About 50 miles off the coast of Valencia, Ibiza is one of the larger Balearic Islands. Settled in 654 BC by Phoenicians, the island's name was given by visiting Greeks for "pine-covered islands." Ibiza later came under the control of Carthage, then the Romans. Rule by the Vandals, and the Moorish Taifa of Denia followed until the conquest by the Christian King James I of Aragon, in 1235. A United Nations World Heritage Site, its Old Town retains the medieval city walls. Large parts of the island are protected from development, so if you need to get away from the crowds there are always places to enjoy eye-popping vistas in solitude.

Like Mykonos in Greece, Ibiza is a summer gay resort that has risen to almost mythical status. "La Isla Blanca" is an incredibly beautiful place where visitors' days are usually spent frolicking on the beaches, and the nights are for legendary clubbing that lasts well past sunrise. A number of gay bars, restaurants and cafes can be found in the town of Ibiza, around carrer de la Mare de Déu, in the portside Sa Penya, and in the Dalt Vila area.

You’ll probably love the music too. DJs come from around the world to spin house and trance tunes for very appreciative crowds. A large expat community from other EU countries make their home here, along with Latin Americans and Moroccans, giving the scene a very cosmopolitan feel. They say that on summer weekends the parties are so perfectly spaced that one is always starting when the last is breaking up. The circuit party promoters follow people as they leave the big cities' heat to relax at coastal resorts, and the scene blazes throughout July and August to wrap up in September.

Many local restaurants serve typical Ibizan fare, traditional Mediterranean-style, including fish, seafood, rice, stews, asados/asadas (grilled meat or vegetables), garlic sauces, and tomato/onion/garlic dips. Chopped almonds, common in Catalan cuisine, are often used here too. International options include Chinese, French, Indonesian, Indian, Italian, and French cuisines, English breakfasts, and American fast food.

See our gay Ibiza listings page for map locations and club contact information for the above, plus more bars, and a few hotels and restaurants. 

 

Getting here

Aeropuerto de Ibiza has direct flights from Madrid, Valencia and Barcelona. If you’re flying from abroad, you’ll most likely have to transfer in one of those cities. There are also ferries from Denia, Valencia and Barcelona.

 

Getting around

Ibiza Town (Eivissa) has a compact Old Town (Dalt Vila) that is made for strolling. Street signs here are in Eivissenc, the local dialect of the Catalan and Valencian languages. Many businesses use Castilian Spanish street names, and locals often speak English or German, in addition to the Iberian languages.

A car is a good idea if you want to explore the island but there is bus service too; see IbizaBus for a list of routes and companies. Some big discos and hotels provide free transportation. Taxis are a fairly expensive way to get around the island, costing €20-30 between cities. 

 

Neighborhoods

Carrer de la Verge (or la Mare de Déu) is Eivissa's (Town of Ibiza) main gay strip - also known in Castillian as Calle de la Virgen. It’s packed with bars and clubs with outdoor terraces that are buzzing on sultry summer evenings. Gays and straights mix with ease. Another cluster of bars is above, in Dalt Vila, and the Figueretas Beach area to the west has many hotels and restaurants. Almost all the businesses in the district are gay-friendly at the least, so just trust your gaydar. There are also a number of men's fashion outlets along these streets. Outside this district, in Santa Eularia des Riu to the north, Somiart restaurant has elaborate nightly entertainment, including shows by the Foc i Fum group of acrobats. July and August are the busiest months, but many places are open in May, June and September, for those who prefer a less frenetic scene.

Besides the many small gay bars there are a couple of gay discos, including Anfora. The oldest club in town, Pashá, is still going strong 40 years after opening their doors. Most of the big gay-friendly mixed internationally-known discoteques are a bit further out - some provide free buses from the center. On the coast to the south of Eivissa, near Platja d'en Bossa, Space and Ushuaia Ibiza Beach Hotel are home to gay dance parties. The famous, mostly straight Bora Bora Beach Club and the Manchester UK import Sankeys Ibiza, are also here. Santa Eulària des Riu, a quieter coastal town just north of Eivissa, also has some bars and restaurants of interest.

