As it does every year, clubbing season kicked off in Ibiza last week with the International Music Summit (IMS). But veterans of the magic island know the season really starts unofficially tonight with the opening of Circoloco at the mythic DC-10.In honor of the most infamous underground party on the planet, we figured we'd share a few hotshot tips on conquering the jewel of the Balearic Islands.1. Visit Ibiza during the week. Most of the DJs are off playing their gigs in the real world on the weekend. Sure, Marco Carola has rescued Fridays at Amnesia with Music On. And Sundays do offer Viva Warriors at Sankey's and Space's We Love…marathon. But Saturdays on the White Isle offer next to nothing. Anchor your trip around avoiding this night.2. Stick to techno. That's not a snobby suggestion, just one for your benefit. You can thank Las Vegas for not only hijacking the Ibiza EDM (and its artists, ahem, Tiesto) scene, but also giving VIP and bottle service back to it in return. On the other hand, techno is offering the island specially curated evenings that cater to otherworldly experiences more than anything. Just take Richie Hawtin's ENTER. at Space for example. Or last year's Wisdom of the Glove by Guy Gerber.3. The notorious DC-10. Best club on the island and probably in the world too. That isn't just our opinion. Ask any DJ, above or underground. Even Diddy. Situated in a former aircraft hangar at the end of the runway of Ibiza Airport, the after-hours club has launched as many DJ's careers as it has changed partygoers lives. Open for Circoloco on Mondays, Paradise by Jamie Jones on Wednesday and for other special engagements.4. Spend at least one sunrise on the Amnesia terrace. We advise you pass on Paris Hilton's Foam & Diamonds residency. But Cocoon or Music On? One is an Ibiza legend and the other was considered the island's best party in 2013. Take our word for it, it's church when light pours through the glass roof and Marco Carola the maestro, starts to play it out.5. Don't drink in the club. Or in plainer terms, don't be an idiot. Unless you think up to 20€ for a Vodka RedBull is acceptable, at 12€, the beers don't come much cheaper. Damn, even buying bottles of water will bankrupt you. There are plenty of other ways to get your jollies for the night, trust me.6. Reserve a table at Cafe Mambo for sunset. Mandatory stop. Tourist trap, sure. But you'll get to watch one of the most stunning sunsets in the world while listening to surprise sets by a few the biggest names on the island. Just don't be one of the morons who claps for the sun once it has fully dipped. It's not a DJ and it won't be coming right back for an encore.7. In the mass club hysteria of the island, every week there are a series of parties that maintain high level of secrecy. And with that comes exclusivity. These are the jams most people don't know about. Be they daytime beach gatherings at Platjes de Comte, after-party escapades at La Plage or elite private villa get-togethers. Keep your ears open, make the right contacts and get to one.8. Getting a cab when you actually need it—like when you can barely stand after a night of dancing—is going to be an issue. Especially in July and August. Count on it. Best familiarize yourself with the Disco Bus. Or if you have the money to flex, hire a driver. Just do what you can to get the hell out of there. Nothing is worse than being a stuck at a club when you want out.9. Revitalize yourself at Passion. Especially if you are staying in Playa d'en Bossa, where the cafe is legitimately the only passable food in sight. Beyond that, Ibiza isn't the place to turn down super food smoothies, organic salads, homemade pastas or a complex raw menu. Remember, people: detox to re-tox.10. Be smart. In every facet of what you do down there. Where you party, how you party. Programming your schedule. Buying tickets. Grabbing party favors. Pacing yourself. Anything that requires a brain and don't just use your head for your health. Do it for your ego! Winning Ibiza remains a huge feather in the cap of worldwide ravers.
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