In 2023, Ibiza and Formentera received a total of 3,712,160 tourists, representing an increase of 8.95% over the previous year. This increase in attendance is largely due to Ibiza’s nightclubs, as the island is considered an epicentre of electronic music and its famous nightclubs.
Ibiza is famous for its world-famous nightclubs such as Ushuaïa, Pacha, Amnesia and Privilege. The event features leading international DJs from the world of electronic music.
Spanish, British, Italian, Belgian… The audience of these DJs is very heterogeneous, but they all have one thing in common: a passion for partying.
Origins of electronic music on the island
To talk about the origins of Ibiza’s nightlife we must travel back to the 1970s, when the island was a haven for artists and hippies. It was then that the bohemian scene was consolidated and, in those years, the first bars and venues were born that opted to innovate and offer new sounds to those who came to the island.
Little by little, what was happening in Ibiza was echoed and the locals were smart and took advantage of the pull from the 80s onwards. This is when international DJs arrived on the island and some of the most famous clubs were founded: Amnesia and Pachá. Electronic music has taken root in Ibiza to this day.
In the 90’s the residencies in Ibiza arrived, where year after year international djs arrived to get us all dancing. It was a period characterised by spectacular celebrations, significant technological advances in music creation and a remarkable increase in youth tourism.
Today, music and technology come together to offer tourists sensory experiences with visual effects and state-of-the-art sound.
Iconic Ibiza DJs
Here are the DJs you will find if you decide to go to Ibiza to enjoy electronic music:
David Guetta
Winner of numerous awards, including two Grammy Awards and multiple DJ Awards, the Frenchman David Guetta is present in the Ibiza nightlife of the 2000s.
He is one of the most recognized DJs worldwide and has been a key figure in the Ibiza scene for years. With his residency at Ushuaïa, Guetta has been drawing crowds with his high-energy sets and collaborations with pop music’s biggest artists. His “F*** Me I’m Famous” party is one of the most popular on the island.
He will make us dance with Memories, Titanium or Hey Mama. Success after success, Guetta has established himself as a benchmark of electronic music.
Carl Cox
At 61 years old, Carl Cox has earned the title of “king of Ibiza” since the 1990s. His “Music Is Revolution” party at Space was legendary and, although the club closed, Cox remains a mainstay of the scene with appearances at Ibiza’s most famous clubs.
His influence and energy on stage are unmatched, making his sets an unforgettable experience.
Calvin Harris
Since the mid-2010s, Calvin Harris has become a lure for tourists in Ibiza. This Scotsman has won such important awards as the MTV Awards and a Grammy.
Since rising to fame in 2011 with “We Found Love” featuring Rihanna, Harris has done nothing but gain popularity, arriving in Ibiza in 2011 as a Cream residency. From there he has been going through different clubs, being today a headliner at Usuaïa on Friday afternoon.
This DJ is known for his ability to fuse genres and create summer anthems that resonate throughout the island.
Armin van Buuren
Dutch DJ Armin van Buuren, one of the biggest names in trance, has brought his shows to Ibiza, offering unforgettable sets in clubs like Hï Ibiza.
He has been named World’s Best DJ by DJ Mag five times. His style and energy have turned his shows into a unique experience for those who decide to bet on his residencies.
Van Buuren also hosts his famous radio show “A State of Trance” in Ibiza.
Sven Väth
Founder of Cocoon and winner of several DJ Awards, Sven Väth is a techno legend and has been one of the pillars of the Ibiza scene for decades.
His “Cocoon” party at Amnesia is one of the most influential and respected, attracting techno lovers from all over the world.
Martin Garrix
Despite his youth (28 years old), Martin Garrix has established himself as one of the most popular DJs in the world.
His residencies at Ushuaïa Ibiza are unmissable events, where he mixes his characteristic progressive sound with impressive visual productions. You can find him at the disco every Thursday until September 26th.
Garrix has collaborated with a multitude of artists, such as Khalid, Macklemore or Patrick Stump of Fall Out Boy.
Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike
Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike are a Belgian duo who have gained worldwide fame for their energetic sets and electronic music productions.
This duo brings the Tomorrowland festival to Ibiza and, in 2024, will have the narrative of “LIFE”, the same theme of the Belgian festival.
Visitors of Tomorrowland Belgium and Ushuaïa Ibiza will be the first to explore the magical world of Sylvira.
You can find them every Wednesday until October 2, except July 24, August 14 and September 4.
How much does an Ibiza DJ earn?
The salary of a DJ in Ibiza can vary considerably depending on his fame and popularity. The most renowned DJs, such as David Guetta or Calvin Harris, can earn between 200,000 and 300,000 euros per performance.
Other DJs can have a cache that varies from 20,000 euros to 100,000 euros depending on the days of their residency and the club.
Calendar of nightclub performances of the most popular residents
The party calendar in Ibiza runs from Monday to Sunday. Every day of the week you can find a party for you.
Browse the websites of the main nightclubs to find out what event you have today. Usuaïa, Hï Ibiza, Amnesia, Pacha or DC10 have a program between June and October where you will find the DJs we have mentioned before.
Ibiza continues to consolidate its position as a leading nightlife destination worldwide. The island not only attracts tourists for its parties and electronic music, but also for its ability to reinvent itself and offer unforgettable experiences.