The geographical location has shaped the unique character of the island's inhabitants. Ibiza is located in the Gulf of Valencia at 39 degrees north latitude and 1 degree east longitude. It is about 90 km from the main island of Mallorca, 90 km from the Spanish mainland port of Denia, and 250 km from Algeria. Under the Catalan name Eivissa, the island has always had a special allure for humanity.

The surrounding sea protected the native species from excessive pressure from external influences, while the favorable location has always made the island a place frequented by traders and conquerors of various cultures - Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, and Moors. The mixture of stubbornness in their own affairs and tolerance towards others characterizes most of the inhabitants of Ibiza.

The 572 km² island, with a population of nearly 148,000 people (as of 2019 - in the year 2000, it was still 120,000), presents itself along the coast with lively, colorful harbors that are bustling with visitors from around the world in the summer, and dreamy, white villages inland, where time seems to stand still.

The 210-kilometer-long coastline presents itself in diverse contrasts. The majority of the over 53 sandy beaches stretch along the southern part of the island. Some of them extend for kilometers with fine, white sand along the turquoise sea, gently sloping into the waves.

Here, families with playing toddlers and sun-seeking visitors from the north meet, enjoying the entire day while being supplied with food, drinks, and the latest music from numerous beach huts.

In contrast, the deep blue coves along the rugged, cliffy coastline in the north seem like romantic gems. Those seeking peace in the height of summer should not shy away from the somewhat strenuous descent - the reward is plentiful. However, even in the north, there are numerous smaller beaches that are easily accessible by car. Divers experience the crystal-clear waters around the island as a unique vacation experience. For those wanting to venture further out to sea, a wide variety of water sports are available.

Traditionally, the people of Ibiza were farmers, many of whom also owned fishing boats. This is still evidenced today by the long rows of old boathouses on the beaches, which are now protected as cultural monuments. Some of these huts are directly carved into the bare rock; they all feature large wooden doors and plank ramps leading into the water.

The land along the coast was considered inferior by the farmers, as the air and soil were so salty that little could be cultivated. Therefore, the coastal land was usually inherited by the younger daughters, who were delighted when tourism drove property prices with sea views to unprecedented heights.

The Pityuses, consisting of Ibiza and its little sister island Formentera, form an island group. The name comes from the Greeks (Ancient Greek Pityoussai) and means Pine Islands. The Greeks gave the islands this name due to their once lush pine forests (the Greek word for pine is "πίτυς" pitys, Latin "Pinus pinea," from the pine genus), which, however, were once spread throughout the Balearic Islands.

It was not until 1276 that the Pityuses were incorporated into the Kingdom of the Balearics; until that time, only Mallorca and Menorca were considered the Balearic Islands.

The self-governance of the Pityuses was lost, but the characteristic pines remained - until today. In the west and north, two gentle hill chains with lush, dark green pine forests continue to shape the landscape. To ensure that this remains the case, construction above 200 meters in height is prohibited. Most of the hills do not reach this height. The highest, the Atalaya of Sant Josep in the southwest, rises to 474 meters and is crowned by a television tower. Other television towers can be found on the Atalaya of Sant Llorenç in the center of the island. The northern part is defined by the forest-rich and hilly landscape of Es Amunts.

Particularly impressive are the majestic umbrella pines. The Phoenicians brought the red sabina to the island, which belongs to the juniper family. The robust wood is ideal for building houses and ships. Alongside the scent of the pines, wild rosemary and thyme bushes grow, while gorse and scabious add bright yellow and purple splashes of color to the clearings. Rabbits and partridges can be seen, especially in the winter months, while various bird species chirp in the trees all year round.

A walk through the forest is a fascinating experience at any time of year. However, caution is advised when having picnics, as lighting fires is strictly prohibited from May to October due to the fire hazard! Even a shard of glass is sometimes enough, and the blazing summer sun can set the dry underbrush on fire.

The farmers have played a significant role in shaping the landscape of Ibiza. For centuries, they worked the land, cultivating crops and maintaining the island's rural beauty. Their agricultural practices, from the terracing of hillsides to the planting of olive and almond trees, have influenced the island's overall appearance. The stone walls that divide the fields, the traditional farmhouses, and the carefully tended vineyards are all testaments to the deep connection between the island's inhabitants and the land. These agricultural traditions have been passed down through generations, contributing to the distinct character and charm of the island. Even today, many parts of Ibiza still bear the marks of its farming history.

In the valleys, fertile arable land stretches out. Dominating the landscape are carob trees with their pod-like fruits, which turn a dark brown in late summer.

These fruits are used as livestock feed or are shipped to the mainland, where they are used in the pharmaceutical industry. The almond trees, on the other hand, begin to bloom in late January, displaying their white blossoms, a spectacular natural event that is referred to as "snow" in Ibiza. In winter, the broad fig trees are bare, while in summer, they form a dense canopy of leaves that provides welcome shade for the sheep herds.

Salt production on Ibiza has a long history and is closely tied to the island's natural surroundings. Ibiza is known for its salt production, which has been carried out since ancient times. The salt is extracted from seawater that evaporates in shallow basins, known as salt pans.

Traditionally, the salt flats of Ibiza were used by the locals to produce salt for local consumption and trade. Salt production played an important economic role on the island and contributed to the prosperity of the community.

The salt flats of Ibiza are also an ecologically valuable area, home to various bird species and an important habitat for the local wildlife. Today, the salt flats are not only a historical heritage but also a tourist destination, as visitors have the opportunity to tour the traditional salt pans and learn more about salt production on the island.

The Salinas salt flats are one of Ibiza's most famous natural features. Located in the southern part of the island, these salt pans have been in operation since ancient times and continue to be a significant part of Ibiza's heritage. The area is a peaceful, picturesque spot where the salt is harvested from the shallow lagoons. The salt flats are framed by dunes, beaches, and the serene blue waters of the Mediterranean.

The saltworks not only provide a glimpse into the island's historical connection to salt production but also create a unique ecosystem. The natural environment of the area, with its shallow waters and high salt concentration, attracts a variety of wildlife, including flamingos and other migratory birds. In addition to their ecological importance, the Salinas salt flats offer a beautiful and tranquil landscape, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.