PLAYA d'en BOSSA
Area: Ibiza
Country: Spain


Location:
On the SE coast of the island. The resort extends from 1 to 2» miles SW of Ibiza town centre and is directly on the flight path of Ibiza airport, 1» miles by road.

Telephone code from UK:
34

Position:
On completely flat land behind a long, wide, gently curving beach, and backed by agricultural land. Pine-covered hills rise a few miles inland.

Description:
A continuously growing resort with little local flavour or atmosphere. Everything was built for the tourist industry, and therefore foreign visitors are well taken care of. A small commercial area has grown up behind the main beach either side of a palm-lined avenue, which has become the centre of the resort. Between this and the main airport road is the residential and apartment district. A hotel and sports complex has been built at the S end of the resort, offering an alternative to beach activities (or inactivities). The open land to the N is gradually being developed, connecting the resort with Figueretas.

Suitability:
Generally young budget to middlemarket clientele, with a strong British presence. Sun, sea and fun lovers, from families and couples to dedicated partygoers. History buffs are close enough to Ibiza old town not to be disappointed. Little for the more mature holidaymaker. Sports enthusiasts are well catered for. Plane spotters will be entertained all day (and into the night), but others may soon tire of the noise.

Accommodation:
3-star hotels predominate. Numerous modest apartment buildings behind the central beach area, some much longer-established and of lower category. Most properties were built post-1980 and the architecture is good by Ibizan standards; most are low-rise structures to avoid aircraft roof-hopping on approach. Properties at the S end of the resort are more likely to be affected by severe aircraft noise as they are directly under the airport flight path.

Shopping:
Many supermarkets and outlets selling the usual tourist paraphernalia. Tobacco and spirit stores do a good trade in low-duty goods. Car and scooter hire available. One or two boutiques, but a better selection is found in Ibiza town.

Beach:
A long, gently curving stretch of sand (the longest beach on the island), which varies in width and runs the length of the resort. Generally calm waters, with gently shelving entry to the sea. Plenty of loungers available for a small charge.

Entertainments:
Daytime: water sports including pedalloes, jet-skis and banana-boat rides. Aguamar water park. Club Fiestaland multisports centre with tennis, squash, golf driving range, football, badminton, archery, etc. Ten-pin bowling; minigolf. The attractions of historic Ibiza old town, including archaeological museum. Trotting races at San Jordi hippodrome on Sundays. Hippie market every Friday. Nightlife: choice of discos; music bars, Irish pub and plenty of shows in hotels. Ultra-trendy nightclub for serious all-night/day clubbers.

Eating:
Modest selection of informal cafe-style restaurants serving a limited range of food at reasonable prices. British grub dominates, but Spanish, Italian and Chinese cuisine can also be found. Plenty of snack bars serving fast food. Wider choice at Figueretas up the road or in Ibiza town.

Public-transport:
Bus service every 30 minutes to Figueretas and Ibiza town; hourly night service during high season. Taxi rank in centre of resort.

Local-excursions:
Island coach tour. Boat trips to Formentera or nearby islets with beaches. Finca Feast (traditional meal in rural location). Hillbilly Hoedown (Wild West evening). Hippie market at Es Cana. Aguamar Splashdown (water park). Casino with live show.