Ibiza is one of the four Balearic Islands in Spain and by far the most popular. This small island in the Mediterranean is very gay-friendly and brings in quite the mixed crowd. Whether you’re there to go clubbing in its infamous nightlife scene or take it easy while tanning on one if its beautiful beaches, or perhaps a little bit of both, Ibiza won’t disappoint. In addition to the clubs and beaches, Ibiza is also well known for its historic center where the old city wall still stands, its incredible Mediterranean gastronomy, and its can’t-miss annual events.

Table of Contents

1. General Tips
2. Transportation
3. Gay Hotels in Ibiza
4. Sightseeing & Activities in Ibiza
5. Gay Tours in Ibiza
6. Restaurants and Cafes
7. Ibiza Gay Bars
8. Ibiza Gay Clubs and Parties
9. Ibiza Gay Saunas & Cruising Bars
10. Gay Beaches
11. Gay Events in Ibiza
12. Day Trips from Ibiza

General Tips

Staying in Ibiza Town is probably your best bet as most sights and attractions are centered around there. If you want to avoid the swarming summer crowds, consider visiting Ibiza in the winter when tourism drops and the island becomes a quiet, tranquil haven. For the opposite experience go to Ibiza for club season, beginning at the end of April / beginning of May and continuing till mid / late October.

A nice day trip away from the chaos of Ibizais the island of Formentera, known for its calmer presence and gorgeous beaches. Driving 20 minutes west of Ibiza Town is where you'll find San Antonio (called Sant Antoni in Catalan), the other major town on the island. It's significantly less expensive and you'll find a younger crowd – often British twenty-somethings on their low-cost package vacation. The official language of Ibiza is Catalan (like Barcelona) but everyone speaks Spanish and definitely English as well.

You can download the Gay Ibiza guide for free. Just provide your email address and we’ll email you a PDF.

es cavallet beach

Transportation & Airport Transfer

For a rather small island, Ibiza can seem oddly spread out so renting a car or motorbike is really helpful, if not necessary, to really explore the island. If you’re staying in Ibiza Town, you may be able to get away with not renting a vehicle, but you’ll eventually be taking a taxi at some point during your trip so you’ll need to budget for that. Getting from one town to another can cost about €30 in a taxi, but the towns themselves are quite walkable and won’t require transit. When arriving from the airport, there are a few bus lines to get you where you’re going at a price of about €4. Line 10 connects the airport to the Ibiza Town and line 9 connects the airport to Sant Antoni and Sant Josep. If you want the life of luxury you can book a private transfer from the airport to your hotel.

Gay Hotels in Ibiza

Mid Range

AxelBeach Ibiza – located right on the beach, a unique landscape in Sant Antonio bay. Its trendy and exclusive interior design makes our modern apartments exclusive and stylish, which have private suite, living room, private terrace and totally equipped kitchen. Get ready to enjoy with us the best sunsets of Ibiza from the magnificent pool deck at our Sky Bar or just lying on the beach indulging yourself by the Axel best experience ever.

Hotel Cenit – a family friendly and gay-friendly hotel located on a nice hill offering great views of the sea and still walking distance to the historic center of Ibiza as well as well known beaches like Playa d’en Bossa and Figueretas. The hotel has 63 rooms and 55 apartments with free wifi in public areas. There’s also a gorgeous rooftop pool and bar where you can sip on specialty cocktails and their beauty center offers treatments and massages for en extra dose of relaxation. (rates start at €60-100)

Hotel Marigna – this recently refurbished, adults-only hotel offers 44 rooms with a white and blue sea-side vibe. Located right in Ibiza Town, beaches are easily accessible along with the historic center. The hotel offers three styles of rooms including the standard, twin, and premium, the latter two choices both come with balconies. They’ve also got a restaurant and terrace with a jacuzzi, ocean views and free wifi in public areas. Though it doesn’t have its own pool, it does offer free access to the pool at the hotel next door. (rates start at €45-100)

Casa Alexio – located near Jesus, a village just 5 minutes north of Ibiza Town, Casa Alexio is a men-only, clothing optional, gay guesthouse with 13 designer rooms. It has an outdoor pool, jacuzzi and bar with plenty of space to lounge and enjoy the sun. From the terrace you can catch great views of the center as well as the island of Formentera. Though not quite in the center, it’s still quite easy to access some of the best spots around the island. (rates start at €50 during low season)

