A vast area of Ibiza town has just been declared an official Archaeological Zone by the Island Government. Stretching from the Avenidas España and Ignacio Wallis up to Can Misses Hospital, all new building in the zone will be strictly controlled so that archaeological explorations can be carried out first. It is thought that this area is as rich in artefacts from past colonisations of the island as the Puig des Molins part of the old town. Here there is ample evidence of the Imperial Necropolis, ceramic workshops from the Punic period, Roman remains, and many Moorish installations. The new zone is designed to protect the island's heritage for future generations and demonstrate that there is more to Ibiza than some beaches and a few discotheques.
The council have spent over € 250,000 to make this Christmas special and a little different from the traditions of the past 30 years. This year the 'Belén' or nativity scene will be moved to the Town Hall Cloister and free buses have been laid on to transport visitors up the steep hill, where hot tea and chocolate will be waiting for them. And for the first time ever, the procession of the Three Kings from the East which takes place on the evening of the 5th of January will feature a real live camel!