How to Party Like a Pro in Ibiza
Photo from Flickr carolina naftali
Anyone who likes a good time knows that holidays in Ibiza are the ultimate party experience. Before you start packing your plastic sunglasses and flip flops, here are a few words of advice on how to get the most from your time on the white isle.
The island of Ibiza is divided into two main resort areas: San Antonio on the west of the island and Playa d’en Bossa to the east. San An, as it’s known, is the cheapest place to stay so tends to attract budget-conscious travellers. Think high-rise hotels, Union Jack flags and a lot of 18-year-old English lads eating sausages and bacon at street cafes. The atmosphere is highly charged around her, fuelled by an energy that comes only from teens on their first holiday.
Playa d’en Bossa is where the mid-twenties, slightly more discerning, cool kids hang out. For a taste of what the Ibiza party high life looks like, check out Bora Bora right on the beach. This is the scene of the island’s tiniest bikinis and Johnny Bravo types getting down to electro at lunchtime. Accommodation around here comes with a hefty price tag, though.
As the original party spot from back in the day, San Antonio is home to some of the island’s most iconic venues, including Café Del Mar and the Ibiza Rocks Hotel. If you’re staying east then it’s a 15-minute taxi ride over to the other side.
It’s easy to score tickets to the big club nights from any of the ticket sellers on the streets. It’s a good idea to find a seller when you first arrive then keep him as your go-to guy for anything you might want (ahem). Strike up a casual friendship with a seller you actually enjoy having a chat with. They’ll be an invaluable source of information about the hottest nights and what’s going on where.
As for the club scene, certain DJs will have set nights at the same venues every week (Sven Vath has been resident at Amnesia on Mondays for years). The biggest party of the week is always on a Sunday at Space. Huge-name DJs save the cream of their set for sunset, which is when the tunes are at their crowd-pleasing best.
You’ll have the time of your life, but it comes at a cost; expect to spend double your budget. Even if you don’t plan to go out to every night (although you probably will) everything is just plain expensive. Two years ago I parted company with €6 for a tiny Barbie-sized bottle of water and €17 for a vodka tonic in a club.
Finally, flights on budget airlines such as Ryanair and Easyjet often leave and arrive at crazy hours of the morning, meaning delays and cancellations are common, especially on the last flight of the day. If you absolutely have to be sat at your desk on Monday morning, then catch an afternoon flight on Sunday instead of the latest night flight. (And yes, I was very late in my case.) It’ll be the most entertaining flight for people-watching, guaranteed. Oh, and don’t forget to wear those sunglasses on the way home. For everyone’s benefit!
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Partying in Ibiza has always been on my bucket-list of things to do