guides, but do not go there in August without a reservation. You could wind up on the street or on the beach (also illegal).

There are also plenty of apartment and villa bookings for those looking at tailor made vacations, especially since the birth of sites, such as Airbnb and Holiday Lettings there has been a boom from property owners renting vacation rentals. This can be a much cheaper option than booking a hotel room.

Go next

 * Formentera - a neighboring island – more quiet and less spoilt, set in some of the cleanest, most turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. Take a beautiful boat ride to get there.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

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Ibiza (city)

Ibiza is the major settlement on the eponymous island in Spain. "Ibiza" is the Spanish name; in Catalan, it is known as Eivissa. The locals call it Vila for short. Ibiza is widely known and visited for its exciting nightlife.

Understand
The town is divided into two main parts: the old town, called the Dalt Vila (literally "Upper Town"), which is on a little mountain by the sea, and the modern part, called the Eixample ("extension").

The city, which has a population of about 50,000 (2019), is the capital and most populous settlement of the island and of the Pine Islands group, which includes Ibiza and Formentera.

Tourist information
Tourist Offices of the City Council:

By plane
See Ibiza Airport for details.

By boat

There is no left luggage service at the Ibiza port, but there are a few ones could be found in the city. Perhaps the nearest one is:

By bus
The bus hub (a series of bus stops) of Ibiza town is located along the Avenida d'Isidor Macabich:

Dalt Vila
The old walled city at the top of the hill.

Festivals

 * On the second Sunday in May, it is common for a medieval festival to be held in the city of Ibiza to commemorate the proclamation of part of the city, and other assets, as a World Heritage Site.
 * On August 5, the festival of Santa María, Our Lady of the Snows, patron saint of Ibiza, is celebrated.
 * On August 8, the municipality's festival is celebrated in honour of San Ciriaco; it is also known as the day of the conquest.

Drink
Some of the island's most notable nightclubs include Pacha, Amnesia, Space, and Ushuaïa. These four nightclubs are regularly in the top three of DJ Magazine's annual top 100 global clubs' chart.

Go next

 * Santa Eulària des Riu
 * Sant Antoni de Portmany
 * Formentera

title: Ibiza (city)


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Ibo

Ibo Island (Portuguese: Ilha do Ibo) is part of the Quirimbas Islands, north of Pemba in Mozambique.

Understand
The island has intriguing historical and fascinating sites, hosting one of the most ancient settlements in Mozambique, after Ilha de Mozambique. As early as AD 600 Arab traders had established contact with the local inhabitants and subsequently established fortified trading posts along the coastline. Via these trading posts slaves, gold and ivory were shipped to the Arab world. The Fort of Forma de Cisterna was constructed by the Arabs even before the Portuguese occupation.

Vasco da Gama rested on the island in 1502. At the time of the first Portuguese contact these islands were called the Maluane Islands because the local population generally Muslim traders designed woven cloth - both in silk and cotton and dyed with local indigo. This cloth was called Maluane, and was much sought after on the mainland.

When the Portuguese first arrived in the Quirimbas, the main trading centre in the archipelago was on Quirimba Island, to the south of Ibo. The Portuguese attacked Quirimba Island in 1522, because the trading Muslims of Quirimba refused to trade with the Portuguese Christians, and intended probably to eliminate them as trading rivals. The town was set alight and destroyed, dhows sunk, some 60 Muslims killed and much looting took place with large amounts of ivory and other trade goods seized.

For many years from 1590 Ibo Islands was used by the Portuguese as a springboard for trading in slaves and ivory. By the end of the 18th century, Ibo was regarded to have been the second most important Portuguese trading centre in Mozambique after Ilha de Mozambique. Throughout the 18th and 19th century, the population of Ibo Island and the adjacent regions were consistently under attack from Dutch and Madagascar forces. As a result of the attacks the Fort of São João Batista (St. John Baptist) was completed in 1791.

In 1902, the capital of the District of Cabo Delgado was transferred from Ibo Island to Port Amelia, now the city of Pemba. The town on Ibo gradually de-populated and is now effectively a colonial ghost town, featuring mangroves, beaches, coral and palms.

By local transport
Chapas are leaving Pemba early in the morning, outside MCel in Pemba and outside the airport, bringing you to Tandanhangue via Quissanga. Travel time varies a lot but be prepared for the worst, 6-8 hours, price 350 MT Upon arrival in Tandanhangue you can take a public "Chapa boat" to Ibo, price 50-100 MT. Don't be cheated to pay more!

