Tell us how it was - Ibiza 2025

I didn’t notice anything untoward around here. Although I did notice the police patrol around the little road a few times.

I remember my first ever holiday to Ibiza with a group of mates, we stayed at the Costa Mar hotel (now called the WikiWoo). We always used to have a good laugh in this little area on the way home, always seemed to have people there. Seemed like a cool little gathering point. Music getting played on Bluetooth speakers etc. We went swimming in the sea one night. Wasn’t our greatest idea. A lucky lucky man stole one of the lads shorts. He was trying to steal his mobile phone 😄

One thing I never mentioned, is that I think I noticed a greater police presence this year. I don’t know if they’ve actually increased the numbers or anything, this is just my perception. Was even a couple of police officers out on foot in Portinatx. I saw them bollocking a scooter rider for going the wrong way down a one way street 🤦‍♂️.
Cops in Portinatx, and in the North generally, are much more present this year, and do much, much more checks.
 
Dates you were there: 21 - 28th June

Where you stayed: Palladium Palmyra, San Antonio

Club nights visited:

I'm going to start this with a "but I never intended to go out 6 nights in a row" but evidently I needed to party this trip!

Saturday: Sundara for Seamus Haji
Sunday: Carl Cox opening @ UNVRS (see UNVRS thread for review)
Monday: Eric Prydz Holosphere @ UNVRS (as above)
Tuesday: Pikes Presents @ 528
Wednesday: Pikes for Cormac
Thursday: Defected @ Pacha

Best night: 528. I must admit i was skeptical when I first heard Pikes was putting nights on at 528. Having visited there for Cocoon last September and not being impressed I wasn't expecting much, but I went in with an open mind. I wasn't even going out on Tuesday!! I had my arm twisted and off I went. The outside bit was okish, Ron Trent was doing his thing and it gradually got better. The outdoor bit stopped and we headed in to the club part. It was at this point I realised exactly why Pikes @ 528 works!! The club was dark, loud, and an absolute sweatbox. I loved it!! I have no idea who was playing but it was the best night I've had in a long time. I did my usual 15 minutes or so in the club, then headed outside for a bit to chat to randoms, back in to the club - exactly like what I do at Pikes 😂 no bar queues or toilet queues to speak of so it was a 10/10 for me! Stayed til just before the end (to make sure taxis weren't a problem).

Worst night: Eric Prydz. I've got to be honest I was totally there to see the lights like everyone else. I don't dislike Prdyz but his tunes don't keep me dancing all night. I knew this would be my only chance to see it though as I don't like him enough to make a special trip anywhere to see it, and wanted to see what the hype was about. I had a feeling my friends would have the better night at Pikes for Fat Tony but I stuck with my decision. Completely regret it now though - should have left the lights alone and gone to Pikes.

Best bar: Didn't really visit any as I had all inclusive at the hotel but Bondi still do a good Strawberry Daquiri!

Best place to eat: Ate at the hotel mostly but had a decent breakfast at Palapa on my first day.

Best beach and/or beach club: only visited the beach opposite the hotel.

Money spent: Don't know I refuse to check 🙈

Biggest regret: Not going to Pikes on the Monday.

Going back?: Of course, for trance week in September.

Top tip: Make the most of the drinks packages and any free transport being put on as part of the ticket. Even if you go one way and then taxi back you're £££ in! Also, go and see some DJs you've never heard of - you will likely be surprised in a good way!

Observations and/or conclusion:

Daytimes in San Antonio seemed very quiet. You used to see the masses heading to obeach swigging out of cans and bottles on the way over but that really wasn't noticeable this year. I got "adopted" by a couple at the hotel who we got chatting to and it was their first trip here (they were in their 60s - the husband was in trouble for booking "the wrong place") and they really enjoyed themselves. They had a pleasant surprise that San Antonio was not full of drunk Brits all the time. I guess the measures the local council/government are taking are working - I definitely noticed the change.
 
Dates you were there: 21 - 28th June

Where you stayed: Palladium Palmyra, San Antonio

Club nights visited:

I'm going to start this with a "but I never intended to go out 6 nights in a row" but evidently I needed to party this trip!

