As one of the party capitals in the world, Ibiza is well-known for its lively atmosphere and amazing nightlife. This Balearic Island may be home to some major European nightclubs and incredible DJ sets but delve a little deeper and you’ll find quaint villages, yoga retreats and stunning beaches, ideal for that perfect Instagram shot.

With a vast array of hotels, bars and clubs and shops to choose from, Ibiza’s is understandably one of the most popular destinations for stag and hen parties. While flights may be slightly more expensive than other similar destinations, for the ultimate sunny party, it’s got to be Ibiza.

Explore the City

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San Antonio Bay

Renowned as one of the best areas in Ibiza, this thriving resort has plenty to do and see, day and night. Boasting spacious terraces, lively cafes and bars, various live shows and music until the early hours, San Antonio Bay is where the party begins. Ibiza Rocks Bar, Kumharas and Cafe Mambo are some of the area’s best-loved places.

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Ibiza Town

The capital of Ibiza, Ibiza Town is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site but also boasts a number of bars and restaurants such as Hard Rock Cafe, famous clubs like Club Lolas and shops selling a variety of products. Down by the waterfront is a popular area so keep your eyes peeled as it’s not called ‘the playground of the rich and famous’ for no reason.

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The Main Resorts

Ibiza has a number of popular resorts that are ideal for large groups and those in search of a party. Northern areas such as Puerto San Miguel and Portinatx are home to beautiful sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. Head south and you’ll find one of the largest beaches on the island in Cala Llonga. Santa Eulalia is the perfect combination of relaxation and party.

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Water Parks

Recover from the night before at Ibiza’s famous water park. Packed with incredible water attractions, Playa d'en Bossa offers slides, flumes, chutes and more - and there’s various swimming pools for those who prefer a quieter experience. An on-site restaurant, cafe and picnic area mean you can spend the whole day here before getting ready for another night on the town.

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Boat Party

Dance away to some of the finest tunes from the famous Zoo Project DJs while the sun beats down on your shoulders. Setting off from San Antonio’s port, this huge boat party cruise includes tribal dance performers, electronic music, huge dancing areas and an unrivalled atmosphere. With a free-flowing bar and incredible views, this is one activity to remember. It’s an Ibiza classic and shouldn’t be missed.

Nightlife Hotspots

Party-goers may flock to Ibiza in search for its famous nightlife but there’s also more to this Balearic Island. Away from the big-name clubs and huge DJ acts, Ibiza has a more laid-back appeal meaning there’s something for everyone.

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Ocean Beach Club

Known as the place to be, Ocean Beach Club is the party playground. The only way to spend your days in Ibiza is to step into a world of glam and luxury at this stylish beach club. Relax on the super-sized sunbeds, cool off in the pool and dance to the ultimate summer tunes from the resident DJs. Once the sun goes down, head to one of the many after parties.

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Pacha

Dubbed as the original Ibiza club, Ibiza Town’s Pacha still takes centre stage in the island’s clubbing scene. As the area’s oldest and most well-known club, expect to see a few famous faces as you dance the night away, listening to incredible DJ sets.

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Amnesia

Boasting two unforgettable clubbing experiences, Amnesia is home to the Club Room and the Terrace. Covering the very best music in techno, house, bass and even live shows, will you spend your evening in the dark Club Room or glass roof Terrace? Feeling swanky? Why not indulge in the VIP area, overlooking everyone below.

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Ushuaïa

This famous open-air party venue and clubbers party hotel has been a favourite in Playa d'en Bossa since 2011. Boasting performances from some of the biggest names in music, it’s now firmly secured its place as one of the most famous venues in Ibiza. Open from mid-afternoon to midnight, Ushuaïa is guaranteed to get the party started.

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Laid-back nights

Ibiza nights don’t have to be spent in a club until the early hours. If you’re looking for something quiet, then head to Cala Llonga and Puerto San Miguel which are full of traditional street performers, casual bars and beautiful restaurants.

Eat like a local

When it comes to food, Ibiza does it well. Being close to the sea, the fish and seafood variety is as incredible as you’d expect. However, there’s also a variety of other cuisines for those looking for something else. Santa Eulalia is popular amongst foodies and Calle San Vicente is known as the ‘Street of Restaurants’.

