My Raucous Weekend In Europe’s Party Capital

It’s 7 am and Elysha, Bex, and I find ourselves on a flight bulging at the seams with boisterous lads on their way to Balearic bliss. It’s way too early in the morning for this level of testosterone-fuelled jubilation, but we were well aware of what we were signing up for the moment we booked our tickets to La Isla Blanca. A paradise of paradoxes, Ibiza is a shapeshifter – hedonistic but heavenly, peaceful but pulsating, with pockets of quiet serenity co-existing with the subbass of a banging sound system. That being said, the unmistakable magic of Ibiza extends way beyond its thundering nightclubs and hierbas-fuelled all-night benders – there’s a certain telluric magnetism in the land, rooted in the soil, a seductive quality permeating every pore of the island’s being that has the power to entrance, pulling you in like a moth to a flame. The island’s fecund red soil was even considered sacred by ancient Phoenicians, and to this day it’s still tucked into amulets and worn for protection. The call of this strange, supernatural force has long been a magnet for wandering spirits, free thinkers, artists and dreamers. For a sip (or a shot) of Ibiza’s sweet celestial nectar, here are the best things to do on the White Isle.

Also, check out this story on the mystical legends and folklore of Ibiza, from goblins and elves to pirates and UFO sightings.

Best time to visit Ibiza

The best time to visit Ibiza really depends on who you are – if you’re me, I prefer the tail end of peak season as the island descends into early autumn (September to October), when the atmosphere is less crowded but closing parties are still on, allowing for the occasional dabble in sin. Late spring, from May to June, is a beautiful time to explore the pastoral landscapes of the island, an alluring combination of green hills, cobalt blue sea, and ochre-red soil. If you’re one of those peculiar extroverts looking for sticky hot sunny days and buzzing beach clubs, summer on the island (June to August) is your season.

For more details, check out our guide to the best time to visit Spain.

Best things to do in Ibiza

Beach club it up: If you’re in the mood for a bougie beach club day where cocktails are a permanent extension of your arm, Blue Marlin Ibiza is your holy grail. Our days here were well spent lounging in the sun up to our necks in champagne and rosé, soundtracked by a judicious mid-afternoon set of peppy nu disco. Edenic days melt seamlessly into nights of wild abandon as the atmosphere transforms from pool party casual into upscale rager. Stretching along the shorelines of Cala Jondal – the beachy mecca of effortless Mediterranean chic – Blue Marlin makes for a fun day party vibe, which (if you’re not careful) can just as easily devolve into an all-night bender.

Wander through Dalt Vila (Old Town): One of my absolute favourite things to do solo in Ibiza is wander aimlessly through the cobblestone streets and 16th-century walled fortress of Dalt Vila, the historic old town founded by 7th-century Phoenicians. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Dalt Vila is perched on a hill overlooking a glittering sea with picturesque sloping streets, whitewashed buildings framed by pops of pink bougainvillaea, and clothes drying on adorably quaint balconies. Wander without a specific destination in mind, explore the Castell d’Evissa (Ibiza Castle), stop to pet a cat, buy a pair of Sendra handmade-in-Spain boots (still my absolute favourite pair) and end your solo date at the cozy S’Escalinata, with tapas and a Frida cocktail made with mezcal, tomato juice and salsa de Ibiza.

Sunset cocktails at Hostal La Torre: Perched high on a cliff with some of the most magnificent sunset views on the island, at La Torre, the camera drinks first. Make sure you’re sitting outside on the terrace for breathtaking cliffside views of the copper-kissed Mediterranean sea as the sun goes down, soundtracked by a super chill DJ set and the sound of waves crashing against the shore. Halcyon sunsets paired with exceptionally tasty cocktails and a refreshingly unpretentious atmosphere make it feel like time at La Torre has slowed, until the cocktails kick in and suddenly it’s midnight.

Treasure hunting through local flea markets: The Mercadillo de Sant Jordi – the Saturday market in the village of San Jordi – is a fabulous local market for all sorts of curios and curiosities, books and old records, antiques and vintage clothing. Spread out across the village’s hipódromo (horse racing track) from 10 am to 3 pm, it’s one of the less touristy markets and exudes the authentic feel of a real Ibicenco mercadillo, teeming with locally handmade crafts, live music, and an effortlessly laid-back bohemian charm. Expect spontaneous midday drum circles, a catwalk of colourful locals, and some pretty top-notch people watching.

Also read | This Lesser-known Island In Spain Has Become A Go-To For Stylish European Travellers

Unique things to do in Ibiza

To experience Ibiza in a different light, visit during the off season – the White Island gets its name from the almond blossoms that bloom all across the island in February. To immerse yourself in the blooms, head up north to the picturesque village of Saint Agnès and wander through the Pla de Corona, an expansive plain that erupts into a vividly painted landscape of white and pink blossoms during the season. The region hosts festivals like the “Festa de s’Ametlla de Corona”, celebrating the almond bloom with moonlit walks through the orchards – an enchanting way to experience the delicate flowers under the moon’s glow.

