Activities on the Balearic Island Ibiza

Most people heading to Ibiza this summer will be seeking one thing and one thing only, the chance to party on some of Europe's hottest dance floors to a soundtrack spun by the biggest and best DJ's. Ibiza is Europe's clubbing capital but there's more to this isle than just the pulsing beat of its super clubs. With some of the Mediterranean's most stunning beaches, an unspoilt pine-clad landscape and a five-star spa scene, Ibiza has just as much to offer those looking to lay back and relax as it does to those for whom laying back and relaxing is not really on the agenda.

With warm clear waters and over 200 kilometers of tempting coastline, the diving in and around Ibiza is some of the best in Europe, with countless caves and wrecks to explore, the latest of which is the 140-metre long merchant ship Don Pedro which collided with the small Island of Es Dau Gros in July 2007 and now rests 40-meters or so below the surface on the sea bed near the port. What’s more, its Europe’s biggest shipwreck accessible to divers?

Sited at the southern most tip of Ibiza, the salt fields have been used for over 2000 years and as the hot summer makes the water evaporates, the lake reveals a shining layer of pure salt on its bed. Its one holiday photos you should not return home without. Try the Can Marca Caves too. Over 100.000 years old, they used to be heaven for smugglers but now house a spectacular Music and Light show, complete with cascading waterfalls.

Pay a visit to the historic, UNESCO-protected city of Dalt Vila - it means 'High Town'- which you'll enter via its dramatic drawbridge entrance. Have lunch on the terrace of lovely La Ventana restaurant with its sweeping views before taking a stroll around the winding cobbled streets, climbing to the top of the ramparts and the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Snows. The panoramic from here are some of the best on the Island with the terracotta-roofed white buildings of the city laid out between you and the sparkling sea.

If all cycling seems like too much like hard work then head over to the Bay to hire the Islands most enjoyable form of transport - a quad bike. Ibiza scenery may be spectacular but its beaches are even better and your new set of wheels will get you to the Islands most secluded sun spots in style, giving you the chance to stretch out on your own private beach for the day. Quad bikes can be rented from most car hire shops.

In the Old Town you’ll find the contemporary Art Museum which displays Ibiza art from 1959 to the present day while nearby on the plaza de Vila is Galleria Van der Voort which show cases a broad range of art including the work of upcoming artists from Ibiza and Formentera. Take the short stroll to the Museo Arqueologic, which houses an impressive collection of Punic relics from the 7th century BC.

You can't really go to Ibiza and not sample one of the legendary super clubs. Try Space where you'll be spoilt for choice with their selection of top-notch DJs such as Carl Cox and Sasha. Sip vodka lemons on the sunset terrace to a soundtrack of funky Balearic house or rock out to a more alternative beat in the Red Box before joining the crowds in the flight Arena. This is the clubs epicenter and a performance space quite unlike any other, with its jaw-dropping lightning, unbeatable sound system and jets roaring overhead on the approach to Ibiza airport. Feel the beat, wait for the roar and raise your arms to the sky and welcome the next party of Ibiza clubbers.

Cocktails and Ibiza go together like England football team and abject failure, so make sure you decamp to the Blue Marlin at Cala Jondal, a stylish beach club where the party starts early and never really stops. Enjoy the best mojito on the Island and dance the afternoon away to resident DJ's with cutting-edge European dance tunes.

Spend the morning exploring Ibiza’s tranquil great outdoors. With average temperatures above 30-degress throughout the summer you’re almost certain to have a good day for It, so hire a bike and get peddling along the Islands hundreds of kilometers of designated cycle routes. Ranging from the sedate to the adventurous, the 20 trails guide that passes through beautiful countryside, past quaint rural villages and along the spectacular rugged coastline – the perfect way to soak up the unique scenery of this rugged Mediterranean isle.

Amble up the coast to Santa Eulalia de Riu and the barefoot luxury of Aguas de Ibiza hotel. This luxury bodyna spa where you'll find a blissful treatments as well as one of the largest hydrotherapy suites in the region, complete with hot and cool plunge pools, a steam room and hammam. Chill out in the pools or indulge in one of the wide range of massages; the reflexology treatment will soothe tired feet, while the aromatherapy massage promises to remove toxins. Which after any length of time in Ibiza, is a very good thing.See http://www.ibizaholidays.com for hotels with spas.

Ibiza is awash with outstanding restaurants. From Dalt Vila exquisite El Olivo to the candlelit elegance of La Brasa, there's fantastic food at every turn. Don't limit yourself to Ibiza Town. Take a taxi to Es Cavallet and sample the seafood at La Escollera, or try the Thai at Bambuddah Grove. Alternatively, head to Santa Eulalia's Cardamom Club, an exclusive Indian where you can dine under a canopy of grape vines.