There can’t be another holiday destination in the world that polarises opinions as much as Ibiza. The obvious one for most people (usually people who haven’t been) is the 24-hour party island that was portrayed in the sensationalist television series Ibiza Uncovered (which aired a decade ago).

The other, more recent, opinion (usually from people who have been) sees Ibiza as an overpriced tourist trap for perma-tanned euro-slackers with more money than sense.

In reality, both opinions aren’t accurate, but there’s no denying Ibiza has gone upmarket over the past few years and prices have increased sharply. Anyone daft enough to have bought a round of drinks for their friends in one of the big clubs will testify to that.

However, if you’re a savvy traveller you can have an amazing time in Ibiza without breaking the bank (too much). The secret is to choose your daytime and nocturnal activities carefully and plan your holiday before you go. With a little bit of foresight you should still be able to rub shoulders with the fabulous as well as discover this beautiful island.

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So here are our top ten things to do on the island this summer. Some are free, some are cheap and some are not so cheap. We’ve tried to include new things happening in Ibiza, as well as some classics that any Ibizan top ten list couldn’t be without. We’ve also persuaded some of the island’s movers and shakers to very kindly share their favourite places that are well off the beaten track with you.

1. Party at Los Fabulosos

Ibiza’s club scene is currently going through a period of change. The 24-hour party ethos the island is famous for is a thing of the past as the local authorities have shortened club opening hours dramatically. This means that the earliest clubs can open this summer is 4.30pm (it used to be 6am). In reality the only club that is really going to feel the effect of this is Space. The huge 5,000 capacity venue is famous for its all day parties, not least the 22-hour marathon it used to stage every Sunday. Not anymore.

The effect of the new ban could be more dramatic than rich club owners losing out, however. Young pleasure seekers aren’t very accommodating when it comes to abiding by the rules in Ibiza and the local police may be in for a busy summer chasing ravers around the countryside as they search for an illegal party to attend – and the rumours circulating say there’s going to be plenty of them. At least Space being open all day kept people in a place where they could be looked after by well trained staff and supported by the emergency services.

A more positive effect that many people have noticed this year is that Ibiza is now opening itself up to a more diverse range of music. There is more live music around the island and promoters are now feeling brave enough to challenge the house music hegemony and introduce edgier and more challenging styles. A great example of this is the new world music party Los Fabulosos.

Los Fabulosos could lay a serious claim to being Ibiza’s first world music night. Based in the Ibiza Town suburb of Figueretes, in a brand new club, the night opens on June 19 with the legendary East London producers, DJ’s and tropical warehouse party specialists, the Sofrito Combo.

The music policy is a blend of carnival music from South America, Africa and the Caribbean, and the night has the added attraction of cult London hula-hoop artiste and performer Anna Drury. With a ticket price two thirds lower than most other parties and reasonable bar prices in the club, Los Fabulosos also offers something even more unusual in Ibiza than world music – a bargain. Los Fabulosos is on at Somni in Figueretes every Thursday from June 19 for 14 weeks. For more information go to www.myspace.com/losfab. Read the Los Fabulosos blog at http://mrmrsb.wordpress.com

“My secret Ibiza is Es Codolar. It’s a wonderful pebble beach and there’s normally no-one there”: Sophie Mac, Ibiza Manager of clubtickets.com

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