The area around Sant Rafel (San Rafael), at island center, between Eivissa and Sant Antoni, is home to three big clubs with gay parties, Amnesia, Privilege and Underground.

On the north side of the island the town of Sant Antoni de Portmany (San Antonio) is newer, and more commercial, a big draw for a mostly straight crowd. This probably spared ancient Eivissa the kind of development that could have spoiled it. Here Gatecrashers, Es Paradis, and Ibiza Rocks (with international popular music acts live at center stage), are big nightclub draws --mostly straight but not unfriendly to gay people.

 

Beaches

There are over eighty beaches within half an hour's drive of Eivissa or Sant Antoni. The range from those with full-service beach club resorts, fine restaurants, and partying on the sand, to unspoiled and tranquil natural sandy retreats. The following rank among the most popular.

Figueretas Beach is the city beach on the south side of Eivissa, surrounded by hotels, restaurants, bars, and shops, with a palm-fringed promenade, lounge chairs and parasols for rent, shower facilities, and access for the disabled. A harbor for fishing boats separates it from Platja d'en Bossa, to the south. The promenade and cafes come alive in the evenings, as visitors leave the beach, and locals arrive to cool off and relax.

Platja (or playa) d'en Bossa is a long stretch of beach with bars and beach lounges and shops in Sant Josep de Talaià just south of Eivissa, varying from the super trendy to casual and laid back. Drive, bike or take the bus from Ibiza Town, just 4 km away.

Platja d'es Cavallet is a naturalist, clothing optional beach backed by unspoiled sand dunes, just 10 minutes drive south of Platja d'en Bossa. There's an active gay scene at the far end of the long beach and several Chiringuito-style beach restaurants during summer months. See El Chiringuito for one such. Drive, bike, or or take the bus from town.

Las Salinas Beach, at the island's southern tip, has a trendy party scene right next to the Wildlife Conservation Area, also 10-15 minutes drive south of Platja d'en Bossa. Lounge chairs and parasols can be rented, and there are restaurants and bars serving food and cocktails to your beach chair; also massage facilities, beach boutiques, shops, and public showers. Further down the bay nudists mix with families, "hippies" and partiers who dance to music that plays all day. Even further down, past the watchtower, there are small coves that break into the rocky coastline, for those seeking their own private beach.

Cala Jondal (Platja d'es Jondal) further west down the coast from Las Salinas, is popular with boaters, the rich, the beautiful and the trendy. Surrounded by jagged cliffs and a pine woods conservation area, it has a white pebble beach and clear blue waters. Several high-end lounge/restaurants here offer good food, beer, wine and cocktails. Access by car, or by private boat.

 

Currency and Money

Spain’s official currency is the euro. There are ATMs scattered about the center, so you won’t have trouble getting more cash.

 

Media

GuiaGayles website, and MuchoG magazine and website have gay guides to Ibiza.

For general tourism information in English, see Ibiza-Tourism.net, Ibiza-4-all, Ibiza Travel, Ibiza Spotlight, or Illesbalears.es

Essential Ibiza offers general public party listings and tickets, plus a guide to restaurants, bars, clubs, beaches, shopping options and more.

For locations and website information for gay and gay-friendly bars, clubs, cafes and hotels, see our gay Ibiza map & listings section. 

 

Going Out - bars & clubs

Anfora (Sant Carles 7), a popular gay club in Eivissa town center, with dancing, theme parties, nude male strip and sex shows, and drag events.

Angelo (Alfonso XII, 10), a good warm-up, pre-dancing meeting place gay cocktail bar with huge terrace.

Bar 22 Ibiza (carrer de la Mare de Déu 22), cozy gay cocktail bar and terrace, open daily in summer and on weekends year-round.

Bar Exis (carrer de la Mare de Déu 57), German-owned gay bar, shows, go-go boys, terrace tables, busy street; men/women mix.

Bar Monalisa (Alfonso XII, 3), gay cocktail bar, large terrace, drag shows, high-fashion Milan glamour, all kinds of people mix.