La Finca Ibiza – this historical, gay-friendly guesthouse has ten one and two-room apartments located just 3 kilometers from the center of Ibiza. This charming stay has rooms with a more traditional and romantic ambience and the location also has an outdoor terrace, pool and bar. Privately run, the staff is very friendly and helpful making sure you have plenty of fun and relaxation during your stay. (rates start at €100)

Budget

The PURPLE - slideshow index - 30
Photo via The Purple

The Purple – this hotel by Ibiza Feeling, a hotel company of four hotels in Ibiza, is located in San Antonio, a 20 minute drive away from Ibiza town. The ideal place to book if you plan on staying on the cheaper, San Antonio side of the island. Though San Antonio may not be for everyone, this property is definitely an LGBT haven among the swarms of young British tourists with still beautiful beaches and views. The hotel has a great restaurant and bar with unique, specialized food and drinks. The rooms and common areas have a fun, colorful decor and there’s also a nice outdoor pool and bar behind the hotel. The mostly LGBT staff is incredibly warm and friendly and will be sure to help you make the most of your stay in Ibiza. The Purple also has fantastic 5 star reviews on TripAdvisor. (rates start at €60)

Apartments - misterb&b

We’ve partnered with misterb&b to help curate the most LGBT+ friendly homestays. misterb&b is not a hotel or chain, but rather a booking platform for rooms, apartments and homes and it allows you to book from gay and gay-friendly hosts around the world. They have hosts in more than 200 countries and territories with more than 1 million total listings. Understanding the gay scene is much more easily done with the help of a local and home-sharing is one of the best ways to meet someone living in the city who knows how things work, where and when are the best nights to go out, and what places to eat at and which to avoid. misterb&b is our top choice if your priority is exploring the local gay scene.

Special Offer! Sign up with misterb&b and you will receive a free $10 credit to use on your first booking!


Sightseeing & Activities in Ibiza

Ibiza has numerous activities and sights for travelers to enjoy depending on what sort of holiday you’re looking to have. Here are some of the top highlights to consider when visiting the island.

Dalt Vila – the old walled town of Ibiza is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a beautiful collection of winding, narrow streets filled with cute souvenir shops selling handicrafts and various works of art, restaurants with beautful terraces, hidden museums and pretty monuments. Its where Ibiza Town's many influences are clear to see – from those left by the Romans to the Arabs to the arrival of the hippies. Enter through the striking Portal de ses Taulesand finish at Ibiza Catherdral at the top – it's quite a walk though! Book tour →

Madina Yabisa Historical Interpretation Centre – this museum is housed in the Casa de la Curia and recounts the town’s history with audiovisual devices and also houses many archaeological remains.

Calle de la Virgen – gay by night and gay by day, as well as being the hub of the gaynightlife scene, this street has many boutiques selling the ever popular Spanish brand ES Collection as well as the sex shop Sa Majesté.

Paseo de Vara de Rey – this trendy area has a lot of shopping and dining options surrounding a bustling boulevard. It’s a great place to take a stroll, stop by a cafe and pop into a few shops while meandering the city.

Sant Jordi Market – for a Saturday morning flea market, check out the one in Sant Jordi (a little village to the South of Ibiza Town not far from Playa d'en Bossa) from 9am-3pm. Here you’ll find a bit of everything including books, clothes, jewelry, and furniture. It's also a place the locals come to socialise with a small bar and sometimes performers.

Gay Tours in Ibiza

There aren’t currently any gay tours in Ibiza, but there are many gay-friendly options.

Boat Party – with an open bar, food and great DJs plus free entrance into Ibiza clubs, this boat party has it all. Share covered seating or take to the dance floor on the top deck with up to 300 party guests. Book tour →

Parasailing – this is a great activity in Ibiza because the island landscapes and cliff faces are beautiful and the water is amazingly blue. It makes for great views and it's a fun option especially if you've never tried it. Book tour →

Restaurants and Cafes

Marea Ibiza Club – right up in the marina of Ibiza Old Town, this restaurant serves fresh top-quality seafood locally caught but prepared with a South American flair. Octopus, prawns, sea bass…you name it. If it’s in the ocean, it's probably on the menu. In the center of the action it’s also a great place to enjoy a cocktail and feel immersed in the ambience of the old town.

