Ibiza's famous Sunset Strip: its reputation precedes it. Although you may be familiar with the place, you might not know every venue or that it winds all the way from San Antonio's port area until it reaches the northern tip of the beach of Caló d'es Moro.
So, just for you, we've compiled this guide of all the different bars and restaurants that line this iconic stretch of San Antonio coastline. Each one offers a slightly different ambience so take a look and find your perfect sunset spot.
Starting off
Walking along the promenade that leads from the port of San Antonio, the first establishment of prominence is Space Eat & Dance. Risen from the ashes of legendary nightclub Space Ibiza, it is the latest business venture from hospitality entrepreneur Pepe Roselló.
One of Ibiza's most notable figures, the former Space general manager has always had an affinity with San Antonio and chose to resurrect the brand in this new incarnation in a spot where you can drink and dine - with no minimum spend policy - while marvelling at views of the entire bay and sunset.
An old original
The next venue, Café del Mar is the original sunset bar, synonymous with classic Ibiza chill-out. It opened its illustrious doors in 1980 and was designed by Catalan architect, Lluis Güell and remains this strip's most iconic building. The interior is arranged in tiers, rather like a giant wedding cake.
Decked in white and blue decor, it is reminiscent of the sea and spray of the waves. With a focus on downtempo and electronica, this is the place to unwind for a dreamy Balearic sunset.
Back in the day, Café del Mar made its name with its chill-out compilations and Michael Wood's remix of Energy 52s 1993 smash hit. Brought up-to-date recently with a new remix courtesy of Tale Of Us, who knows, this could spark a renaissance for the venue in a big way.
We can't stress enough that booking the interior tables in advance is a must. Please be advised that these come with a minimum spend. On the outdoor terrace, the tables tend to fill very early – particularly during peak season. We advise getting there for around 18:00 to guarantee your pick of seats. As you would imagine, it's packed out, but the music and setting are so absolutely divine it manages to still feel beautifully relaxed.
Daddy Mambo
Moving along is Café Mambo. Without a doubt this venue is the star attraction here and where you go to see the biggest DJs on the planet. As a result, you can expect the venue to be incredibly popular. In high season it opens at 10:00 for breakfast and goes all the way through until late.
The music here gets progressively heavier as the sun disappears, making Café Mambo the liveliest bar on the Sunset Strip. It's a mecca for a young, clubby crowd, and here you'll find a thronging mass of punters from all over the world. There's a reason why so many boat charters choose to stop here. You'll even see parasailers circling at sundown.
Mambo hosts pre-parties for many of the island's most popular parties. Café Mambo also boasts one the finest DJ alumni of just about anywhere on the island.
You will regularly find the proprietor's sons Alan and Christian Anadon, or The Mambo Brothers mingling and chatting to guests too.
Next door to Café Mambo is sister venue, Mint by Mambo. Fresh, modern and altogether more chilled-out and as it names suggests, Mint's forte are its famed Mojitos. Being the final venue on this stretch of the strip, arguably it also offers the best view of the spectacular sunset.
Mint can often be seen as an extension of its more famous sibling. In fact, during peak season when Café Mambo is at its most heaving, latecomers will be directed next door.
A lively first ending
If you want to escape the hectic promenade, then the wooden benches below on the rocks offer a retreat away from that. You can still order drinks from here, but please be aware you'll soon be asked to move on if you intend on bringing your own and littering will result in a fine, so please be responsible.
After nightfall a variety of street performers light up the rock with dazzling displays of fire breathing and juggling. Quite a spectacle and great for capturing that holiday moment.
Further along
If you thought the Sunset Strip ended at Mint, think again. There's a seafront stretch and then we are onto more venues.
Starting this is the relatively recent, Al Ayoun. This Moroccan-inspired sunset spot serves cooling cocktails and a selection of Middle-Eastern snack food, including hummus, olives and other meze dishes.
Monkey Ibiza is the next venue along. Sitting on the site of former Ibiza workers' institution Kanya, the venue has gone a little more upmarket. The pool area might just be one of the best positioned on the whole island. Bathing in the pool with a cocktail in hand as the sun disappears below the horizon is heavenly. The food is some of the best you'll find in San Antonio and there's frequent parties in the venue's backroom club.
Next door is longstanding restaurant Kasbah. If you arrive early enough, you can take advantage of the generous discounts on cocktails for happy hour. The clientele is generally a little older at this strip stalwart - maybe it's because it makes for a great vantage point to enjoy a coffee and watch the world roll by.
Dressed up as a tiki bar, Bamboo Bar is one of the most chilled out places on our list. This beach bar serves up an impressive selection of craft beers and cocktails at a very reasonable price. Offering up a funky alternative soundtrack, you can enjoy the end of the day listening to a super smooth mix of ska and reggae whilst enjoying a tasty beverage.
Next, Milù is little more than a serving hatch in the wall. But it's modesty is matched by its convenience. Whether you're on a leisurely stroll or a moving at a brisker pace, it's the perfect pitstop to grab a refreshing treat - slush puppy or ice cream. You could even grab one of the limited seats and watch the world pass by.
The end game
As we approach the end of the strip, Ample 32 is a restaurant that combines fine dining with some of the most glorious natural sights in the world. Its exquisitely-crafted menu fuses international cuisine from all over the world with an Ibizan twist.
Next, we reach Golden Buddha at Caló d'es Moro, you will find a firm favourite amongst Ibiza veterans who seek a little more solace than the noise and bustle at the other end of the strip. Here, things are altogether quieter and prices friendlier on your wallet. You won't find anybody clapping at the sunset, just people watching and appreciating the moment.
Finally, at what is the end of this strip, is the new hotel, the Wi-Ki Woo, decked out in pastels of mint and pink, with a front terrace that's a dizzy array of funky design. As well as some great cocktails, that can be made to measure, there are DJ sets throughout the day and a totally buzzy vibe, plus the food is excellent too.
You are certain to find somewhere to suit you on the Sunset Strip, so make your way there, find your perfect place and enjoy the great atmosphere and of course, that magical sunset.
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Read our Ibiza Virgins' Guide: Sunsets for more sunset spots to be discovered on the island.
