Time is a tricky concept in Ibiza. Just as you’re finding a path to your hotel room, someone else is emerging for a sunrise yoga session. Ibiza opening parties seem to fill the calendar long after the first VIP area ropes have lifted. And closing parties are no more helpful in defining the season’s end. One thing that can be relied upon? The Ibiza party calendar will always be a dizzying mix of euphoric nights set to soundtracks that range from jazz to tech-house. With a few stops along the way to blast out some trance, underground beats and 90s classics.
Club transfers, an ever-changing roster of residencies and off-season overhauls keep everyone flitting from bar to club and back again. Ibiza’s best nights out are liver-pickling tests of endurance. Start long before sunset at the aptly named sunset bars, move to a super club and finish up at an afterparty. If your liver doesn’t falter, on Ibiza, it’s more likely your wallet that’ll be suffering.
Ibiza’s sunset bars and pre-parties
If you’ve secured a spot at one of the best beach clubs in Ibiza, you might be tempted to cling to your perfectly chilled cocktail jug just a little longer. But Ibiza has the perfect segue from coastal zen to all-out mayhem, and they’re called pre-parties. Sip cocktails to chill out tracks at a sunset bar, or dial up the action a notch at a pre-party. This is where your ultimate night out begins…
Tira Palla
You’ll no doubt have heard of Cafe Mambo and Cafe Del Mar. Both Ibiza institutions and almost too essential not to tick them off your Ibiza party calendar plans. The problem is, everyone else flocks there too. You’re less likely to have heard of Tira Palla. But local rock n roll lovers have been quietly recommending it for years. They come for the views over Dalt Villa and a glimpse of sunset. The magic that happens in the mojito mixers doesn’t hurt either.
Savannah
Let’s be honest. Any bar on Ibiza’s sunset strip is going to wow you. Not necessarily for the drinks, sounds or menu – but the views. The sun setting really is as mystical as everyone goes on about. And trust us, they do go on about it. So by all means try a few bars to get a feel of the place, but our pick is Savannah. It’s a triple threat. Summer pre-parties, spectacular setting and a menu that (almost) outshines the sunset.
Bar 1085
If you like your evenings to take a rather mischievous turn, look no further than Bar 1085. Offbeat and dripping in absinthe, this is a vintage delight that definitely hasn’t embraced Ibiza’s penchant for clean lines and whitewashed decor.
Your host and cocktail artisan is Charles Vexenat. He’ll no doubt want you to try the famous Green Beast. His award winning cocktail is served in a birdcage, or any other trinket on his eclectic shelves. Is sipping it through a crystal pipe strictly necessary? No. And that’s exactly why you’re here. We wouldn’t blame you if the accompanying electro-swing tempted you to stay all night. Ibiza’s wellness retreats are waiting for you, should you need them.
Orbzii tip: If you’ve already been googling your way towards the super clubs, you’ll know seeing headline DJs comes at a price. Yes, the experience is amazing – but it’s hard on your bank balance. The solution? Guy Gerber’s Rumours gig. Every Sunday Destino is packed with tipped off partygoers ready to see the sunset. Soundtracked by big name artists, it’s an Ibiza party calendar essential.
Ibiza’s super clubs
No two nights are the same in an Ibiza club. Though it might sound like we’re resorting to lazy cliches, the clubs literally do change night after night. Promoters switch up the decor and the headline acts vary wildly. Which is ultimately why the Ibiza party calendar becomes your clubbing bible. So while we’re going to give you some solid stalwarts picked from the best nightclubs in Ibiza, you’ll want to check out the parties scheduled during your stay. Never has FOMO been so real.
Pacha
Ok, bear with us. We know it’s the name on everyone’s lips. But come on. Pacha’s a global player that’s never going to see a lousy night out happen on its watch. Sexy, glamorous and always managing to tread the line between familiar favourites and intriguing new parties. You’ll hear a lot about Flower Power and The Masquerade, but Music On is the party creating a buzz in all the right circles. Marco Carola brought his techno night to Pacha and hasn’t looked back.
