VLAD FLORUT – IBIZA

Ibiza is an island in the Mediterranean Sea, 79 kilometres (49 miles) off the coast of the city of Valencia, in eastern Spain. It is the third largest of the Balearic Islands, an autonomous community of Spain. Ibiza has become famous for the association with nightlife and the electronic music that originated on the island. It is well known for its summer club scene which attracts very large numbers of tourists, though the island’s government and the Spanish Tourist Office have controversially been working to promote more family-oriented tourism.

Name – The official name of the island is in Catalan “Eivissa” (pronounced: [əjˈvisə]). Its name in Spanish is Ibiza (pronounced: [iˈβiθa]). The origin of the name of the island is in the Phoenician language Yibosim.

Geography – Ibiza is a rock island covering an area of 572.56 square kilometres (221.07 sq mi), almost six times smaller than Majorca, but over five larger than Mykonos (in the Greek Isles) or 10 times larger than Manhattan in New York City.

Climate – The summer climate of Ibiza typically ranges in the upper 20s °C (70s-80s °F), rarely reaching 30.0 °C (86 °F), with overnight lows below 21.8 °C (71 °F). The winter, off-season temperature reaches lows of 8.1–14.2 °C (46.6–57.6 °F), with highs in the upper-teens °C (60s °F).

People – Demographically, Ibiza displays a very peculiar configuration, as census agencies diverge on exact figures. In terms of origin, about 55 percent of island residents were born in Ibiza, 35 percent are domestic migrants from mainland Spain, and the remaining 10 to 15 percent are foreign, dual and multi-national citizens of the EU and abroad. In decreasing order, foreigners are Germans, British, Latin Americans, French, Italians, Dutch, in addition to a myriad of other nationalities.

Language – Eivissenc is the native dialect of Catalan that is spoken on Ibiza and nearby Formentera. Catalan shares co-official status with Spanish. Additionally, because of the influence of tourism and expatriates living in or maintaining residences on the island, other languages like German, English and Italian, are widely spoken. Polylinguality is the norm, not the exception.

Nightlife – Ibiza is considered to be a popular tourist destination, especially due to its legendary and at times riotous nightlife centred around two areas: Ibiza Town, the island’s capital on the southern shore and Sant Antoni to the West.

World Heritage Site – Though primarily known for its party scene, large portions of the island are registered as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and thus protected from the development and commercialization of the main cities.

Transport – Ibiza is served by Ibiza Airport, which has many international flights during the summer tourist season, especially from the European Union. There are also ferries from the harbour of Sant Antoni and Ibiza Town to Barcelona, Majorca, Dénia, and Valencia.

Cuisine – Ibiza’s local cuisine is typically Mediterranean. Of the most common culinary products of the island are sweets known as flaons. Other savory dishes include sofrit pagès, bullit de peix (fish stew), arròs de matança (rice with pork) and arròs a la marinera.

(info: wikipedia)

Part of an ongoing project about the famous isle of Ibiza, here’s a small preview for your viewing pleasure. More as the story unfolds.
You can find more about Vlad Florut on his website: http://fotonoir.ro and you can also join him for a beer on the island from April to October.

Cristian Bassa