By plane
CR Aviation serves the entire Quirimbas with it two small planes. 25 minutes and USD 235 is what it takes to bring you from Pemba airport to the airstrip at Ibo. The plane leaves as soon as there is a minimum of two people booked. Tickets reserved via Kaskazini Travel in Pemba: info@kaskazini.com

By car
You can get here by car from Pemba. A private transfer is arranged by my most hotel operators on Ibo with prices ranging from USD 400 to 500 per car, including boat from Tandanhangue. You can also arrive Tandanhangue with your own car, and hire a boat to bring you over, price 2,500 - 3000 MT. The journey from Pemba takes 2.2 hr. to 3½ hr depending on road conditions. Don't take the short road during rain season. 4x4 recommended! In Tandanhangue you find a secure car park for 200 MT per night, talk to Sr. Gringo,

Get around
You easily walk around Ibo by foot. You can hire a local guide via one of the Islands hotel operators to tell you the fascinating history of Ibo.

You can also hire bikes locally.

Do
Walk to the Quirimbas through the mangrove. Guide is needed, use sandals for your feet.

Eat

 * While on Ibo, order your meal at any of the restaurants during daytime, or you might find out that you will go hungry until the following day!
 * Benjamin's place, a local restaurant serving local food. Only open with prior bookings.
 * Kumawe, also a local restaurant serving local food, open only with prior bookings, via your hotel.
 * Miti Miwiri restaurant, a 3-course set menu plus snacks served daily; place your order before 17:00.
 * Ulani restaurant serving Portuguese influenced menus that changes on a daily basis.
 * Cinco Portas restaurant known for it's fusion cooking and innovative bar snacks.
 * Mwani restaurant serving Spanish flavours next to the pool
 * Ibo Lodge restaurant serving a set menu on the roof top, bookings before 12:00.

Drink
Miti Miwiri, Cinco Portas, Ulani Lodge, Mwani & Ibo Lodge all have bars and are ready to serve you a cold beer or a drink after a day filled with excursions and safaris in Quirimbas National Park.

You can also find some basic local bars such as Chico's and Django serving you beer and soft drinks as well as the local Disco Quirimbas, open F Sa, will entertain you with some dance beats and beers.

Sleep

 * Karibuni A bit run-down Backpacker on Ibo. Private rooms from 700 MT. Entrance next to Ibo Lodge.
 * Hotel Archipelago Locally owned and run with basic rooms and services. 1,500 MT.
 * Miti Miwiri Rua António de Almeida x Rua Republica. www.mitimiwiri.com. Restored old colonial mansion in the city center. Bar and restaurant in the courtyard garden behind the hotel. Rooms from USD 65.
 * Cinco Portas Lodge Rua Republica. www.cincoportas.com. Enjoy Cinco Portas garden, a green oasis with gentle breezes. Rooms USD 50 - 120.
 * Ulani Lodge  A boutique hotel on Rua António de Almeida. With a nice roof top bar and impeccable swimming pool. Rooms from USD 120. reservas@ulanilodge.com
 * Mwani Lodge, A upcoming hotel next to the Fortaleza with individual villas for each room. Restaurant, pool and bar (as of Dec 2016, it's still under construction).

title: Ibo


text:
Ibra

Ibra is a city in Central Coastal Oman. It's located on the road from Nizwa to Sur and is the gateway to the desert of the Wahiba Sands.

See
Ibra is one of the oldest cities in Oman. The city has castles and old mosques.
 * Sands
 * Watchtowers
 * Bait al Kabir
 * Ibra Souq - a bustling souq selling fish, meat, gold and silverware.

Buy

 * Ibra Souq - Ibra is renowned for its silver jewelry considered to be the best in the country.

Go next

 * Wahiba Sands
 * Muscat, 150 km away (1h 45m by car)

title: Ibra


text:
Ibusuki

Ibusuki (指宿) is a city in Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan, at the southeastern tip of the Satsuma Peninsula.

Understand
It styles itself as a sort of "Hawaii of Japan," and does exude a peaceful atmosphere. It is famous for its flowery botanical garden, proximity to the tranquil Lake Ikeda (池田湖) and the green conical Mount Kaimon (開聞岳), and a small island with a disappearing sand walkway called Chiringashima (知林ヶ島). Yet it's the natural hot springs beneath the beach called sunamushi (砂蒸し), roughly translated as a sand bath, that is the town's biggest claim to fame. If you're daring or curious enough to try being buried in steaming hot sand as a kind of luxury spa experience, you'll find a most interesting chance here.

