Nowhere does dawn raving, poolside partying or boho-glam Balearic vibes quite like the beach-wrapped paradise that is Ibiza. The sizzling Mediterranean summer brings a star-studded DJ line-up to the island’s seductive blonde shores, with some of the globe’s wildest parties taking over world-renowned clubs like Pacha, Amnesia and Hï Ibiza.
With so much DJ royalty floating around, it can be near-impossible to know where to start. From glittering pool party extravaganzas and boozy sunset boat parties, to utterly unforgettable closing parties and depth-of-the-night sets from the world’s finest DJs, here are 10 of the best parties descending on Ibiza for the 2019 season.
Pacha
4 June to 13 October, Ibiza Town
Now with branches across the world, Ibiza’s maze-like original Balearic-chic superclub Pacha, built from an old whitewashed farmhouse, remains the firm favourite for partying islanders. Italian techno big-timer Marco Carola and his sell-out Music On session (until recently at Amnesia) are a must on Thursdays throughout the season, with Carl Cox set to collaborate on 3 October. Tuesdays are devoted to Colombian reggaeton mover J Balvin throughout June and July, before needs-no-intro powerhouse Calvin Harris takes over for August to 6 September. And on Sundays, there’s Bosnian-German deep-house star Solomun’s residency.
Ushuaïa
4 June to 24 September, Platja d’En Bossa
Beloved among fashionistas, open-air Ushuaïa Ibiza is the undisputed uberglam queen of the White Isle’s daytime clubbing scene. Bali beds and pool-front partying set the tone for an unbeatable international-DJ cast. David Guetta reclaims his Monday Ushuaïa throne for the full 2019 season; Martin Garrix steals the show with his EDM magic every Thursday throughout July and August; Calvin Harris lands for a month-long Friday slot from 2 August; and Carl Cox and sought-after Spanish DJ Paco Osuna joins the 16 June opening-party line-up for Nic Fanciulli’s Dance or Die Wednesday residency. For reggaeton lovers, Sundays’ MUCHO IBIZA sees Latin stars like Daddy Yankee and Becky G take to the stage from 16 June to 25 August.
Ibiza Rocks
17 May to 26 September, Sant Antoni
With over 120 serious multi-genre daytime sessions locked in for 2019, Ibiza Rocks continues to make waves with its matchless mash-up of house, grime, pop, garage, drum and bass, live music and more, blasted across a party-hard hotel pool garden. Craig David’s packed-out TS5 Pool Party is back at the outdoor venue from 9 July to 24 September, while the rest of this season’s massive line-up includes Jax Jones, MK, Rudimental, Anne-Marie, Lovely Laura and Ben Santiago.
O Beach Ibiza
17 May to 4 October, Sant Antoni
Bringing the Ibiza-chic pool-party scene to the west coast, day-clubbing big-hitter O Beach Ibiza (previously Ocean Beach) kicks things off from noon with lounge beds, bottle service, massages and awe-inspiring aerial shows starring suspended acrobats, dancers and performers alongside rainbows of inflatable animals, vehicles and more. DJ sets swing from hip hop to house to disco to old-school anthems. Biggest and best for 2019 is the wanderlust-themed Friday pool party, with Tuesday’s UK-oriented Kisstory residency also a favourite.
If you’re here late in the season, don’t miss the 4 October closing party.
Cova Santa
15 June to late September, Sant Josep
The creative, uniquely-Ibiza sister venue to world-famous Amnesia, Cova Santa is built around a 1000-year-old cave between Ibiza Town and Sant Josep, now reincarnated with a fabulous internationally-influenced restaurant and a string of exclusive events. Hotly anticipated full-moon-style party WooMooN returns for 2019 on Sundays from 16 June; expect live bands, immersive experiences, up-and-coming DJs and plenty of shimmying under the stars. German DJ-producer Magdalena headlines on Fridays with her super-successful day-to-night SHADOWS residency (previously at Blue Marlin), alongside techno sidekicks like Solomun.
Opening party for Magdalena 12 July, closing 13 September.
Hï Ibiza
25 May to 5 October, Platja d’En Bossa
The glossiest megaclub on the scene, Platja d’En Bossa’s Hï Ibiza has made a name for itself with spot-on electronic residencies since replacing long-time legend Space in 2017. For 2019, Hï welcomes David Guetta’s much-loved, F*** Me I’m Famous! (previously at Pacha), on Fridays; unstoppable South African house DJ/producer Black Coffee takes to the decks on Saturdays; and the island’s top disco-house night, Glitterbox, sweeps through in a sequin-clad swirl on Sundays. New in 2019 is Tuesdays’ BODYWORKS, courtesy of British tech-house kings CamelPhat and Solardo along with Australian DJ FISHER. Last but not least, Wednesdays see the return of trance superstar Armin van Buuren’s immensely popular residency from 12 June to 11 September.
Amnesia
11 May to 30 September
Ibiza may have changed beyond recognition since DJ Alfredo spun his Balearic beats under the sun here in the 80s, but Amnesia in Sant Rafel remains the most renowned and storied megaclub, with its ice cannons, atrium terrace, warehouse-style main room and full-on opening and closing parties. Sven Väth’s techno-fest Cocoon throws its 20th anniversary party over 10 nights from 27 May to 30 September: Solomun, Ricardo Villalobos, Charlotte de Witte and other house and techno favourites are all booked in. On Saturdays, wildly fantastical immersive global hit Elrow arrives.
Ibiza’s best boat parties
Late April to September
Cruising around the island’s sparkling coastline – cocktail in hand, summer breeze in your hair – as the sun blazes into the Balearic Sea is one of those magical only-in-Ibiza moments. And the boat-party scene is on the up, with countless dance-on-deck departures from both Sant Antoni and Platja d’En Bossa; most tickets also include entry to several on-land clubs. You’re spoilt for choice, but Oceanbeat (the largest around), all-inclusive The Ibz Boat and sunset-focused Cirque de la Nuit and Pukka Up are among the best Ibiza boat parties for 2019.
DC10
20 May to 7 October, Sant Jordi
Responsible for kicking off the careers of some of Ibiza’s top DJs, little-publicised yet still somehow packed-out-famous DC10 is loved for its hedonistic, no-gimmicks, music-first underground electronic raves, as well as its comparatively affordable prices (by Ibiza standards!) and its alfresco garden location by the airport runway. The red-hot ticket (since 1999) is Mondays’ CircoLoco, with the likes of The Martinez Brothers, Willow and The Black Madonna lined up.
Privilege
From 8 June, Sant Rafel
Known for having hosted the infamously raunchy fantasy Manumission residency from 1994 until 2006, colossal hangar-like Privilege is the biggest club in the world, packing in a staggering 10,000 clubbers. The key here is in choosing the right night. This year, techno/underground sensation Resistance returns on Tuesdays from 23 July to 17 September for its third Ibiza season, with Carl Cox, Sasha & John Digweed, Adam Beyer and Charlotte de Witte among its 2019 residents. Keep an eye out for headliners including Paco Osuna.
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