It's July, and the Ibiza clubbing season is in full swing. In the 1960s the hippies came in their droves, giving the island a reputation for fun and escapism. This summer, thousands of hedonists will descend on the world capital of all-night partying and daytime posing. The island has held its own despite the decrease in popularity of the dance scene since the 1990s, and has firmly secured itself as a Mecca for fans of electronic music.
The 1990s Sky One show 'Ibiza Uncovered' misrepresented Ibiza as an island full of drunken, ass-flashing 'chavs'. This is only one of the experiences the island has to offer. Families are attracted to its natural beauty and the accessibility brought about by numerous affordable package holidays, while serious clubbers are drawn to the island for the big name DJs.
Ibiza's clubs are the biggest, and arguably the best, in the world. The clubs are packed with like-minded people who are there to dance and have fun - making clubbing on the island a very open and friendly experience. The icing on the cake is that you are partying in a place of outstanding beauty with over 50 beaches to choose from. Typically your days will be spent sunning yourself on one of the stunning beaches as a prelude to being out all night.
The cost of clubbing in Ibiza is steep. Entry to clubs usually costs about €50 and for special events about €80. A beer will set you back anything from €10 to €15.
A pretentious element has developed in the Ibiza clubbing scene, which many find irritating but some find an interesting spectacle. If you are one of the many who wants the privilege of VIP status, money talks and you can buy your way onto the guest list. To gain entrance to the VIP section of the club Pacha you must guarantee to spend at least €300. The VVIP section requires spending an undisclosed amount.
The island is awash with people you can pay to assist you in your pursuit of a good time. VIP sections have teams of 'club nannies' whose job it is to mind you and make sure that you don't run out of champagne and strawberries. There are concierge companies who, for a large fee, will supply you with fit and suntanned ladies to drive you to your club of choice, see to it that you never run out of alcohol and cigarettes and return you back to your villa at the end of the evening/morning safe and sound (well safe, anyway).
The calendar of the Ibiza club scene stretches from the beginning of June to the end of September. The clubs range in music policies and in size. Amnesia has a massive capacity of 5,000 people and is famous for its sunlight flooding of the dance floor at dawn. It's also known for its foam parties and 'ice cannons', which blast cold air to cool down the thousands on the dance floor. Amnesia hosts club nights Cream and Cocoon with regular DJs Richie Hawtin, Ricardo Villalobos and Sven Vath. Irish DJ Annie Mac is due to make an appearance this year.
Pacha is the original nightclub of Ibiza, home to the world's most beautiful people and popular with high rollers. The 3,500 capacity club is the only one that doesn't close its doors in winter months. Pacha prides itself on having the best house nights in Ibiza with regular DJs like Erick Morillo and Roger Sanchez. One idea to consider is booking dinner at the Pacha restaurant as this includes entry to the club.
Space is the place to go on Sunday nights. It opens at 4pm and doesn't stop until 6am. It is common for most people to make their way there after all day partying on the nearby Bora Bora beach. Grace Jones is scheduled to play this summer.
The enormous Privilege is officially recognised as being the biggest club in the world and claims a capacity of 10,000. Most tourists aren't daunted by the scale and it is a must on their list while in Ibiza. The main room is the size of an aircraft hanger with a pool on the dance floor.
Eden is another busy venue and is aimed at a late teen to early twenties crowd with a lot of BBC Radio One DJs playing. Pete Tong is resident and this summer Lady Gaga, Fat Boy Slim, Groove Armada and Simian Mobile Disco are due to play.
If you prefer a more intimate venue, DC 10 has a smaller and more underground feel. Situated at the end of the airport runway, planes thunder over the venue.
Ibiza is finally extending its musical boundaries and catering for the indie music scene with Ibiza Rocks staging gigs throughout the summer. Bands including Vampire Weekend, Keane, MGMT and the Klaxons are headlining.
Should you want an alternative to the intensity of the clubbing experience, spend a day in the old Ibiza Town. Eivissa, as it's locally called, is one of the most beautiful parts of the island. It's a pleasant stroll though the winding lanes around the port area and the cobbled streets of the old town are dotted with outdoor cafes and lots of boutiques. The Fort is worth the walk up for its views of the town and harbour. La Salinas is a long, sandy and wide crescent-shaped beach and is a great place for people watching.
Deirdre Mullins
For more information on Ibiza visit;
www.ibiza-spotlight.com
www.spain.info
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