Cenit Hotel Pool Bar (Archiduque Luis Salvador), gay-popular rooftop pool bar and cafe serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Dôme (Alfonso XII, 5), gay cocktail bar, large terrace, copas wine by the glass, parties.

JJ Bar (carrer de la Mare de Déu 79), 25-year international gay favorite cocktail bar, terrace, balcony views; wide range of ages and types, mostly men.

JJX (carrer de la Mare de Déu 64), men's cruise bar, dark rooms, porn videos.

La Muralla (Sa Carrossa, 3), Dalt Vila men's cruise bar; mask, underwear and naked nights.

Mad Bar (carrer de la Mare de Déu 32), Belgian/French accent, cocktails and copas, men-only darkroom, terrace.

Soap Bar (Santa Lucia 23), popular warm-up cocktails bar above Angelo.

 

Going Out - largest club nights

Cafe Olé, Mondays at Space (platja d'en Bossa 10), a "polysexual" night of House and Tech House music, divas, international star performers and local legend Baby Marcelo, plus theatrics and acrobatics.

Foc i Fum circus-style acrobatic performances in Ibiza clubs, including Space (platja d'en Bossa 10), with outrageous and provocative costumes during summer months; on tour at other times.

The famous La Troya parties continue Wednesdays on The Terrace at Amnesia, (carretera Eivissa a Sant Antoni, km 5), with foam parties, performances and gymnastic feats in Sant Rafael de Sa Creu.

Ibiza Calling takes place on Wednesdays at Space (platja d'en Bossa 10), for their 6th year of mixed-crowd dancing and top-name DJs; 15 summer weeks between June 18th and September 24th, in 2014.

SuperMartXé owns Fridays at Privilege (carrer de Ibiza, 7), presenting unique shows in "the biggest club in the world" with 25-meter high ceilings, a huge pool, and and famous celebrities in attendance.

The Matinée Group will do Saturdays again this year at Amnesia Club (carretera Eivissa a Sant Antoni, km 5), both in the Main Room, and on the Terrace, starting in mid-June.

Dance parties at Somni Club (Paseo Figueretas-Hotel Ibiza Playa), include Thursday night "Chic's with Decks Revolution" with all-women DJ lineups.

Into the Tank, the international men's fetish dance, does major leather/sports/fetish Ibiza events; this year five Mondays between July 21st and September 8th, at Anfora Club (Sant Carles 7).

 

Hotels & Guesthouses

Aguas de Ibiza (Junto Salvador Camacho 9, Santa Eulalia del Rio; 34 971-319-991), 112 eco-luxury resort room and suites, bars and restaurants, spa, swimming pool, rooftop bar/pool vistas.

Casa Alexio Gay Hotel (carrer Kiwi 39, Tlamanca, Jesus; 34 639-632-522), 13-room men-only guesthouse villa, clothing-optional pool, garden, terrace, Jacuzzi, massage, bar, cable TV, internet.

Casa de Huéspedes la Peña (carrer de la Mare de Déu 76, Dalt Vila, Eivissa; 34 971-190-240), basic, central lodgings at budget prices by the port, singles rooms and dorm beds.

Grand Palladium Palace Ibiza Resort & Spa (Platja d’en Bossa 4, Sant Jordi de Ses Salines; 34 971-396-784), 411 modern rooms and suites, 3 restaurants, 2 pools, nightclub.

Hostal Restaurante La Marina (carrer Barcelona 7, Port area, Eivissa; 34 971-310-172), reasonably-priced rooms at the waterfront, balconies, cable TV; Mediterranean restaurant.

Hotel Apartamentos Lux Mar (Ramón Muntaner 78, Figueretas Beach, Eivissa; 34 971-301-458), 84 double and triple rooms; cafe, buffet restaurant, swimming pool, solarium, AC, WiFi.

Hotel Cenit (carrer de l'Arxiduc Lluís Salvador, Figueretas Beach; 34 971-301-404), central hiiltop hotel, 63 spacious rooms, 55 apartments and studios, pleasant views, balconies, swimming pool.

