Ibiza has always been a top destination for the world's vibrant gay community. The island is known for its warm and welcoming attitude towards one and all - a place with no inhibitions where nobody is judged and you can be yourself. No holds barred.
Ibiza's gay hangouts are centred in and around Ibiza's Old Town - the location of Calle De La Virgen, or Tranny Alley. As night falls, the area comes alive with flamboyant exhibitionists, street parades and hedonism. A genuine Ibiza spectacle!
The obvious choices are easy to spot for a night out. However, here's a few of my gay mates fave places that might not be quite as in-your-face. If that's what you're after, of course!
Il Pavone
You can find this superb Italian eatery on Ibiza's famous gay strip Calle De La Virgen towards the Old Market Square side. Frequented by a super-glamourous clientele, tables on the street make for excellent people watching and a great place to start the night whilst watching this eye-popping lane come to life.
Insider Info - If you're romancing a special someone, try to bag the table for two on the balcony overlooking the street below. The seafood pasta is definitely worth a mention and we just love the limoncello served at the end of the meal in a dainty little decanter.
Cafe Tomate
Tucked away in the corner of Mercado Viejo, the Old Market Square, next to the world famous Inkadelic Tattoo Studio, is Cafe Tomate. Open all year round, locals and gay bar owners use this cute little joint as a social hub. The terrace is shaded in the summer and heated in the winter, so al fresco is what to expect, whatever the time of the year. You get a constant stream of local movers and shakers passing by all day and night, so grab a cocktail and sit back to watch the show.
Insider Info - The kitchen is ruled by ‘Mama' who is renowned for her mothering nature and delicious home cooked food. Her burgers are the stuff of local legend! The simple grub is very reasonably priced indeed and a glass of crisp, chilled Verdejo whte wine will cost you just €3. No wonder this place is so popular with those in the know...
Lola's
This chic mini-club secreted in the walls of Dalt Vila is über-popular with locals and gays alike. The lively terrace Lolita's has a personality all of its own and most of the gay nightclub parades end here, so expect to see the weird and wonderful in their resplendent glory, dragged up to the nines and peacocking around as they warm up for the night ahead. With stunning views over the Old Town, this is one stylish place for a few cocktails before heading off to the gay nights at the superclubs.
Insider Info - Lola's nods towards hedonistic debauchery with its dancefloor surrounded by cages. However, find the staircase and look upstairs and you'll find a deliciously naughty dark room...
Cenit Pool Bar - Figueretes
Figueretes is the most popular place for gay accommodation and this gay-friendly hotel just oozes personality. The rooftop pool bar gets incredibly busy at sundown due to the spectacular views across to Formentera, the mouth-watering cocktails and customers eyeing up the talent.
Insider Info - The rooftop pool area is also a cracking spot for breakfast to recharge the morning after the night before. It is open to non-residents too and worthy of a morning, or nighttime visit.
In addition to the haunts mentioned above, do check out my earlier feature E is for Es Cavallet which is one of the most popular gay-friendly beaches and one of the island's most beautiful.
Finally, I just have to mention Ibiza Gay Pride week which was celebrated between the 8th and 12th July with a series of parades and events in the port of Ibiza, in clubs and in bars. Gay Pride used to be hosted in Ibiza up until 2002 and has been resurrected this year with a huge amount of enthusiasm from both the locals, tourists and the abundant gay community. Injecting a huge splash of rainbow colours and a bucket full of cheeky charm, the port and Calle De La Virgen came alive for a week. We are looking forward to the next one immensely!
Next week in R is for Retreats, we look at how Ibiza can heal your mind, body and soul...
WORDS | Leena Sharma
