Cafe Del Mar

As one of the most treasured parts of Ibiza, Café del Mar opened its doors in 1980 for its first summer of music, sunset and fun. Together with the beautiful views over the Mediterranean sea the original sunset bar began by serving tempting cocktails and favourite tipples to its crowds. Whereas now Café del Mar also dishes up delicious food such as Pitta, Hummus and Nachos providing the perfect place for locals and tourists alike to go to as the sun goes down.

In more recent years Café del Mar has been joined by various other sunset bars, lounges and restaurants; Mambo, Savannah, Kanya and Mint to name a few. However the bar which is still at the forefront of everyone's mind when thinking of Ibiza's famous sunset strip is the one and only Café del Mar. Built in 1980 and designed by well known Catalan architect Lluis Géell the bar adopts the look of a yacht with sail like coverings which house a seating area and beautiful bar from which an array of classy drinks are served.

The idea is a simple one, you sit by the shores of the bay of Caló des Moro in San Antonio and admire the stunning sunsets to a backdrop of ambient and eclectic music provided by the DJ in the bar. Café del Mar is now hugely famous around the world for its chill-out compilation albums which have been released annually since 1994, pioneering the chill-out genre at the time of the first release. The bar also attracts a few special guest DJs over the summer who come and play to the mingling crowds.

Over two decades later the bar is still attracting a strong crowd and remains one of Ibiza's top tourist hot spots. The simplicity of the venue and the pleasure that everyone takes in the perfect combination of scenery, beautiful weather and the wonderfully chilled music, makes every sunset a special one. There have since been many imitators, but only one true Café del Mar.

You can order each of these albums online through Amazon. They make excellent presents and will grace any CD collection. We recommend mixing a jug of Sangría (red wine, slices of orange and lemon, a dash of sparkling wine, lots of ice and sugar to taste), putting on one of these CDs, closing your eyes and floating away...