Tourist information site
The city government and the local tourist association has a joint Japanese-only guide site with integrated Google Translate.

Get in
Getting to Ibusuki will almost certainly involve going through Kagoshima.

By plane
The nearest airport is Kagoshima, which is 1 hour 30 minutes away by car.

Kagoshima Kōtsū run 8 buses a day to Ibusuki and Yamagawa, taking 1 hour 35 minutes to Ibusuki Station (1 hour 50 minutes to Yamakawa Pier) and costing ¥2450. Otherwise, take a bus to Kagoshima-Chūō Station and take the train from there.

Rail Pass users may wish to avoid taking the bus all the way to Ibusuki, as you can go most of the way on the train instead. If you really want to make the most of your Rail Pass, you can take a bus to Kajiki, Hayato, or Kokubu Stations and take the train from there, though this option will require a change at Kagoshima-Chūō.

By train

Ibusuki is on the Ibusuki Makurazaki Line, which follows the east coast of the Satsuma Peninsula along Kagoshima Bay.

There is usually one local train per hour from Kagoshima-Chūō to Ibusuki (with many continuing to Yamakawa), taking about 1 hour 10 minutes and costing ¥1000. There are 3 Rapid Nanohana trains a day which take about 1 hour, and 3 Ibusuki-no-Tamatebako (or Ibutama for short) Limited Express trains which take 55 minutes and cost ¥2140.

Note that many local trains stop short of Ibusuki (at Jigenji, Goino, or Kiire), and that while IC Cards (Sugoca, Suica, Icoca etc.) can be used around Kagoshima they cannot be used as far as Ibusuki.

Trains are covered by the Japan Rail Pass and JR Kyūshū's All Kyūshū Area Pass and Southern Kyūshū Area Pass.

By bus
Kagoshima Kōtsū runs 6 buses a day from Kagoshima to Ibusuki and Yamakawa, but these take a hefty 1 hour 40 minutes, and at ¥950 are only slightly cheaper than the train.

By ferry
Although you are unlikely to use it, mention should be made of the ferry to Nejime on the Ōsumi Peninsula, which can be used as a shortcut to places such as Kanoya. There are two different services from two different terminals:

 * Normal ferries run 4 times a day from Yamagawa port (30 minutes walk or 5 minutes drive from Yamakawa Station), taking 50 minutes and costing at least ¥700.
 * High-speed ferries run 3 times a day from Ibusuki port (15 minutes walk northeast of Ibusuki Station), taking 20 minutes and costing ¥1000.

Cars and motorbikes are only carried on the normal ferries.

Get around
If you go north from Ibusuki City, you will find Chiran and Kagoshima City, where you can visit the old places such as the sea view and Kagoshima Castle. If you go to the west, there are Minami Kyushu City and Minami Satsuma City.

See
Chiringashima is a small, uninhabited island with a sand walkway that appears at low tide. From March to October, a sandbar of about 800 m allows you to walk across part of Kinko Bay to the island in about 20 minutes. The longest time the walkway appears for is four hours. According to city statistics, the walkway appears for over an hour 190 days a year, and 86 days a year it appears for more than two hours. The island is 3 km around and 90 meters tall at its highest point. This sandbar is occasionally washed away after typhoons and disappears for a while, but it is restored when sands are brought back by the tide. The plant Vincetoxicum austrokiusianum, which is listed as an endangered species in Red data book, has been found on Chiringashima. On the island, there are esplanades and an observation deck. This island is known as a matchmaking spot for couples. Fishing or gathering shellfish is possible.

Ibusuki's botanical garden.

Do
Climbing Kaimon-dake (開聞岳), or Mt. Kaimon makes for an incredible view on a clear day. From the very flat land and lake below, to the smoking Sakurajima to the north, to the peaks of Yakushima in the ocean to the south, there is plenty to be seen. There's no better follow up to the 4 to 6 hour hike than a day in Ibusuki's hot springs resorts. You can access the trail head by bus (you'll want to get of at Tozan Iriguchi (登山入り口)), or alternatively, by a very short walk from Kaimon's train station, which is nothing more than a platform and bench that can be reached after a short train ride from Ibusuki's train station.

The "sand bath" and related spas.

Buy
You can buy ibusuki tea  (指宿茶) from inside the train station. It is a delicious part of Japanese culture.

Eat
"Nagashi somen" (流し素麺)　is a fun experience of a meal in the warm weather, and involves grabbing swirling noodles from a small circular stream of water at your table.

Higoramen (肥後ラーメン) - very popular ramen shop.

