Ibiza is the third largest of the Balearic Islands, covering just 225 square miles (585 square km), but in recent times it has become the best known of the archipelago and a hugely popular destination for young revellers, middle-class European package tourists, and gay travellers, whose collective character imbue the island with a chic and trendy atmosphere that is at its most colourful in the frenetic nightlife. Ibiza has plenty to offer besides night clubs – its jagged coastline contains dozens of dreamy white sandy beaches, hidden coves and bays, villages of white-washed houses tumbling down cliffsides, and a green, hilly interior landscape decorated with fig and olive trees.

The island's main town is the port of Ciudad de Ibiza – known as Eivissa to the locals and Ibiza Town to the Brits. Located in the south, it is the centre of the island’s nightclub scene and has a lively marina and quaint old quarter with some great restaurants. It lies close to the beautiful beaches of Figueretes, Es Cavallet and Ses Salines. San Antonio is the main resort town of the island and is blighted with high-rise hotels and apartment blocks though it is making efforts to clean up its tarnished image. The main attraction for many British holidaymakers are the two clubs of Es Paradis and Eden but there are also some beautiful coves nearby with glorious beaches. Its best to get there early, before the revellers have awoken, to reserve a spot.

Just three miles (5km) offshore is the ‘satellite’ island of Formentera, a little haven reached by ferry, with less crowded stretches even in the height of the sweltering summer season.