Introduction
The
original home of the Balearic beat, Ibiza is famous for its
image - loud, brash, outrageous and undeniably fun. Whilst the
straight "club 18-30" crowd will head for San Antonio,
gay and lesbian visitors head for the Island's capital - Ibiza
Town, a charming old town with plenty of atmosphere and character.
There
are popular gay beaches at Es Cavallet and neighbouring Las
Salinas, which are just a few kilometres from Ibiza Town, are
the perfect place to tan all over, cruise - or do both. Alternatively,
hire a car or simply hop on a bus and go exploring. Ibiza has
many small and beautiful beaches and coves which are just begging
to be discovered.
 In
the evenings the gay crowd will undoubtedly head for Ibiza old
Town where you'll find an abundance of gay bars and clubs. There's
something to suit every taste - from small, intimate bars to
large and outrageous clubs which will keep you going through
until the morning light (or as long as you can last!)
Whatever
you want from a holiday, Ibiza is one destination which is more
than likely to offer all that you could want - and plenty more
besides. One of the most popular European summer gay holiday
destinations, Ibiza is one of those places that offers something
for everyone.
How
to get there:
 Check
out the many discount flights/holiday packages now available
on teletext or now on the Net. If you have accommodation sorted
and just want flights try British Airways budget airline Easyjet
which now flies directly to Ibiza from Luton or one of price
comparison sites such as cheapflights.co.uk.
For the complete package of flights and accommodation your best
bet is to check out some of the offers available from who specialise
in gay holiday packages to Ibiza and other popular European
gay holiday destinations.
Many
regional airports now offer cheap direct flights to Ibiza throughout
the summer.
Accommodation:
As
a gay traveller don't even be tempted to stay in San Antonio
even if it offered. If you can't stay in the old town itself
try and stay in either Figueretas or Santa Eulalia. Both are
within walking distant or a short taxi ride away. There are
a number of gay friendly hotels and apartments in Figueretas
with the Sud Apartments (grotty) probably be the best known.
If you want to stay in the old town there are a number of apartments
to let. In 2003 we stayed at Aparthotel Navila, (San Luis 2),
which offers traditional if a bit back accommodation, however
this is more than compensated by its great location, large sun
deck and swimming pool plus it is literally yards away from
Club Anforas etc.
Money.
As with most of europe, the currency in Spain is euros. The
Euro has gained in strength again the pound, making the island
more expensive for the british tourist. To get your cash there
are many cash machines on the island enabling you to withdraw
Euros from your credit or debit card.
The
Gay Scene:
A large number of bars are situated along Cala de la Virgin.
just up from the harbour front. We don't think you'll find many
virgins though. Just walk along until you find the crowd. The
bars seem to vary in popularity from year to year so just work
you way along until you find one you like. Most have pretty
bar staff ready to serve you drinks.
Later in the evening the crowd moves round the corner to an
area called Dalt Vila and congregates outside Angelo's
and Incognito which are larger bars. There is nothing
more relaxing that standing outside in the evening drinks in
the warm summer air. Its also worth popping round to La Muralla
which is a very pleasant bar. Adjacent to La Muralla, it Bar
Red (Sa Corrossa, 4 Dalt Vila, Old Town, Ibiza - new 2003),
say hello to the boys from Brighton.
Around 1am the crowd normally divides. The gay crowd people
will move onto Anfora (C/. San Carlos, 7 Dalt Villa,
Ibiza), the little gay club built into the rock face above the
town. (Expect to pay around 7 euros to enter the club although
this includes a free drink. (This prices goes up to 12 Euros
after 2pm - rip off) Some nights there will be a cabaret as
well. Thursday is the popular 80's disco night. The upstairs
bar play videos and there is a dark room.) Depending on the
night other people will go to one of the bigger club nights
such as Manmission held throughout the summer on monday nights
at Priviledge. Claiming to be the biggest
club in the world, hardly excuses the entrance cost upto £40
with very expensive drinks. The venue is impressive, although
the crowd is always. Try and get one of the many discount flyers
available.
If
you're still going till 6am, the cake shop Croissant
Show (Mercado Viejo / bottom of the ramp leading up into
the old town) serves up delicious pastries and coffee to the
post club crowd. The Soap Cafe just round the corner also serves
up delicious pancakes and spirits (cute staff too.)
Cruising
Areas The
ramparts above the old town are notorious. Try not to fall over
the edge, its a long way down.
Alternatively if you're staying in Figueretas the area behind
the open air swmming pool has its moments . For your own safety
go with a friend. Safety should come before any possible embarrassment.
Gay Beaches:
There
are two gay beaches. The main one is at Es Cavallet on
the southern tip of the island. Although you can get there by
bus it is worth hiring a car for a week especially if you are
in a group and can share the expense. (From £150 for a week's
hire. Most of the major car hire companies operate in Ibiza including
Hertz, Avis, Alamo etc. You simply collect your car from the airport
when you arrive). Drive or get the bus to Las Salinas and then
head through the woodland heading east. There are normally other
gay men around so follow the crowd. The beach is clean and the
sea safe to swim in. There is a good open air restaurant above
the beach where you can eat or order drinks. Nude sunbathing is
allowed.
The other, smaller beach is more central. Walk along the sea
front from Figueretas towards Ibiza toward. Follow the path
round as far as you can and then head up the road. The beach
is accessible by walking down a narrow path. Try and wear sensible
shoes for once.
The
club scene:
Most
people wil have heard of Priviledge
and Space.
These are still going strong. Privledge has different club night
throughout the week with the hugely popular Manumission
on Monday's. To avoid paying the extorniate extrance fee try
and pick up discount flyers in the old town. Drinks inside the
clubs are also very expensive. However the experience s well worth
it. Privledge is a huge club inside a building the size of an
aircraft hangar. Many London clubs including Trade normally promote
a summer event of the island.
Space is the clubbers club and kicks off in the early morning
after Manumission. There is an indoors as well as outdoors dance
floor to take your pick from. The club stays open throughout
the day and is particlarly busy at weekends. It's also worth
checking out El Divino and Pacha.
Eating
Out.
The
old town itself has many good restaurants offering a variety of
excellent cuisine. In the Plaza Dat Vila (up the drawbridge (turn
right, then straight ahead) We can particually recommend El
Olivio, La Torreta and La Oliva as well as The
Studio (Calle de la Virgin)
Don't forget to pop into Gemini's restaurant along promenade
front in Figueretas. If you've got a hangover then Monroes
(opposite the Sud Apartments) do a decent british breakfast.
Say hello to Mel and Phl your hosts for me. Monroes also
do bingo nights and the odd occasional cabaret evening. Another
restaurant recommended
to us recently is call 'Soleado'. Situated once again on the
beach front in Figueretas it is summed up by two recent visitors
"as being practically in the sea, within staggering distance
of the Sud Studios, and serves simply delicious food at excellent
prices with the added bonus of a gorgeous french waiter!"
If you're visiting Ibiza this year let
us know how you get on.
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