Hotel Don Quijote (País Basc 12, Figueretas Beach, Eivissa; 34 971-302-266), central location budget single and double rooms, swimming pool, breakfast, satellite TV, internet, elevator.

Hotel El Puerto (Carles III 24, Eivissa; 34 9719313-812), 93 room tourist hotel, terraces, 80 apartments, satellite TV, swimming pool.

Hotel Garbi Ibiza & Spa (Murtra 5, #128, Platja d'en Bossa; 34 971-300-007), 4-star hotel beachfront rooms, pool bar and restaurant, disco dance club, tennis court, supermarket.

Hotel Hacienda Na Xamena (Urbanización Na Xamena, buzón 11, Port de Sant Miguel; 34 971-334-500), luxury hotel, Eden restaurant and cocktail lounge with live music, spa/swimming pools, sea vistas from cliff-top location.

Hotel Ibiza Playa (Carrer de Tarragona, Figueretas Beach, Eivissa; 34 971-302-804), 57 beachfront rooms, moderate-prices, buffet restaurant and terrace bar.

Hotel Maritímo (Ramón Muntaner, 48, Figueretas Beach, Eivissa; 34 971-302-708), buffet restaurant, swimming pool, Jacuzzi, gym, water views, satellite TV

Ibiza Gran Hotel (Juan Carlos I, 17, Marina Botafoch/ Marina Ibiza; 34 971-806-806), resort and gaming casino hotel, 157 suites, spa, restaurants and bars, swimming pools.

La Torre del Canónigo (Major 8, Dalt Vila, Eivissa; 34 971-303-884), full-service rooms and suites, swimming pool, breakfast, Mediterranean restaurant, wellness center, WiFi.

La Ventana (Sa Carrosa 13, Dalt Vila, Eivissa; 34 971-390-857), 13 luxury rooms with baths near port at the center, satellite TV, terraces, good views.

Llobet Apartments (carrer d'Alexandre Llobet 6, Figueretas Beach, Eivissa; 34 971-301-925), beachfront locations, gardens, swimming pool, cafe/bistro, full services.

Hotel Marigna Ibiza (Al Sabini 18, Figueretas; 34 971-399-942), vibrant, artistic and unique atmosphere and style, 44 adults-only art-adorned rooms, satellite TV, restaurant, solarium sea-view terrace with Jacuzzi.

Mirador De Dalt Vila Hotel (Plaça d'Espanya 4, Dalt Vila, Eivissa; 34 971-303-045), 5-star luxury rooms and suites, restaurant fine dining/wines, bar and lounge.

Molins Park Hostal (carrer de Joan Xico, 42, Eivissa; 34 971-300-464), 30 en-suite single and double rooms, terraces, swimming pool, solarium, internet, nice views.

Purple Hostel (carrer d'Antoni Riquer 23, Sant Antoni de Portmany; 34 971-343-614), gay hostel rooms near Calo des Moro beach and bus station, swimming pool, patio cocktails and snacks, bar/lounge, WiFi.

 

Restaurants & Cafes

Ama Lur Restaurante (carretera Sant Miquel, km 2.3, Santa Eularia des Riu, Elvissa), Mediterranean dining with Basque flair and local specialities, 9km from town, outdoor terrace seating.

Amante Beach Club Restaurant (carrer Fuera, Sol Den Serra, Santa Eulària des Riu), Mediterranean lunch and dinner menus; seaside cove terrace, dramatic vistas, cocktails, day bed relaxation.

Ancient People (España, 32, Eivissa), Indian meat and vegetarian curries, Biryani and Tandoori meals.

Bon Profit (Plaça del Parc 5, Dalt Vila, Eivissa), hearty home-style local and traditional lunch and dinner.

Ca n'Alfredo (passeig Vara de Rei 16E, Eivissa), serving traditional Ibizan and Catalan dishes since 1934.

