beat the brochure

Spain’s islands, the Balearics and the Canaries, are both popular destinations for tourists and travellers. Much of their culture has grown up around tourism and they offer many of the usual looked-for holiday experiences.

The Balearics
The Balearics which sit in the Mediterranean off the coast of Spain consist of four islands, Ibiza, Majorca, Menorca and Formentera.

Ibiza
Of these four islands Ibiza has the biggest reputation as a party island. It does have other things to offer too – 80 beaches, clear blue waters, water sports galore – amongst them. There are of course quiet locations too but if you are looking for a week-long party then head to San Antonio or Ibiza Town for the full-on club scene.

With a host of international DJs, this ‘Dance Mecca of Europe’ is the European party capital. Some of the clubs have reputations beyond the hip and trendy such as Pacha. One thing’s for sure if you fancy a hedonistic holiday, like excess, love a good tune and like to strut yourself, then Ibiza is for you. Foam party anyone?

Majorca
The biggest of the Balearic Islands, Majorca also has a party scene. Magaluf in the south is party-central here. By day the perfect beach spot with cafes and restaurants. By night, a new personality as the bars and clubs come alive.

Like Ibiza it attracts many international DJs and the partying starts late through till morning in the same vein as they do in Ibiza.

The Canary Islands
There are seven main islands in this group that sit off the west coast of Africa. Again they are a favourite destination with travellers and their terrains are interesting and differ from one another. There are plenty of activities to keep the restless entertained, but if it’s a party holiday you want then Gran Canaria should be your destination for your cheap holiday in The Canary Islands.

Gran Canaria
Whilst the capital Las Palmas ha s bit more local culture as well as fun, it’s the southern resorts of Playa del Ingles where you’ll find the clubbing scene. True Gran Canaria isn’t as famous as Ibiza and Majorca for its clubbing scene, Playa del Ingles will give them a good run for their money though.

Head for Kasbah, Metropole & Plaza for the party scene. Early evening in the bars probably comes with some form of entertainment, maybe karaoke or cabaret. It isn’t until later that the DJs take over and then the volume gets turned up and you can dance the night away, well at least until 3 or 4 in the morning.

The clubs don’t open their doors until around midnight and allow the fun to continue well into the early hours. Drinks will be more expensive than the bars and weekends you will probably have to pay to get in.

Gran Canaria has a lively gay scene too. But head for the Yumbo center whether you’re gay or not and while away a couple of hours from 11.00p.m. watching the La Belle drag show.

Generous drinks
Measures for shorts here are generous and will probably fill a good half of your glass before the mixer is added. No wonder Gran Canaria is party-central for the Canaries!

Got a favourite spot? Let us know by leaving a comment below!