Ibiza

The trendy Spanish party island for sun and fun.

City Overview

Ibiza is an island in the Mediterranean Sea off the east coast of Spain. Ibiza is one of the four Balearic Islands and by far the most popular despite being the third largest of the Balearic Islands which is an autonomous community of Spain. Its largest settlements are Ibiza Town which is Catalan. Ibiza is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Ibiza became famous for nightlife and electronic music many years ago and was the start of raising the islands profile with straight and gay community.

This small island in the Mediterranean is very gay-friendly and most of the gay community go for the clubbing or just to tan on the beautiful beaches. Staying in Ibiza Town is the best location to stay as you are close to most of the sites, attractions and it is easy to get to be best beach and clubs.

Getting Around

Like most Greek or Spanish islands that seem rather small they are quite spread out and many visitors hire a motor bike or car to get around or rely on taxis.

If you’re staying in Ibiza Town, you may be able to get away with not renting a vehicle and take taxis to get around. As the island is fashionable the taxis are not as cheap in other destinations.

Airport Transfer

When you arrive, you can take a bus from the airport into Ibiza town or Sant Antoni and Sant Josep that are relatively cheap.

Places to stay

Ibiza has one exclusively gay or hetero friendly hotel as well as number of very gay friendly places to stay. It is a city that has during the peak summer holiday periods majority of places to stay are full. It is always wise to book your accommodation in advance to guarantee availability and choice.

Sightseeing

The majority of tourists visiting Ibiza are there for the beach and nightlife. The official gay beach in Ibiza is Es Cavallet which is approximately 15 minutes from Ibiza Town. It is a clothing optional beach so you decide if you wear swim wear or go naked to get an all over tan.

Dalt Vila is the old walled town of Ibiza and a UNESCO World Heritage Site with lots of narrow streets filled with boutiques, cafes, restaurants, shops and a few museums and monuments.

Bars, Clubs & Parties

The majority of the gay and gay-friendly bars can be found on the gay street of Calle de la Virgen near the port. However, there are a few Peixateria Vella, the old fish market, and within Dalt Vila walled city.

When on Calle de la Virgen there are several bars that have nice terraces to enjoy a cocktail, people watch and flirt with the cute staff.

In addition to the bars on Calle de la Virgen there are a few well known places to check on Carrer d’Alfonso XII  to have a drink to kick of your night out.

Mona Lisa is a stylish cocktail bar with a large terrace and free Wi-Fi. The address is Carrer d’Alfonso XII 3

Soap at Dome is another place to go at the beginning of your night out with a nice terrace. The address is Carrer d’Alfonso XII 5.

The clubs are not in Ibiza town so you should take a bus from the port or San Antonio bus station.

Anfora is the main and only gay disco on the island that has been around for over 40 years. It’s a nice place to go for a wild night out with parties, live sex shows etc. The address is Calle San Carlos, 7.

Lola’s is another long running small club. It’s in the old quarter of town behind the Old Fish Market and is considered gay friendly. The address is Calle Alfonso XII, 12 and close to Mona Lisa and Soap at Dome.

Matinee group have been running party nights in Ibiza for the past 10 years and held mainly on Saturday nights during the summer at Amnesia. Some of the parties have themes.

Supermartxe run a party on Friday nights at Privilege with a stage show with great performers and playing club music that runs late into the next morning.

Another club at the same address is La Troya most Sunday nights in the summer. It is in effect another gay party with a mix of mainstream and house music with well know DJs.

Cafes & Restaurants

Chiringay Restaurant is the bar and restaurant located at the gay beach and serves Mediterranean/Spanish food and a good cava sangria. It has a nice outdoor terrace to people watch the hot guys on the beach tanning.

El Carmen is a popular paella restaurant with an outdoor terrace with views over the water of the beach Cala d’Hort.

El Chiringuito de Cala Gracioneta is in a cove with a view of the bay of Cala Gracioneta. The food served is a mix of Mediterranean, Seafood and Spanish dishes.

Savannah is a restaurant in San Antonio with varied menu of Argentinian and Brazilian meat, seafood and wok dishes.

Cruise Bars

La Muralla is a cruising bar in the Dalt Vila and the only exclusively male bar on the island. They have weekly themed parties. The dress code can be fairly strict, so be sure to check out that night’s theme and ensure you are dressed correctly. The address is Calle Sa Carrossa, 3.

Shopping

Calle de la Virgen where the main gay bars are located has many small boutiques and other shops selling popular fashionable brands.

In the walled city of Dalt Vila there are lots of typical art galleries, handicraft, souvenir and other types of shops.

Main LGBT Events

The main LGBT event in Ibiza is the Ibiza Circuit Festival run by matinee groups that manage the much bigger Barcelona Circuit Festival. It has the same format as Barcelona with club nights, pool parties, good DJs and beautiful boys.

Other

Currency – Euro (EUR)

Language – Spanish

Visas – Not needed for travellers from the US, Canada and Europe

Best Time To Visit – March - November

Timezone – Central European Standard Time (GMT+1)

Homosexual Activity – Legal