Ibiza: How it all began

Join us as we delve into Ibiza's clubbing history to find out how this small Balearic island became the centre of the world's clubbing community.

Jayne Robinson

Last updated: 24th Apr 2023

Ibiza has been a haven for music lovers, clubbers and partygoers for many years. But with its ability to welcome and cater for pretty much every niche, it’s easy to get caught up in the metamorphism and forget about the rich history that engulfs the walls and beaches of the island. How is it that this small Balearic Island became such a music Mecca?

Most people associate Ibiza’s popularity with 70s hippies. However, the island was already bustling in the 1930s, 1940s, 1950s, and early sixties - when Ibiza life was quite a bohemian affair. Pioneers, writers, painters and other artists were working and enjoying life from the magic white island way before the hippies came.

Ibiza's genuine isolation since the Spanish Civil War also meant that pioneer travellers were more than tolerated - they were positively welcomed. The 1960s saw Ibiza start to boom with the 'flower power' revolution, which saw stacks of forward-thinking hippies from across Europe descend on the Balearic Island, attracted by its laid back attitude, unspoilt natural beauty and probably its great weather.

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Photo: Martina Amaro / Pexels.com 

 

The 70s saw the real arrival of the tourist boom that has continued ever since. It also saw the opening of the discos, which would define history of Ibiza clubbing to the present day. Rave made it big in the 80s, Balearic house really emerged in the 90s, and today an eclectic mix of musical styles and people make it a massive tourist industry and one of the most fascinating and mind-blowing places to visit.

The main pioneers of clubland in Ibiza were the large clubs of Amnesia and Pacha, which opened in the 1970s. Shortly afterwards, the Ku Club joined the scene - now better known as Privilege - and gradually the reputation of the clubs spread as they quickly became fashionable, attracting the rich and famous to experience the island's lively nightlife. 

Amnesia was the first club in Ibiza. Somewhere inside the club still lurks the magnificent 18th-century country house (finca) that underwent a multi-million transformation back in the seventies to become the legendary superclub. In April 1970, the Planells family, who had inhabited the house for five generations, decided to move into town and sell their home to a widow from an aristocratic background. A young man named Antonio Escohotado leased the premises for use as a ‘discoteque’. He wanted somewhere for people to go out at night and to forget their problems, indulging in an unknown world far away from ordinary routine. He called it Amnesia.

The first modern-style club to be opened in Ibiza was Pacha. The first Pacha opened in the mainland Spanish beach town of Sitges in 1967. Six years later, during the hippy movement, Pacha arrived in Ibiza. Even then, Pacha was already a burgeoning empire, with clubs on the mainland. Pacha was opened by the Urgell brothers, Ricardo and Piti, the latter also being the founding DJ.

Today, the party island is full of vibrant, bustling clubs, including Eden, sister clubs Ushuaia and Hi, DC10, Ibiza Rocks, and O Beach Ibiza, among others. Ibiza events range from eighteen-hour-long raves to glamorous poolside parties as the island only continues to evolve, offering heaven to almost any type of partygoer.

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Photo: Jennifer Bluhm / Unsplash.com 

 

Traces of Ibiza’s hippie days still remain among the locals. In many ways, however, the island has strayed from its bohemian roots toward an extravagant, techno-fuelled party hotspot. Disco fiends, celebrities and party hungry revellers arrive in droves over the summer to be swept up in the island's outrageous party culture and bake on its warm sands. Despite Ibiza’s wild spirit, the island is a safe and accepting place where anyone can come to let their hair down.

As the island grows and thrives, and new generations move Ibiza forward, this little gem is unlikely to forget its roots and rich heritage. A heritage that truly makes Ibiza the special place it continues to be.

 



 

Check out our What's On Guide to discover even more rowdy raves and sweaty gigs taking place over the coming weeks and months. For festivals, lifestyle events and more, head on over to our Things To Do page or be inspired by the event selections on our Inspire Me page.

 

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Header: Riccardo / Pexels.com 

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