You may think that your nights are pretty wild at your local haunts, but you have not truly partied hard until you have stumbled out of one of the top clubs in San Antonio, Ibiza in the early hours of the morning. Ibiza is the party capital of the world, somewhere that any true lad needs to experience at some point in their life. This party-hard resort is, in my humble opinion, the best spot for late night antics.
Exploring the rest of the island? Read our guide on the hotspots here.
Here is everything that you need to know about boozing in this brilliant clubbing destination.
Day
You’re on holiday so there is no need to wait to start drinking; in San Antonio there are many great daytime options. The best way to soak up some sun with a few beers is with the amazing boat parties which depart from the resort – you can’t beat drinking out in the middle of the ocean on a boat blasting top tunes to a wild and beautiful crowd! There are a handful of companies that do these cool parties, each with their own concepts, styles of music and routes, so you should be able to find one that suits your taste.
If you are searching for something a little bit more low key during the day (perhaps nursing a slight hangover?), simply grab a few cold ones and hit the beach with the boys.
Insider Tip: Head to the main beach as this draws the biggest crowd and the shallow waters are perfect for mucking around in.
Evening
In the evening when it is time to kick start the party, you will want to head straight to the spectacular Sunset Strip. This is where all the action goes down; you will be blown away by the glowing neon signs, pulsating music coming from each club and the exhilarating atmosphere as thousands of party animals live life to the fullest. The nerve centre of Sunset Strip is the legendary Café Mambo, where you will find some of the world’s best DJs.
Night
If it is your first time in Ibiza, it can be a little confusing and even overwhelming with so many parties happening around you! Each night, clubs will have different themed parties and styles of music playing depending on the external promoter (these promoters are often from different countries and this will be reflected in the theme.)
There are dozens of top clubs and you are sure to stumble across your own favourites, but here are a few of my recommendations to check out:
Es Paradis – England may have some great party spots, but nothing can compete with one of Ibiza’s infamous mega clubs. Es Paradis is a stunning venue that is a combination of a labyrinth and secret garden, making it feel like an entirely different world. It also hosts amazing nights out, including their famous “water party” which is a night that you will never forget (unless you have one too many!).
Ibiza Rocks Hotel – Ibiza Rocks provides a nice change of pace from the House and electronica on offer elsewhere. This cool club hosts classic rock bands who certainly know how to get the crowd going, plus they also have a pool area where things get really wild after the show. Ibiza Rocks also dabbles in the electronica scene, so be sure to check what’s on whilst you are there.
Ocean Beach Ibiza – A relatively new addition to San Antonio, Ocean Beach Ibiza has quickly become one of the most popular clubs and it is easy to see why. This outdoor venue has regular pool parties that are always fantastic fun (and great for a daytime session), but it also hosts a range of events in the evening that include fashion shows, acrobatics and live music.
Practicalities
The typical tourist season in Ibiza runs from May through to the end of October. During this period, everywhere will be open and the streets will be filled with other party animals so expect a cracking atmosphere, but you may also have to spend time queuing at the bars and to get into clubs. These open at midnight and shut at 06:30.
One great way to avoid the queues is to purchase your tickets online, which can also be much cheaper than on the door. The prices inside will vary depending on the club, but keep your eyes peeled for flyers offering discounts, plus many venues will have deals on drinks. Happy hour can also save you a small fortune and get you in the mood for a big one!
If you are hitting up one of the VIP lounges, be sure to dress somewhat smartly and pack your shorts away. Other bars and clubs are pretty lax with their dress codes, so you do not have to worry but may want to dress to impress regardless.
How to Get There
One of my favourite things about Ibiza is the fact that it takes just two hours to reach, so you will be unpacked and ready to hit the town in no time at all. An added bonus is that all the budget carriers offer regular direct flights to Ibiza (IBZ) airport as it is such a popular destination!
Once you touch down, you will want to quickly reach San Antonio so that you can get the party started. The airport is to the south and San Antonio is to the north and around 20km, so you will want to pre-book a Shuttle Direct transfer to take the stress out of the journey. This will take just under half an hour.
About Shuttle Direct
The journey from the airport to your hotel can be a stressful one, but not when you book a transfer with Shuttle Direct. As Europe’s leading airport transfer provider, you can rest assured knowing that you are in good hands and they guarantee fast, affordable and reliable passage between airports, hotels, train stations and cruise terminals.
Use their simple online booking form today and a friendly local driver will be waiting for you to get your holiday off to a smooth start.