Before I moved to this magical island back in April 2022, I had only visited for a quick trip with my bestie back in 2019. Broke as ever, but eager to get a taste of the incredible music, vibes, and sunshine that Ibiza is famed for, we managed to scrape it together.
I can honestly say, with my hand on my heart, that it turned out to be one of the best experiences of my life.
What was originally meant to be a long weekend turned into an eight-day clubbing marathon, filled with incredible adventures and memories that we still look back on and laugh about to this day. A spontaneous adventure, shaped more by chance than planning, it was filled with the kind of rookie mistakes only a first-timer could make.
Now stepping into my fourth summer season in Ibiza, I feel in a privileged position to help others avoid the same pitfalls. Although I’ll admit, the belly laughs they brought - and still do - were well worth it at the time.
Raving in open-toe shoes
Though an open-toed shoe may be the height of this summer's fashion, and you may even see holidaymakers and locals sporting them, I am here to advise you - do not.
Let’s set the scene. A Friday night during peak July summertime, and I’m wearing strappy sandals to a sold-out Music On at Pacha. Within an hour, my toes were black.
If I’m honest, I was too focused on Marco Carola and the bangers he was delivering to care that much at the time. However, a few hours into the rave, I began to feel rather faint.
I then looked down to see a shard of glass lodged into the side of my foot, tearing its way through my flimsy wicker sandal.
Blood was pouring out.
The next thing I knew, I was being carried through the crowds to the medical room by three rather hunky, Spanish security guards. I guess every cloud has a silver lining.
Therefore, even with the heat of a crowded dancefloor, I would always recommend a pair of sturdy boots. Whether you opt for a classic Doc Marten or the Ibizan cowboy boot, both will save your life, as they have since saved mine.
Not drinking before you hit the club
As you may have heard, clubbing in Ibiza can come with a hefty price tag. While the experience is most definitely worth it, you still want to push your purse strings as far as they will go.
While you could always try to bag an invite onto a VIP table, there’s no guarantee that your wink and smile will actually get you past the rope. That’s why my top tip is to get on your pre-drink game before the club, and save your precious pennies for even more adventures.
If getting boozed up in the bedroom isn’t for you, then make the most of the local Spanish bars to get the best value for money. Wine and beer are always the cheaper beverages to wet your pre-club whistle.
It’s also worth knowing that some clubs have introduced a drinks package deal when you purchase your ticket, which can honestly save you a fortune. You can find them linked to the specific club nights on our party calendar.
Not using Ibiza Spotlight to plan your holiday
[Disclaimer - this is not an ad]
Truly, even if I didn’t work for this wonderful company, Ibiza Spotlight would still be my holy grail when visiting the island.
What I didn’t know back in 2019 is that the website is not only the best place to secure your club tickets and plan your nights out using the life-saving calendar, but it's also an amazing tool to find things to do, off the dancefloor.
Whether it be boat trips or car rentals, local markets, or finding that perfect spot to eat, we have really thought of it all.
Back to clubbing; when using Ibiza Spotlight to purchase your tickets, you have the option of upgrading all our tickets to include cancellation insurance up to between 24 and 48 hours before the party starts (subject to venue) for a fee of around €10 or less. This allows you to cancel for any reason, should your plans change. This provides peace of mind and covers against all eventualities, including missed flights, illness or simply a change of mind. Tickets for Las Dalias and Akasha, for which we are the exclusive ticketing partner, are inclusive of free cancellation up to 24 hours before each party starts.
The Ibiza Spotlight social media pages will also keep you in the loop during the off-season. It’s the apex of everything you need to know about the island.
Forgetting Ibiza is a marathon, not a sprint
I don’t think I’m the only one who’s found themselves overdoing it way too early, and had to be sent home in a taxi before the nights even started. C'mon guys, you can admit it. I reckon it’s even more easily done on the White Isle than anywhere else in the world.
With incredible parties followed by even better after-parties, temptation is in your face from the moment you wake up. Ibiza clubs are not like clubs elsewhere - every line-up is a knockout, and you don’t want to miss out.
