Ibiza,Spain
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IBIZA's history begins in 1600 B.C. After being colonised by the Phoenicians (8th. century B.C.), the Carthaginians founded "EBUSUS" in 654 B.C. Subsequently followed a succession of invasions, or passages, of different civilisations including the Romans (2nd century B.C.), Vandals (455), Byzantines (534), Moors in the 8th and 9th Century and the Normans until 1235. This is the date of the island's incorporation into Christianity after the Catalan conquest which brought an end to the scourge of piracy. The insecurity of these strategic islands (military, natural and mining activities) was such that the population took shelter in the fortified churches whilst towers and ramparts were built along the coastline. The ancient goddess "Tanit" is the symbol of IBIZA. Numerous testimonies (16th century walls, temples, catacombs etc...) remain from the colourful history of the islands, which today are a haven of peace and tranquillity. IBIZA and FORMENTERA, the most southern of the Balearic Isles, face North East/South West. The island of IBIZA stretches over 48 km and has 2 mountain ranges. The highest point is the ATALAYA of San Jose, at 476 metres. The remainder of the island is made up of fertile alluvial plains and is wooded with Mediterranean plants and trees as well as pines, almond, fig and orange-trees. In contrast,since ancient times, the south of the island has been divided into salt-pans. The 500 km of coastline is generally rocky but has numerous sandy coves and very beautiful beaches. The geographic position of the "Pitiusas" islands ensures a temperate climate throughout the year. The influence and close proximity of Africa accounts for our mild winters. The summers are dry but without excessive heat, thanks to the gentle winds. One of the main climatic features is the small variation in the temperature between day and night and between the different seasons. As for rainfall, the average is 350 mms per year with 4 mms in July and August! The sun shines for 2900 hours (60%). The autonomous province of the Balearic Isles has the highest Gross Interior Product per inhabitant in Spain and the longest life expectancy!! |