Surviving Ibiza

If you’re heading to Ibiza for a clubbing holiday, read this guide before you do… Ibiza’s tourist season begins in May and runs until the end of October. If you’re reading this article to find out how to avoid the hardcore revelers, you should head there during either in May or in October, as the clubbing season runs between June and September, and large swathes of the island are devoted to its service during this time. The only big club open at the start and end of the season is Pacha. As May turns to June, Es Paradis follows, and then Space, Amnesia, Cream and Cocoon. If the big clubs aren’t your thing, there are plenty of smaller venues open year round. In terms of where you should stay, it all depends on the things that are important to you. If you don’t need to be in close proximity to the clubs, you have the pick of the island. If you want to be able to crawl home, Pacha and El Divino are both near the harbour in Ibiza Town. Space is in Playa d’en Bossa. San Antonio is home to both Es Paradis and Eden, while Amensia and Privilege are found on the road between Ibiza Town and San Antonio, close to San Rafael. Put some thought in where you stay, as many hotels are family-oriented, and you don’t want to be the noisy bane of a young family’s hard-earned vacation with your group of twelve lads having it large. Also, bear in mind that sleeping on the beach is illegal! You should get all your clubbing tickets in advance to avoid disappointment. You may not want to be the first to a club, but it might save you queuing for ages outside if you show up at midnight rather than 1.30, especially in August when the island is rammed with revelers. Dress codes are fairly relaxed compared to, say, London, but if you dress snazzily enough you might just get free entry. Prices for the big clubs – Cream, Cocoon – range from 30 to 60 Euros, depending on the night and time of year. Drinks are generally pretty expensive in the clubs – sometimes as much as 15 Euros. While binge-drinking is a bad idea at any time, on Ibiza it’s worth having a few bevvies in a pub just prior to heading into the club if you don’t want to blow all your dough.