Nomadic African

Visiting the tiny island of Ibiza this European summer? With 3 out of the top ten clubs in the world alone on this little gem, it's no wonder why so many pilgrims each year make the religious-like embarkment to what is known to many, as the Mecca for Electronic Dance Music.

If you are one of the lucky few who are making the trip this year, here is a quick guide we have put together about the essentials you need to know about the party island of Ibiza.

INITIAL TIP:

First & foremost, let's get this one outta the way early. It's Ibiza (pronounced Ibitha, with a TH, not a Z). Many of us are guilty of this, which is fine and understandable, but the last thing you want is to be walking around saying Ibiza with a Z, because you will look like one of those kids at a festival who yell out "I love your music Dead-Mau-Five" and we all don't want that.

With that out of the way, lets get right into the fun stuff.

NIGHTLIFE & CLUBBING:

Needless to say, there is no shortage of nightclubs or opportunities to go out in this town. Ibiza has 8 nightclubs which are considered Super Clubs, which is huge considering how small the island of Ibiza really is. Super Club is no overstatement either, with everything from the venues, to the line-ups and even the cover-charges being MASSIVE!

Let us tell you now, they are called super clubs for a reason. The first thing you will notice is the sheer size and capacity to hold thousands of party people with multiple rooms, bars, dance-floors and stages. These proportions set an unparalleled vibe which just cannot be found anywhere else (especially in Sydney) so it really is hard to explain it with some words and a few pictures, because there truly is nothing you can compare it to.

Most clubs in Ibiza have festival worthy line-ups almost everyday. The biggest names in dance music are always drifting around the Ibiza circuit, with some of the top names running their own nights at various clubs. You will be struggling any night of the week not to see a huge line-up at one of the many clubs on the island.

Here are our 3 must visits when you touch down in the Balearic Island.

1. Ushuaia Beach Club:

With it's summery good looks and feel, this is the absolute perfect way to start off a sunny Ibiza bender, any day of the week. Ushuaia is an open air, day and night Super Club fitted with a state of the art sound system that will ensure you not only hear each pounding beat, you will feel it. Did we mention that it also has pools located sporadically through out the club? The crowds are beautiful and ready to party the afternoon away.

Although pretty much any day/night has a smorgasbord of dj's on hand, keep an eye out for the Swedish House Mafia Pool Parties that are held here weekly with the trio themselves alongside special guests such as Alesso, AN21 and Max Vangelli on regular rotation throughout the season. This is one party not to be missed, starts early on in the afternoon and goes well into the night. *WARNING* YOU WILL NOT WANT TO LEAVE!*

2. Space Nightclub:

The only thing that will make you even consider leaving Ushuaia Beach Club, is Space Nightclub, which is conveniently located across the road from Ushuaia. This is the Optimus Prime of Super Clubs, rated number one nightclub in the world by several polls for consecutive years including DJ Mags inaugural Top 100 Clubs, it really does live up to the hype and this is evident from the minute you walk into the world famous venue.

Space has 2 enormous dance halls where you wont care about anything but what the DJ is playing. Space really does take you away and you won't understand what we are talking about until you visit the establishment yourself, it really is just one of those places where words just can not explain.

A must see is Armin Van Buuren in his element at his second home, which is Space Nightclub, and the 2 names are synonymous with each other. If Armin is at Space nightclub while your visiting Ibiza, then we order you to pay the cover charge and see him do what he does best! No questions asked.

3. Amnesia Nightclub:

Last, but certainly not least on our must visit list, is Amnesia Nightclub. This is home to the famous night "Cream" which started in 1996 & is still running to this day! From the Opening Party to the End of the Ibiza Party season, there is something on pretty much every night at Amnesia, with big dance rooms packed with party patrons and dancers left, right and centre, making Amnesia one of the strongest international Club brands today.

Amnesia is quite contrary to it's name, because this will be one night you will not forget (depending on how affected by certain substances you are) with foam parties held regularly throughout the summer.

A must see is Eric Prydz (also know as Pryda & Cirez D) with his residency and night on Tuesdays with "Tonight". Apart from being an amazing producer and all round dance legend, you will not see Eric or any other of his other dance alter egos touring in Australia, the US or anywhere else for that matter due to his very real fear of flying and getting on planes (as evident to his string of cancellations of Australian tour dates a few years back) Ibiza is the best place to see this master at work along with special guests like Annie Mac (who co-runs the night), Skrillex, Diplo, Knife Party & Chase + Status all regular guests at Amnesia on a Tuesday night.

IBIZA HANDY HINTS:

Remember they drive on the other side of the road to us, which can get dangerous when stumbling the streets under the influence.

Accommodation doesn't need to be flashy, you will not be in the room all that much as people in Ibiza don't really sleep, and if they do, it's usually just a few hours on the beach. Get something close to town and somewhere safe to lock your valuables in, if you have those 2 down pat, you're all good.

Unlike Sydney, there's no real dress code for most of the clubs in Ibiza. Residents and tourists alike will all tell you it's not about the girl:guy ratio, who's name is on the list or how expensive your collared shirt is, it's ALL ABOUT THE MUSIC, which is the biggest reason as to why Ibiza is what it is.

Drug use on the island isn't heavily policed and is very easily accessible, but in saying that, don't walk up to a Spanish Police officer with pills in your hands asking for directions to Space.

Clubs in Ibiza are expensive! Don't be surprised to pay anywhere from 40 to 80 euros for cover charge alone for a club, depending on the line ups. Drinks are no better, you're looking at 10 euros for a bottle of water and 15 to 20 euros for a drink with a splash of alcohol in it.

In saying that, don't be tight, but at the same time, you want to leave money for the rest of your European adventure, but in our experience, money spent in Ibiza is money well spent).

Expect most clubs to confiscate and hold your camera on entry and don't be offended as this is standard and you will get it upon departure. Try and focus on enjoying the moment and not posing for cameras, you will have a better time and chances are, it's very hard to forget a night in the party island (depending on how intoxicated you are)

Very little rainfall hits the island of Ibiza, so make sure you have your bikinis and board-shorts packed.

CONCLUSION

Ibiza simply pulls off what Sydney, and anywhere else cannot. The crowds of people, the massive clubs with even bigger line ups that stay open for ridiculous hours and the unforgettable nights. If you're tired of the trashy little clubs in the cross and the city, then a trip to Ibiza should definitely be on the cards for you.

You WILL spend a lot of money on the island, but what you WON'T DO, is regret it.

If you are heading there this year, make sure you party hard, stay safe, enjoy yourselves and most of all look after each other.

Hope to see you guys there this Summer! http://www.sydney-djhire.com.au