So, you have saved your pennies, booked the flights, bought some amazing outfits and you even have another week's holiday at home after you come back, just to recuperate. Everything is perfect.
But are you REALLY prepared for the clubbing experience of a lifetime? Read this page before touchdown on the White Isle, just to make sure. It won't take long, plus it will save you time and money, as well as helping you avoid any unwanted hassle.
Please note, on Ibiza, you must be a minimum of 18 years old to enter the clubs or to go on a boat party, and you will be asked for ID on the door or when boarding.
When to go? Read this bit carefully!
The typical Ibiza tourist season runs from the beginning of May until the end of October. During this time, the majority of bars, restaurants and clubs are open, so it is the ideal time to visit.
Since 2022, the clubbing season already starts at the end of April, and it continues until the middle of October.
One of the first big dates is the Grand Finale Party of International Music Summit (IMS) at the end of April. Here you can party on the city wall of the citadel of Ibiza Town - the most stunning location ever.
On the same weekend or in the following weeks, the super-clubs like Amnesia, Pacha, Ushuaïa and Hï Ibiza open their doors with spectacular opening parties. These are always big, big highlights in the clubbing calendar for island residents and holidaymakers alike and thus a good reason to visit this beautiful island in that month.
In the weeks after the openings of the clubs themselves, the promoter-led parties have their own opening events and then, from mid-June onwards, the clubbing season is in full swing.
See our party calendar for all dates, confirmed line-ups and tickets, all updated on a daily basis, so check it regularly.
When the summer starts drawing to a close, the club nights begin draw to a close one by one with closing parties starting from the middle of September, continuing until around the second week of October. The final closing parties of the super-clubs are, once again, huge highlights on Ibiza's party calendar, with many clubbers coming to the island especially for them. After that, only smaller venues remain open.
Whilst summer is always the busiest period, there are still excellent parties throughout the year. Book yourselves a cheap flight and head over for Halloween, New Year's Eve or Easter. Whilst most of the big clubs may be shut, some open for special occasions; plus, there will still be a lot of events going on in the island's many bars and restaurants. Like this, you get to see a different side of the island.
Check our magazine for news, reviews and up-to-date information on what's happening on Ibiza during the whole year. This is also a great way to get into the mood for your next Ibiza holiday or to enjoy happy memories afterwards.
As a side note, bear in mind that if you choose to come in August, know that this is the island's busiest month, so prices for drinks and club entrance tickets are at their highest. It can also be extremely hot and more difficult to find a taxi or hire a car. In addition, competition for space on the beaches is fierce. If partying hard in some of the world's best clubs is what you're looking for, this is the month when you're sure to find it. Just don't expect to be the only person on the dance floor.
Not here in summer? Check our Forum thread on low-season partying.
Where to go?
Everyone has a first time here on the island, and with so much choice, it can be a little overwhelming to figure out where to go. But not to worry, we've got you covered. In our clubbing guide, you will find descriptions of all the big (and smaller) clubs and all the parties. Furthermore, we show you the most famous beach clubs, sunset bars as well as cocktail and music bars on the island.
You can also check out our clubbing forums, which are full of tips and information from fellow Ibiza lovers. Don't be afraid to ask any question you like - there are many regular visitors who will be happy to help.
When planning nights out, you'll be bombarded with options, so make the most of asking the experts. Talk to people staying in the same place, listen to the PRs' advice, look for posters advertising forthcoming nights and, as mentioned, keep an eye on our party calendar - your go-to guide for everything that's happening at every club, every night of the week.
If you have a favourite artist you would like to listen to, you can use our DJ search to see if he or she is playing while you are here.
If there isn't a specific DJ you're keen to see play, then another safe bet is to look for the parties that cater best to your musical tastes. Our Ibiza Virgins' Guide | Types of music found at Ibiza parties will help you to determine which ones.
Try to get organised in advance because chances are, once you get here, you'll be pretty preoccupied soaking up all that Balearic sun.
Where to stay
Before you book your accommodation, check out our guides to all the major resorts: Ibiza Town, San Antonio, Playa den Bossa and Santa Eulalia, to give you a better idea of which place suits you best.
