You've saved for months for your big summer blowout and the countdown is finally over. There is A LOT to do on such a small island so if you haven't got an Ibiza veteran there to walk you through the basics, it can be slightly overwhelming. That's where we come in.
So far, the only place that you have seen Ibiza's super-clubs such as Amnesia, Hï Ibiza, Pacha, Ushuaïa and [UNVRS] is all over your social media feed. The real deal is even wilder!
All your expectations of Ibiza are about to be exceeded. Now it will be you getting a snap outside the famous Ibiza institutions and landmarks, as you're about to officially lose your Ibiza virginity – hurrah!
We've all been Ibiza virgins at one point, so all made the mistakes you're about to. Fear not, though, we have tripped, fallen and grazed our knee so you don't have to. These are our top tips for essentials when coming to Ibiza for the first time.
Dancing shoes
Whether you're raving until sunrise, with super-clubs closing between 06:00 and 07:00 or going back-to-back and rolling straight through from a day party to a club, you'll definitely need a good pair of comfortable dancing shoes.
Of course, you can bring a nice pair of wedges with you for O Beach, but aside from that, they aren't generally recommended. There's nothing worse than a rigid raver, so if you want to show us your best moves then you're going to have to nurse your toes and put on some Converse.
Your wildest outfits
You're on holiday – so dress it! You do not need to overpack. All you will need is a small selection of summer clothes since most of the time you will be overheating down the promenade of San Antonio in just your bikini.
As for nightwear, dressing up in sexy, sparkly unique garments has become a statement at some of the island's biggest parties. But even if you just throw on an oversized t-shirt and go au natural on the make-up front, honestly, you're on Ibiza - it's fine.
You might also find you acquire extra accessories whilst you're here... Aside from the jewellery stands at the street markets, that green curly wig found on the floor at elrow is calling out to be taken home.
If you're going to Pacha, Chinois, Lío or anywhere else VIP-oriented on Ibiza, dress nicely. For men, it's advisable not to wear shorts. Sometimes it's nice to make an effort.
Bags of energy
Right, here is a very common mistake made by all ravers. When you're deep in the mist of ice cannons all night, looking down at your watch at 06:59 can be a bit of a shock and makes it very easy to spend all of the next day (or two!) in bed.
When you then wake up at 16:00 the next day and realise the day is gone, you're sure to be feeling regretful.
Take advantage of your holiday. Ibiza is oozing with history so make that extra effort to get out of bed and explore even during the day. The island is full of hidden gems.
Venture out to Ibiza Town where you'll find a huge variety of funky bars, world class restaurants and boutique shops all nestled amongst the traditional Ibizan buildings. Las Salinas beach, near to Playa d'en Bossa, is also a must – beautiful and well worth the visit.
Hop on a water boat from the harbour of San Antonio to take a trip across the crystal-clear waters to some scenic, sandy beaches at cheap prices. While you're at it, add Cala Bassa to your beach bucket list as well. Nurse your hangover the right way.
Frugal mindset
Ibiza can be as cheap or expensive as you make it. For those on a budget, head to a free party where all you have to think about is drinks prices.
Try Café Mambo and listen to some of the worlds most famous DJs for no price of admission. If you want to save even more precious Euros, then grab a few tinnies on your way down and sit out front and enjoy the sunset on the beach with great tunes in the background.
You can spend a fortune on taxis from San Antonio to Playa d'en Bossa on a nightly basis, but why do that when you can get a bus from the terminus to the club, with change from a fiver!
Ibiza's disco buses are a godsend but quite the adventure. Prepare yourself to be packed with a bunch of rowdy partygoers in what seems like a lifetime of a ride to or from the club. It's all part of the fun, though.
Besides having saved tons of money, you will have met some great people from all over the world on these wild journeys. Also, what happens on the disco bus stays on the disco bus.
Party fan
The party fan is the classic Ibiza clubbing keep-safe. There's nothing worse than being sticky and sweaty when you're trying to enjoy yourself, so make room for a fan in your suitcase or put this at the top of your to-do list and purchase one when you land.
With the super-clubs getting quite heated, especially if you are dancing it out, it's fine to be kind and lend your fan to a begging partier with sunglasses on who looks like he's just come out of the shower. Do make sure to get it back because fan thieves are bad news for your sweaty upper lip.
Pre-planning
Drinking ahead of any parties will save you much more money on Ibiza than it will back at home. The supermarkets are surprisingly cheap here. Even though Rushkinoff may taste like it's been filtered through a horse's digestive system, it gets you in the state to dance.
This way, you won't be paying through the nose for drinks in the major clubs with a single vodka and mixer costing up to €15-20.
Don't over-do it, however. Many a night that have started down the West End, have unfortunately, also ended prematurely down there too. Have fun, but know your limits and look after each other.
Knowing when to rein it in
It's easy to get overexcited and overdo it at the start, leaving us with our head down the toilet for the remainder of the time. Or worse yet, end up at a medical facility with an avoidable injury after feral behaviour on the first night (I speak from experience!! RIP to my big toe nail). Everything your parents told you not to do, you did.
As excited as you are to set foot on the famous party capital, it's important to stay sane and be sensible-ish.
Even though it sounds like common sense, it's essential to drink lots of water to keep hydrated and remember to eat. You will run out of steam if you think you can last a three-day bender on nothing but a packet of crisps.
Luckily, on Ibiza, there is an abundance of places that can help you on the road to recovery. Visit The Skinny Kitchen in San Antonio, where you can enjoy low-carb, high protein meals that will leave you feeling rejuvenated – much better than that greasy fry up!
Finally, try to occasionally get yourself home before sunrise and get some sleep. Although this may seem boring, it is essential if you're in it for the long run. Taking a disco nap can sometimes feel like you're missing out on something, but trust me, a quick nap can make all the difference when your friends are ready for the next bender.
So there you have it. These are our essentials for a first-timer on Ibiza. No matter what, you'll have a blast. That's for sure. It's also good, though, to be prepared.
Need more Ibiza virgins tips? Head here for the rest of our Ibiza Virgins' Guides.
WORDS | by Holly Woulfe and Stephen Hunt
