The words “Ibiza” and “party” are, these days, practically synonymous. The Balearic island has long been a Mecca of good times and dancing, playing home to some of the greatest and most famous clubs and bars not just in Europe, but in the entire world. But with its natural beauty, innovative food scene and ever-evolving creative life, Ibiza is so much more than just a hedonistic weekend getaway. In fact, beyond its epic bars and broad sandy beaches, Ibiza is also a hotspot for wellness and spirituality. With a range of yoga retreats and meditation centres, Ibiza is the ideal place dance all night and relax and rejuvenate all day!
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Music
Café del Mar For generations of partygoers, the name Café del Mar evokes everything that is great about the White Isle. The sunset bar, located in San Antonio, became a global icon thanks to the supremely popular series of eponymous compilation albums, mixed by the bar’s DJs. But far from resting on its laurels and reliving its glorious past, Café del Mar continues to reinvent itself and remains one of the best places to be when evening comes to Ibiza’s sunset strip, thanks to its glorious beachfront locale, carefully chosen decor and constantly shifting roster of world-class DJs.
Kumharas This unusual spot in Cala de Bou, on the outskirts of San Antonio, is the perfect place to either start or finish your evening beneath an old watch tower, which has been converted into a bar, with tunes pumping out of its ramparts. The music is eclectic, featuring chillout, percussion workshops, capoeira, African dance, DJ sets and live performances all set against the breathtaking backdrop of Ibiza’s remarkable sunsets.
UP As the mercury climbs through Ibiza’s long, hot summers, so too does the frenetic pace of the island. So the relative calm of this glorious rooftop bar atop The Standard hotel in Ibiza Town, is the perfect spot to enjoy some relaxed tunes while taking a dip in one of the island’s only rooftop pools with views over the famous old city walls. A mainstay on the island’s events circuit, this is definitely a place to see and be seen – and the perfect launchpad for a Balearic night out.
Café Mambo Many an Insta photo has been taken of the superlative sunsets from this much-loved Ibizan institution, and with good reason – this is one of the most relaxing places to watch the sun go down on the White Isle. So grab your friends and an Aperol Spritz and arrive early to bag a table overlooking the pristine shoreline. Renowned for hosting pre-parties for the island’s super clubs, the team at Café Mambo certainly know a thing or two about good music, and the bar is considered almost a second home to a host of superstar DJs. An evening here is certain to be one you’ll long remember.
Food
Experimental Beach When you’re in Ibiza, you are never far from a scenic spot to watch the sun go down, but Experimental Beach has to be among the best on the island. An offshoot of the small chain of secretive speakeasies found in New York, London and Paris, Experimental Beach offers excellent spritzes and delicious Spanish tapas, featuring everything from ham croquetas, to brioche with crispy prawns. Come for the fresh local food, great drinks and the sound of waves lapping against the shore, but stay until long after the sun goes down.
Beachhouse Serving drinks and food from morning until late, this beautiful Balearic beach bar is hard to beat. Beachhouse bills itself as a “sanctuary dedicated to foodies and creatives with curious minds”. And it is not wrong! The menu is filled with delights, including an incredible raw bar featuring oysters, ceviche and red shrimp carpaccio. The perfect accompaniment to an Aperol Spritz, whose bubbles match perfectly with the in-house mango caviar. Bring your friends to this friendly oceanfront bar and, who knows, you may even leave with some new ones!
Hostal La Torre If sunsets soundtracked by nature are what you’re looking for then look no further than this quintessentially Ibizan hotel, with its whitewashed walls and hints of nautical, Mediterranean-style glamour. Set on a clifftop overlooking the Med just north of San Antonio, the views from Hostal La Torre’s terrace are truly glorious. Plus a range of tapas is available for sunset snacking – the perfect accompaniment to an Aperol Spritz or two with your friends. And what better backdrop than this, with its romantic sea views, to start planning your next Ibizan adventure? If you start working out your return before you leave, then flying away from this glorious hotel and this beautiful sundrenched island doesn’t have to be too painful.
Travel
Mirador de es Vedrà The real and the fantastical merge freely in Ibiza, and Es Vedrà – a 400-metre high rock that rises out of the sea on the south-west coast of Ibiza – definitely sits right on that midpoint between fantasy and reality. The lookout opposite, Mirador de Es Vedrá, is the ideal spot to gaze across to the rock’s limestone cliffs, which have mesmerised locals and travellers alike for hundreds of years. These days the lookout has become a popular spot for meditation, contemplation and – yes – envy-inducing Instagram photos.
Cala d’en Serra This crescent-shaped beach, surrounded by towering cliffs, is one of those rare places where taking a bad photograph is virtually impossible. It is also a great spot for snorkelling due to its rich marine life and the total absence of motorboats, which are banned from the cove. Hire a sun lounger or parasol from one of the local vendors, or just spread your towel out and claim a spot of your own. The golden sands and crystal clear waters are so idyllic they look like they have been filtered, even before you have begun tinkering with your shots. #NoFilter
Kiosko Lucky If you’re in need of a short break away from the party island then head to Formentera. A short ferry ride over the warm waves brings you to the smallest of the Balearic islands which is home to a chill vibe that is all its own. If you can’t bring yourself to leave the pristine beaches once you settle in, then you’re in luck with Kiosko Lucky. This popular chiringuito is a favourite among those in the know and offers relaxed ambiance and a soundtrack to match. Settle in, with the sand beneath your feet and an Aperol Spritz in hand and let the sunset wash over you.
Jockey Club If you’re looking for low-key Ibizan vibes in a stunning setting then look no further than Jockey Club. Set on the stunning Ses Salinas beach, part of a World Heritage nature reserve, this relaxed beach bar and restaurant has the spirit of an original chiringuito that has been given a luxe twist. Reserve a sunbed and gaze at the turquoise waters, whose gently washing tides are a form of therapy all on their own. And when the evening comes, change out of your bikini and into your party clothes and head to the bar for an aperitivo and a view with a difference.
Leisure
Can Marçà Caves The stalagmites and stalactites sprinkled throughout Can Marçà Caves began forming around 100,000 years ago, which makes them a wonder in their own right. But delve a little deeper into the caves and things only get more wondrous, as you arrive at a spectacular music and light show projected into a ten-metre cascade of water. This collision of old and new; human and natural, makes for a magnificent experience that really shouldn’t be missed.
Sunset paddleboarding Countless companies offer stand-up paddleboarding experiences, some with tour guides, music and drinks, others just handing you a board and sending you on your way. Seabookings is a great option, with its multilingual guides, life-jackets and optional wetsuits. Paddleboarding is a magnificently peaceful way to spend an afternoon and a perfect end to your Ibizan getaway. Pause and take a picture or just commit the rolling waves and dwindling rays to your memory as you prepare to chart your path back home.