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Summer is here. The clubs are pumping. Partiers are flooding back to Ibiza.

It is business as usual except for the much-anticipated-but-not-in-a-good-way after-hours law which states no clubs or bars with a café-concierto licence can open before 4.30pm. The only exception to this rule is that smaller café-conciertos in the San Antonio municipality can open from 12pm.

So what do you do after you're kicked out of a club approaching 7am and you still want to party (or even just chill somewhere)? Do you play by the rules or get creative? We break down some of the legal, kind of legal and definitely illegal ways of adapting to the adventure that is clubbing Ibiza 2008 style!

Kind of Legal

If you want an alternative to morning sessions at Space your options are unfortunately, limited. As far as we know there is nobody openly breaking the law. A of the few smaller places have (allegedly) but we're sworn to secrecy otherwise they'd be shut by the time you get here!  

The solution seems to be invite-only parties in smaller bars. Or, as the Brits would put it, an old fashioned lock-in whereby if you're not inside by 8am it is too late. No payment goes through the tills, so officially the bar isn't open but as long as the music doesn't get excessively loud, the chances of the afters session continuing are good. Where do you find these places?

Ibiza Town: Lola's and Lo Cura near the Puerto are places to keep an eye on, as are Soap and Zuka in Sa Penya.  

San Antonio hotspots are so hot we dare not mention them, nor even give cryptic clues. Okay, well maybe just a little one. Steer clear of the West End and take a look at what might be happening around Calle Soledad. Beyond that, the best advice if you are determined to find the ultimate secret party is to talk to the workers, especially those giving out flyers. If there is any gossip they will know about it! 

We hear that old school Figueretes after-hours spot John Doe has been turning up the tunes and turning on the (beer) taps during the morning hours, recently. Legally? Illegally? We're not sure so enjoy it while it lasts!

The other legal solution is hotels, which are entitled to do pretty much whatever they like within the confines of their property - including serve drinks to their guests at anytime they like. If there happens to be some music playing - great! Whether this will evolve into a dedicated underground after-hours scene remains to be seen but the likely venues are easy to work out. If I said "Hed Kandi Rocks", two well known hotels should jump out straight away.

Weather dependent, and also clientele dependent, you may opt for the Shipwrecked boat parties, which will be setting sail every Wednesday morning at 7am with Marcoloco as Captain. You have been warned… 

Pretty nearly Illegal

Villa parties are the new In Bed With Space, right? Springing up every where aren't they? Not as straightforward as that I'm afraid. Tales of the preponderance of secret villa parties so far look to be grossly exaggerated. Perhaps perpetuated by the club owners in an attempt to scare the police and city council into giving them a last minute reprieve on their opening hours. Sure, there are some house parties happening, but unless you're a) sexy, b) well-connected or c) throwing one yourself you're hardly going to get handed a flyer with the details on. Though if you fancy trying your hand at it there is some good advice from mulletover expert Geddes here.  

Even if you do encounter a villa party it's more likely to be an informal gathering of friends with an iPod and travel speakers for a sound system than a high-production rave in some hillside palace, so adjust your expectations accordingly.  

Legal

Filling the gap between 7am and 4.30pm can be tough but chilling somewhere will allow you to recharge the batteries in time for the next night and believe me, in 2008 they just keep coming.  

In San Antonio, away from the much celebrated daytime chill zones like Mambo, Kanya and Bar M in San Antonio, the best places to relax are the less well known Bay Bar (towards San Antonio Bay) and Golden Buddha (Cala D´es Moro) both of which have the comfy beds and plentiful cushions the other venues lack. Other top tips in our bar guide here.

Sa Trinxa and Jockey Club (Playa de Ses Salinas) have achieved legendary status as daytime spots to relax with Blue Marlin and Tropicana (Cala Jondal) the coolest nearby alternative to the often crowded sands at Playa de Ses Salinas. If this all sounds too familiar try PK2 (Playa S´Estanyol) or maybe even Sol D´en Serra tucked away near Cala Llonga. Check out Ibiza Voice's essential beach guide for more chill-out recommendations. 

Finally, there is a new must-do for Ibiza 2008 as 4.30pm at Bora Bora Beach, which has become a bit of moment. Imagine: you're lying there basking in the sun, no idea of what time it is, watching the Spanish boys try their English with the ladies and watching the English boys wish they had a six pack like the Spanish boys. Suddenly, the bass drops! Boom Boom Boom! A collective surge of smiles, cheers and applause accompany dancing feet as Bora Bora kicks into action. It is a great way to get your next session underway. Be there!

Thanks to Alf for all the hot gossip