One of the truisms about the Balearic Islands is that each island is a world of its own. They islands posses a relatively reduced geographic area but the difference between them is noticeable in its diversity. Many people from Mallorca have never visited Ibiza and vice-versa.

In the interior of the island there are many reducts where it’s possible to escape from the excesses of the capital city and where history appears to have remained still and immobile while the rest of time scurries towards whatever it is that it’s scurrying towards.

An example of this is found in Balàfia, a village in the centre of the island of Ibiza. Here, old-style Arabic houses with towers in which to seek refuge in case of pirate attacks still exist and each has its ‘cruz de bruixa’ ,or witches’ cross, painted in white to protect from witches and other evil influences.

It was here that in the 60s and 70s the hippy culture really took off. There is not much left of those heady days as the hippies have now become quite wealthy selling things to the tourists. It is still possible to get some flavour of it by attending one of the many markets that adorn the streets of the villages in the interior. Here, there is still a lingering scent of incense in the air and, although the articles on sale are now designer labels, an ‘alternative’ air still hangs over proceedings.

Get the facts about Ibiza: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ibiza

Routes and Places worth a Visit

Es Amunts, located on the northern coast of the island and extending from Cap Nunó, in Sant Antoni, to Portinatx, is a wild coast relatively unaffected by human interference. Its natural park designation means that it has been protected from the excesses of human ‘re-engineering’ and it preserves many corners that are noted for desolate beauty with dolomite cliffs and isolated houses that have been on lonely islets and under the shadow of mountains that are suddenly truncated by the sea.

The bay of Sant Antoni of Portmany is a sweeping natural port that has been used since ancient times. The whole area is very touristy and has, recently, been converted into an area that attracts the rich and beautiful. If it’s excitement and a good night life that being sought, here is a great place to visit. The café with most fame in this respect is the Café de Mar, which, when the sun goes down, offers a great atmosphere of ‘chill out’.

Important Fiestas

Sant Antoni de Portmany. On the 24th August is the festival of the Patron Saint of Saint Bartolomé.

Santa Eulalia del Río. At the beginning of February the festival in honour of the patron saint of the village, Saint Eulalia. 8th of September, the festival in honour of Jesús.