If you're choosing where you stay based on its proximity to the big clubs, then it is worth remembering that Pacha is in Ibiza Town near the harbour; Ushuaïa and Hï Ibiza are in Playa d'en Bossa; DC10 is on the road to Las Salinas beach; Es Paradis and Eden are in San Antonio and Amnesia is situated on the main road between Ibiza Town and San Antonio, close to San Rafael.
Have a look at our clubbing guides to each major resort to find out which is the best fit for you.
Remember that Ibiza is a popular family destination too, so if you are coming just for the clubbing, find out in advance what your hotel is like and where it is situated. Not all families are going to enjoy chilling in the pool with you and your ten new best mates at nine in the morning with techno blaring out of the speakers!
It's also worth knowing that it's illegal to sleep on the beach. So, if you go to the beach to catch an early sunrise post-clubbing, try your best not to fall asleep. The police patrol regularly, and they're not kindly disposed to backpackers sleeping on the sand. You have been warned.
On Ibiza, you can find a wide choice of hotels and apartments suiting every taste and budget, from cosy hostels in San Antonio to luxury five-star hotels directly on the beach in Playa d'en Bossa. These clubber-friendly hotels and apartments are especially suited to party people.
You could also get a group of friends together and live the dream with your own private holiday villa on Ibiza - you will be surprised how affordable it is.
Club tickets
You can buy your club entrance tickets online through us, so there will be no last-minute panic about where and when to buy them. Buying tickets ahead of time also makes it easier to budget for your holiday.
Ibiza Spotlight is an official ticket seller of tickets for the Ibiza clubs; we work directly with the clubs and have been selling official club tickets for over 20 years. All Ibiza Spotlight online tickets give you guaranteed entry, which is vital for the more popular parties.
What's more, you save money! The tickets you buy online are between €5 and €15 cheaper than buying at the door. And for nearly all parties, the earlier you book, the cheaper the tickets - as ticket prices get more expensive nearer the event. Plus, there are no extra charges and no delivery costs.
If your plans change - you can cancel some tickets purchased directly through Ibiza Spotlight free of charge up to one day prior to the event, and receive a full refund. Any exceptions to this are clearly marked in your basket and order confirmation. For some venues you can purchase cancellation insurance at a low price if you want to be able to cancel tickets later. The cancellation insurance enables you to cancel for any reason, at any time up to one day before the event - and receive a full refund of the ticket price (the cost of the insurance is non-refundable). Cancelling is really easy and only takes a minute from My Orders.
You can buy your ticket on your mobile phone, even on the day itself; it's really easy and done in a few minutes. You don't need to register and there is no need to print the tickets, you simply bring them on your mobile phone.
Find more details in our FAQ.
Dress codes
Within reason, the clubs will not refuse people with tickets. The hip and the less hip are allowed to mingle without fear of contamination and whilst attracting attention with your outfit may not be easy, do feel free to try.
Some of the more sophisticated nightclubs like Pacha, Ushuaïa, Hï Ibiza, Lío, Tox and Club Chinois don't allow entry with flip-flops, swimwear and football or basketball t-shirts; some also ask for long trousers for men. Please read the terms of use and appropriate dress codes stated on the Ibiza Spotlight tickets and adhere to them.
The VIP lounges normally don't allow entry with flip-flops, beach or sportswear as well as shorts and tank tops for men; so if you are hobnobbing it with the jet-set, dress up!
For security reasons, no one is allowed to enter the clubs with any kind of bag, knapsack, package or carrying case. Belt and handbags are an exception. These will be inspected by the security personnel at the entrance.
Avoiding the queue
The late-night clubs open between 23:00 and midnight and continue through the night until the early morning. As you can imagine, no one wants to be the first to arrive, but try to arrive no later than 02:00. Quite often, there are massive queues to get into the club between 01:30 and 03:00, especially in August.
Some clubs do have a latest entry time for pre-sale tickets; this is clearly stated on your ticket. For some parties, discounted early entry tickets are on offer, which are valid for entry until a certain time - please be there early enough to guarantee your entry at the given time.
Sometimes you will find that you have to queue, but often this cannot be helped: there are certain parties which are so popular that queuing is inevitable. Just come prepared and see it as an opportunity to meet new friends before the party.
What queues are the longest?
All queues in August; popular nights at Amnesia; Pacha in high season. Just make sure you get there early enough and it shouldn't be a problem.
Remember that the easiest way to get into the clubs is to buy advance tickets online: all Ibiza Spotlight online tickets give you guaranteed entry, which is vital for the more popular parties.
