Few Brits can claim to know Ibiza better than Pete Tong. He's the godfather of dance music, the man behind more Balearic, beat-led compilation albums than even the most seasoned party-goer could possibly have danced to (the most recent being 2017's Ibiza Classics) and has enjoyed residencies at several of the island's most revered super-clubs. Who better, then, than Tong, to curate a tried-and-tested guide to under-the-radar Ibiza for GQ?
Here, the DJ and broadcaster has poured more than 20 years of insider knowledge into one blockbuster black book. From untouched nudist beaches and lesser-known restaurants to the hottest new beach club and the best sunset party, throw away that book, give up the Google search, because this is the only guide to Ibiza you'll ever need...
Where to party
"Home to my Ibiza residency, head to the Blue Marlin on Sundays for the best sunset party on the island. I'm doing eight parties this year, each featuring surprise guests. So far this season I have been joined by DJ duo White Coffee (Black Coffee and Virgil Abloh), Peggy Gou and Culoe De Song, with many more to come. There has been huge demand over the past few years for daytime and sunset parties on the island and this has helped Blue Marlin re-establish itself as the best beach-front party venue, set on the idyllic bay of Cala Jondal. For me, this is what the true Ibiza spirit is all about. Dancing open air as the sun goes down and the stars appear. All the action happens between 6pm and midnight."
Cala Jondal, s/n, 07800 Ibiza, Islas Baleares, Spain. +34 603 708 796. bluemarlinibiza.com
"One of the most famous nighttime parties on the White Isle has moved to a new home this summer. Sven Väth conducts the weekly techno extravaganza at the newly refurbished Pacha every Wednesday. This winter, Pacha underwent a makeover, phase one of what is expected to be a major overhaul of the legendary venue over the next few years. Come witness a master at work: there is no one quite like Sven."
Av. 8 d'Agost, 07800 Ibiza, Islas Baleares, Spain. +34 971310959. pachaibiza.com
Where to eat
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"Opened in 2008, Ibiza foodies heap praise on this family-run country restaurant in San Lorenzo, smack-bang in the middle of the island. Most dishes comprise local produce. It has the most lovely ambience in the evening for that long, lazy dinner with friends. Get a big table on the terrace and dive into the sumptuous menu with Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Asian and North African influences... A place to eat, talk and feel the love."
La Paloma, San Lorenzo, Ibiza. +34 971 325 543. palomaibiza.com
"Part of the Cipriani group, this was the first restaurant to really change the game in Ibiza when it opened in 2012, bringing high-level service and their world-renowned modern Italian classics to the island. It attracted a different type of jet-set clientele, paving the way for the new era. Purists might argue for better or worse, others will say its evolution, as 'brand Ibiza' gains worldwide recognition, but if it wasn’t for Giuseppe Cipriani, I don’t think restaurants like Heart, Nobu or Leo would be thriving. It's still a challenge delivering to this level on an island with a five to six-month-long season."
Passeig Joan Carles I, 17, 07800 Eivissa, Illes Balears, Spain. +34 971 59 90 50. cipriani.com/ibiza-downtown
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"Home to the best lamb chops I’ve ever eaten, this legendary local spot is the Ibiza equivalent of Peter Luger’s in Brooklyn. Don’t bother to ask for the menu. Grilled meats, tomato salad and the homemade fries are all you need (plus homemade desserts). A proper Balearic classic and totally unique yet authentic, it might just be one of the worst-kept secrets on the island. Dinners only."
Lugar Venda de Balafia de Dalt, 25, 07812 Sant Joan de Labritja, Illes Balears, Spain. +34 971 325 019.
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"This is one of my lunch and dinner favourites situated just just beyond Talamanca. Cala Bonita is a new addition to the area, which launched when the owners took over the chiringuito on Playa de Estanyol, bringing a refreshing and modern take on the traditional Ibiza beach restaurant."
Playa de S'Estanyol, s/n, 07819 Santa Eulalia del Río, Islas Baleares, Spain. +34 605 45 05 92. calabonitaibiza.com
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"Situated a ten-minute drive from Cala Bonita on Talamanca Beach, you'll find one of the island's best-kept secrets, Fish Shack. This is another iconic gem that is exactly as you would imagine: a shack on the rocks at the edge of Ibiza town, with stunning views of Dal’t Villa. It may not be fancy, but the Fish Shack is oh-so good!"
07819 Cap Martinet, Balearic Islands, Spain.
The beaches to visit
"This is a great northern beach with a dramatic rocky backdrop on the road from San Carlos to San Vicente. Aguas Blancas is totally remote and remains largely unchanged during the past 30 years. Getting there involves parking your car and hiking down. Unspoiled by restaurants or private homes, it's a real gem and popular with the locals and purists. Aguas Blancas is an official nudist beach, but it's still mixed: some do, some don’t. Also known for body surfing and snorkelling."
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"This hot new spot for lunch or evening cocktails on the legendary Las Salinas Beach (past the salt flats near Ibiza airport) is the new offering from the same Beso team who established themselves in Formentera over the past few years. As wonderful as Las Salinas is, I have never been blown away by the food on offer there, but Beso is about to change that."
Ses Salines Natural Park, Cavall d'en Borràs Beach, s/n, 07860, Balearic Islands, Spain. +34 971 93 12 04. besobeach.com
The hotel to hide in
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"Not everyone wants to go clubbing when they holiday in Ibiza, and that's OK. Hide away in Portinatx, the most northern bay on the island, where you'll find the Los Enamorados Hotel. This cool, quirky and very romantic seaside location offers swimming, diving, snorkelling, cycling, mediation and yoga retreats. This is where those in the know come to explore the wilder side of Ibiza."
103, Calle de Portinatx, 07810 Portinatx, Ibiza, Spain. +34 971 337 549. losenamoradosibiza.com
Where to get away
“I adore Formentera, the windswept neighbouring island to Ibiza. Although just a few miles away, it has a completely different energy and is an absolute must-see destination. The beaches and crystal-clear water are on another level. If your budget allows, best rent your own boat to get there, although the ferry service from Ibiza town is good value and runs regularly during the summer months. There are some well-documented hot restaurants, like Juan Y Andrea on the stunning beach of Playa Illetes and Moli De Sal (both great but not cheap), but I wanted to bring this other little gem to your attention – Chez Gerdi, which has a more more relaxed, hippy vibe. If you get lost, just ask for the place with the VW camper van on the roof.”
Camí s'Abeuradeta, 40-45, 07860 Es Pujols, Islas Baleares, Spain. +34 648 02 01 06. chezzgerdi.com
The places to bike-ride
"Road cycling is my passion, hobby and go-to fitness routine and Ibiza plays little cousin to the bikers paradise of neighbouring Majorca. However, size isn’t everything and there are still some breathtaking rides to challenge both amateurs and pros. My favourite routes are in the west around Santa Agnes and north San Carlos, but there are great rides and stunning backroads all over the island. Ibiza also has a few good bike shops for rental as well. Check out Ibiza Bike Tours in San Rafael."
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