Saturday: Sundara for Seamus Haji
Sunday: Carl Cox opening @ UNVRS (see UNVRS thread for review)
Monday: Eric Prydz Holosphere @ UNVRS (as above)
Tuesday: Pikes Presents @ 528
Wednesday: Pikes for Cormac
Thursday: Defected @ Pacha

Best night: 528. I must admit i was skeptical when I first heard Pikes was putting nights on at 528. Having visited there for Cocoon last September and not being impressed I wasn't expecting much, but I went in with an open mind. I wasn't even going out on Tuesday!! I had my arm twisted and off I went. The outside bit was okish, Ron Trent was doing his thing and it gradually got better. The outdoor bit stopped and we headed in to the club part. It was at this point I realised exactly why Pikes @ 528 works!! The club was dark, loud, and an absolute sweatbox. I loved it!! I have no idea who was playing but it was the best night I've had in a long time. I did my usual 15 minutes or so in the club, then headed outside for a bit to chat to randoms, back in to the club - exactly like what I do at Pikes 😂 no bar queues or toilet queues to speak of so it was a 10/10 for me! Stayed til just before the end (to make sure taxis weren't a problem).

Worst night: Eric Prydz. I've got to be honest I was totally there to see the lights like everyone else. I don't dislike Prdyz but his tunes don't keep me dancing all night. I knew this would be my only chance to see it though as I don't like him enough to make a special trip anywhere to see it, and wanted to see what the hype was about. I had a feeling my friends would have the better night at Pikes for Fat Tony but I stuck with my decision. Completely regret it now though - should have left the lights alone and gone to Pikes.

Best bar: Didn't really visit any as I had all inclusive at the hotel but Bondi still do a good Strawberry Daquiri!

Best place to eat: Ate at the hotel mostly but had a decent breakfast at Palapa on my first day.

Best beach and/or beach club: only visited the beach opposite the hotel.

Money spent: Don't know I refuse to check 🙈

Biggest regret: Not going to Pikes on the Monday.

Going back?: Of course, for trance week in September.

Top tip: Make the most of the drinks packages and any free transport being put on as part of the ticket. Even if you go one way and then taxi back you're £££ in! Also, go and see some DJs you've never heard of - you will likely be surprised in a good way!

Observations and/or conclusion:

Daytimes in San Antonio seemed very quiet. You used to see the masses heading to obeach swigging out of cans and bottles on the way over but that really wasn't noticeable this year. I got "adopted" by a couple at the hotel who we got chatting to and it was their first trip here (they were in their 60s - the husband was in trouble for booking "the wrong place") and they really enjoyed themselves. They had a pleasant surprise that San Antonio was not full of drunk Brits all the time. I guess the measures the local council/government are taking are working - I definitely noticed the change.
Party girl! Not been out 6 nights in a club in a very long time! 🥇.. Looking forward to 528 for Layo & Bushwacka / Paul Woolford in September. I’ll visit Coxy too to see him/ UNVRS. I have heard San An has really turned a corner and it’s really showing this summer. Good for them. Roll on September!
 
Even La Troya is at Playa Soleil, so not ideal. Its still mad to think in such a liberal place like Ibiza, the scene is now so small / limited. BUT you never know what will start a fresh!
Yeah, Calle de Virgen has been quieter year after year. So sad to lose also the queer roots of liberal Ibiza! Gay people travel more to Mykonos & Berlin nowadays to party as they still have proper gay parties/club nights ovet there. I would not say that "nowadays everything is mixed clubbing" as a reason for Ibiza's lost gay clientele. Ibiza should fresh up with their offering for gays. There should defitenally be a one weekly up-to-date fresh'n'fluid queer club night (La Troya is a vintage museum item🫣 that has not updated itself from the 90's) Most of the bars are suffering also from the high prices as people don't have money to drink on bars anymore. They stay and drink on hotels, and go directly to the clubs with no bar-hopping in between.
 
Yeah, Calle de Virgen has been quieter year after year. So sad to lose also the queer roots of liberal Ibiza! Gay people travel more to Mykonos & Berlin nowadays to party as they still have proper gay parties/club nights ovet there. I would not say that "nowadays everything is mixed clubbing" as a reason for Ibiza's lost gay clientele. Ibiza should fresh up with their offering for gays. There should defitenally be a one weekly up-to-date fresh'n'fluid queer club night (La Troya is a vintage museum item🫣 that has not updated itself from the 90's) Most of the bars are suffering also from the high prices as people don't have money to drink on bars anymore. They stay and drink on hotels, and go directly to the clubs with no bar-hopping in between.
C de Virgen sometimes ( not much ? ) queer anymore. Mixed couples sitting and eating and observe the scene. Its a street with some queer people , not a queer street. My opinion.
 
