Entertainment

Ibiza's charm comes from its beautiful beaches, hidden coves and mild climate, right? Well, that depends on your point of view; many would claim it is the entertainment, often extreme and hugely diverse, that draws them to the island. In fact, the main reason Ibiza has become a place of pilgrimage for thousands of people each year is its amazing nightlife. Summer after summer, in the islands three most important discos (Privilege, Amnesia and Space) musical tendencies that will later be exported to the rest of the world are created. Now, electronic is just another industry here. Every season, dozens of CDs are brought out, claiming to be "Ibiza sounds" and that can easily be found in any music shop in the world with a decent techno selection.

Every summer night, these temples of modernity fill with clubbers, anxious to have a great time dancing the night away, and then spending several days recovering. Some parties are more intense and extreme than others, such as "Manumission", which takes place every Monday in summertime, at Privilige. Charter flights arrive from the UK, bringing 50 people straight to this club. Once the party's over, the plane returns what's left of the shattered party-goers home. Spending a few days on the island without at least going in to one of these clubs would be a sin. Even if you're not into clubbing, though, it's hard to be bored here. Without a doubt, one of the island's other fortes is sport. Body worship is the order of the day, if it's a gorgeous summer's day and most of your skin is exposed. Ibiza and San Antonio, in particular, have a whole range of modern gyms, totally equipped with weight rooms, saunas, jacuzzis and whatever else their customers might wish for. The Gimnasio Fraile chain is representative of this, with its body-builders and professional trainers. Water sports are another obvious choice. The island's three yacht and boating clubs (in Ibiza, San Antonio and Santa Eulalia) offer several classes and activities designed to familiarize you with sailing. There are even classes for kids (clase Optimist, Europa) and, of course, multiple other options (pleasure cruises, regatta, boat races...). There are many places to rent boats, too, if that's what you prefer.

Residents and tourists alike are keen on tennis, as well. The Ibiza Club de Campo for example offers a range of clay courts, and their membership fees are quite reasonable. This club, and the island's others, also have swimming pool, bar and restaurant to make your stay even more enjoyable.

One of the most elite sports, which seems to have more converts each day, is golf. Golf Ibiza, located in Roca Llisa, on the eastern part of the island, is the only course, but its 18 holes are quite difficult and challenging for even excellent players. They also have a 9-hole course where you can practice.

Ibiza's sporting capacity includes facilities such as the Es Raspallar swimming pool, the Blancadona sports center and the Pista de Atletismo Can Misses (track). With the exception of track and field, Ibizans are not known to be great sportspeople. Lack of university facilities and other opportunities are one obvious reason. As for football, the king of sports in the whole country, there are only two national division teams; one of which is CE Eivissa, kicking it out in the third division.

The island's cinemas are nothing to sneeze at, though. Feature films, without fail, come to one of the five cinemas, and there are also late night sessions, shorts festivals and there are often repertory programs, too. You might try, for instance, the Multicines Eivissa, with five screens boasting the latest sound systems.

Theatre, on the other hand, is not widely available, not through lack of interest but through lack of means (venues, etc.) Theatres themselves are both of recent construction, and few and far between. The Sala Europa, in Ibiza town center, is the only playhouse to be in somewhat regular use since its opening, in October '99. Can Ventosa also puts on some nationally-known shows that occassionally come to town.