Clubber's guide to Ibiza 2009

A MAN wearing a horse's head is being led through a semi-naked crowd by another wearing leather chaps.

A MAN wearing a horse's head is being led through a semi-naked crowd by another wearing leather chaps.

Nearby a DJ spins tracks while suspended over a dance floor swimming pool, watched by a mass of party-hard clubbers.

It's an average night on Spain's legendary party island Ibiza. And an Aussie invasion is underway.

Pictures: The best Ibiza clubs of 2009

Contiki's managing director Tammy Marshall says package holidays to Spain have become increasingly popular with Australians, thanks largely to the Ibiza tour in the itinerary.

"Our 12-day Spanish Spree itinerary is travelling very well with our 18 to 35 market, largely due to the three-night stay in Ibiza at the end of the tour," Ms Marshall says.

"This region in particular is incredibly popular with young Australian travellers, and has continued to grow year on year."

Gold Coast DJ Matt Stafford – from dance duo the Stafford Brothers – has a few Ibiza seasons under his belt and has also noticed the growth.

"We played Bora Bora last year and there were loads of Australians there in support with flags and we will definitely be performing there this year," he says.

Ibiza has often been regarding as the paradise playground for Brits, whose booze-fuelled antics have helped coin the island's signature phrase: "sand, sea, sound and sex".

Every year global revellers make the hedonist pilgrimage to the Mediterranean pleasure Mecca to experience the world's best parties in the world's biggest clubs.

Since its controversial launch in 1973, the island has offered up everything from fire-breathing dwarves to live porn shows at dawn.

But Sydney DJ Goodwill, who has played at some of Ibiza's biggest clubs, is still kicking himself for not experiencing the White Isle sooner.

"There's a tribe of people over there soaking it up," says Goodwill.

"I accepted a gig at Pasha last year and when I got there I said to myself 'why the hell have I not been coming here for years'".

But Ibiza is not just about beer-blurry beats and hedonism, he insists.

"You get this image in your head because you see all these terrible Ibiza Uncovered (shows).

"But that's just one small part of the island. The rest of the place is just stunning beautiful beaches with hardly anyone there during the day and amazing bars and food.

"There's so much of the island that's not trashy nightclubs," said Goodwill.

Top tips for travelling to Ibiza

Ms Marshall from Contiki Holidays gives us her essential travel tips to clubbing in the party island:

Ibiza clubs are famously pricey, however many offer pre-sale tickets, which are a lot cheaper than buying on the door. Jump online and grab your tickets early for loads of savings. Check out Ibiza Club Tickets.

Ibiza has a free bus service to transport travellers to its clubs. Grab one of those, even if it's only just going near the club you have your sights set on. You'll save a fortune on costly cab fares.

Food in Ibiza can be expensive. Eat on the cheap by hitting the supermarket and grabbing some necessities. Some organised tours such as Contiki's include meals.

While Ibiza is famous for its fabulous and fun clubs, make sure you venture out in the sunlight to check out some of the many unspoilt beaches.

Talamanca, Sa Caleta and Las Salinas are just a few of the many gorgeous beaches on offer, each fringing stunning azure waters.

Deals

Contiki's 12-day Spanish Spree includes visits to Barcelona, Zaragoza, Madrid, Toledo, Cordoba, Seville, Gibraltar, Costa del Sol, Granada and Ibiza.

This tour is priced from $1959 per person, twin share (land only) including accomodation, all transport, sightseeing knowledgeable road crew and many meals including breakfast daily.

Pictures: The best Ibiza clubs of 2009

Discover: Spain travel guide

Travel tips: More holiday ideas