Restaurant Can Costa –  Ibiza town isn’t cheap, but exploring a bit deeper can turn up some cheap and cheerful places to eateries like this traditional Spanish restaurant at the port. It’s also as authentically Spanish as it gets, being frequented by locals – who you might have to share a table with – and having a thoroughly Spanish menu, which includes a range of seafood and regional treats like Andalucian homemade Gazpacho.

Restaurante Can Bof – just behind the port is this hidden gem of a restaurant, whose entrance hidden away on a side street leads up to a plant-filled terrace with enviable views across both the port and Old Town. The restaurant is family run – which always seems to lead to great customer service – the Mediterranean menu is full of delicious choices and being less easy to find keeps the atmosphere calmer than the touristic options nearby.

El Zaguán – this restaurant is ideal for that bustling rustic Spanish tavern vibe, where the clientele are just as comfortable eating on a bar stool as at a wooden table. In the heart of The Old Town you’ll find all the standard Spanish tapas choices done well there, as well as meat and seafood dishes.

Restaurante Sa Nansa Eivissa – across the waters of the port – next to Pacha – lies this classy establishment specializing in quality seafood. It’s a bit of a walk from the Old Town but worth it for the Paella alone. Presentation is given as much import as taste, making Sa Nansa an ideal date location – as does the extensive wine list!

Chiringay Restaurant – this restaurant and bar right on the gay beach offers quality Mediterranean/Spanish food and an incredible cava sangria – seriously, get the cava sangria! Dining on the outdoor terrace with views of gorgeous men tanning seaside is practically its own dessert. Did we mention the cava sangria?!

El Chiringuito de Cala Gracioneta – tucked away in an almost secretive cove with a view of the bay of Cala Gracioneta, El Chiringuito is an inspiring dining experience. They serve up a mix of Mediterranean and Spanish dishes. Seafood lovers, be sure to order the Parrillada de Pescado and thank us later.

Freaking delicious seafood platter at Chiringuito
Freaking delicious seafood platter at Chiringuito de Cala Gracioneta

Savannah – with a gorgeous terrace overlooking a rocky coast and bright blue waters, this restaurant in San Antonio is very well situated and perfect for a nice lunch if you're on this side of the island. Their menu offers a variety of delectable and affordable dishes from around the world including seafood, woks, and Brazilian and Argentine meats. Again, the cava sangria is a must.

El Carmen – if you’re in search of paella, El Carmen will not disappoint as the paella here is wildly popular. Like just about any restaurant in Ibiza, the views from the outdoor terrace are equally edible as it looks out over the water of the beach Cala d’Hort.

Amazing view from El Carmen Restaurant
Amazing view from El Carmen Restaurant

Ibiza Gay Bars

Angelo Bar – known as one the best cocktail bars in Ibiza. The business is gay-owned and on its huge terrace you´ll find all the trendy locals mixing with tourists looking for Sex on the Beach…and cocktails too. The rooftop bar/restaurant has one of the best views of the old town and castle, being literally right across from it. The bar below has drag shows and its own terrace, but – unlike the main terrace – is closed out of season.

Mona Lisa – a stylish pink lit cocktail bar that's somewhat of  a gathering spot for gays looking to get the night going. During the summer the bar spills out onto the large terrace with DJs spinning tracks out from tents out on the street and hunky topless men in attendance promoting itself and the super clubs.  Be sure to order the recommended mojitos!

Sunrise -a gaggle of gay bars are all clustered together on the ironically named Calle de la Virgen. There's a palpable atmosphere all year round and parades promoting the super clubs pass through during the summer – making it one of the best places to get a wristband to get in cheaper to club nights like Amnesia. The best of Calle de la Virgen's bars is Sunrise, given a charismatic flair thanks to the wooden swings – no not that type of swing – in front of the bar. That and the sexy lightning make it the most instagrammable bar on the street and during the summer you'll find DJs adding to the vibe. Get your drink, take your photo and get out on the street though, as that's where all the gays gather and you're likely to make friends of the tourists and locals.