C de Virgen sometimes ( not much ? ) queer anymore. Mixed couples sitting and eating and observe the scene. Its a street with some queer people , not a queer street. My opinion.
Yeah this change has been going on during the last 10 years..
 
Yeah, Calle de Virgen has been quieter year after year. So sad to lose also the queer roots of liberal Ibiza! Gay people travel more to Mykonos & Berlin nowadays to party as they still have proper gay parties/club nights ovet there. I would not say that "nowadays everything is mixed clubbing" as a reason for Ibiza's lost gay clientele. Ibiza should fresh up with their offering for gays. There should defitenally be a one weekly up-to-date fresh'n'fluid queer club night (La Troya is a vintage museum item🫣 that has not updated itself from the 90's) Most of the bars are suffering also from the high prices as people don't have money to drink on bars anymore. They stay and drink on hotels, and go directly to the clubs with no bar-hopping in between.
Blame Grindr, took the need to cruise away from the bars / clubs... The scene has changed from the bathhouses of the 70's, through the madness of the 90's/early 00's.. Virgin is a touristy street that once housed queers, not a queer street for queers as Feynman mentioned.. Ask the couple of shop / bar owners that are left.. The wheel has turned and fresh buds will bloom soon..
 
Blame Grindr, took the need to cruise away from the bars / clubs... The scene has changed from the bathhouses of the 70's, through the madness of the 90's/early 00's.. Virgin is a touristy street that once housed queers, not a queer street for queers as Feynman mentioned.. Ask the couple of shop / bar owners that are left.. The wheel has turned and fresh buds will bloom soon..
I would not blame this fully on Grindr and changes on dating styles etc, because the other gay destinations have still lively gay bars & clubs. Like Jackie'O at Mykonos etc. People like to drink & party there on Gay hot spots, so why not in Ibiza. I hope we'll see some changes and fresh new ideas next years as I think we still need 'our own specific spots for the hbtlq+ community'
 
Dates you were there: 21 - 28th June

Where you stayed: Palladium Palmyra, San Antonio

Club nights visited:

I'm going to start this with a "but I never intended to go out 6 nights in a row" but evidently I needed to party this trip!

Saturday: Sundara for Seamus Haji
Sunday: Carl Cox opening @ UNVRS (see UNVRS thread for review)
Monday: Eric Prydz Holosphere @ UNVRS (as above)
Tuesday: Pikes Presents @ 528
Wednesday: Pikes for Cormac
Thursday: Defected @ Pacha

Best night: 528. I must admit i was skeptical when I first heard Pikes was putting nights on at 528. Having visited there for Cocoon last September and not being impressed I wasn't expecting much, but I went in with an open mind. I wasn't even going out on Tuesday!! I had my arm twisted and off I went. The outside bit was okish, Ron Trent was doing his thing and it gradually got better. The outdoor bit stopped and we headed in to the club part. It was at this point I realised exactly why Pikes @ 528 works!! The club was dark, loud, and an absolute sweatbox. I loved it!! I have no idea who was playing but it was the best night I've had in a long time. I did my usual 15 minutes or so in the club, then headed outside for a bit to chat to randoms, back in to the club - exactly like what I do at Pikes 😂 no bar queues or toilet queues to speak of so it was a 10/10 for me! Stayed til just before the end (to make sure taxis weren't a problem).

Worst night: Eric Prydz. I've got to be honest I was totally there to see the lights like everyone else. I don't dislike Prdyz but his tunes don't keep me dancing all night. I knew this would be my only chance to see it though as I don't like him enough to make a special trip anywhere to see it, and wanted to see what the hype was about. I had a feeling my friends would have the better night at Pikes for Fat Tony but I stuck with my decision. Completely regret it now though - should have left the lights alone and gone to Pikes.

Best bar: Didn't really visit any as I had all inclusive at the hotel but Bondi still do a good Strawberry Daquiri!