DC10
Although DC10’s essentially a farmhouse at the end of an airport runway, it rarely has trouble filling the dance floor and terrace. Monday’s Circoloco grabbed the headlines – and launched a series of copycat nights, but we think Wednesday’s Paradise party is the better of DC10’S two offerings.
Is it a super club? Maybe not. But it’s credible, notorious and still flying a smidge under most people’s radar. Word of mouth brings people here in big numbers. Join them. Trust us, there’s a reason why the best DJs from the underground scene want to headline here.
Ushuaia
A relative newcomer, compared to Pacha’s near 50-year stint, Ushuaia’s arrival disrupted Ibiza’s clubbing scene. In. THE. Best. Way. An atomic mix of pool party, club night and dance festival – it’s an open air experience no other club can really match. The laser show, fireworks and confetti canons could risk it tipping over into gimmicky – but has yet to do so.
Doors open around 3pm and Ushuaia rolls out the big names early doors – just in time for the sunset. They close at midnight – as Ibiza’s clamping down on late night outdoor events. That’s where Ushuaia’s sister club Hï Ibiza comes in. Open until 6:30am – the production values – and drinks prices – are just as high. But this is Ibiza. What did you expect?
Orbzii tip: If you’re wondering where people are sourcing half price tickets and even guest list spots, you haven’t been talking to the right people. Staff on the sands in San Antonio and Playa Del Bossa should be your new best friends. Although you might have to chat to a few before you find someone working for the club promoters. No matter, you’ll be thanking us when you’re on the guest list.
Looking to experience the notorious Ibiza opening parties? Don’t fly in too early. Pacha and Amnesia kick things off in early May – but Hï, DC10 and Ushuaia’s season always starts a little later.
Off the beaten Ibiza party track…
Not even the best nightclubs in Ibiza can rival some of the more alternative nights on the island. Headline DJs are one thing. But dancing all night in a secret beach cave? Cruising the waves on a party boat? These are the parties like no others. Be prepared to do some Sherlock Holmes level investigating to find the truly best places on the underground scene…
Ibiza’s cave raves
These are the stuff of Ibizan urban myth and legend. Yes, they really do happen in secluded coves, but the where, why and how are tangled up in tall tales. Stories of secret millionaire backers aside, if you do track one down, stay safe – and be prepared for a very pared back night out.
That said, famous DJs aren’t a rare spot on the decks. Cave acoustics beat anything a super club can create. It’s invitation only, so if your name’s not down, you’re not coming in.
Ibiza’s after parties
Before you’ve even bought your first club ticket, you’ll want to be scouting for after party rumours. Rare, private but ultimately free, these are the hen’s teeth of Ibiza parties. Yes, an invite will gain you access to an exclusive villa, but tracking them down can be tiresome. If you’re still determined, you’ll need to seriously work on your island contact book.
Halloween in Ibiza
Ibiza’s closing party calendar runs from mid-September to mid-October. But Halloween is when the real season wrap party takes place – and resident celebrate a summer well spent. The fancy dress is suitably horrifying, the music is legendary, naturally, and of course, the best venue is a world away from the big name clubs. Boutique Hostal Salinas is the place to be. Drop by in the early hours of the morning – because when else would the party REALLY get started? You could see some famous island names – but underneath all the Halloween makeup, they really could be anybody.
Boat parties
We can’t claim these are in anyway a rare find in Ibiza. But they do get your party started much earlier than the pre-parties or sunset bars. And with the island cracking down on impromptu beach parties, these are a credible way to get your coastal fix without anyone ruining the vibe. Jet skis, banana boats and a whole host of fun you won’t find on shore.
Most tickets also include entry to one of Ibiza’s best nightclubs or beach clubs. Cirque De La Nuit’s riotous party sails during sunset – an Ibiza rarity. And the open bar ensures the atmosphere is always lively.
