Ibiza

The rate of exchange of currency keeps varying from time to time. Travellers are advised to bring traveller cheques, credit cards and about 2 days worth of Euros. There are Spanish auto banks where anyone with a visa based card can withdraw cash in Euro. One may also withdraw cashing using switch cards. The credit cards are acceptable in most shops and restaurants.

The daily budget in Ibiza ranges from 70-80 EUR. Apart from the accommodation charges, money is spent mostly on food, drink and travel costs. A set lunch meal costs around 15 EUR. Drink prices range from 12 EUR to 18EUR and some cheap places offer you at a much lower price. The best way to travel within the town is by buses are they are quite cheap. Renting a car is the costlier option. Keep aside some money for the pubs and bars.

The main religion in Spain is Catholicism but there are not much regular churchgoers. Islam is the second largest religion in the area and there is a smaller percentage of Jewish and Protestant people.

There has been a drastic change in the culture of Ibiza over the last few years because of the tourism boom. The strict religious customs have now been modernized and it has become much less dominant. It is still common to be courteous to other people and one must acknowledge the other when they meet with a Buenos dias( Good morning) or Hola (Hello). Most of the restaurants have their service taxes , in case they do not, you can pay them tips.

Balearic Catalan is the official language of the place, yet a lot of natives can speak English or German. English is widely understood all over the island.

Ibiza has been a cosmopolitan place since ages as there were a lot of Romans, Greeks, Moors, Catalans and Phoenicians visiting Ibiza. Ibiza was considered to be a highly prized colony as well as a trading post and it was visit by the ancient Greeks. It was later ruled by both the Carthaginians as well as the Romans. The island then was reigned by the Vandals and the Byzantines. Post that period, Moors ruled the island before it was again taken over by the Catalans in 1235. The Muslim population was deported and Christian colonist were brought in from Girona when the island was ruled by King James I. The island was controlled by a Self Government until 1715, when King Philip V of Spain abolished the autonomy of the local government. A lot changed in the 20th century and the arrival of democracy at around 1970s led to the statute of autonomy. It is now a famous club scene and there is a modern invasion of international party people who come during summer months.

Ibiza is a famous spot for its vibrant nightlife. During the day, one spends his time on the gorgeous beaches and then enjoy in these bars and pubs. Almost every bar has their own drink specials that will be advertised on the streets. The West End near the San Antonio centre is a street filled with bars and revellers. There are also large clubs in thaw town like Space, Pacha, Amnesia and Privilege. The entry fees of these clubs are hefty and the prices of the drinks are also very costly. Some of the best Djs in the world come down to play here in clubs like Jockey Club, DC10, etc.

Ibiza is known as the fashion hub of Spain. One can get anything here, starting from designer wear, to cheap label products. There are amazing jewellery, watches, apparels and many other things that one can buy. One must surely try buying the handmade crafts and a few bottle of wines from Ibiza. It is also well known for the Flea markets and Hippy markets that are scattered around the island and sells everything. Santa Eulalia town is the best place to shop for souvenirs in the island.

The two local specialities of this area are Ensaimada, a flat and soft pastry coil, which resembles a Danish Pastry more like a doughnut and Flao, a sweet cheese and mint flan. There are a lot of fast food restaurants in Ibiza and San Antonio if you are looking for quick eats. Other important dishes to try are "Arros de matances"- a rice dish served with mear, "frita de porc"- a pork dish and " sofrit pages" - that is a typical countryside dish. Don't forget to try Orelletes which is a small ear shaped cake.
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