5 ways to visit Ibiza

Explore the island's clubs, hippy markets and open-air cinemas this summer, says Laura Holt

Balearic beauty: the Hard Rock Hotel (Rex)

Every summer, a crowd of fun-loving bohemians and hedonists makes the annual pilgrimage to Ibiza. Many come to party at one of the island’s beach clubs, before soaking up the sunset at Café Mambo – which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year (cafemamboibiza.com) – and heading out to all-night superclubs such as as Amnesia, Pacha and Space. But Ibiza isn’t all about excess. It’s also home to grown-up hotels, quiet rural hideaways in the north and stylish restaurants that offer a more sedate vibe. What’s more, British Airways has just launched a direct flight from Edinburgh, making access even easier.

With teenagers in tow

Europe’s first Hard Rock Hotel opened last month on Ibiza’s longest, liveliest beach, Playa d’en Bossa. The five-star pile has 500 suites, featuring music memorabilia from stars such as David Bowie. Unusually, the hotel is also ideal for younger guests thanks to its Teen Spirit kids’ club and Teen Spirit Terrace, equipped with ping-pong tables and a cinema screen. Concerts from Ellie Goulding, Nile Rodgers and Snoop Dogg promise to appeal to all ages. Doubles €238, B&B (hrhibiza.com).

Amid the party people

Some of the island’s best beach clubs have recently added hotel extensions, meaning you can dance all day downstairs without needing to call a taxi once the party’s over. New for this season is Ocean Beach’s four-star retreat overlooking San Antonio harbour. Its 40 rooms are a soothing antidote to the action next door, with complimentary, queue-jump entry to the beach club included in your stay. Doubles €67, room only (oceanbeachhotelibiza.com).

The market at Punta ArabÌ in Es Caná (Rex)

For retail therapy

Explore the island’s laid-back lifestyle by browsing the hippy markets. The main ones are Las Dalias on Saturdays in San Carlos (lasdalias.es) and Punta Arabí on Wednesdays in Es Caná (azulinehotels.com), both from 10am until around 6.30pm. Between June and September, the former also hosts a night market on Mondays (8pm-1.30am), with exotic jewellery, bohemian clothing and live music.

In laid-back luxury

On a quiet cove north of Ibiza Town, upmarket beach club, Amante, boasts an award-winning restaurant that serves seafood against stunning views of Sol d’en Serra bay. This summer it will also host an open-air cinema showing “Midnight Movies” until 6 October, where filmgoers watch the likes of Dallas Buyers Club under the stars; €20pp (amanteibiza.com).

Away from the crowds

To retreat from the flashing lights of the south, join a walking tour with Ibiza-born Toby Clarke, who offers half-day rambles and two-week tours for €180/€1,400pp (walkingibiza.com).