San Antonio; Sunset Strip
Up to 5,000 people line the beach in peak season awaiting the sun’s surrender. If you fancy getting sloshed before the sun goes down, there’s no better excuse than sunset surveillance. You’ll need to arrive early to secure a table, and considering the price of water is close to that of an alcoholic drink, you may as well get straight on the heavy stuff. Meals are of a good standard in these bars, so it’s wise to make this your sustenance for the day. Dust away the cobwebs from the night before; the catch phrase “eating’s cheating” won’t cut it if you’re planning on longevity!
Café Del Mar
No visit to Ibiza is complete without sinking a beverage at Café Del Mare (even if it’s just so you can say you’ve been there when your friends make mention of the famous CD compilation series). Seeped in history, it was built in 1980. There may be better decked-out bars but this one is where it all began.
Café Mambo
The funkiest of the sunset strip bars, Café Mambo plays host to pre-parties for Underwater nights at Pacha (Tuesdays). On Friday evenings Pete Tong records his weekly Radio 1 ‘Sunset Sessions’ from here, and you’ll find some of the world’s top DJs playing warm-up sets.
Coastline
Possibly the best vantage point for sunset viewing across its sandy beachfront, Coastline features a superb restaurant. Renowned DJs drop in to supply warm-up tunes, and as the night progresses the waist-deep pools fill up with those who are planning to go home and change. Next door neigh-bar Sun Sea caters for those who like their music a touch harder.
San Antonio; The West End & Beyond
The bars up and down this street are much of a muchness; tack-o-rama. If you can’t handle PRs chasing you and reciting their bar’s ‘irresistible’ offers that end up being the same as every other bar in the street, you may prefer to bypass this route. If you’re accompanied by a PR into their bar, you will probably receive a two for one deal and possibly even a free shot. Don’t get too excited, the free shot is often a shot of cocktail, like Sex on the Beach, which wouldn’t inebriate a mosquito.
Amsterdam Bar
Situated down a side lane just off Bar Street, this is the island’s premium value drink-hole. You’ll cruise past and wonder why it’s always so packed, as it’s not much to look at. Here’s why… if four people order beers or a regular mixed drink each, they will receive (wait for it!) a free bottle of spirits and mixer to share – that’s what I’m talking about! Get there early.
Bar M
Definitely worth investigating, this is the warm-up to Manumission. Head towards San Antonio Bay from the port and you’ll identify it as the one with trees growing in the middle of the venue. Tuesday nights it hosts Ibiza Rocks, and with acts like LCD Soundsystem, Kasabian, Arctic Monkeys and The Fratellis set to appear, it’s the place to see and be seen this summer.
Playa D’en Bossa
The drink prices in this district are far more affordable than in Ibiza town. If you’re staying here and feel like a change from pre-drinks in your hotel it’s wise to take advantage of the happy hours. Don’t expect too much from the décor or clientele, it’s cheap and cheerful all the way. Reasonably priced pitchers of vodka and red bull should see you through a 3-day bender, but there’s no guarantee you’ll remember it.
Bora Bora
Whatever the time of day, this is the place to be. You will never feel like a freak regardless of how you are dressed and will be served even if you’ve just emerged from the sea. An added bonus is that it’s free to get in and music plays loud from midday to midnight – gradually building from chilled out vibes to tribal mayhem. Let’s hope Bora Bora is permitted to reopen after July 8 and that no restrictions are put in place.
Ibiza Town
This is definitely where the posh hang out. Prepare to be dressed immaculately and spend your entire holiday budget on one beer. The atmosphere of this medieval town may be mystical, with its winding inclines and impossibly small bars, but it’s difficult to negotiate in heels. It’s essential to experience the ‘Parade of Freaks’. Club nights are represented via barely-costumed stunners who file through cobbled streets exhibiting the relevant banner. You can pick up flyers for reduced entry from some of Ibiza town’s bars.
Rock Bar
This bar features the most significant dancing space you’ll find on the port-front, so you may want to head there for drop o’clock.
Base Bar
Renowned for its beautiful waiting staff, this bar is situated right on the port and opens from 8pm to 4am. It features a terrace and hosts pre-parties for Hed Kandi at El Divino (Saturdays). Discounted tickets for clubs can be purchased here.
Dome
Midnight to 3am is the time to frequent this breathtaking bar in the heart of the old town. Bordered by an ancient stone wall on one side, images are projected onto this surface as a vivid anachronism. Dome is definitely for the outrageous and although it’s not strictly gay, dress flamboyantly or you’ll feel out of place.
