45 years of Café del Mar – must-do or rip-off?

There are places that become legends. And then there are places like Café del Mar Ibiza in Sant Antoni de Portmany on Ibiza's west coast, which creates legends of its own. In 2025, perhaps the most famous sunset spot in the world will celebrate its 45th anniversary – and that raises the intriguing question: Does Café del Mar still belong on the Ibiza bucket list? Or is the most famous address on Sant Antoni's Sunset Strip simply overrated? My clear answer: Yes, Café del Mar is still worth a visit. Yes – but...

Café del Mar Ibiza: Between myth and overtourism

Sure – the Café del Mar is no longer an insider tip. Anyone who comes to Sant Antoni's Sunset Strip at sunset will encounter masses of party-loving tourists and will not only have to book early to get a good spot , but will also have to make a lot of money: in high season there is a minimum spend of 90 euros per person if you want to sit in the front row and 60 euros in the second row. But the magic has remained. Because the Café del Mar is much more than just a spot with a sea view. It is a place with a history . One that has shaped Ibiza like no other .

Opened on June 20, 1980, Café del Mar soon became the birthplace of a new musical feeling. When DJ José Padilla started playing his first chillout sets at sunset in the early 1990s , no one could have guessed that a style of music would emerge here that would shape Ibiza forever. The now world-famous Balearic Beats - a soft, atmospheric sound that later entered the music world as chillhouse - had its beginnings right here. In 1994 , the first Café del Mar compilation was released , took off internationally and sold millions of copies. Over 30 further albums followed - and finally made Ibiza synonymous with the perfect sunset with a soundtrack .

The inventor of chill-out: José Padilla

José Padilla was more than just a DJ—he was the musical spirit behind Ibiza's legendary Café del Mar. Starting in 1991, he shaped the sound that became the epitome of chill-out: a relaxed, atmospheric blend of electronic, psychedelic, and classical music that blended perfectly with the sunset over the sea. Padilla turned Café del Mar into a world-renowned institution with his sunset sets. His compilations sold millions of copies and were played at countless parties around the world in the mid-1990s. Although José Padilla passed away in October 2020, his musical legacy lives on—as the eternal sound of Ibiza's tranquility and magic.

My tip for your sunset at Café del Mar Ibiza

And then, of course, there's the sunset. The real star of the evening. As the sun slowly sinks into the sea, cheers erupt. Goosebumps. Every time. Tip: You don't have to sit in Café del Mar to experience the special magic of this iconic spot. Just sit in front of Café del Mar on the red cliffs or on the wooden steps between Café del Mar and the neighboring Café Mambo. Grab a cool drink, find a nice spot, and let yourself be carried away by the music and that very special Ibiza atmosphere. When the sun kisses the sea and the crowd cheers, you'll know why this place has been so special for 45 years.

Conclusion: Café del Mar 2025 – do you really still need to go there?

Yes. Period. Especially if it's your first time in Ibiza, Café del Mar belongs on your bucket list. Not because of the drinks. Not because of the food. But because of the feeling. Because of the history. And because it's a place that showcases where Ibiza musically comes from.

Even if you already know Ibiza inside and out, sometimes it's good to reconnect with Ibiza's roots. And Café del Mar is the classic par excellence.

45 years of Café del Mar: the legend lives on.

From Easter to the end of October daily from 4 pm, €€€