Many of you reading this would have experienced Ibiza on your first trip in your twenties. Living it up with groups of friends, collecting countless stories over the summer, like badges to wear with pride on your return.
Perhaps Ibiza was a young dream never realised, and as time ticked, real life, responsibilities, and commitments got in the way.
Now in your 40s (or a few years past), the dream to make it out or come back still burns bright; you just need a little guidance to make it happen.
Whichever it is, we’ve been watching you all. Not in a weird stalker way, luckily, you’re all very vocal on Facebook and across our forum. We’ve seen your comments, your concerns, and your nervousness, which all land back at the same old question: “Am I too old for Ibiza?”
The short answer is no. While age is an important factor in many other aspects of life, going to Ibiza is certainly not one of them. Here, we operate an open to all door policy; as long as you have the right attitude, you are welcome inside.
The long answer is below. Written by the fair hand of a 45-year-old with the guidance of a senior team of Ibiza lifers, we share informed and experienced responses to tempt you back to the magic.
When’s the best time to visit?
Sadly, we cannot predict the temperature on specific dates. (Yes, we’ve seen your message requests.) However, we can say that generally July and August are the hottest, busiest, and notoriously popular months with the younger crowds.
For the months where you’ll find more legroom on the dancefloors, we’d suggest May, June, and September.
It's also worth noting that every year in May and September, an army of elders gathers to dance wildly and regale friends, old and new, with stories of ‘back in the day’. Gather under the lasers, my friends, for this is your time.
Are there any organised events?
The Kevin & Perry Experience
Events in May, such as Groove Odyssey, Slipback in Time, One More Time, and the September Trance week, which this summer hosts the Kevin & Perry Experience, Paul van Dyk’s SHINE, and Godskitchen XXV, are the island's yearly blessing.
As an extra treat, Sven Väth presents Cocoon Ibiza, which also features in the same seven days. You can find out more about the week-long Trance trip here.
A notable outlier to this is the Clockwork Orange week in mid-July. If you can handle the blazing high-season heat, then this series of back-to-back parties is a must.
While we’re on the subject of clubbing, let us take this opportunity once again to reassure you, no one cares how old you are. The absolute beauty of being in a hot and sweaty club and seeing a sea of ages before you is THE VIBE.
Be a part of it. Not only do you invoke the feeling of freedom in your own heart, but the freedom for others to do the same.
Which clubs still feel like they did back in the day?
Pikes Ibiza
Synonymous with Ibiza, Pikes Ibiza celebrates its hedonistic attitude with a weekly schedule of all-in parties, and everyone's invited in for the ride. As a bonus, no under-27s may pass through its sparkling doors. Sorry, not sorry, kids.
While its sister venue, 528 Ibiza, may be newer to the game, its Tuesday and Saturday gatherings have gained island recognition. Old school and legendary names are regular features, with residents making up a large majority of the 'older crowd', and we don’t just give up our nights for any old party.
Up north, Las Dalias and Akasha are critical elements in the Ibiza music scene. Authentic, open-hearted, and intimate - they stick tightly to their allotted capacity - they attract a crowd that feels like an international family after a few shuffles on the dancefloor.
Cova Santa Ibiza
Another outside-inside venue, Cova Santa, encourages the free-thinking crowd with its host of theatrical parties, in one of the most stunning club settings. Sat upon an ancient cave and surrounded by pine-clad hills, there’s something very special about this venue.
Beach club, restaurant, and after-dark club, Blue Marlin Ibiza is chic and sleek, and a cool spot for the more refined Ibiza holidaymaker to spend their day. Welcoming a very international crowd, book a table and dip into the party as you please.
In fact, spending the day at any Ibiza beach club - not all are as party-focused as BMI - is a great shout. You can lie back and soak up the vibe, without having to put any pressure on those ageing joints.
Which of the big clubs is best?
The Amnesia dancefloor
If going big is the order of the night, then you’re in luck. The island is home to several large-scale venues that are well worth the experience. We simply cannot go into detail about every party or club here; however, you can find details of all the clubs, parties, and all your tickets on our site via the party calendar.
