Ask any European about Ibiza, and they're likely to tell you the same thing: it's where the party is. For decades this island located between the coasts of Spain and Africa has been known for its wild parties, lively clubs and all-around chaotic nightlife. But is that all changing now?

Although you can still find a good party on Ibiza if that's what you're after, the focus of everything Ibiza is no longer hedonistic in nature. These days, many of the tourists on the island can be found far away from the clubs, living it up in the quietest way.

The locals have always been tolerant of the party trade because of the tourist money it brings to the island. Many property owners have made a fair income on rental properties in Ibiza, knowing that the properties are more or less guaranteed to be rented throughout the peak visiting months. But there is another side to the island, and the people who live on it, that is just starting to become evident to visitors.

Far away from the club scene on Ibiza there exists a surprisingly peaceful world. The waters are clear and inviting; the landscape just begs to be explored; and the locals are friendly. The natural excitement of the land overtakes even the most seasoned traveler and puts the strangest ideas in their heads. Suddenly, packing up all of one's worldly possessions and embarking on a new life on this Balearic Island doesn't seem so crazy.

Before you get ahead of yourself, though, take a step back and enjoy all that the island has to offer. No matter which direction you go, you will find engaging cities, unrivaled natural beaches and a serenity that you may not have imagined was possible on this 'party' island.

Befriend the locals and they may just tell you where to find Atlantis. No, not the fabled lost city, but almost as breathtaking. The Ibiza version of Atlantis is a tiny but stunning beach with a natural cave. The goddess Shiva is depicted on a cave drawing here and is said to protect the area.

The countryside in Ibiza, though extremely beautiful, is under-appreciated by most visitors. Those who come only for the clubs will never see the romantic vineyards that dot the landscape. They will never experience the disorienting winding turns down narrow corridors in D'alt Villa. They will never truly appreciate the serene beauty of a sunset while walking down one of the island's many wonderful beaches.

It is this Ibiza that the locals are trying to preserve and promote. The hard-partying image of the island has served the tourist trade there well for over three decades. Now, the time has come to let the natural beauty of the island speak for itself.

Those with an adventurous spirit will enjoy the many water sports available on Ibiza as well as the various exploring opportunities offered by the cliffs and rocky beaches. Even families can have a great time on the island, enjoying the welcomed escape from their everyday lives and schedules. No matter what your age or what you hope to find on Ibiza, it is truly a magical place where expectations are surpassed every day.

Ibiza holiday information is available through destination guide youribiza.net They include a choice of hotels in Ibiza and for new tourists hoping to find their way around the island a map of Ibiza Airlines who do cheap flights to Ibiza are also mentioned.

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