Coming to Ibiza at the end of the year is something really special. If you've never seen the island off-season, you'll be amazed of its beauty. After the rains we had mid-November, Ibiza is most probably greener than you've ever seen it before. If the sun is out, you can still have lunch al fresco, there are many beautiful places that are open all year around (and do superb value lunch menues off-season). Number one alternative if the weather isn't great is shopping - go and search for bargains in Ibiza town! A stroll through the deserted streets of Dalt Vila is a must do, it's even more beautiful in winter than in summer. Okay, seeing the party epicentre of the world this quiet might take some getting used to, but once you get used to it, you'll love it!
New year's celebrations in Ibiza typically start with a big dinner on the evening of the 31st December and as the Spanish eat late, normally everyone is still in the restaurant at midnight. Similar as in summer, the club nights only really get going at around 2am. New year's is merely a month away now, time to have a look at what are the hottest NYE parties on the island this year.
New Year's Eve
Pacha (1am start)
Ibiza's most emblematic nightlife venue is always a prime address on New Year's Eve. This year's NYE festivities are headlined by Riva Starr (who's just given the 90's techno classic Pullover a new breath of life) and Tuccillo. Of course also the Pacha residents will be on duty. Entry is 40€ (entry before 3am) and tickets are on sale now.
Sankeys (1am start - until very late)
After a successful second summer on the island, hosting some of the coolest parties in the underground house sector, and a cool off-season programme with their Saturday Sankeys, the Ibiza franchise of Manchester clubbing institution Sankeys also opens its doors on New Year's Eve. Island residents Bones, Luis Groove (check his podcast for us here) and Jonathan Tena (plus more TBC) perform alongside legendary German headliner Tobi Neumann. Entry is 20€ (free with season passes), tickets are on sale now. This fiesta is bound to go on until late...!
Underground
Even though info on line ups isn't available yet, San Rafael club Underground will of course also be open on New Year's Eve. A favourite with Ibiza locals, 'U' tends to be one of the busiest venues on NYE and always has a great vibe.
New Year's Day
Circoloco at DC-10 (4pm start)
If you love clubbing, there really can only be one place in Ibiza you wanna be in the afternoon of the 1st January. At the traditional Circoloco NYD bash at DC-10 of course. The final line up has just been announced and is honestly just as good as any Monday's in summer:
Dan Ghenacia, Matthias Tanzmann, Dyed Soundorom, The Martinez Brothers, D'Julz, Clockwork, Shonky, Boris Werner, Sossa, Tato, René, Negru, Garagem and Ivo Toscano
...any more questions? This is the one event not to miss, everyone will be there, celebrating the arrival of 2013.
These are the biggest nights happening on the island, but certainly many smaller venues like Grial and Bubbles will also be welcoming the new year in a nice way.
On the gossip side of things, first there's Ibiza legend Faruk rumoured to throw a fiesta on NYE as well - supposedly happening in the disco of Hotel Garbi Ibiza. Called 'La edad de la verdad' and of course presented by Faruk's party label MAGMA. Second, after an absolutely great Halloween afterparty a few weeks ago, rumour has it Boutique Hostal Salinas will be hosting an afterparty again to cover the hours between the clubs shut on NYE and before DC-10 opens on NYD...but ssshht!
There are several hotels open over New Year, have a look in our hotel guide!
