Members of a certain generation might remember when Disney's animated Pinocchio finds himself on the hedonistic Pleasure Island, where wayward boys act as they please without any fear of recrimination. In the Pinocchio story, however, the boys suffer a curse and eventually turn into donkeys thanks to their 'evil' ways.
What if you could visit a real Pleasure Island, only without turning into a farm animal?
For people whose perfect holiday includes the perfect combination of pulsing nightlife and beautiful beaches, the Spanish island of Ibiza is just as good – if not better – than the fictional Pleasure Island. Ibiza is world-renowned for its nightlife, with large, hip nightclubs packing the island's West End area. The party starts around 7pm, and doesn't stop until 3 or 4am.
A Tour of Ibiza's Bars and Nightclubs
- Pacha: By far, Pacha is the most expensive club in Ibiza, but it's also probably the best. You can expect to pay 50 Euros just to get into the club, and beers will run around 10 Euros each. Located in close to the harbour in Ibiza Town, Pacha is the only club that doesn't close down during the winter season. With room for over 3,500 guests, including a private area for parties of 400 or less, the club is one of the biggest in Ibiza. It's divided into various music zones, with each one providing its own atmosphere, from house music to jazz and funk.
- El Divino: El Divino is right on the waterfront, not far from Pacha, and it's not unusual for the jet set to moor their yachts outside to get easy access to the party inside. A high-brow club, you'll see more glamour and less strangeness at El Divino than you would at other clubs.
- Amnesia: Amnesia is probably the oldest club in Ibiza, popular since hippies in the 70s danced the night away while they dabbled in LSD and other substances. In 2007, Amnesia won the Best Global Club, and in 2006 it won the International Dance Music Awards. With room for 5,000 dancers, you'll find everyone here from the rich and famous to the young and hip.
- Eden and Es Paradis: Eden and Es Paradis are two competing clubs located directly across the street from one another. Thanks to the constant pressure of competition, each club is well known as two of the best on the island. With powerful lighting systems and room for thousands of dancers, each club attracts world-class DJs and world-class parties. Careful – at Eden, there's a dress code. Don't wear your football shirts or your beachwear here.
Can Ibiza Change its Image?
Besides the club scene, Ibiza has some beautiful, relaxing beaches along with very classy hotels. Spain's tourism ministers are trying to re-package Ibiza as a family destination, and in recent years they've been investing more into this part of the island's attractions. For now, Ibiza remains best-known for its nightlife, but there's plenty of safe, non-Pleasure Island holiday options in Ibiza, too. With hiking, golf, windsurfing, and parasailing all available from Ibiza Town, families can also enjoy Ibiza's sun and surf. Furthermore, the old section of Ibiza Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, including a hilltop citadel. In all, Ibiza is a holiday destination best-suited for those who like a good party, but there's enough other things to do on this real-life Pleasure Island that everyone who visits is sure to enjoy themselves.