However, with events every day of the week, I’m here to let you know that it’s okay to have a well-deserved night off.
Heed my warning - when you try to take advantage of three nights on the bounce, there can be serious consequences. I may sound like your mother, but to get the best experience out here, try my one-day-off, one-day-on formula. Trust me, it's a winner.
This doesn't mean a night in staring at your hotel wall. There are still tonnes of amazing things to do when you take a night off from partying. You could explore Ibiza Town and Dalt Vila, enjoy a beautiful meal with sunset views, or go to a night market with great music.
There’s so much wholesome fun to be had!
Not exploring the other side of the island
Ibiza is famous for its super-clubs, so of course they should be top of your to-do list when you visit.
However, there's another side to Ibiza. Surrounded by the dazzling blue Mediterranean sea and a plethora of secret treasures on land, it's crying out to be explored
My advice: take the trip. Do something a little different and have a true Ibiza adventure. Whether it’s a day at one of the island's secluded beaches, getting some zen at a morning yoga class, hiking, or going on a tour, Ibiza is swarming with exciting things to do.
Hiring a car or scooter for a couple of days is also a great shout. This way, you can explore at your own schedule and pace.
Worrying about a dress code
On Ibiza, anything goes. Whilst it is nice to get dolled up on holiday and put on a colourful frock, a nice pair of heels, and a full face of makeup, I’ve recently found that dressing for comfort is when I enjoy my nights out the most.
Some of my best nights have been when I'm wearing a crop top, baggy linen trousers, and flat shoes. And most importantly, minimal make-up. Why worry when by 02:00 it will have sweated off your face, anyway?
I think during my first season, I was more aware of my outfits and making an effort to look a certain way. Over the years, I’ve found that you can look and feel even better when you wear something you're most comfortable in.
Plus, when it’s 30 degrees heat and you’re in a tight, skimpy dress with a full face of foundation and eye makeup, it’s not the most pleasant experience being amongst a sweaty crowd. There’s no amount of Charlotte Tilbury setting spray that will keep that makeup on. Trust me, girlies.
You want to be able to last the whole night and not worry about ruining your expensive dress, or patting down damp patches. This isn’t to say you have to dress any less than you, weird or crazy.
Just remember, comfort is key...and no one really cares anyway.
A great night for Solomun at 528 Ibiza
Not living in the moment
In this day and age, we are all phone-obsessed. Trying to get that perfect photo or capture the perfect DJ drop for a viral moment is at the forefront of our brains, instead of just enjoying the moment.
Whilst these make for great memories to look back on, I suggest you put your phone (securely) in your pocket or bag and enjoy whatever Ibiza incredibleness is going on around you.
Talk to the person next to you, get lost in the music, and soak up the atmosphere. You haven’t saved all year just to spend time staring at your screen. The likelihood is, you’ll only see the exact same video online the next day from the party or DJ. Let them do the work of capturing it instead.
Let them do their thing, and you do yours. PARTY!
Not fuelling your body
You know, in my first full summer, I ended up losing two stones by the end of the six months.
Not out of choice or by eating healthily, in fact, quite the opposite. I realised that the partying and late nights had seriously taken their toll, and I wasn’t giving my body what it needed. I guess it was finally time to be a mature adult (gulp) and actually eat a decent meal.
So, whether you’re on the island for a short holiday or the full season, this is something to be aware of! Your body will need plenty of goodness so that you can keep on partying throughout your trip. Health is wealth, people, and it's a necessary exchange you've got to factor in to survive all Ibiza throws at you.
It's a good job, there are lots of great places you can find yummy and healthy comida. Places like Skinny Kitchen, Natural Pau, Cool Cafe, and Bondi in San Antonio offer everything from fresh juices to nutritious breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. Wherever you are staying in Ibiza, and even if you're watching your pennies and sticking to a budget, you'll still find loads to choose from.
Now you've learnt the basics, our complete Virgin's Guide to all things Ibiza should be your next stop.
Hero image: Pikes Ibiza
