Ibiza Nightlife: Bars & Clubs

What Ibiza lacks in size, it more than makes up for in terms of nightlife. Hailed as the party capital of the world, the island's been the beating heart of the Balearics for over four decades. Originally, it was a hang-out for travelling hippies, who soon turned it into a creative hub for like-minded people. In the 1980s, peace and love was replaced with the hardcore hedonism of the house music culture which, in turn, gave way to the legendary parties of the '90s rave music scene.

Today, the nightlife is much more diverse. Although you'll tend to find that dance music hogs the spotlight, there are plenty of nightclubs and bars where other genres are played, from folk and grime, to electronica and rock. If you don't know your way around, Ibiza's nightlife can be a little daunting, so we've put together some guidelines on where you'll find the best Ibiza nightlife.

Which are the Party Resorts?

When it comes to Ibiza nightclubs, the island is roughly divided into three parts. You've got Ibiza Town, which tends to attract clubbers from all over the world, Playa D'en Bossa, which is where you go to tan by day and party by night, and San Antonio, which boats the highest concentration of nightclubs as part of its world-famous 'sunset strip'. Beyond these three resorts, you might still find some decent nightlife, but it'll be harder to hunt out. If you want easy access to the best clubs in Ibiza, these are the ones to put on your list.

Amnesia

San Antonio acts as host to one of the island's most iconic nightclubs: Amnesia. Amnesia, Ibiza houses two clubbing spaces dedicated to playing the best and latest in techno, trance, dubstep, and house. Get to Amnesia in Ibiza on the right nights and you'll even encounter some stunning live shows.

This superclub also lays claim to an iconic piece of clubbing kit: the Amnesia, Ibiza Ice Cannons! Locked and loaded, they're ready to fire out jets of freezing dry ice that can literally lift you off your feet, so don't stand too close!

Pacha

If you're staying in Ibiza Town, make sure that you take a night out to enjoy the madness that is Pacha Pacha in Ibiza started out in the 70s and has gone on to become one of the biggest brands in the club scene. Visited by locals and tourists alike, Pacha is associated with high-end partying. If you're going for the night, dress to impress and book on of the VIP tables in advance.

Glamour and glitz aside, Pacha plays an interesting range of music, from emerging electronica and old-school disco, to powerhouse pop and indie music. Pacha is incredibly popular and it's not uncommon to see a celebrity or two in the crowds.

Bora Bora

Also competing for recognition as one of the most famous clubs in the world is Bora Bora. Located in Playa d'en Bossa, Bora Bora is where you go if you want to party in the sunshine, with soft sand under your feet and a cooling cocktail in your hand. Boogie in your bikini, or throw some shapes in your board shorts; Bora Bora Ibiza is the place to go for a full-on beach party!

Resident DJs crank out party tunes from the moment the sunrises, to long after it's set. A club for hardcore hedonists, Bora Bora Ibiza draws a fabulously multicultural crowd.

Destino

Sheltered under the Pacha brand umbrella, Destino Ibiza is less a nightclub and more a party venue. However, these aren't just any parties: Destino Ibiza parties are legendary and you've got to keep your ears to the ground to find out when the next one might be.

Held from around five in the afternoon, until about midnight, Destino Ibiza parties are held in the open air. Don't let the midnight cut-off time fool you: Destino Ibiza has a nightclub of its own, where one party picks up where the previous one left off.

Eden

After Amnesia, the other most iconic nightclub on the island is Eden. Eden Ibiza has been going since the '90s and has hosted the likes of Pete Tong, Godskitchen and Gatecrasher. If you've only ever seen photos of Ibiza nightclubs, the chances are that the liveliest ones were taken in Eden, Ibiza.

This is where people return to, after they've had their first taste of Ibiza nightlife, and once you've been, you'll understand why! The crowd is a mix of all ages, from '80s house-heads and '90s ravers to the younger dance-music fans of the noughties.

DC10

Close to Ibiza Town, you'll find DC10. If you haven't heard of it before, don't worry: DC10 Ibiza is one of the island's best-kept secrets (up until now!) and loved by those in the know. The reason behind this is that, back in the day, this nightclub was infamous for its rather naughty reputation! However, having cleaned up its act, DC10 now doesn't promote itself in any way.

Instead, it lets its new reputation speak for itself; the revelry and hardcore partying have been replaced with a mission to play the best in underground electronica. If you're a serious music fan, this is the place to go for some exceptional tunes and a fantastic atmosphere. DC10, Ibiza still knows how to have fun; the venue has a garden in which you can dance the night away and the evenings are full of fun and games that don't automatically have to involve hangovers!

Tickets for Gigs

Tickets for the various nightclubs Ibiza has on offer can be bought online or at the clubs themselves. The more exclusive clubs tend to sell out quickly, particularly when there are big-name headliners playing, so booking online can ensure you get to see the gigs you want to.

Similarly, the bigger clubs can have waiting lists, so get in there early. While these are undoubtedly some of the best clubs in Ibiza, clubbing is very much a 'horses for courses experience', so don't be afraid to ask fellow music-heads for recommendations.

More Things To Do ideas

Find more Things To Do in Ibiza: Cala Bassa Beach | Cala Comte Beach | Explore Ibiza Old Town | Fiesta Cala Nova Hotel | Horse Riding At Ibiza Horse Valley | Ibiza Events | Ibiza Rocks Hotel | Portinatx | Rock Of Es Vedra | Santa Gertrudius