Best place to eat: Ate at the hotel mostly but had a decent breakfast at Palapa on my first day.

Best beach and/or beach club: only visited the beach opposite the hotel.

Money spent: Don't know I refuse to check 🙈

Biggest regret: Not going to Pikes on the Monday.

Going back?: Of course, for trance week in September.

Top tip: Make the most of the drinks packages and any free transport being put on as part of the ticket. Even if you go one way and then taxi back you're £££ in! Also, go and see some DJs you've never heard of - you will likely be surprised in a good way!

Observations and/or conclusion:

Daytimes in San Antonio seemed very quiet. You used to see the masses heading to obeach swigging out of cans and bottles on the way over but that really wasn't noticeable this year. I got "adopted" by a couple at the hotel who we got chatting to and it was their first trip here (they were in their 60s - the husband was in trouble for booking "the wrong place") and they really enjoyed themselves. They had a pleasant surprise that San Antonio was not full of drunk Brits all the time. I guess the measures the local council/government are taking are working - I definitely noticed the change.
Great review!
I'm at the Palmyra in 2 weeks for Clockwork Orange weekender. Its a great hotel and in a perfect spot to get around,
 
Dates you were there: 27th June - 1st July

Where you stayed: Torre Del Mar - Playa D'en Bossa

Club nights visited:
Friday: Music on @ Pacha
Saturday: Pikes house party
Sunday: Carl Cox @ UNVRS
Monday: Circloloco @DC10

I am too old for 4 consecutive nights these days.

Best/worst night: TBH I had amazing nights across the board, with the only exception being the music at Pikes was not my thing at all which was a real shame as been the best night o the trip the last 3 years. Dan Ghenacia was the guest and just not up my street whatsoever and I think a few people thought the same with freddies not being anywhere near close to full for the last hour which first time i've seen.

UNVRS was good, but just as good as others and cant really say its head and shoulders above the rest. The big window letting the sunrise in is pretty special and Carl played a hard set which I needed on night 3! In terms of how busy UNVRS, no different to any other night in Pacha or DC10, i'd say DC10 is still way harder to get on/off the dance-floor.

I didnt go Dc10 the last 2 years as always come back on the Monday but so glad we went, so many good memories from 10+ years ago and nice to get back there in the madness. We didnt have tickets but rocked up about 8:40 and still able to pay on the door (€80). I'd not seen a bunch of the DJ's on the lune up before (what happens when you hit 40) but Adriatique played a blinder in the garden and the best set of night for me was Sofia Kourtesis, absolutely blew the roof off the main room!!! Such an eclectic set, spanning genres/decades etc etc. so so good! Didnt bother with Adam port, not my thing. then caught the first hour of Mochakk before calling it day/trip and had nothing left to give!


Best bar: Didnt do any at all!

Best place to eat: I wish I could eat.........

Best beach and/or beach club: only visited the beach opposite the hotel.

Money spent: Hotel was €580, flights £280, tickets €260, drinking/party money €600

Biggest regret: Not adjusting the pikes night when seen Dan G playing, but no idea what I would have swapped!

Going back?: Yes, but only next year. And will do 1 week trip with 2-3 nights out across the week. Too old.

Top tip: Taxi queues at closing time are just ridiculous, 3/4 nights we had to succumb to illegal taxis as we couldn't wait the 45+ mins. Either leave earlier and just bite the bullet/pre arrange taxis (also expensive)

Observations and/or conclusion:

I am getting too old for four consecutive nights until closing time!
 
Last edited:
Dates you were there: 27th June - 1st July

Where you stayed: Torre Del Mar - Playa D'en Bossa

Club nights visited:
Friday: Music on @ Pacha
Saturday: Pikes house party
Sunday: Carl Cox @ UNVRS
Monday: Circloloco @DC10

I am too old for 4 consecutive nights these days.

Best/worst night: TBH I had amazing nights across the board, with the only exception being the music at Pikes was not my thing at all which was a real shame as been the best night o the trip the last 3 years. Dan Ghenacia was the guest and just not up my street whatsoever and I think a few people thought the same with freddies not being anywhere near close to full for the last hour which first time i've seen.

