The small Balearic island of Ibiza has quite the international reputation – not all of it good. Hippy-style hedonists started arriving in the 1960s, enthralled by the immaculate beaches and heavenly climate. In the 1990s, it became a clubbing mecca. Today, it’s still popular with partygoers, but has begun to sharpen up its image with more sophisticated hotels and high-end restaurants.

Climate & best time to visit Spain

The Spanish climate varies from region to region, spanning moderate in the north to Mediterranean in the south, and even subtropical on the Canary Islands.

The best times to visit Spain are generally in the spring and the fall, when temperatures are agreeable. In most parts of the country, it is very hot at the height of summer, but sea breezes on the coast keep it bearable; the interior is best avoided in July and August. The climate on the Atlantic coast and in all of Galicia is pleasant even in summer. In winter, you can enjoy winter sports in the Pyrenean Mountains or agreeably warm days on the south and southeast coast, as well as on the Canary Islands.

Telephone
Country code: +34

Mobile telephony and Internet
Since June 2017, EU citizens traveling within the EU, and also in Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein have been able to use their cell phones and surf the Net without incurring any extra charges: In other words, customers pay the same price for phone calls, text messages and data volume as they do at home. Restrictions do apply to the constant use of SIM cards abroad, however, and caps may be set on data packages. For full details, contact your mobile telephony provider in your country. Travelers using a SIM card from a non-EU state do not benefit from the new arrangement.

Free Internet access via Wi-Fi is possible in many busy tourist spots. When using public Wi-Fi networks, it is a wise precaution to ensure encryption of all passwords, credit card details and banking TANs entered. Use of a VPN app or security software to check the safety of a hotspot is recommended.

Key Areas

Ibiza is known for its traditional pottery, which tends to be of high quality and good value, as well as leatherwear. The principal shopping street is Vara de Rey, with stores operating out of historic buildings flogging high-street brands. In the Old Town, there are lots of artisanal shops selling handmade goods.

Markets

Lest we forget that Ibiza’s tourist roots lie in the hippies that started showing up in the 1960s, there are various markets in Eivissa and elsewhere with artisans selling jewellery, pottery, paintings, clothes and various souvenirs. Perhaps the most famous is Las Dalias Hippy Market in Sant Carles de Peralta, opened in 1973 and still going strong, now with restaurants, bars and events.

Social Conventions

It is polite in Spain to shake hands in greeting. The usual courtesies should be observed. If you are invited to someone’s home, your host will appreciate a small gift. Flowers are given only on special occasions.

Clothing

Casual dress is appropriate almost everywhere, although some hotels and restaurants require men to wear a jacket and tie; evening dress is only required for particularly formal occasions. Swimwear belongs without exception on the beach.

Smoking

A smoking ban applies in all public institutions, on public transportation, in telephone booths and in rooms containing ATMs, as well as in children’s playgrounds and schoolyards. The smoking ban also applies to all bars, cafés and restaurants. Smoking areas inside bars and restaurants are no longer permitted.

Emergency telephone number: 112

Lyme disease, TBE (tick-borne encephalitis) and leishmaniosis are all diseases which are passed on by ticks and mosquitoes and also occur in Spain. Clothing that covers the skin and insect repellents provide protection.

Hepatitis A and hepatitis B occur all over Spain. A hepatitis A vaccination is generally recommended. Visitors planning an extended stay and close contact with the local population, and generally with children and young people, should also have a hepatitis B vaccination.

Measles and whooping cough occur in Spain. Before traveling to Spain, visitors should definitely check whether their vaccinations are up to date and if necessary, get a booster shot.

IATA Travel Centre

The IATA Travel Centre delivers accurate passport, visa and health requirement information at a glance. It is a trusted, centralized source for the latest international travel requirements. The IATA Travel Centre is the most accurate source available because it is based on a comprehensive database used by virtually every airline, and information is gathered from official sources worldwide, such as immigration and police authorities.

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