The obvious answer to this question is that Brighton and Ibiza are popular seaside holiday destinations. They both make the ideal base for a sailing holiday too. Boat hire Ibiza is the best option if you wish to see another side to the resort and/or explore the other Balearic Islands while the same is true of Brighton and the nearby coastline. Considering their different climate and lifestyle, what else do they have in common?
Historical origins
Before the advent of tourism, both resorts started out as poverty-stricken villages. Originally a Saxon village called Beorthelm’s Tun, Brighton was a village of fishermen (based under the cliff) and farmers (above the cliff) until the town was awarded a charter and developed into a prosperous market town in the Middle Ages.
Because of its isolation and neglect by its Catalan overlords, Ibiza also had little trade and its inhabitants eked out a living as fishermen, farmers and craftsmen.
Threats from the sea
Throughout history, coastal settlements have always been aware of the constant danger of threats from the sea in the form of raiders or invaders. If you visit Ibiza even today, you will see the remnants of the fortified city walls built to protect the town from plundering pirates. Even churches were fortified with cannons on their roofs to repel the invaders. A series of towers was also constructed along the coastline and watchmen would light a fire to warn its inhabitants to seek refuge when danger was seen.
For Brighton, the threat came from our neighbours across the Channel. In 1514, the city was almost completely destroyed by a fire set by the French which spread quickly because of the wooden houses with thatched roofs. As a result, the inhabitants of Brighton petitioned the monarch for permission to install defensive cannons. A series of beacons was also built to spread the alarm if French ships were spotted again. This alarm system worked so well that the inhabitants were able to fight off another raid by the French in 1545.
Innovations in transport
New developments in transport made a huge difference to the history of both resorts. In the 18th century, Brighton was able to take advantage of the craze for sea bathing and its health benefits because it had a regular stagecoach connection with London. The establishment of a steamship service to France in 1824 and a railway service to the capital 17 years later both helped to further boost the prosperity of Brighton.
Ibiza was rescued from obscurity and poverty as a direct result of a regular ferry service from the mainland which began in the 1930s, bringing it with it many refugees from fascist countries. Later the playground of the rich, mass tourism and cheap charter flights did the most to radically change the fortunes of the island.
Why go to Ibiza?
Ibiza is often characterised as a non-stop party resort. However, it has much more to offer its visitors. Being on a sailing holiday enables you to choose what kind of holiday you prefer and access secluded coves away from the frantic 24/7 nightlife whenever you’d like.
