The 10 best bars in Ibiza
It’s no secret that in Ibiza mischief lies around every corner, but so too does a multitude of bars, which can prove tricky when you’re trying to behave. Still, if you’re coming to the island of dance you should expect it to come with a healthy side of hedonism. What's the point of resisting? So, bar-hop through the cobbled streets of Ibiza Town, catch the quintessential Balearic sunset on the west coast, and sip on the flavours of the island’s bohemian heritage in the rural north. You can always blame the island in the morning.
For further Ibiza inspiration, see our guides to the island's best hotels, restaurants, nightlife, beaches and things to do.
Ibiza Town
Paradise Lost
It’s worth taking a wrong turn in the labyrinthine streets of Sa Penya, the former fishermen's district, because it may just lead you to Paradise Lost, one of the island’s most beloved drinking dens. A kitsch-inspired cubbyhole with neon-lit walls and leather sofas, the speciality here is fine rum and cocktails, which only the brave would be silly enough to mix. But before long that’s exactly what you’ll be doing, thanks to the warm welcome and low-key locals’ vibe. Pull up a pew and dive in, sometimes it’s fun when the devil dances on your shoulder.
Contact: paradiselostibiza.com
Price: ££
Bar 1805
Another diamond to be unearthed among the cobbled streets of Ibiza Town, Bar 1805 is the brainchild of charismatic Frenchman and mixologist, Charles Vexenat, who named the venue after Henri-Louis Pernod, the first man to launch an absinthe brand. So yes, you’ll find the fabled green fairy in abundance at this quirky cave — though after a session here, the same probably won’t be said about your senses. Inside, the walls are adorned with vintage cocktail shakers and glassware, while the outside terrace is always full of people tucking into moules frites (the house speciality) under the moonlight.
Contact: bar1805ibiza.com
Price: ££
UP
It was only a matter of time before the party-loving The Standard set up home in Ibiza. Now a mainstay on busy Vara de Rey, Ibiza town’s main square, its rooftop bar, UP is a hedonist’s honeytrap that hands out laid-back vibes and sprinklings of mischief in equal doses, with incredible castle views thrown in for good measure. By day, relax on sun loungers beneath fringed parasols; by night, congregate with friends for pre-dinner cocktails and live music. The opening party featured a lengthy list of personalities from the little black book of celebs: expect that to be a common theme.
Contact: standardhotels.com/ibiza
Price: ££
Café Montesol
Opened in 1933, Hotel Montesol is Ibiza’s oldest hotel. Back then it was a meeting point for bohemian free spirits who’d spend hours discussing their tortured artistic minds, and while you’re less likely to pick up on similar conversations these days, Café Montesol is still a hub for creatives. With a corner spot on Vara de Rey, gorgeous, celestial-inspired interiors and an innovative cocktail menu, it’s very much at the epicentre of the bar scene in Ibiza Town. Head up to the roof for some of the best Dalt Vila views around.
Contact: cafemontesolibiza.com
Price: ££
S’Escalinata
Set atop the ancient walls of Dalt Vila, S’Escalinata tumbles down a cobbled staircase. There are a couple of low-slung tables and chairs, but this bar is primarily characterised by the multi-coloured cushions strewn across each of the steps and panoramic views of the twinkling city below. Stop by for an ice-cold drink in the midst of summertime sightseeing, or scale the ramp once the temperatures have dropped and just in time for a sundowner. Whatever the time of day, the atmosphere is always delightfully relaxed — S’Escalinata is a little slice of true Balearic magic.
Contact: 00 34 628 56 03 82
Opening times: Daily, 10am-3am
Price: £
San Antonio / West
Kumharas
A west coast wonder that slips under the radar, Kumharas is one of the least pretentious places to watch the sun go down. Located in San Antonio Bay, with a setting almost directly on the water, it boasts uninterrupted views of the day’s climax, but despite the big crowds, manages to maintain a level of chilled-out hippie reserve that’s the antithesis to some of San Antonio’s more well-known spots. Arrive early and browse the on-site market stalls, then order a mojito and settle in for the ride. There’s often live music here, too.
Contact: kumharas.org
Price: ££
Sunset Ashram
Often cited by locals as one of their favourite places on the island at dusk, Sunset Ashram has earned legendary status over the years. Situated directly above Cala Conta (one of Ibiza’s most beautiful beaches), with panoramic views of the beach and cerulean waters below, its sunset vistas are breathtaking, and very much aided by an eclectic soundtrack that eschews techno in favour of more ambient, melodic sounds. It gets extremely busy in peak summer, so if you want a seat on the outdoor terrace — the best in the house — be sure to book ahead.
Contact: sunsetashram.com
Price: ££
North
Bar Anita
Tucked up in the north of Ibiza, in the quaint village of San Carlos, folklore proclaims that Bar Anita was the island’s very first hippie bar. A second home to the writers, musicians and artists who roamed the island in the Sixties, the art hung on the walls was reportedly received as payment from those who couldn’t afford to pay their bill. It’s as much loved today as it was back then and well worth a visit to soak up some authentic island history. Try the boquerones (anchovies), and don’t leave without a bottle of homemade hierbas, the local liqueur.
Contact: 00 34 971 335 090
Opening times: Daily, 7am-1am
Price: £
South
Blue Marlin
A champagne-popping beach bar renowned for its brash party atmosphere, Blue Marlin isn’t for wallflowers. Situated on the pebbly shores of Cala Jondal on the island’s south coast, it draws the international jet-set in droves — and they often arrive on their own yachts. The party unfolds throughout the course of the day (people tend to arrive in time for lunch) and ramps up towards sunset when a well-known DJ jumps behind the decks and sends volume levels soaring. The only way to survive is to dive in with the best of them.
Contact: bluemarlinibiza.com
Price: £££
Experimental Beach
Set among the salt flats of Las Salinas, where flamingos stop during the autumn to rest en route to warmer lands, Experimental Beach is one of Ibiza’s most cosmopolitan sunset bars. Located at the far end of a dusty dirt track on the rocky shores of Cap d’es Falco, any visit here is well worth the bumpy ride. Reserve a sun lounger and remember to bring your swimmers — jumping off the jetty just as the sun is setting is a rite of passage. You won’t feel a thing after several jugs of the rum-infused Pineapple Express.
Contact: eccbeach.com
Price: £££
How we choose
Every bar, venue or experience in this curated list has been tried and tested by our destination expert, who has visited to provide you with their insider perspective. We cover a range of budgets and styles, from casual pubs to exquisite cocktail bars – to best suit every type of traveller – and consider the service, drinks, atmosphere and price in our recommendations. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest openings and provide up to date recommendations.