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Zarzuela

Ibiza is famous for its seafood and if you’re a fish fan, you’ve got to try the local stew. Zarzuela is made from a variety of different fresh fish including shellfish, cod, crab and more. Alongside potatoes and tomatoes, it’s the perfect hangover cure.

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Beach Restaurants

Sit back and relax with some good food, while taking in the beautiful beach views and sea air. Ibiza is home to a number of popular beach restaurants that are the ideal location for grabbing that perfect picture of the sunset. Popular favourites include Surf Lounge, Bali Beach Club, Kumharas Restaurant and if you’re looking for something a little luxurious, Nikki Beach Club has to be top of your list.

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Tapas

As Spain’s traditional cuisine, Tapas is a fantastic choice when sharing with friends. Even better, Ibiza has many tapas restaurants to choose from. Located in Ibiza Town, La Cava Tapas Bar offers authentic tapas snacks and Gave Mx Restaurant provides unique mexican tapas.

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Budget Eats

Ibiza may be glamorous but it also has its fair share of budget restaurants which are popular with large groups. From pizzerias to Mediterranean grills, whatever your preferred cuisine, every popular resort is filled with cheap eats. Plus, there’s a famous vegetarian restaurant called The Booo which offers cheap veggie burgers.

Places to stay

Ibiza has a number of places to stay which are ideal for large groups and those looking for good value accommodation. As well as being centrally located, many also offer double and triple rooms. Plus, there’s lots of hostels available - again suited to large groups.

Relentless party, lie on the beach

Planning the ultimate adventure on the ultimate party island

Every so often you hear somewhere described as ‘the new Ibiza’. The real Ibiza isn’t worried. It’s the original and the best and when it’s up full volume on a warm summer night there really is nowhere else like it. But even without the DJs and club nights, Ibiza would still be wonderful. The sea’s impossibly clear, the beaches are almost all pure white sand, there are stunning historic towns and tiny, tucked-away villages and the islanders are friendly, relaxed and surprisingly unfazed by the hordes of visitors.

Ibiza at a glance:

  • Famed as one of the world’s great clubbing destinations, there is nightlife and music to suit all tastes
  • One of the beautiful Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean off the west coast of Spain
  • Guaranteed to be hot and sunny from June to September with temperatures up to 30°
  • From huge and pumping to tiny and hidden-away, Ibiza has some of Spain’s loveliest beaches
  • Enjoying beers as the sun goes down on the Sunset Strip is one of the world’s most sociable chillout experiences

Local knowledge:

Ibiza Town - for big name clubs and big nights Sitting between two of the island’s most popular beaches, Playa de Talamanca and Playa d’en Bossa, Ibiza Town is where you want to be for big name clubs and club nights. It’s also one of the most expensive places to live in Europe – just take a look at the little sugar-cube houses with their immaculate roof-gardens and it’s easy to see why. So, of course, there’s brilliant shopping. From Spanish brand names to international designers inspired by Ibiza’s beach-chic style and homegrown rising stars, if you can’t find something to wear in Ibiza Town you just aren’t trying. The historic Old Town is the place for beautiful, original art and gorgeous little restaurants (spot the smart locals and you know it’s good). And it’s also one of the best places to wander round around in the evening if you’re taking a club sabbatical – or just catching your breath before the night really begins.

San Antonio - possibly the clubbing capital of the universe You spend a couple of thousand years being a quiet Spanish fishing village, along came a few DJs and within two decades you’re the clubbing capital of the universe, welcome to San Antonio. If your ideal Ibiza means beautiful beach by day and relentless clubbing until the sun comes up, this is the resort where that’s normal. Bright, brash, lively, young and constant just about sums San Antonio. After dark you want the ‘West End’, it’s just two streets but they’re packed with music bars, clubs, pubs and people looking to play. For committed clubbing with a sea view, Sunset Strip is one of the most famous parts of San Antonio and the mix of sounds makes it a great choice for one of those nights where you started off somewhere and ended up who knows where, but it was all great.

Recent Changes to The Local Law

Spain's Balearic Islands have passed new laws to crack down on alcohol-fuelled holidays. Many people have asked us about this, so here is an update for everybody about the San Antonio alcohol law changes.

Best bars in Ibiza:

Café Mambo - www.cafemamboibiza.com/ A San Antonio Sunset Strip legend, Café Mambo is famous for its pre-club parties and hosting some of the world’s biggest name DJs.

