ISS035-E-7431 Click the photo number to access all resolutions available and the database record.
The largest cities on the island—Ibiza Town, Sant Antoni de Portmany, and Santa Eulària des Riu—appear as white to pink regions near coastal bays in this photograph from the International Space Station. Like many of the Balearic Islands, the major industry of Ibiza is tourism, and Ibiza Town and Sant Antoni de Portmany are particularly well known for their nightlife.
Much of the lowland interior is covered with green to light brown agricultural fields; some of them are in active production of wheat, olives, and grapes, but others are inactive and undergoing a re-growth of native trees such as pine (Pinus halpensis) and savine (Juniperus phoenicea). The northern and southwestern coastlines are hilly (grey-brown regions), with the highest peak (Sa Talaia; 475 meters above sea level) located in the southwestern region.
Parts of the island and near-shore waters are designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites and provide opportunities for rock climbing and ecotourism. The island hosts a large variety of birds and lizards, though no large land fauna are present. Parts of Ibiza and Formentera wetlands have been identified as habitat for nesting and migratory waterbirds by the Ramsar Convention of Wetlands of International Importance.
Ships are visible near Ibiza Town, and an airplane contrail is visible off the southwestern coastline of the island (lower left). The Mediterranean Sea to the southeast appears dark due to shadowing by clouds, just visible in the lower right corner.
