For the ultimate party vacation, look no further than the scenic Balearic Islands of Ibiza and Majorca. Situated just off the Eastern coast of Spain, sheer heaven on Earth can be found in the luscious hills and white sandy beaches of what is known as the jewel of the Mediterranean. Littered with resorts, historical fortresses, and some of the largest and most well-known nightclubs on the planet, the islands boast a huge variety of activities to fill a week. Whether your interests lay in clubbing 'til dawn (and beyond) then sleeping on the beach, or sightseeing 'til lunch time then grazing over freshly caught fish in a rustic harbor-side café, there is something to cater for everyone.
During the late 90's, Ibiza in particular received a lot of bad press due to a surge of British TV shows documenting the raucous club-hopping trips and rowdy behavior of 'Brits abroad' in the West End of St. Anntonio district. This side of the island is best avoided, unless you're keen on being a day-trip tourist in the land of tacky nightclubs, skidding through vomit-littered streets and dining in those omnipresent eateries known as kebab shops. Instead, stick to Ibiza Town and the Figueretes suburb, which together form the gay hubs.
Being the club capital of the world, and with every big-name DJ setting up shop there for the entire summer, Ibiza caters to those who like to party until dawn in the most diverse and up-for-it atmospheres. Most venues are mixed and open-minded, and the island therefore tends to avoid gay-only establishments. Everyone just blends with each other with sexual orientation becoming irrelevant. Palma, in stark contrast to its smaller neighbor, is much more local-oriented as opposed to touristy, and therefore offers a taste of true Spanish gay life. It boasts a bustling restaurant scene and exciting array of cultural goings on to keep the tourist, queer or not, occupied.
Aside from the family resorts dotted around the islands, these aren't particularly child-oriented destinations. It's more about the hedonism and hangovers, and the finest parties the world has to offer coupled with breath taking scenery and oven-hot weather.
--Jay Clarke
