Ibiza, known as the White Island, is one of Spain’s most beautiful destinations, and the third largest Balearic Island. The island is best known as a top clubbing destination, home to the disco-mecca sites of Manumission, El Divino and Amnesia. There are also hundreds of varied bars and restaurants, providing great entertainment whatever your preferences. If you’re less of a raver and more of a rambler, however, there is plenty more to do on the quieter side of the island. The tourist office has been working hard to promote the island’s rugged coastal walking routes and quieter beaches where you can relax away from the hungover night owls.
Ibiza Town’s annual gay pride parade is the largest pride event on the island, and is the first choice for many gay travellers looking to strut their stuff, Spanish-style. The parade is much in keeping with the have-it-large culture the destination is famous for. Held in the last week of June, the parade boasts all the drag queens, beautiful boys, butch girls and everyone in between that you would expect from a cosmopolitan party hotspot.
Dome in Alfonso is regarded as one of the classic gay venues by those who know the island best. Though relatively modest in size, the club’s friendly atmosphere is well-known. The clientele are mostly gay but straight revellers often visit the club for its packed-out terraces and great mix of music. Dome is open for the summer only, 10pm-4am every day. Often frequented by famous gays and straights, you could even enjoy a little celeb-spotting, whilst you take advantage of the relatively cheap drinks.
Culture
Activities in Ibiza range from water parks to gay budist beaches to world-class clubs, and so whilst it often attracts young families of tourists, hundreds of young gay (particularly male) people flock to the island. Though gay culture in Ibiza is widely spread, the real buzz can be found in Ibiza Town, specifically in the Sa Penya area and Dalt Villa. Here you can find Ibiza’s most popular gay club, Anfora, a moderately-sized but warm and welcoming venue that caters for all nationalities and music tastes. There are plenty more gay clubs, and some straight clubs are becoming more in tune with the gay community. Amnesia in Sant Antonia (of Kevin and Perry fame), holds the La Troya Asesina night every week, which draws a large and mixed gay crowd. With world-famous DJs such as Paul Van Dyk, Junior Sanchez and Tocadisco playing dates throughout the summer months, it's easy to see why Ibiza clubs draw thousands of gay holiday seekers every year. Pacha in Ibiza Town, meanwhile, boasts heavyweight DJs such as Roger Sanchez, Morillo and Emerson, providing the gay clubber with plenty to choose from. Gay bars are a little less plentiful, but with the relaxed atmosphere on the island, straight bars still have plenty to offer the gay tourist. Angelo is the island’s largest gay bar, open May to October and boasting a funky crowd, drag queens and terraces for fun in the sunshine. For the girls, there is Monroe’s, in Figueretes, a chic and sexy shrine to Marilyn Monroe that guarantees a good time if you like your bars quirky and camp. Aside from clubs and bars, Chiringay, the gay nudist beach in Es Cavallet, definitely deserves a mention. Chiringay is the ultimate antidote to all those late nights (or early mornings), with massages readily available, smoothies and health juices served, and stunning scenery against which you can relax and recharge. For those who prefer their gay beaches a little more secluded, there is Los Molinos, halfway between Ibiza Town and Figueretes, which has less facilities but is still popular with gay travellers.
Equality
Ibiza has long been known as a holiday haven for gay and lesbian travellers. Gay culture, rather than being restricted to a particular quarter, permeates many areas on the island, meaning you can mix it up with the straight crowd, or make it your mission to find a holiday romance safely and openly.
Travel Information
You can fly to Ibiza’s airport (Aeroport d’Evissa) from London and a range of European cities, including several in mainland Spain. The airport is located 7km west of Ibiza town, and so is reasonably close to the capital. Buses to other locations on the island run regularly and many run late into the night. Bus stops can be found along Avinguda d’Isidoro Macabich, and tickets can be purchased from booths near each stop.
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