Drink and drugs
The technical side.
The legal age limit to drink alcohol is 18, and you are also not allowed to purchase tobacco if you are under 18. You have to be 18 to get into the clubs too and do take note that it's illegal to drink alcohol in the street.
In Spain, personal possession and consumption of small amounts of drugs are not criminal offences; however, the line between "personal" and "intent to supply" is a very thin one.
Needless to say, it is not only very stupid but also ILLEGAL TO DRINK AND DRIVE. And of course, this is the case for driving under the influence of drugs too. The penalties are severe, which, given the number and gravity of many road accidents here in summer, makes perfect sense.
As a result, traffic controls and searches by the police in larger towns and resorts are becoming increasingly more common and they test for both alcohol and drugs. The legal limit for driving is 0.25mg/l of alcohol in your breath, or 0.5g/l in your blood. This is equivalent to two cans of beer or two glasses of wine in men, or one can of beer or one glass of wine in women.
BE SENSIBLE AND BE CAREFUL - if you're going to drive, the safest bet is to not consume any alcohol or drugs at all. Without trying to be scaremongers, we'd point out that there are many foreigners in jail in Spain on drug-related offences. If you are imprisoned, you have the right to contact your Consul, although they will probably not be able to get you out of jail.
Just remember to always consume carefully, and if you have consumed, travel by disco bus or grab a cab, which is a really cheap way to get around if you are in a group.
Disclaimer: The above is designed to make you aware of the risks of buying and taking drugs. Ibiza Spotlight does not condone drug use of any sort.
Prices
Tickets for most parties in the super-clubs range from €40 to €100, depending on the party and season. Smaller clubs cost less and several parties also offer early entry tickets with a discounted price.
This might seem pricey, but then again, this is Ibiza, and in all likelihood, you would pay as much at home for a concert ticket. Plus, we promise, these are nights you will never forget, so when you put it in perspective, it doesn't seem so expensive after all.
Drinks also cost considerably more on Ibiza than what you might be used to. In a super-club, a mixer will cost €20-24, a beer €12-17, a water €12-14; it is slightly less in other clubs. Also, in the pre-club bars in the party resorts and Ibiza Town you have to be prepared to pay €15 - 17 for a mixer, up to €20 for cocktails and €10-12 for a beer. See also our forum thread drinks prices.
As you can see, it quickly adds up, so be wise with your drinking and don't go out without sticking to a budget.
The currency in Spain is the euro (€).
Practicalities
Spanish measures are generous, to say the least, so it is very easy to underestimate those vodkas. As we have mentioned, drinks can be expensive, so if you're looking to have a drink before you go out, hunt out one of the many bars where drinks are a lot cheaper and you are guaranteed to get good deals.
Do not try and smuggle drinks into the clubs because all that will happen is that they'll be found and you'll be thrown out.
How to get here
Look on the internet for a cheap flight. In the main season from May till October, there are many flights from most European countries.
Ibiza is a globally-known clubbing destination, so people come from all over the world. There are connecting flights via Barcelona or Madrid and also other European airports like London, Amsterdam or Paris.
Read more: Ibiza flights
Island transport
You will find all you need to know in our holiday tips about getting around the island.
Disco bus
The disco bus is your friend. Do yourselves a massive favour and get acquainted with the timetable. It only costs a few Euros to get from one side of the island to the other, and often it drops you off right outside where you need to be. Pacha, Amnesia, Ushuaïa, Hï Ibiza and even DC10 all have bus stops almost directly in front of them. Furthermore, the disco bus stops in San Antonio and Ibiza port.
In peak season, buses run every half hour, all night long. Not only will you be delivered to your doorstep, but you'll also get a fun experience thrown in for free. Disco buses are loud and proud (that goes for the people and the music) and many a friend for life has been made on the road between San Antonio and Playa d'en Bossa. It should be an integral part of every Ibiza Virgin's holiday.
Disco bus routes and timetables
Health and safety
See our holiday information section for health and safety tips.
We want you to have the time of your life, but remember to be careful. That way you will enjoy it even more!
If you want more advice, read our Ibiza Virgins' Guide articles where we cover all sorts of topics. Especially, make sure to read the article Help, I am an Ibiza clubbing virgin!
The above information is correct to the best of our knowledge, though it may be subject to change.