Cafe Tomate (Plaça Constitució, 11, Dalt Vila, Eivissa), Mercado Viejo French/Spanish cafe, cocktails, beer, fresh fruit juices, shakes, light food/snacks, WiFi

Cap dés Falcó Restaurant/ Chiringuito (Playa Dés Codolar, Ses Salines National Park, Salines), beach bar, music, sunsets, Italian, Mediterranian and local cuisines, vegetarian options.

Croissant-Show Ibiza (Plaça De La Constituciò, 2Dalt Vila, Eivissa), fresh fruit juices, coffee drinks, quiches, salads, "Hierbas," pastries.

CUBE-Ibiza (carrer Pedro Escanellas 3, Playa Figueretas, Eivissa), Indonesian and International meals and cocktails just off the beach.

El Cigarral (Fray Vicente Nicolás 9E, Eivissa), traditional seafood; seasonal menus, local specialities including "carnes de buey asturiano."

El Olivo (Plaça del Vila 9, Dalt Vila, Eivissa), Mediterranean and French tapas, entrées, beef, chicken, fish, wines; passionate chefs, terrace seatings.

Geco Cafe Vegetariano (Paseo Maritimo de Santa Eulalia, Santa Eulalia des Riu), beautiful beachside location, organic/bio, vegetarian, local-source, fresh home-style food and drinks.

KM5 (carretera Ibiza-Sant Josep km 5.6, Sant Josep de Sa Talaia), quality dining boutique restaurant in rustic finca; bar tents, live music, art exhibits.

Kumharas Beach Bar (carrer Lugo 2,Sant Josep de sa Talaia), famous bar and Sunset Chillout Café/ Mediterranean/International restaurant near Sant Antoni; DJ sets and live bands.

La Brasa (carrer de Pere Sala 3, Eivissa), garden terrace, traditional and local seafood restaurant, wines.

La Mar (carrer d'Iboshim 11, Puerto Botafoch, Eivissa), Hotel Rocamar Mediterranean cuisine, elegant fine dining; wines, salads, pastas, risottos, meat and fish.

La Oliva (carrer de la Santa Creu, 2-4-6, Dalt Vila, Eivissa), Mediterranean cuisine with Asian accents, busy terrace overlooks street performances.

La Scala Restaurante (sa Carrossa 7, Dalt Vila, Eivissa), daily menu, local fish and seafood, steaks and chicken, wines, covered terrace seatings.

Moorea Beach Internet Café (Ctra de Platja d'en BossaPlatja d'en Bossa), internet access, computers, snacks, juices, ice cream.

Nanking (carrer del Mar 8, Dalt Vila, Eivissa), Port district Cantonese restaurant; fish and seafood, meat and poultry, rice and noodles.

Sands Beach Bar & Restaurant (Ctra de Platja d'en Bossa, Platja d'en Bossa), Japanese/ Iberian fusion cuisine, beach club parties, live music, DJ sets.

Somiart (Paseo Maritimo, Santa Eulalia), innovative modern cuisine restaurant and nightclub; Sunday Foc I Fum erotic theater/circus acrobat shows.

Tropicana Beach Club & Restaurant (carrer des Jondal 1, Cala Jondal Beach), chaises lounges, beach terrace bar, traditional Ibizan/Mediterranean seafood and pasta menu, fashionable crowd.

Villa Mercades (Paseo del Mar, Sant Antoni de Portmany), dockside terrace, highly-rated traditional Ibiza/Mediterranean and Asian cuisines; spectacular views, live music and performances daily.

Yemanja (carrer Jondal 3, Cala Jondal, Sant Josep de Sa Talaia), beach club hammocks, chaises lounges, bar/restaurant, massage.

 

Shops

ES Collection (Sa Creu, 23, Eivissa), swimwear, casual fashions, accessories and underwear for men.

Gorila (Gorilla) Hippy Market & Restaurant (Es Caló, off carrer Cala de Bou & Dávila, San Antonio Abad), evening crafts market near Pinet beach; clothes/swimsuits, live music, performances and food.

Zarabanda (Tagomago 3, Figueretas Beach, Eivissa), cool, white and lightweight traditional clothing, men and women, all sizes.