So you've read all the ubiquitous guides to clubbing in Ibiza and its all well and good … but now wonder how the hell you're going to afford all these super expensive 'must-do' clubs?
We're not going to lie to you — Ibiza can be expensive so to make the trip worthwhile, you need to know where to spend your money and not get ripped off by smooth talking party promoters.
Here we count down Ibiza's top five clubs to visit for the true Ibiza experience.
Now this is the club you want to save your pennies for. Blue Marlin is without a doubt the best beach club experience you will ever have in Ibiza. If you've ever wanted to party on the beach while listening to chilled tunes, enjoy gorgeous scenic views and mingle with very beautiful people, this is the place to be.
Blue Marlin is a day and night club, boasting an unbelievable sun lounge area a few steps away from the club's own private beach pier, a Mediterranean fusion restaurant and a stage for live performances. From Leonardo DiCaprio to Nicole Scherzinger, this is a bit of a celebrity haunt. Don't be surprised if you run into one or two A-listers.
Sundays are the best here but start early so you can spend the day relaxing in the sun and by evening, when the party vibe heats up, you might even end up dancing alongside Swedish House Mafia after a hard night of performing.
Opening hours: 10am till 4am
Dress code: Funky beach wear; bikinis by day and something stylish to throw on top in the evening
Cost: Blue Marlin may ooze exclusivity but if you plan right, anyone can enjoy this experience. Book in advance; the cheapest sun chairs cost about $20 for the day (with a $70 minimum spend). If you want to splash out then book one of the massive king-sized sun beds ($120, with a $340 minimum spend). It really isn't too pricey if you're sharing with four or more party people.
www.bluemarlinibiza.com
2. Pacha, Ibiza Town
You can't go all the way to Ibiza and not shimmy at one of the most famous clubs in the world. Pacha is the ultimate night time party club and is the place where you'll spot the biggest names on the club scene. Pacha features top DJ's in its line up with acts like Calvin Harris, Pete Tong (who has a regular Friday night 'Pure Pacha' slot) and David Guetta. The best thing about this place is that almost anyone can have a good time here even if you don't know who's who in the dance music scene.
Opening hours: Midnight till 6am
Dress code: Club wear — flats are ok but it can get crowded, so watch for feet stompers
Cost: Pacha is probably one of the more expensive clubs on the island, with entry ranging from $40 to $80, but pre-booking tickets can save you from hiked up prices at the door. Have drinks at your hotel so you don't need to drop $20 on a beer inside to save money.
www.pacha.com
Nestled between San Antonio and Ibiza town, The Zoo Project is a huge outdoor electronic music event held every Saturday at Gala Night, which rumour has it was once a zoo. Myth or fact, the venue is in fact decked out with animal enclosures such as the 'seal pit' and a pool in front of the DJ box surrounded by what oddly looks like a modern day colosseum. If you love something a bit different then this will be right up your alley.
Opening hours: 4pm till midnight
Dress code: Casual is fine, but expect to see lots of fancy dress
Cost: Entry can be up to $45 but drinks are very reasonably priced
www.channelzoo.com
It's well-known by locals that San Antonio is the tackiest part of Ibiza (imagine pushy promoters dragging you kicking and screaming into bars), but there are still a few clubs here worth going to. The set up at Es Paradis is like a surreal fantasy land with dramatic floor to ceiling pillars and amphitheatre-like stages in the middle.
The water and foam parties are huge but at times can be rather seedy so beware. Hed Kandi, however, has a great reputation and its own bar (with cheap drink deals) across the street. For Hed Kandi parties, expect to see lots of pyrotechnics and dazzling performances from their infamous roller skater girls and elaborate half-naked exotic dancers. Quite the eye-opener!
Opening hours: Midnight till 6am
Dress code: Club wear. Glam it up if it's a Hed Kandi night
Cost: $30 to $60, with reasonably priced drinks
www.esparadis.com and
www.hedkandi.com
Another super club worth spending your dosh on is Privilege, mainly because of its jaw-dropping size … it is the 'biggest night club in the world'. With a giant pool and a 25m high ceiling, it's very easy to get lost, so make sure you stick with your mates. The big nights here are Tiesto (Mondays) for trance lovers and The Face (Thursdays) for house hounds.
Opening hours: Midnight to 6am
Dress code: Club wear
Cost: From $30 to $70 depending on the night
www.privilegeibiza.com
Where to stay
Playa d'en Bossa is the best place to base yourself, with a nice mix of beaches, pubs and eateries. It's far away enough from tourist-infested San Antonio, but close enough that you can get to the clubs. You can easily hop on a party bus, but taxis are very reasonably priced (and especially cheap if you're sharing).
Mijorn Apartments
Just metres from the beach, Mijorn features very clean and modern apartments. Each has its own kitchen and separate rooms (some are split level), so it offers a great bargain for those travelling in groups. Featuring a spa, gym and four pools (one with its own chill-out DJ), this is the perfect place to unwind after a night on the tiles.
www.migjorn-apartments.com
Hotel Garbi and Spa
Located right near the beach, this hotel is more ideal for couples and families but with plenty of facilities including a pool bar, a chill-out bar and restaurant on the beach, you've got all the amenities of a large resort.
www.hotelgarbi-ibiza.com
Been to any of these hot spots, or got others to add to our list for next time?
