The useful thing to know about an Ibiza beach club is not what it looks like but when it is open. Most run from April to October and the dates move every year, so a place that was the highlight of someone else's August can be shuttered in the week you arrive.
We have grouped these by where they are, so you can match one to the part of the island you are staying in rather than driving across it.
The south, around the salt flats
Experimental Beach sits on the pebbled bay at Cap des Falco, beside the salt pans rather than on Salinas itself, looking out towards Es Vedra. It opens at the start of April, earlier than almost anything else, and runs long days from mid-morning.
Sa Trinxa is at the far end of Ses Salines, the last one along the beach, and the least polished of the lot. Music, cocktails, sand.
Jockey Club is partway along the same beach and has been since 1993. It opens in May, serves breakfast on the sand until midday, and keeps the kitchen going until early evening.
The west coast
Cotton Beach Club steps down the hillside above Cala Tarida and faces the sunset. It is the one that does not shut: through autumn and winter it opens at weekends with a shorter menu.
Cala Escondida spent eleven years in the cove next to Cala Comte and lost the concession there. The same people have reopened under the same name on Playa d'en Bossa, so look for it in the new place rather than the old one.
Cala Jondal
Blue Marlin is the big one, running from May to the end of September, and it sets the tone for that whole bay. It is the least quiet entry on this list and makes no apology for it.
The east coast
Aiyanna opens at Cala Nova in late April, with yoga on weekday mornings and breakfast afterwards by the water.
Atzaro Beach is on the same beach and opens earlier, in late March, with a cheaper chiringuito alongside the restaurant.
Amante is built into the cliff above the cove at Sol d'en Serra and opens in mid-April. Open-air films run there on Tuesday evenings in June.
The north
Elements sits on Benirras from late March to the end of October. Sunday is drumming day on that beach, which makes it both the best and the busiest afternoon to go.
Booking
In July and August a table at any of these needs a reservation, and sunbeds at the better-known ones go early in the morning. Our team can arrange both before you arrive.
Quick answers
Which opens earliest? Atzaro Beach and Elements, in late March.
Which is open in winter? Cotton Beach Club, at weekends.
Which is quietest? Sa Trinxa, at the end of Ses Salines.
Which suits families? Aiyanna and Atzaro Beach, both on Cala Nova.
Do you need to book? In high season, yes, for tables and for sunbeds.
Has anything moved? Cala Escondida, from near Cala Comte to Playa d'en Bossa.