The Best Bars and Clubs in the Balearic Islands

Privilege

If bigger is better, then Privilege is easily the best club in the Balearics. With a capacity of up to 10,000 ravers, it’s actually officially recognised as the world’s largest nightclub by the Guinness Book of World Records. Previously a restaurant before turning its hand to dance music, the venue is best known for its legendary Manumission party, originally launched in Manchester in 1994, and considered as the most debauched party in Ibiza at the time. The event ran for 15 years before moving to the rival club Amnesia in 2007.

Privilege, Urbanización San Rafael, Sant Antoni de Portmany, Ibiza, Spain, +34 971198086

Kumharas

For a more mellow night out, channel your inner hippy and head to Kumharas. This beachfront hangout offers spectacular views of the stunning Ibizan sunsets and, although just a short distance away from the tourists in San Antonio, this chilled-out bar feels like a world apart. If you’re short on hippy apparel, you can always get kitted up at one of the stalls selling bohemian gear late into the night. There’s also super-relaxed terrace where you can recline with a flavoured shisha pipe. Out of sight, man.

Kumharas, Carrer Lugo, 1, 07829 Sant Josep de sa Talaia, Illes Balears, Spain, +34 971805574

Ushuaïa

While the super-club of Ushuaïa is a relative newcomer to the island, it’s one that has already garnered legendary status on the club scene. The complex includes the luxury Ushuaïa Ibiza Beach Hotel, which fuses the high-octane clubbing experience with swanky accommodation that attracts some of the island’s biggest A-listers, plus the likes of Paris Hilton, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Kylie Minogue. But people mostly come to Ushuaïa for the amazing open-air parties that take place around the main pool. Owing to its unusual opening hours – with club nights winding up around midnight – it has become not only the place to warm up for parties, but also very much a destination club in its own right.

Platja d’en Bossa, 10, Sant Jordi de ses Salines, Ibiza, Spain, +34 971396710

Lío

Lío meansa ruckus or rumpus, and this club certainly doesn’t hold anything back. It’s a part of the Pacha franchise, and the group has channelled the anything-goes vibe of the island’s party scene into this cabaret lounge. The phrase ‘dinner and a show’ is taken to new extremes, where even the servers burst into song. Book a table for dinner, then stay for the party until the early hours. With an extensive food menu, world-class DJs and live entertainment all night, you will have all you need for an unforgettable night of spectacle and lavish extravagance.

Lio, Paseo Juan Carlos I, Puerto Marina, Ibiza, Spain, +34 971124403

Tito’s Nightclub

Those looking for the closest thing Palma has for a strip should head down to the Paseo Marítimo on a Friday night for some guaranteed buzzing nightlife. And as the oldest club on the island the multi-story Tito’s nightclub is the grandaddy, though it certainly isn’t showing its age. The likes of Frank Sinatra and Liza Minelli might have partied here, but nowadays the club hosts world-class DJs (often on their way to Ibiza) and offers some spectacular shows as well as great views over the marina.

Avinguda de Gabriel Roca, 31, 07014 Palma, +34 971730017

The Galactic Club
Palma locals love to dance, and at many a fiesta you will see the crowds breaking out into a spot of Flamenco, or Lindy Hopping to live music. The Galactic Club dedicates itself to this passion by promoting swing music, soul, blues and rock and roll in the city. Live bands belt out tunes while the audience shakes, rattles and rolls until dusk. The tapas are particularly delicious and plentiful here, too, so if you have two left feet you can sit back and watch while tucking into some delicious food.
Carrer de Murillo, 9, 07013 Palma, +34 689773169
Bar Abaco
If you’re after a spot of classical decadence, head to the famous Bar Abaco in Palma’s La Lonja neighbourhood. The stunning building and courtyard are extravagantly adorned with antiques and dramatic floral bouquets, and overflow with mountains of tropical fruit. Cocktails are expensive but delicious, and the cava and Champagne list is extensive enough for any connoisseur, making this bar the perfect place for a special treat.
Calle San Juan, 1, 07012 Palma, +34 971714939

Blue Bar

With a peace sign on its roof that can be seen from the air, the super-quirky Blue Bar also features a resident alien mascot and galactic-themed decor. Expect a blissed-out mix of reggae, ambient and jazz music from live DJs as well as regular – and rather bizarre – extra-terrestrial performances. Set on the dunes overlooking Mitjorn beach, it can also claim some gorgeous sunsets. Rumours abound that Dylan kicked back here in the sixties.

Platja Migjorn, Carretera San Ferran-La Mola, Km 7.8, +34 666758190

Flipper & Chiller

Owned by famous Spanish porn star Nacho Vidal, this club mixes up lipstick pink decor with Balearic whitewash and driftwood touches to striking effect. There’s a decent selection of innovative cocktails, plus the on-site restaurant offers a surprisingly long list of wines to wash down the seafood-leaning cuisine. But its the swanky rooftop terrace that steals the show, offering 360° panoramas over its Mitjorn beach setting and – surprise surprise – some spectacular sunset views.

Carretera Migjorn, km. 11, 07872 El Pilar

D’en Xoroi

Admittedly, Menorca doesn’t have a huge number of bars to choose from, but this is the island’s most famous one. Set into the cliff in the otherwise low-key resort of Cala en Porter, Cova D’en Xoroi is perfectly positioned for daily sunset views over the sea from its cliffside terraces. There’s also regular live music and DJs into the night, but don’t expect anything too raucous; it’s all about the sunsets. To guarantee a good seat for this unforgettable experience, it’s best to book in advance.

Cala en Porter, Carrer de sa Cova, 2, 07730 Alaior, Menorca, +34 971377236

Akelarre Jazz Dance Club

Located practically on the waterfront opposite Mahón’s main port, the Akelarre Jazz Dance Club is a buzzy and cool jazz-oriented bar with regular live music and atmospheric interiors. Downstairs is a café terrace, while upstairs tend to host jazz and blues artists – though you can also enjoy the occasional tribute act and DJ nights.
Moll de Ponent, 41, Mahón, Menorca, +34 971368520