Spain Guide
The Balearic Islands
Ibiza Town
IBIZA TOWN (Ciutat d'Eivissa) is easily the most attractive settlement on the island. Colossal medieval walls guard the old quarter, which is topped by a sturdy cathedral and a tottering castle. During summer nights, the whitewashed streets of the neighbouring port area are packed with people darting between chic boutiques and hip bars. In winter, things are much more peaceful, and the focus of activity is the graceful boulevard Passeig Vara de Rey.
The city's stone walls reach a dramatic climax at the imposing Portal de ses Taules, a triple gateway designed to withstand the heaviest artillery barrage. Inside this monumental entrance lies the historic enclave of Dalt Vila. Just beyond the main gate, elegant Plaça de Vila is lined with restaurants and cafés and makes a delightful setting for some tapas or a meal.
The port areas of Sa Penya and La Marina snuggle between the harbour and the ramparts, a maze of raked passages and narrow lanes crimped by balconied, whitewashed houses. This highly atmospheric quarter is packed with boutiques, bars and restaurants. Farther west, the new town holds less interest.
Ibiza's bar and club scene is nothing short of incendiary. Start in Plaça des Parc in Sunset or Madagascar, where drinks prices are reasonable, and then head for the stylish bars of Sa Penya – Bar Zuka on c/de la Verge and Rock Bar at the eastern end of c/Garijo are good choices.
The gay scene is centred on c/de la Verge, where dozens of bars cater for an almost exclusively (male) gay crowd – try Bar JJ – the one exception being Sunrise, which also draws a lesbian clientele.
Some of the globe's most spectacular clubs are spread across the southern half of Ibiza. Each employs costumed PR teams who parade through Ibiza Town in a competitive frenzy. Processions of horned devils, gold-painted angels and leather-thonged Muscle Marys strut through the streets bearing club banners to drum up custom. Clubs cost €25–55, are open between midnight and 6am, and charge stratospheric prices for drinks.
Clubbing
1 Amnesia Ibiza Town– Sant Antoni road, km 6
971 198 041 
www.amnesia-ibiza.com Historically Ibiza's most innovative club, and the setting for the acid-house revolution. The atmosphere can be explosive; the best nights are hosted by Cream, Cocoon and Manumission. Opening time: Daily June– Sept
2 Anfora c/Sant Carles 7, Dalt Vila
971 302 893, www.disco-anfora.com Intimate gay club located in a cave in Dalt Vila. Unpretentious, and the drinks prices are moderate. Opening time: Daily May– Oct
3 El Divino Port d'Eivissa
971 190 176 www.eldivino-ibiza.com On the north side of Ibiza Town's harbour, with superb views of Dalt Vila from its luxuriant outdoor terrace. Musically, it's mainly soulful house. Opening time: Daily June– Sept
4 
Pacha Avgda. 8 d'Agost
971 313 600 www.pacha.com The grande dame of the scene, and the locals' favourite club. There's house music in the main room, a Global Zone with alternative sounds, a Funky Room, a salsa salon, plus a beautiful outdoor terrace. DJs including Deep Dish and Erick Morillo spin tunes here. Opening time: Daily April– Sept; Oct– March weekends only
5 Privilege Ibiza Town– Sant Antoni road, km 7
971 198 160 www.privilegeibiza.com Gargantuan club with a hangar-like main room, fourteen bars, a garden terrace, pool, chill-out dome and café. Rarely busy though. Opening time: Daily June– Sept
6 Space Platja d'en Bossa
971 396 793 www.space-ibiza.es Ibiza's most modern club has a vast main room, two huge terraces and a plethora of other chill-out zones and alternative rooms. Its Sunday session and gay night (La Troya) are legendary.