Clubbing Ibiza
Some of the hottest summer dance tunes of the past decade first hit the dance floors in the Mediterranean’s most renowned clubbers’ hotspot, Ibiza. Boasting some of the world’s largest clubs, for four months every year, from June through to September, the island becomes a magnet for top DJs and party-goers alike.
Media claims that Ibiza has had its day have done nothing to deter the thousands of patrons that return to the island’s clubs each season. What attracts these people time and time again is a combination of things; the sheer size of some of the clubs; the extravagant nature of the club nights offered; the ideal setting combined with a relaxed attitude and top DJs with the likes of Roger Sanchez regularly burning the decks. In addition, people just like to go and see what all the hype is about.
With possibly one of the best club scenes in the world, Ibiza’s clubs offer something to please all ages, musical tastes, and sexual orientations. The majority of the mega-clubs are located in and around San Antonio. For information on club nights you can check out various club magazines and flyers plastered around the island, although they are not always accurate in their information. Dedicated clubbers may want to check club listings on the Internet, which is probably the most reliable source of information.
Top venues not to be missed include Pacha, a year round club near Ibiza Town; Privilege, the world’s largest club with terrible acoustics as a result, famed for its club night Manumission; Amnesia, boasts Cream and notorious gay nights; Esparadis, known for its foam parties; Space, open out of hours for those who feel like dancing from dawn to dusk (not the other way around); Eden, boasting Judge Jules; and El Divino, small but glamorous.
It is worth noting the opening dates of the larger clubs before you book your holiday so you are sure not to miss your favourite nights. The first club to open is Esparadis in the last week of May, then Space opens on the first Sunday in June, and one week after that, Amnesia. Popular nights such as Cream and Manumission don't get going until the third or fourth week of June. The closing and opening parties are legendary, with the season coming to a close in September.
Entrance fees vary according to the club, the particular night, and the season, but as a general rule, it’s not cheap and the larger clubs can be as much as €50 per person. It is easy to lose your mates in some of the larger clubs, so be careful when arranging to meet people; you may never find them! Getting drinks can be another difficulty; slow if not impossible on busy nights. If you are already dehydrated from your tanning session on the beach, take care that you drink enough fluids, which means keeping enough money for the not-so-cheap bottled water.