Dune - www.dunesibiza.com/ Small, select and chic this is one of the friendliest bars on the island and the drinks are surprisingly reasonable – great place to start the night.

Savannahs - www.savannahibiza.com/ Fantastic DJs, cool terrace and amazing sunsets make this one of the best places in San Antonio to catch up with friends and cocktails.

Sa Trinxa Beach Bar - www.satrinxa.com/ Food, drink and astonishing views of lovely Las Salinas beach, what more could you want – apart from all the beautiful people that hang out here.

Linekers - www.linekersibiza.com/ The most famous bar in Ibiza, right on San Antonio beach. Headline DJs are the big draw here and the views from the beach terrace are incredible.

Best clubs in Ibiza:

Pacha - www.pacha.com/ The oldest and best known club in Ibiza Town, Pacha is famous for VIP Tables and being a bit of a playground for the rich and famous.

Ushuaia - www.ushuaiabeachhotel.com/ This is Ibiza’s legendary outdoor club and a home from summer home for the world’s celebrity DJs. Just outside Ibiza Town. Look out for daytime clubbing, the amazing swimming pool and light shows. Be sure to get tickets in advance.

Amnesia - www.amnesia.es/ In San Rafael, between Ibiza Town and San Antonio, the club that invented clubbing is Amnesia. The heaving dance spaces, water cannons, ‘shared’ moments, club nights, parties and legendary DJs have kept this icon right up there for nearly 25 years and it’s still brilliant.

Food: eat like a local:

The traditional Ibizan diet is Mediterranean and the seafood is fantastic. Olives and fresh bread appear on your table at the start of every meal as standard (best culinary custom on earth). And if you’re a meat lover, what the island does to steak is unbelievably delicious.

Moorea Grill is is the biggest and busiest restaurant in Playa d’en Bossa. It’s open 18 hours a day and you’re still advised to book ahead. Great meat and fish, perfectly cooked to order and an amazing choice of sides – plus glorious views too.

For a big slice of Americana right in Ibiza Town head to Hard Rock Café (http://www.hardrock.com/cafes/ibiza/) . All the usual Hard Rock signatures only with the addition of a sensational view of Ibiza Old Town with your perfect burger and fries.

Ibiza without tapas? Don’t think so. Rincon de Pepe is a San Antonio institution, about as authentic as it gets and loved by the pre-club crowd.

Right on San Antonio’s Pinet Playa, On The Rocks (https://www.ibizarocks.com/) is a pretty restaurant with fantastic views and a delicious breakfast.

La Bodega (https://www.labodegaibiza.com/en/) is a beautiful pavement café close to Ibiza Old Town (charming as standard). The tapas menu is excellent and original and there’s a really relaxed typically Ibizan atmosphere.

When to visit:

Ibiza’s weather is pleasant in spring and winter, but if you want real sun and all the stuff that the island does better than anywhere, it has to be summer. Temperatures hit 30° easy in July and August (even the sea’s about 26°) and all the bars, clubs, parties, events, gigs and festivals are centred around summer.

Ibiza Town and San Antonio are crowded out from June to early September, you wouldn’t expect anything else. But if you want a break, the good news is that most of the rest of Ibiza is less busy, quiet beaches are easy to find and, if you really want to get away from it all, hire a car or a moped and tour the island’s interior – not a party, but pretty lovely.

Best view of the island:

Flat shoes, bottled water and a late afternoon are the only things you need to walk up to the battlements at the top of Ibiza Old Town for the island’s best panoramic view of the gorgeous town itself, the sea, the port and the unbroken horizon.

Getting about:

Most of the clubs lay on buses for events and parties and club nights, so check when you buy tickets. Taxis are a good way to get about at night and if you’re sharing they’re not too expensive. There are local bus services but the timetables aren’t always accurate and there’s a definite ‘go-slow’ during the siesta hours of 2-5pm. And if you really want to get the most out of Ibiza, have some freedom and explore beyond the bars and clubs, hire a car.

Staying safe:

Ibiza’s big resorts are busy so there are all the usual petty crimes to look out for, just pay a bit of attention like you would anywhere. And, if you’re swimming, watch out for jellyfish. Ibiza seems to specialise in a quite small species that’s a bit of a pack animal and carries a hefty sting.

Useful phrases:

Hi = hola

Goodbye = adios

Beer = cerveza

Thank you = gracias

Cheers! = salud!