The Arabs came in the 9th century A.D. and stayed for almost 500 years. They called the island Yebisah. The arabic influence can still be felt strongly today in many customs, such as the construction of the houses, traditional costumes and musical instruments, and of course in the island dialect 'Ibicenco'.

On the hill in Ibiza Town, they built a large mosque (on the ruins of a temple dedicated to the God Mercury) and fortified the city walls. The remains of these walls and some of the watchtowers can still be seen today. Ibiza experienced a period of economic growth under Arab rule. The Salt fields, agriculture and fishing were the main sources of income.