Go next

 * Minamikyushu
 * Makurazaki
 * Minamisatsuma
 * Kagoshima
 * Aira
 * Kajiki
 * Kirishima
 * Hioki
 * Yusui

title: Ibusuki


text:
Ica

Ica is a hot, busy and chaotic city at the Peruvian Coast. It's famous for its wine.

Get in
Ica is about 4-5 hours by bus from Lima, connections are frequent. To Nazca is only 2-3 hours (S/13 in May 2023).

Since 2022 the Palpa bridge has been under construction causing very often more than 1-hr delay on the road connection with Nazca.

See
In Ica visitors may visit the Huacachina Lagoon, the only oasis in South America, surrounded by huge sand dunes where you can practice sandboarding.

There are several vineyards and wineries, which produce Pisco, the national beverage, and wine. but the one that is of most interest to visitors is probably

 * El Museo Regional de Ica, the archaeology museum, is full of clay pottery, mummies, trepanned human skulls (skulls that have had holes drilled into them for surgical reasons, while the person was alive), and textiles from the various indigenous groups that have lived in the Ica region for thousands of years. The dry sand from the desert preserves the bodies and fabrics in impressive condition. The museum costs S/10 (soles), and is worth a visit although superior museums can be found in Lima, Arequipa, and the north of Peru.

Do

 * The Who is by far the most popular dance club (discoteca) in Ica, and on Friday and Saturday nights it is full of young and middle-aged people dancing and drinking the night away.

Eat

 * El Otro Peñoncito, a block away from the Plaza de Armas, has tasty Peruvian and Italian cuisine in a small but upscale restaurant. The owner is friendly enough, and the prices are reasonable, although by Peruvian standards they are somewhat expensive.
 * Valentino's Cafe-Bar, across the street from McGrille, has tasty fixed-price lunches and free Wi-Fi for customers.
 * Eat with the Peruvian people in the Mercado Modelo.
 * Eat with the Peruvian people in the Mercado Modelo.

Drink

 * Pisco Sour, the famous Peruvian cocktail, is for sale at numerous locations in Ica.
 * Pisco, the fermented liquer made from grapes, is also for sale although most tourists find it too potent to drink pure.
 * Cachina, a sweet wine-like drink that is the precursor to pisco, is also for sale.

Sleep

 * The Las Dunas Hotel, a complete resort, is the most expensive hotel in the area. It is in 10 minutes away from downtown. Rooms cost between US$80 and $200 per night.
 * Hotel Machu Picchu Avenida Tacna, two blocks from the Plaza de Armas, is a good deal. Rooms cost S/30 per night but have hot water, cable TV, and large comfortable beds. Like many hotels near the Plaza, caution should be exercised when walking around at night.
 * Huarango Hotel Ica Huarango Hotel Ica is the first hotel in Ica with a colonial style.
 * Huarango Hotel Ica Huarango Hotel Ica is the first hotel in Ica with a colonial style.
 * Huarango Hotel Ica Huarango Hotel Ica is the first hotel in Ica with a colonial style.
 * Huarango Hotel Ica Huarango Hotel Ica is the first hotel in Ica with a colonial style.

Stay safe
At night the streets of Ica can be dangerous. Take taxis to get around or just stay at your hotel room.

Go next

 * Huacachina is an oasis and resort in the desert a few kilometers from Ica.

title: Ica


text:
Icaraí

There is more than one place called Icaraí:

Brazil

 * Icaraí is a neighbourhood with a famous beach in the city of Niterói, across the bay from Rio de Janeiro.
 * Icaraí (Ceará) is a beach town right outside Fortaleza.

title: Icaraí


text:
Icefields Parkway

The Icefields Parkway, also known as Highway 93 between Lake Louise and Jasper, is the primary north-south route through the Alberta Rockies in Canada, and one of the most spectacular scenic drives in the world. The 232 km road runs through the heart of the Jasper and Banff National Parks from Jasper to Lake Louise and it's a marvellous way to see the mountains - and a "must-do".

Understand
The road is kept open year-round, but during the winter months it is extremely snowy and none of the tourist attractions along its length will be open or able to be visited. The gas station, store and tourist centre will all be closed for the winter, so there is nowhere to get food or petrol on the Parkway at that time. In fact, the road is often closed due to weather during the winter. Check with park officials for the road conditions before you choose to travel it and be well prepared for winter conditions on the trip.

History
The route was discovered in 1884, the road being completed in 1940.

