On this island you could go to any beach and holding hands wouldn't be an issue: every beach is LGBTQIA-friendly: it's as simple as that. Here, beaches can be wild, compact, have turquoise or almost clear water, can be surrounded by sweet-smelling pines or be possessed of a Jurassic rocky backdrop. In short, there's a beach to suit every taste.
Es Cavallet has the only really “official” gay beach, having a big gay area that's popular with men. Then there's the beach at Figueretas, a resort popular with the LGBTQIA community, where many reasonably priced hotels are located.
You'll find the biggest concentration of LGBTQIA culture in the south of the island, one which has had a big influence on the island's clubbing scene. The south is where all the cruising goes on too; you'll see the sideways glances, so you'll know where you are when you get there.
There are a lot of nudist beaches on Ibiza, which are generally more relaxed, liberal and yes, LGBTQIA-friendly. People with all sexual orientations mingle, pointing all their bodies towards the mecca that is the sun.
Es Cavallet is nudist. Las Salinas has a patch for bare-it-all bathers in the small coves behind the far end of the beach towards the pirate tower. Cala Conta has a cool nude area in the small cove Cala Escondida. Aguas Blancas, in the north, might give you more seclusion, as it's harder to get to, but if it's just you and your lover, that might be just what you want.
Playa Es Cavallet
The far southern end of Es Cavallet beach is what we call a gay beach. It is where Ibiza and the gay world collide, which may be one and the same thing anyway. Located on the southern part of the island, there's a bit of a walk once you arrive at one of the car parks, but it's worth it when you get there.
There's the beach bar and restaurant called Chiringay, which is considered as THE gay hub of the island by day and into the night. It starts to get busy from midday, so get there early to snag your sunbed. A livelier party atmosphere descends from 16:00 onwards, with the tuned-up tempo wafting out of Chiringay to match the mood. There are hunting grounds in the sand dunes or privacy in little coves and corners.
And don't worry, hedonistic and tolerant as Ibiza is, all sexual orientations are welcome; you can also bring your straight friends, and no one will bat an eyelid.
Getting there: There are two car parks from which to walk here: from the northern straight end of Es Cavallet beach along the shore, or from the car parks at Las Salinas beach, through a pine-wooded area. To Las Salinas there is also a bus service (find bus timetables here). Either way, it's a 20-minute trek to the gay area; when you see the beach bar rainbow flag, you've arrived.
Figueretas
The first bay of Figueretas beach on this long promenade is very popular with the LGBTQIA community and it makes a great choice if you don't want to venture out to Es Cavallet. And there's the very gay-friendly pool bar at the Cenit Hotel nearby.
Playa d'en Bossa
No, Playa d'en Bossa is not a gay beach, but it has its points. Whilst the central part of the beach is full-on hedonism, further down south there's the uber-cool club Ushuaia, celebrating daytime parties with world-famous DJs on the spectacular open-air stage.
Along its whole length you will find one fantastic beach club after the other, for normal budgets as well as for absolute luxury indulgence. Dining, partying or just relaxing on a comfortable daybed, with your toes in the sand, a fresh breeze in your hair and a cocktail in your hand - everything is possible.
Like anything on Ibiza, when it comes to beaches, you can have what you want: anywhere from a full-on gay beach to a quiet romantic cove. Many are stunningly pretty: all are very much Ibiza. Have a look at our complete beach guide.