Try a wild food and medicinal plant foraging walk with Tim Spankie of Camino Verde Ibiza to get to know the land and meet its plants. It’s a fascinating way to explore Ibiza’s transcendent natural beauty while learning how to identify wild edible plants around the island and understand their medicinal properties.

Plan your trip with our curated 10-day Spain itinerary.

Exploring the beaches

The glistening cerulean waters of Ibiza’s beaches will cure even the most excruciating hangovers. One baptismal plunge and you’ll be reborn, purified of all your sins from the night before. We spent our first beach day doing exactly this, swapping self-destruction for self-care on Cala Comte, a popular beach along the island’s southwest coast with pristine waters and buttery soft sand. For a pinch of luxury, spend the day at Cala Jondal, a trendy beach bookended by lofty pines and jagged cliffs (also where you’re most likely to spot Leo swooping in on his superyacht). While there was no sign of Leo, from the docks we did spot one of the most celestial sunsets of our trip, and were not immune to elbowing our way past a rival girl gang also gunning for the perfect sun-drenched selfie (happy to report we won).

For a more rustic beach day, go through a perfumed pine forest along the island’s northeastern tip to reach Cala Boix, a quieter beach nestled amidst beautiful cliffs with crystal clear water, perfect for a day of snorkelling. Cala Benirrás is a local favourite for its turquoise waters teeming with fish life – the beach is relatively untouched with a certain rustic charm, often accompanied by the soundtrack of drum circles at sunset.

Also, check out this selection of the best beaches in Spain, promising turquoise waters and golden sands.

Romantic things to do in Ibiza

My idea of romance is all-you-can-drink saké and enough sushi to fill a small city. Both can be found in abundance at Omakase by Walt, a tiny Michelin-starred restaurant in the heart of Ibiza Town. The Ibiza of today is awash with exceptional restaurants like this one, a quiet revolution of Michelin-star eateries that have slowly transformed the party playpen into an epicurean playground. Omakase by Walt is the pinnacle of culinary romance – an intimate, dimly lit restaurant with just eight seats, discreetly hidden behind a mundane appliance store frontage that unfurls into what feels like a glorious secret shared only by lovers. The Omakase-style tasting menu leaves all trust in the hands of chef Walter Sidoravicius and features a sublime marriage of authentic Japanese techniques with the wealth of fresh Balearic ingredients and local offerings from the sea.

For a fun, flirty daytime date, try a wine tasting through one of Ibiza’s stunning local vineyards; Can Maymó is a cosy, family-run winery with a centuries-old stone cellar and a lively, redolent red wine – ‘Tinto Tradición’ – that pairs beautifully with local cuisine. For bucolic landscapes and exquisite organic wines, head to Can Rich Winery and wander through rolling vineyards and tangled olive groves, sipping on the vineyard’s reds, whites and traditional Ibicenco herbal liqueurs. Don’t miss trying their hierbas – the island’s amber nectar made here with a centuries-old traditional recipe that involves macerating, distilling, and infusing 17 aromatic plants local to Ibiza.

For a dreamy sunset date, charter a private boat and explore Ibiza’s coastline, stopping for swims at secluded coves and sipping on cava as the sky blushes a pale pink.

Nightlife in Ibiza

I think of myself as a discerning hedonist – as much as I dabble in the occasional all-night bender, the prerequisites for this rare occurrence involve good music, high-end cocktails and outstanding food. Our first night in Ibiza involved all of the above (though not necessarily in that order). We started at the luxurious Lío Ibiza, known for its world-class cabaret shows and equally theatrical food and cocktail menu. Halfway through our second martini, my phone buzzed with a location pin from a dear friend, Boris, who was DJing at a house party directly across the water from where we were. “On our way now,” I replied, translating to three martinis later in Ibiza. We hopped in a cab and found ourselves wandering through the cobblestone streets of Dalt Vila, stopping to pet every cat along the way. My friend found us surrounded by cats in the middle of a charming old square and led us through a tiny door in the heart of the old quarter. The door turned out to be a portal to an enchanting little house party with soft lighting, loud rooms, and an extraordinary terrace. Boris (who DJs under the name Netsky) started playing some incredible music, the stars were shining their brightest, the salted Balearic air was humming with energy, and the terrace overlooked the moonlit waters of Ibiza Harbour – and I remember thinking to myself, this is why I love Ibiza. The atmosphere that night had been liberally sprinkled with that mythical Ibiza stardust.