Landscape
The road runs in the flat of a U-shaped glacial valley climbing from the south and the north ends to its highest point. In the northern section the Athabasca and Sunwapta rivers run north, the southern section the Bow river runs south, and the central section is the source of the Mistaya and North Saskatchewan rivers which flow north then east. The mountains, mainly sandstone but also some limestone rock, rise high on both sides of the road displaying spectacular sedimentary and glacial formations. The ridges of the western mountains form the continental divide.

Flora and fauna
The area is mainly an alpine and sub-alpine montane ecology. There is a good chance of sighting of black bear and elk as well as a possibility of mountain goats and bald eagles.

Prepare
There are fuel stations in Jasper, Lake Louise and Banff. In summer, a fuel station operates at Saskatchewan River Crossing. It's advisable to fill up before entering the area as the prices are at a premium. Jasper and Calgary fuel prices are cheaper than in Canmore, Lake Louise and Banff.

Fees and permits
As you are travelling through two national parks, you will need to pay park fees and display the ticket, but once in the park there are no parking fees or entrance fees to sights (with the exception of the Brewster attractions, and Lake Louise). There is a park entrance gate just south of Jasper to purchase and check for the national park pass. From the south, if you have not already purchased a park pass at the Canmore-Banff entrance then you may do so at the visitor centres at Banff and Lake Louise.

Get in
The Icefields Parkway is a fifty-minute drive west of Banff, 2½ hours west of Calgary along the Highway 1 (Trans-Canada Highway) and 3½ hours west of Edmonton along Highway 16 (Yellowhead Highway). For the southern entrance, take the 93 exit of Highway 1 just over 1 km north of the Lake Louise exit, signs for Icefield Centre and Jasper. For the north entrance, drive west out of Jasper and cross the 16 heading south.

Get around
The parkway runs for 230 km (143 miles) and is a three-hour drive. But you will want to spend as much time as you can to have time to take in the views. The largest choice of accommodation can be found at Lake Louise and Jasper and there are a few lodges, hostels and campsites along the way. The road is for the most part one lane each way with a few dual lane sections for overtaking slow vehicles, with a speed limit of 90 km/h. The majority of the road is of reasonable quality tarmac with the odd bumpy section. There are plenty of pull-off points and day parking places along the route.

Drive

 * A town with plenty of accommodation and restaurants.
 * Glacial lake with impressive mountain backdrop. Village and surrounding area has a number of sleep and eat options.
 * Glacial lake with impressive mountain backdrop. Village and surrounding area has a number of sleep and eat options.
 * Glacial lake with impressive mountain backdrop. Village and surrounding area has a number of sleep and eat options.
 * Glacial lake with impressive mountain backdrop. Village and surrounding area has a number of sleep and eat options.
 * Glacial lake with impressive mountain backdrop. Village and surrounding area has a number of sleep and eat options.
 * Glacial lake with impressive mountain backdrop. Village and surrounding area has a number of sleep and eat options.
 * Glacial lake with impressive mountain backdrop. Village and surrounding area has a number of sleep and eat options.
 * Glacial lake with impressive mountain backdrop. Village and surrounding area has a number of sleep and eat options.
 * Glacial lake with impressive mountain backdrop. Village and surrounding area has a number of sleep and eat options.
 * Glacial lake with impressive mountain backdrop. Village and surrounding area has a number of sleep and eat options.
 * Glacial lake with impressive mountain backdrop. Village and surrounding area has a number of sleep and eat options.
 * Glacial lake with impressive mountain backdrop. Village and surrounding area has a number of sleep and eat options.
 * Glacial lake with impressive mountain backdrop. Village and surrounding area has a number of sleep and eat options.

Stay safe

This is bear county; stay in your vehicle if you come across one.

Also keep an eye out for other animals on the road, such as deer and moose. And watch out for the odd crazy cyclist also doing the route.

There are no medical facilities along the route but there are small hospitals in Lake Louise and Jasper.

There are toilets at the Sunwapta Lodge, Columbia Icefield centre, Saskatchewan crossing and Num-Ti-Jah Lodge. Also at many of the day parking pull-offs and main sights along the way there are pit toilets, which are generally kept in a very good condition.

Go next

 * If you want to try a little more rugged road then take the Spray Lakes Road/Smith-Dorrien Highway through Kananaskis Country
 * An alternative route to along the parkway is the 93A between Jasper and the Athabasca Falls. This is a narrower and bumpy road with lower speed limit but will provide good opportunities for seeing wildlife such as black bears and great northern loons.

title: Icefields Parkway