The 2010 season is nearly upon us and the flight is booked, the new shades are bought, but you've left the place to stay until the last minute! Let us help you out with a round up of the island's most popular places to park yourself for that occasional disco nap.
Ibiza Town
The Good: close to all the action, great atmosphere.
The Bad: lots of noise, but a 20 minute hike to the beach.
The Crowd: the international jet set, dedicated party animals and bar aficionados.
Ibiza Town is the epicentre of the nightlife action on the island and a great place to stay if you love being surrounded by buzz. It's not for the faint of heart, however, as the noise can be quite oppressive at times and the town centre hotels tend to be great on location, but short on amenities. You won't find olympic size swimming pools or expansive hotel terraces here. But if you like to be a short stumble from some of Europe best bars, then this is where you need to be. Renting an apartment in town is a good alternative to the hotels.
Playa d'en Bossa
The Good: on the beach, yet close to great clubs.
The Bad: there are some families here, the accommodation is bland and the scenery is definitely resort-style.
The Crowd: beach bums, day clubbers, some families.
Playa d'en Bossa is a favourite among the many Space fans of this world as the superclub is at most a 10 minute walk from anywhere on this strip. It's vibrating hum is easily discerned upon approach to Playa d'en Bossa. This area is also home to many great beach bars that keep Ibiza's day clubbers kicking it all through the afternoon. While there are some families around here, it's still a great place to stay if you don't mind the touristy, resort-like feel.
Figueretas
The Good: close to Ibiza Town and Playa d'en Bossa.
The Bad: it doesn't feel that close at 6AM.
The Crowd: the calmest of the bunch.
Figueretas is perched right between Ibiza Town and Play d'en Bossa, about a 20 minute walk from either. Depending on where you're standing, this is either a blessing or a curse. Being this distance from the action means that the scene is a little quieter so this location is more suitable for those that don't want to party the whole vacation away.
San Antonio
The Good: the sunsets are OK. It's cheap.
The Bad: too many to list!
The Crowd: chavs, teenagers, washed up ravers, has-been English DJs, first-timers.
San Antonio is popular amongst Ibiza virgins and English ravers alike, but is definitely one spot to be avoided if you don't fall into either of these categories. While the sunsets are not bad, they are probably a little played up and out by the media. There are loads of bars in San Antonio and they tend to be much cheaper than on the rest of the island, but as the old saying goes, you get what you pay for and San Antonio is lacking the international chic of the rest of the island. It sometimes feels like an ex-pat English wasteland in the sun, so beware.
A Villa in the Island Hills
The Good: privacy, expansive views, great scenery!
The Bad: you'll need taxis to get in and out, break-ins are not uncommon.
The Crowd: international party people, hardened ibiza enthusiasts.
The only way that the international party elite does Ibiza is by villa. Hiring your own pad replete with pool, terrace and other amenities is the way to blow the budget and ensure the best of times on the island. And if you have a large group of mates coming with you then the prices don't have to be too out-of-control. Best of all, you have the option of hosting your very own villa party with all the exciting new party freaks that you meet on the island.
Whatever option you choose, make sure to have a great time and don't forget the sunscreen!
