"Jet-Set Playground and fun for the rest of us too" Ibiza by dlytle

The history of Ibiza, like many other places in the Mediterranean has been chaotic, bellicose, and marked by tremendous upheavals, sieges, pirates, and takeovers by the most powerful neighbors of the island.

It is a ancient and fascinating story that dates before written languages and recorded history, and it has still not been completely exposed.

Recent archaeological diggings prove that the first settlements on Ibiza and Formentera date back to over 3,000 years ago. A grave was found on Formentera which dates back to 1,600 years B.C. Cave paintings at Ses Fontanelles (north from San Antonio - 800 years B.C.), and bronze axes and discs found near San Juan and San Agustin (700 years B.C.) provide further evidence of these early settlements.

Then, 2,600 years ago, the Carthaginians discovered Ibiza and founded Ibiza Town, making this one of the earliest towns in Europe and it has been continuously inhabited since then. The Carthaginians christened the town Ibossim, quite similar to its present day name. Another name for Ibiza, which has survived until now, comes from the Greeks, who came to Ibiza during the time of the Carthaginians. They called the two islands of Ibiza and Formentera, the Pitiusas - which means the pine-covered island.

Ibiza also played an important role in the Carthaginian culture as their largest burial grounds. Historians assume that the dead were buried here because there were no wild animals to dig them out again. The burial grounds at Puig des Molins in Ibiza Town is home to the world's largest collection of punic artefacts - most of which have been discovered in graves. A case of the dead being buried with utensils and objects to help them on the way in the next life.

After the Romans, the Arabs came in the 9th century A.D. and stayed for almost 500 years. They called the island Yebisah. The arabic influence can still be felt strongly today in many customs, such as the construction of the houses, traditional costumes and musical instruments, and of course in the island dialect 'Ibicenco'.

On the hill in Ibiza Town, they built a large mosque (on the ruins of a temple dedicated to the God Mercury) and fortified the city walls. The remains of these walls and some of the watchtowers can still be seen today.

The urban nucleus of early Ibiza was what is now call D'Alt Villa (the old town). The current fortress of Ibiza was added on to without much planning by the different conquerors of the island, and is surrounded by various partly excavated ancient walls. The imposing walls that are visible today are the product of the Italian architect Calvi dating from the 16th century.

Calvi was already famous for his construction of the walled city of Cadiz, and built the Ibiza walls with seven bastions or ramparts fortified with cannon emplacements, and encompassed the Cathedral (14th-16th century) and the University (not a school-but the local government was called the 'University').

Today, Ibezia has developed the reputation of being a jet set playground. During the 1950’s and 1960’s it evolved into an international artists’ colony. Now the island is home away from home for many artists, pseudo-artists, movie stars, rock stars and fashion designers. Although I didn't experience it, the night life and partying is suppose to be exceptional.

• Pros:Lots of beaches, crystal clear water, decent SCUBA, good shopping
• Cons:It's a small island, somewhat pricey, limited activities other than water related
• In a nutshell:Nice, fun place to visit for a day or two