Dado – the second largest of the bars on Calle de la Virgen that often has cheap deals on cocktails in comparison to the others on the strip. It also has the advantage of being the last  – or first depending on where you come from – bar on the street, making it easier to access and buy a drink when the strip is characteristically rammed with every gay in the city.

Ibiza Gay Clubs and Parties

To get to the clubs and parties take taxis or the disco bus from the Ibiza port or San Antonio bus station. For years, Anfora was the only large, dedicated gay club in Ibiza but it closed several years ago. Lola's is the closest thing you'll find nowadays, so you'll want to keep on the look out for the special weekly and monthly gay parties hosted during the summer on the island. The clubbing season beginning at the end of April / beginning of May and continuing till mid / late October.

Clubs

Lola’s – a long running small club which was the very first on the island – open since 1965 . It’s tucked away in the old quarter behind the Old Fish Market and has a gay leaning crowd. One of the only clubs in the Old Town that's open out of season with local DJs playing techno and house music.

Parties

Matinée – This party has been going since 2009 and is held every Saturday night during the summer at the ever popular Amnesia where it attracts quite the Spanish crowd. Some parties have specific themes like Red Light, Matinee Gold and La Leche, but all of them are sure to be crazy fun.

La Troya – If Matinée doesn’t tire you out, there’s La Troya also at Amnesia every Sunday during the summer. It’s a mixed party with a fresh mix of mainstream and house music along with great DJs, performers and dancers.

Supermartxe – this award winning Friday night party at Privilege is focused on its stage show with great performers and club music that will keep you going all night. Since its start in 2007 in Madrid, it’s become one of the must attend parties in Ibiza.

Café Olé – This Monday night party at Space is flamboyant, gay-friendly, and puts on a great show with famous DJs. Past themes like Erotica, Flashback, Burlesque, Freak and Pervert give an idea of what you're in for this party.

HE. SHE. THEY. – this three times a year party at Amnesia promotes diversity within its parties. Taking place in July, August and September (2024 dates to be announced) He.She.They originated in London and, as well as organising parties, are a fashion and record label. Its events became so popular it expanded to holding them in Ibiza. The club night is a polysexual playground of sexual exploration and all to the backing of some of the best DJs playing hard house and techno beats,

Ibiza Gay Saunas & Cruising Bars

The only gay cruising bar, La Muralla, closed in 2017.

Gay Beaches in Ibiza

There are literally hundreds of beautiful beaches – which are if not gay, at least gay-friendly – all around the island. Some revolve around the big resort towns like San Antoni and Cala Llonga, but there are a few hidden treats for those with a car and a willingness to navigate the island's winding – and perilously narrow – roads.

Es Cavallet – the official gay beach in Ibiza, which is about 15 minutes south of Ibiza Town. Not surprisingly, this is also a clothing optional beach. The most popular spot along this stretch of sand is in front of Chiringay, a popular restaurant and bar. The sand dunes behind it are known as a cruising area, or somewhere to take a friend from the beach to.

Cala Comte – although this beach isn't a gay beach, it's without doubt one of the best, found on the west side of the island. It boasts breath taking views, azure blue waters and captures an Ibiza sunset like nowhere else on the island.

Gay Events in Ibiza

Ibiza Gay Pride – Ibiza likes a good party, so it should come as no surprise their Pride events are fun and messy affairs. Taking place mid-June they consist of special parties and venues, a fashion show, art and photography exhibitions, documentaries and of course a small, but energetic Pride Parade.

Mr. Gay Pride Ibiza
Mr. Gay Pride Ibiza 2015 (yes he has a cute face too!)
Circuit Festival boys promoting along the gay beach, Es Cavallet
Circuit Festival boys promoting along the gay beach, Es Cavallet

Day Trips from Ibiza

Formentera – this small island just south of Ibiza and the most southern of the Balearic Islands is a great day trip to escape the never ending club scene of Ibiza. Its beautiful white beaches and clear waters bring many visitors over to relax under the Mediterranean sun. Travel to the island can be done easily by ferry. They leave from the Ibiza port about every 30 minutes in the high season and arrive in about 40 minutes. The ferry costs about 40€ round trip. Book tour →

Have you ever visited Ibiza? Why would you like to visit this infamous Spanish isle? Let us know in the comments!

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