Back to the island
Locating Ibiza on the map may be more or less comfortable, depending on where you’re from and your knowledge of geography. Ibiza (Catalan: Eivissa) is a Spanish island in the Mediterranean Sea off the eastern coast of Spain.
Ibiza has become well known for its association with nightlife, electronic dance music, and for the summer club scene, all of which attract large numbers of tourists drawn to that type of holiday. Several years before 2010, the island’s government and the Spanish Tourist Office had been working to promote more family-oriented tourism, with the police closing down clubs that played music at late night hours, but by 2010 this policy was reversed. Around 2015 it was resumed.
Ibiza is administratively part of the autonomous community of the Balearic Islands, whose capital is Palma, on the island of Majorca. Ibiza comprises 5 of the community’s 67 municipalities.
The Old Town (Dalt Vila) is an ancient sandstone fortress, built as a defence against pirates and other invaders. It’s one of the best things to do in Ibiza, and walking through the ancient gate into the city is evocative. The town itself has retained a timeless feel.
You’ll find some exciting shopping, along with some generations-old bodegas for a refreshing drink and bite to eat. From the top of the hill, you get some great views down to the marina and the newer districts of Ibiza Town.
Ibiza is one of the most famous places in the world for nightlife. It’s full of superclubs, party hotels, beach bars and some really, really nice restaurants. During the summer months, many of the world’s leading DJs take up residences in the superclubs and hotels. And if you fancy joining them, here’s our guide to the island’s best nightlife — as well as a few suggestions for when you need a night off.
During the summer months, Ibiza’s all about the superclubs, which are largely found outside of town. They can be expensive (it’s best to go for drinks at a bar in town first), they really are where the party’s at, and should be experienced at least once.
Pacha has been open since 1973. It’s just outside Ibiza Town, and is the only superclub that opens year-round. Specialising in House music, residencies during the summer months include the world’s biggest DJs, like David Guetta. For something a bit different, try the smaller downstairs spaces — the Global and Funky Rooms. That’s where you’ll find a more diverse musical line-up, including R&B, hip-hop and disco, and occasionally stage live gigs. You can also chill out under the stars on Pacha’s rooftop terrace and restaurant.
Officially the world’s biggest nightclub, Privilege is big enough to host up to 10,000 clubbers. It’s a vast aircraft hangar-like space, found just outside the village of San Rafael. Underneath its 25 metre high ceiling you’ll find gardens, chill-out areas, an impressive dome and lavish stage sets.
Amnesia is now over 40 years old, one of the island’s most beloved clubbing institutions. It’s never far from the world’s best club lists. Found between Ibiza Town and San Rafael, it’s famous for its superstar DJs — including Carl Cox and Paul Van Dyk. It’s regular, well known parties include Cream, Music On and Cocoon. But the real star is its technical specs. The club’s custom-made sound system is one of the most powerful around. The dance floor is surrounded by ice cannons, which blast revellers with plume of cooling, and very cool-looking, fog. The stage is equally impressive, DJs perform from within a giant high-tech pyramid set.
Formerly known as Space, Hï is by Playa d’en Bossa beach, to the west of Ibiza town. It’s got very impressive light shows and an equally impressive view from the open-air terraces. There’s even a DJ booth in the club’s unisex bathroom. One of Hï’s biggest parties is Glitterbox, who host two nights of classic disco and house music a week. Expect some of the island’s most glamorous dancers and a wild ‘anything goes’ attitude.
Based in San Antonio town centre, Eden is probably the most accessible of Ibiza’s superclubs. Previously home to Gatecrasher and Pete Tong, after a major facelift, it’s now a massive theatre-like space. In addition to regular club nights from house and trance names like Defected, Eden will be hosting more gigs and live music events.
DC10 is an alternative to the more slick superclubs. Found in a former Finca right by the airport, DC10 is a little more off the beaten track. What it lacks in glitz and glamour, it more than makes up for in tunes. Specialising in techno, and with parties that regularly spill out onto the open air terrace, DC10 is a club for those who take their music seriously.
San Antonio’s beachfront bars are famous for their views. Not just of the shimmering waters of the Mediterranean, but of the uninterrupted sunset. Sitting back with a drink at Cafe Mambo or Cafe del Mar and watching the sun go down is an Ibiza tradition. The sight is often so spectacular that it draws applause from the strip’s patrons.
One of the most exclusive spots to spend the day on the island, Nikki Beach is a beach club, restaurant, pool, bar and boutique, just outside the town of Santa Eulalia. At weekends during the summer, the club stays open until late. Head there for a very nice open-air dinner.
Ibiza’s original hippy spirit is alive on the north coast. Every sunday evening during the summer, thousands gather on the beach to “drum down the sunset”. It’s become one of the most popular parties around, and so it can be difficult to find somewhere to park if you turn up too late in the day. But despite the crowds, the laid-back vibe still remains. Head down early on in the day to bag a spot — there’s a nearby colourful flea market nearby, or beach-front bars and restaurants while you’re waiting.
During the summer, Ibiza is almost as popular with sailing enthusiasts as it is with clubbers. And you’ll find plenty of boat parties setting off from the island’s harbours. The biggest, and possibly the best, is Pukka Up, which sets sail from San Antonio twice a week. Tickets to Pukka Up’s boat parties will normally also include entry to one of the island’s superclubs after you get back to shore, so make for a good value night.
