Ibiza 2025 Round Up: The Good, The Bad & The Unexpected
Summer 2025 on the White Isle? Pure madness, in the best (and occasionally wildest) way. Ibiza did what it does best: evolved, exploded, and reminded the world why it's still the undisputed heavyweight champion of global clubbing. From jaw-dropping club debuts and long-awaited returns to culture-bending shifts and curveballs no one saw coming, this season hit harder than a sunrise set at Amnesia.
The island was buzzing with fresh energy, legends reclaiming their throne, and moments that made you stop mid-dance and go, “Did that really just happen?”
So let’s break it down. Let’s get into The Good, The Bad, and The Unexpected.
THE GOOD: A SEASON OF BLOCKBUSTERS AND RESURGENCE
Pacha's Golden Comeback
One of the biggest success stories of the season was the resurgence of Pacha. With Marco Carola's Music On Fridays and Solomun's iconic Solomun+1 Sundays, the club reported record-breaking ticket sales and nightly capacity crowds. More than just a nostalgia trip, Pacha innovated with BLOND:ISH’s all-female-led Abracadabra party and upgraded its sound and lighting systems to cutting-edge specs. The return of Defected, after more than a decade, brought a sense of historic closure and fresh excitement as weekly house masterclasses were delivered by icons like The Blessed Madonna and Groove Armada.
UNVRS: The Rise of the Hyperclub
The debut of UNVRS, Ibiza’s first hyperclub, was perhaps the most dramatic shake-up in 2025. With a 15,000-person capacity and next-gen production, UNVRS delivered arena-level experiences. Residencies from Carl Cox, FISHER, Eric Prydz, elrow and Paradise drew thousands weekly. Carl Cox’s return alone generated historic buzz. FISHER’s dramatic ceiling descent and Eric Prydz’s mind-bending Holosphere 2.0 added high-tech flair to the Ibiza experience.
Amnesia Rebuilds and Reinvents
Despite losing some long-standing parties, Amnesia responded with agility. The launch of Resistance techno nights, Ben Hemsley’s breakout residency, and collaborations with Boiler Room and Mixmag injected fresh energy. Embracing up-and-comers while retaining events like Pyramid, Amnesia proved its ability to adapt and evolve.
DC-10 & Hï Continue to Deliver
Solid Grooves at DC-10 was again a defining underground staple. Meanwhile, Hï Ibiza maintained its dominance with Black Coffee Saturdays and Glitterbox Sundays.
THE BAD: COSTS, CANCELLATIONS & CONTROVERSY
Soaring Costs and a Changing Crowd
A major issue throughout the season was the cost of partying. Entry fees regularly toppled over the €100 mark, drink prices remained exorbitant, and VIP tables ballooned in cost. This shifted crowd behavior - some nights saw smaller dancefloors, and attendees reported spending more conservatively. The spontaneous, hedonistic feel of previous seasons was sometimes overshadowed by financial caution.
Residencies That Faltered
Not every party thrived. SHINE Ibiza, a trance-focused residency at Eden, was abruptly canceled just weeks before its September run, citing circumstances beyond the promoter's control. Without flagship residencies like Defected (which moved to Pacha), Eden’s 2025 season struggled to attract consistent footfall.
Storm Dana Disrupts Closings
October’s storm Dana (Alice) swept through Ibiza with torrential rain. Despite red alerts, some clubs pressed ahead with closing parties anyway! The controversy highlighted the tension between profit and public safety.
THE UNEXPECTED: TWISTS, TRENDS & MOMENTS OF MAGIC
Club Chinois Steals the Spotlight
A surprise hit of the summer was Club Chinois in Marina Botafoch. With its intimate vibes and a luxury feel, it hosted diverse residencies like Claptone’s Masquerade, Bedouin’s Saga, Honey Dijon’s Honey F**ing Dijon*, and Kerri Chandler’s KAOZ Theory. Fridays featured rotating global talent including Francis Mercier and Shimza. Many seasoned clubbers found it a refreshing, music-first alternative to the superclubs.
The Phone-Free Movement Grows
A growing desire to reconnect with the music led to a wave of phone-free events. Solid Grooves enforced no-phone nights to boost presence on the dancefloor. Meanwhile, new venue Tomodachi opened with a strict anti-phone ethos, focusing on minimal house and vinyl sets. As social media fatigue creeps into nightlife, these parties carved a welcome niche.
Meme Culture Meets Club Culture
One viral video turned British clubber Jack Kay into the “Ibiza Final Boss,” earning him influencer deals and international notoriety. It was a bizarre reminder that Ibiza still produces surreal, culture-shifting moments in unexpected ways.
Pop Crossovers and Extended Seasons
Blackpink's Jennie made a surprise appearance at Ushuaïa during Diplo’s set, blending K-pop with Balearic beats and setting social media ablaze. Meanwhile, events like TRIP at Club Chinois once again extended into late October, challenging traditional notions of when Ibiza’s season begins and ends.
What’s next?
Summer 2025 proved that Ibiza’s club culture is still evolving - sometimes for better, sometimes with growing pains. The introduction of mega venues, phone-free raves, and viral stars points to a scene willing to change. Yet rising costs, safety challenges, and over-commercialization sparked important debates.
As the island takes a breath before planning for 2026, one thing’s clear: Ibiza’s identity is being renegotiated in real time. The pulse of the White Isle may be shifting, but it still beats strong.