The next morning, we came crashing back down to earth with a resounding thud, the same thud that was pounding at my right temple – but we dried our eyes and stayed the course with the determination of Olympic athletes. Night 2 was at Hï Ibiza, one of Ibiza’s legendary superclub super temples that heaves with a packed dance floor of devotees every night – writhing disciples of the gods behind the decks. The owner Yann Pissenem is also set to launch the “world’s largest nightclub” UNVRS on the island, an architectural marvel with elements of brutalism and contemporary art deco, Ibicenco whitewashed walls and natural stone exteriors, residencies featuring top DJs and a custom sound system meant to mirror the standards of a world-class opera house. This particular evening at Hï was an Afterlife night with a solid lineup on an equally exceptional sound system, and though we planned otherwise, the sun was high in the sky by the time we left. We sought refuge in caffeine at a quaint coffee stall that seemed to model its business plan around resuscitating afterparty strays like ourselves.

Night 3 started innocently enough with sunset cocktails at La Torre, before descending rapidly into gleeful hedonism at my absolute favourite Ibiza institution – Pike’s. This frisky little spot played host to Freddie Mercury’s 40th birthday bash and has established itself as a den of mischief and magic, indulgence and fantasy, with a particularly provocative reputation that precedes it. The bizarre stories the bartender regaled us with are not appropriate to be included in this piece – but what I will say is the atmosphere is laced with a tingling, flirtatious, creative energy, the cocktails imaginatively imbibe this playful spirit (they’ve even published a book), and the nights at Pike’s are remembered for many years to come.

Also read | Ibiza, Mykonos And More: Your Guide To Europe’s Hottest Bachelorette Party Destinations

Dining

In Ibiza, spiritual awakenings can happen on a yoga mat, on a dance floor, on top of a cliff or around a dinner table. Dining at Sa Capella, hidden in the hills of San Antonio, borders on a mystical experience. Set in a breathtaking 16th-century chapel with sultry lighting and a theatrical open kitchen, it’s a seductive medieval fantasy with the perks of a five-star menu. Ancient stone archways walk you through a candlelit courtyard, grandiose wrought iron light fixtures dangle from the ceiling, a charming passageway unfurls into a dramatic dining space with storied stone walls, candelabras and sky-high stained glass accents.

Under chef Martín Vazquez, the stark simplicity of high-quality produce from land and sea takes the spotlight, locally sourced and bursting with flavour, with meticulous preparations that allow their bare essence to shine. Poget oysters, grilled squid from the island in a fragrant sea of its own ink, wild sea bass grilled to perfection in the Josper grill – throw in a few bottles of wine, and it’s enough to make anyone see God.

The Isla Blanca is also the queen of the long, lazy lunch, and the chiringuito-inspired Chambao By The Beach at Nobu Ibiza Bay has perfected this particularly indulgent art form. Picture succulent, briny, emerald-tinged oysters, lemon fish ceviche, chargrilled octopus and sun-soaked, sparkling cava. The cynosure of the afternoon – the Formentera lobster paella in a decadent seafood broth with saffron-infused rice and seasonal vegetables – was brought sizzling and hot to the table with all the flair of a runway showstopper. Wash it down with fountains of cava, and sleep it off by the pool. After a much-needed mid-afternoon swim and siesta, we were ripe and ready for more – right next door, Nobu was the next obvious port of call. Strap on a pair of heels (or, in my case, boots), come for the famed Nobu black cod and yellowtail sashimi, and stay for the absolutely stunning view of stars in the night sky.

And, do not miss the Bullit de Peix!

For a history lesson in a bowl that tells stories of the island’s people and their connection to the sea, Bullit de Peix is a must-try – a hearty traditional fisherman’s stew made with local fish like grouper, scorpionfish, or monkfish simmered in a perfumed broth of garlic, onion, tomato, ñora peppers, and saffron. What started as a practical meal for fishermen with their leftover catch of the day has evolved into a vibrant expression of Ibizan culture.

Try the dish at El Bigotes, a local cult favourite perched on the water’s edge of Cala Mastella beach and owned by fisherman Juan Ferrer, who would cook the dish for his friends with whatever was freshly caught on the day. Even today, a small fishing boat leaves the Cala Mastella port every morning, and whatever it brings back is used to curate the restaurant’s small menu of the day. As your Bullit de Peix boils over a wood fire stove, sip on a glass of local house wine and gaze out over the sapphire blue waters of a secluded natural bay surrounding the restaurant. There are only two seatings – noon and 2 pm; reservations are mandatory (the King of Spain was turned away because he didn’t have one); and though there are just one or two items on the menu, what you’ll get is some of the freshest seafood on the island. Forget church – salvation is a spoonful of Bullit de Peix at El Bigotes.

(Feature image credit: Mike Swigunski/Unsplash)

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The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.

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