A guide to nightlife in San Antonio Town
There aren’t many hours in the day when people aren’t partying in San Antonio Town. With bars and pubs waking up from 10am and clubs staying open until 6am it only leaves a narrow window for sleeping. You can start your day off in bars on the Sunset Strip and stay until long after the sun goes down over the beautiful Balearics horizon. Pubs in the West End also start early for big matches then crank things up until the small hours. When you’re nicely warmed up the choice of clubs is wide, from sprawling, legendary haunts to more intimate venues playing everything from house to indie and reggae.
Cafe del Mar
This Ibiza institution is the original Sunset Strip bar, first opening in 1980. It attracts people for the incredible sea views and famous DJs playing warm-up sets. On the water’s edge, the outside of Cafe del Mar looks like a yacht with flag poles hoisting fabric sails that provide shelter from the sun. There is also a bookable area at the back of the bar with comfy corner sofas and a food menu.
Cafe Mambo
An iconic bar and restaurant on the Sunset Strip, Cafe Mambo has twice been awarded the prestigious DJ Award for ‘The Best Bar in Ibiza’. It hosts Pacha and Amnesia pre-parties throughout the week so come late afternoon you’re sure to hear some banging beats. Also serving up food such as quesadillas, tacos and steak, the drinks list is extensive, if somewhat pricey.
Es Paradis
White walls with hanging plants welcome you into this little corner of paradise. One of two superclubs in town, its beautiful interior regularly plays host to Hed Kandi DJs. At the centre of the club is a sunken area surrounded by pillars that looks like something out of Ancient Greece. The DJ plays in the booth at the top of the steps so it’s a great spot to dance. All that dancing can make you hot but Es Paradis’ water parties will soon cool you down.
Eden
A mainstay in the Ibiza clubbing schedule, superclub Eden’s DJ portfolio includes Sasha, Ferry Corsten, Groove Armada and Lady Gaga. It has recently undergone a huge redesign and refurbishment, keeping it in the picture as one of the best dance clubs in San Antonio.
Tropi Trance Ibiza Bar
Playing classic trance tunes with free entry, many choose to spend their evenings here before heading to the big clubs. However, the friendly bar staff and good cocktails may make you want to stay there all night, especially as it’s open until 4am. There’s also a comfy seating area for when you need a break.
Plastik
This small bar is located just off the famous egg roundabout in the centre of San Antonio. Close to Eden and Es Paradis it has free entry so is a good pre-club destination. More of a mini-club, it has a stylish dance floor and large bar area with reasonably priced drinks.
Soul City
Open every night until 6am, Soul City will fulfil your RnB, hip hop and reggae needs. Get your groove on with other soulsters in this West End club with free entry. They’ve also recently installed poles to swing around for some added sass.
This busy venue has everything you’d expect from a Scottish pub, with a beamed ceiling over the bar, Guinness on tap and a fry up with Irn Bru on the side. It has a choice of two floors where you can eat and drink until 10pm with live sport on the big screens. Then until 5.30am the DJs – Scottish, of course – bang out tunes, or you can join in with the karaoke downstairs.
This busy venue has everything you’d expect from a Scottish pub, with a beamed ceiling over the bar, Guinness on tap and a fry up with Irn Bru on the side. It has a choice of two floors where you can eat and drink until 10pm with live sport on the big screens. Then until 5.30am the DJs – Scottish, of course – bang out tunes, or you can join in with the karaoke downstairs.
Ground Zero Rock Bar
The indie-rock classic soundtrack of Ground Zero might be a welcome break from dance music and there’s heavy metal to liven things up in the second room. Open until 4am it has reasonable drinks prices. You can push the boat out with one of the pint cocktails – the Weedkiller and Jesus Juice are favourites here.
Ocean Beach Club
Hosting a selection of lavish and decadent day and night time fiestas, this outdoor pool party venue is located on the edge of S’Arenal beach. Its events include Hed Kandi and Soul Heaven where you’ll find top music as well as acrobats and live performances. Entry is from €10 and VIP sun loungers are available. You can even get a massage while you’re there or head off to the Sunset Roof Garden for a bite to eat.