Across the season, you’ll still find many prized musical heroes holding top slots. Therefore, if there is a specific artist you wish to see, just head to the Ibiza Spotlight website, enter their name into the search bar, and voila, their full schedule for the summer ahead appears.
What’s everyone wearing? Can my husband wear his nice shorts?
528 Ibiza
As a rule of thumb, if you follow these guidelines, you should be granted safe passage. However, we always advise checking each club's dress requirements to be sure.
Ladies, the key is to be comfortable. Getting dressed up for a night out is all part of the ritual, but you’ll often find a dressy outfit paired with a nice pair of sandals, trainers, or scuffed and rather sorry-looking cowboy boots.
For the men, sportswear should be avoided; please, no football shirts. Who could bear it in the summer heat anyway? Trainers and shorts are generally accepted for general ticket admission but long trousers a must for the VIP.
Bikinis and Speedos are only acceptable at O Beach Ibiza, Ibiza Rocks, and other water-based party venues.
Again, to be sure, check the clubs' individual websites. We cannot be blamed for your fashion faux pas.
Where’s good to go for food?
Sunset views at Café Mambo
By this stage in life, you are likely past the point of a baguette and pot of alioli being a sufficient feed. You know your worth by now. Instead, let's opt for memorable, nutritious, and delicious, and at restaurants that both your camera roll and constitution will be thankful for.
If you’re thinking stunning backdrops, then a sunset restaurant must be top of the list, or if you’d like to tap into a little tradition, then it's sharing plates and tapas all the way.
For a treat, in opulent surroundings, you can fine-dine in a relaxing ambience. Alternatively, if you’re ready to dine and dance, then there are many restaurants with music and entertainment to keep things lively.
If it's something else you are craving, then our full restaurant guide, for every budget and location, will satisfy you all.
Where should we stay to be close to things?
San Antonio harbour
While there’s much to say on each location, we will keep this short but sweet and focus on the larger resorts.
San Antonio attracts a multi-aged crowd, where young folk mix happily with returning ravers who wish to walk the streets of their youth once more.
Playa d’en Bossa is in the thick of it, pulling in a mixed international crowd. If you want the ease of falling out of bed and into a club, then this is the spot for you.
Ibiza Town is cool, cosmopolitan, and bloody beautiful. Ideal if you’re looking for a cultural fix, lovely evening walks, and easy access to the rest of the island.
Santa Eulalia feels like a world away from the bustle, but it’s actually only just over a 20-minute drive to Ibiza Town. Quiet and laid-back, it has its own charm, with many lovely restaurants and bars to enjoy.
For a full breakdown of each island destination - there are many more than we’ve listed above - our comprehensive guide has it all.
Where can we stay to be around people our age?
We will take a wild guess that you’re either here to have a break from the kids or don’t desire to have anyone else’s children under your feet. Therefore, our Adults-Only accommodation guide should be your first port of call.
If you’re here to get stuck back into the scene, then check out Clubbers' accommodation recommendations. If this trip is about laid-back luxury - and why the hell not - then the top-tier talent is right here.
Where are the best beaches?
Las Salinas beach
A hot topic that is really dependent on your location and mood for the day. Every sandy spot has its own charm and personality, so the best place to start is our Ibiza Virgins’ beach guide to a cove and bay to suit any day's vibe.
Really embracing your mid-life moment? Then our guide to great nudist beaches will save your blushes.
What’s the easiest way to get around the island?
With age comes a significant lack of tolerance for waiting around. I mean, how much time do we actually have left? Therefore, if you are keen to have your entry and exit strategy in place, then pre-arranging a transfer is the best bet. Otherwise, there are countless other travel options to get you where you need to go.
Final thoughts...
The Clockwork Orange Army
- As with the rest of the world, things in Ibiza have changed and will continue to. You have five minutes to talk about the glory days of Bora Bora, then just get on with losing yourself in this moment.
- Remember, the no judgment rule works both ways. You, too, were young once and pushed the boundaries with some of your outfit choices. We’ve seen that side-eye.
- Capturing a shot is inviting for every age, but let's keep the dancefloor real and your phone in your pocket.
- You may not be new to life, but new to Ibiza; therefore, our complete Ibiza Virgin's guide will give you all the tips you need for your first time.
Hero image | Clockwork Orange
