Modern on-demand services now give people access to iconic experiences right from the comfort of their own homes. This results in gaming aficionados that can now make the most of the offers on sign-ups to leading casino platforms, and audiophiles having access to the incredible algorithmic music playlists offered by services such as Spotify. All of this is fit to make you wonder whether there’s any reason to head to the sun and sand of a party destination like Ibiza after all.
And while there are good points to counter the notion of two weeks on any one of the Balearic islands, there’s no real substitute for the real thing. And just when you thought you’d seen it all, Ibiza has more surprises to throw your way. Below, we’re going to take a look at some bona fide hidden gems of the island’s nightlife set to cause a stir in 2023.
Casino de Ibiza
When you’re looking for a change of pace from Ibiza’s legendary dance-floors, why not dust off your evening wear and spend an evening in the island’s premier gaming venue? The Casino de Ibiza opened its doors in 2014 and functions as the jewel in the crown of the larger Ibiza Gran Hotel complex. This five-star hotel is among the most opulent and prestigious on the island, and takes in a beautiful view of the harbour from its location in Ibiza’s old town.
The casino was built to be on a par with the very best in the world, and is home to the full complement of table games you’d expect, from blackjack to roulette and beyond. For those of a more casual persuasion, the parlour also includes over 100 slots and casino machines, ensuring that everyone will find a game to suit their mood.
Pacha Ibiza
Okay, in the strictest definition of terms it may be a stretch to refer to Pacha as a ‘hidden gem’ – but it makes our list due to a growing tendency in recent years to take the legendary night club for granted, supposing that just because its 90s golden age is growing ever distant, that its relevance is also diminished.
But the truth of the matter is quite different. Pacha has evolved with the times, and succeeds in banking on its prestige to draw in some of the biggest names in modern dance music, ensuring it retains its crown at the top of the heap of Ibizia’s classic venues, and highlighting its ability to weather the tides of time far more capable than its former superclub rivals ever could.
The Rock Bar Ibiza
It can be easy to assume that Ibiza has little more to offer by way of nightlife, especially in the summer months, than eclectic dance music. But in truth, the island has a rich musical heritage going back generations. This ensures that other genres are far from forgotten, meaning that even those with a penchant to rock out can be well met by the island’s offerings.
Without a doubt, the best rock-oriented venue in Ibiza is the Rock Bar Ibiza, located dockside in Ibiza town. Open daily from 6pm to 4am, the bar offers up a compelling array of cocktails and bar snacks, all accompanied to a soundtrack of shrieking guitars and wailing vocals.
Las Dos Lunas
Sometimes there’s no substitute for a cocktail with all the bells and whistles, and Ibiza is home to many locations with impressive mixology credentials. From Bambuddha, located in the foothills outside of town, to the portside Number 5, virtually everywhere you turn you’re sure to find surprising boozy concoctions to enjoy.
Our favorite, however, has got to be Las Dos Lunas, outside San Rafael. Opened in 1981 by Massimo Lucarini, this is one of the island’s best loved restaurants. It’s also one of the best possible places to grab a cocktail worth writing home about, with everything from bespoke Mojitos to novel mixers on offer.