UNVRS was good, but just as good as others and cant really say its head and shoulders above the rest. The big window letting the sunrise in is pretty special and Carl played a hard set which I needed on night 3! In terms of how busy UNVRS, no different to any other night in Pacha or DC10, i'd say DC10 is still way harder to get on/off the dance-floor.

I didnt go Dc10 the last 2 years as always come back on the Monday but so glad we went, so many good memories from 10+ years ago and nice to get back there in the madness. We didnt have tickets but rocked up about 8:40 and still able to pay on the door (€80). I'd not seen a bunch of the DJ's on the lune up before (what happens when you hit 40) but Adriatique played a blinder in the garden and the best set of night for me was Sofia Kourtesis, absolutely blew the roof off the main room!!! Such an eclectic set, spanning genres/decades etc etc. so so good! Didnt bother with Adam port, not my thing. then caught the first hour of Mochakk before calling it day/trip and had nothing left to give!


Best bar: Didnt do any at all!

Best place to eat: I wish I could eat.........

Best beach and/or beach club: only visited the beach opposite the hotel.

Money spent: Hotel was €580, flights £280, tickets €260, drinking/party money €600

Biggest regret: Not adjusting the pikes night when seen Dan G playing, but no idea what I would have swapped!

Going back?: Yes, but only next year. And will do 1 week trip with 2-3 nights out across the week. Too old.

Top tip: Taxi queues at closing time are just ridiculous, 3/4 nights we had to succumb to illegal taxis as we couldn't wait the 45+ mins. Either leave earlier and just bite the bullet/pre arrange taxis (also expensive)

Observations and/or conclusion:

I am getting too old for consecutive nights until closing time!
Best place to eat: I wish I could eat......... 😂
 
Dates you were there: 27th June - 1st July

Where you stayed: Torre Del Mar - Playa D'en Bossa

Club nights visited:
Friday: Music on @ Pacha
Saturday: Pikes house party
Sunday: Carl Cox @ UNVRS
Monday: Circloloco @DC10

I am too old for 4 consecutive nights these days.

Best/worst night: TBH I had amazing nights across the board, with the only exception being the music at Pikes was not my thing at all which was a real shame as been the best night o the trip the last 3 years. Dan Ghenacia was the guest and just not up my street whatsoever and I think a few people thought the same with freddies not being anywhere near close to full for the last hour which first time i've seen.

UNVRS was good, but just as good as others and cant really say its head and shoulders above the rest. The big window letting the sunrise in is pretty special and Carl played a hard set which I needed on night 3! In terms of how busy UNVRS, no different to any other night in Pacha or DC10, i'd say DC10 is still way harder to get on/off the dance-floor.

I didnt go Dc10 the last 2 years as always come back on the Monday but so glad we went, so many good memories from 10+ years ago and nice to get back there in the madness. We didnt have tickets but rocked up about 8:40 and still able to pay on the door (€80). I'd not seen a bunch of the DJ's on the lune up before (what happens when you hit 40) but Adriatique played a blinder in the garden and the best set of night for me was Sofia Kourtesis, absolutely blew the roof off the main room!!! Such an eclectic set, spanning genres/decades etc etc. so so good! Didnt bother with Adam port, not my thing. then caught the first hour of Mochakk before calling it day/trip and had nothing left to give!


Best bar: Didnt do any at all!

Best place to eat: I wish I could eat.........

Best beach and/or beach club: only visited the beach opposite the hotel.

Money spent: Hotel was €580, flights £280, tickets €260, drinking/party money €600

Biggest regret: Not adjusting the pikes night when seen Dan G playing, but no idea what I would have swapped!

Going back?: Yes, but only next year. And will do 1 week trip with 2-3 nights out across the week. Too old.

Top tip: Taxi queues at closing time are just ridiculous, 3/4 nights we had to succumb to illegal taxis as we couldn't wait the 45+ mins. Either leave earlier and just bite the bullet/pre arrange taxis (also expensive)

Observations and/or conclusion:

I am getting too old for four consecutive nights until closing time!
Completely agree on Dc-10, it was so good.
 
I was really surprised to see the Pacha's dancefloor very full and packed last night at 00:50 already @ Flower Power. Early bird tickets and drink deals seem to draw the crown. Weird that balcony upstairs was almost empty at the same time:) Maybe new Pacha people don't know the upstairs even exists..
 
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