Gray Area Picks: Ibiza's Best Beach Bars and Pool Parties
As much as Ibiza is about the night time clubbing experience, the island is just as alive with pool parties, beach bars and day clubs where you can soak up the sun, music and Balearic vibes.
Dotted generously across the island, it's easy to find a sun-drenched spot to lounge back and enjoy the rays, or hit the dancefloor and party with a cocktail in hand.
Here are some of our favourite pool and beach side hangouts for you to get your party on, before the night falls.
O Beach Ibiza - San Antonio
Everyday is pool day at O Beach, with massive lineups that take every afternoon into the evening with a bang. The doors open at midday and by 2pm the pool is awash with revellers sipping on glasses of Möet.
Not long after the dancefloor finds its feet and the party gets in full swing, huge acrobatic displays from cranes in the sky and talented musicians from drummers to saxophonists accompany the live DJ sets on center stage.
Bagging a bed or a booth in advance is the best way to indulge in the full O Beach experience - book early as they do sell out - but be careful with those jugs of daiquiris, they might look pretty but you definitely won’t after a few.
Any age is welcome here but be-prepared to party hard, it's like a mini carnival everyday.
Ibiza Rocks Bar and Hotel - San Antonio
Now with two stage-side pools, floating beds and a glittering stage taking the central spot, Ibiza Rocks is hitting summer 2023 with a whole new look. Boasting a bright pink astro-lawn, colorful deco, and gigantic disco balls that reflect the shimmering Balearic sun, it's a day club with pizazz that's for sure.
Huge DJ's and singers come through with exclusive performances throughout the week such as Fatboy Slim and Rudimental to Central Cee and Craig David, while Rock's staple resident DJ's are always there to ensure the vibes are 10/10.
The party closes at 9pm which means - as long as you keep it sensible - you can have a quick change and hit a club for more afterwards.
To know: For those staying out of the hotel, tickets are available for dancefloor warriors or across the selection of pool beds. Although these have a fee, it's definitely worth considering if you are with a group of friends.
Tanit Beach Ibiza - Playa d'en Bossa
Located along the vast sandy stretch of beach in Playa d’en Bossa, Tanit Beach Ibiza is an island hotspot. Open everyday for beachside dinner, drinks and lounging, it's just a hop, skip and jump to cool down in the crystal clear waters.
This isn’t a crazy daytime party venue, think more sophisticated dining that can easily turn into barefoot dancing in the sand until midnight. With bold white beds lining the sandy strip out front - always best to reserve - and DJs on-hand throughout the day-to-night, it's easy to see how things can get a little wild sometimes.
Most notably are the Ibizan-born Melon Bomb bookmarks that kick start and close the season in April and October. An absolute must for island residents, these parties are notorious as fun filled extravaganzas. Throughout the season they continue to host beachstomping events, check out their calendar for more.
To know: This beautiful stretch of sand is also host to some other worthy mentions. Check out Nassau Beach Club Ibiza (Tanit’s neighbour) and Beachouse Ibiza (slightly more chilled) for their offerings and event calendar throughout the summer.
Nikki Beach - Santa Eulalia
A little luxury never hurt nobody, and this is definitely the vibe that Nikki Beach delivers. All the way from Miami, this is an opulent poolside concept that fits perfectly in with Ibiza’s high end markets demand.
Here in Ibiza you can nibble on some delicious homeade sushi by the pool as you relax, or create your own dance floor with friends as the DJ and live percussionists add to the party vibe.
Beds and sun loungers are best to be booked in advance but whichever you choose fear not, there’s always a cold bottle of Moët with your name on.
Sa Trinxa - Playa de Las Salinas
An Ibiza legend that still retains that ‘old school Ibiza’ vibe, Sa Trinxa is a weekend ritual for islanders in the know. That’s not to say the weekdays aren’t still buzzing - especially in July and August - but Saturdays and Sundays always feel like the real time to let off steam.
This is nothing fancy, as Sa Trinxa is essentially a wooden hut that serves an established menu, along with incredible tunes. Here you can eat in the restaurant - the sardines are divine - or simply enjoy the party from the beachfront and make the most of the beach towel drinks service. However this really is a party for all, as there's no issues with popping your own bottle whilst you have a boogie to the Sa Trinxa tunes floating out towards the waves.
Expect some nakedness, sharing drinks with the groups beside you and overall unforgettable times. This really is a taste of the true Ibiza.
Blue Marlin Ibiza - Cala Jondal
Blue Marlin Ibiza is a famed location that offers day-to-night dining, beachside vibes and an incredible music scene. Full disclosure, the beach is a large pebbled cove and as such maybe not one that you’d choose to lay a towel upon. However, Blue Marlin have created such an enticing and luxurious venue, that the actual beach is of little concern.
Surrounded by billionaire yachts in the turquoise waters, Blue Marlin is the place to go for the rich and famous. You might often find a familiar face getting amongst it in the crowds, as we did last year. It's safe to say we were left a little starstruck upon noticing Alicia Keys on the dancefloor last summer.
Here beds and tables - with both drinks and food - can be booked throughout the day and with international DJs often listed across the season, reservation ahead of time is a must.
The great thing about Blue Marlin is the fun doesn’t stop when the daylight does. Simply step inside their own club and keep on dancing till dawn.
To know: Blue Marlins neighbours are also worth considering. Both Yemaji and Tropicana offer DJ’s and cool musical accompanimen to a great beachside menu.
How to find your way to the venue: To find the bus routes and timings from your location, download the Ibiza Bus Oficial App. Uber is not available in Ibiza but you can order at Taxi’s ranks, via the Taxi-Click App or via Radio Taxis on +34971 33 33 3