Beach parties = raving in your flip flops wearing just your shorts or your bikini with the sun on your back and the music pumping in your ears. There are no sweat-dripping walls, skanky toilets and grumpy bar staff here. If it all gets too sweaty, just jump in the sea to cool off or start a waterfight.
There are imitations and wannabes around the world but weve rounded up the best beach parties for you to get your sunnies out for this year
Full Moon Party, Haad Rin Beach, Koh Phangan, Thailand
Famed worldwide for being the most epic beach party you could get your best bikini on for, these parties are intense. Everyone should go at least once.
The Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan was started by a group of tourists who thought the full moon here was the most beautiful theyd ever seen. Now more than 20,000 people come every time theres a full moon, it can be twice this number on New Years Eve.
The party begins at dusk. Thousands of lamps are lit to flicker during the twilight hours this soon progresses as the party people emerge from their beachside bungalows. Crazed partygoers get hyped up on Chang beer and buckets (think kiddie beach buckets filled with around 500ml Thai mekong whiskey, one M150 (energy drink), cola and a lot of ice). Dont expect to function after a few of these.
Any music goes it depends whos stepped up to the decks at the time and youll be be amazed at the jugglers, fireeaters and fireworks on show.
Where to stay
The J.B Hut Bungalows in Haad Yao, Koh Phangan are very cheap and extremely cheerful. Not only are they close to the party they also have stunning sea and sunset views over the bay, just two minutes away. They have a relaxed vibe with an open-air restaurant and bar and free wi-fi. There are 22 bungalows with various attributes which means they’ll suit all budgets – all have a bathroom, balcony and hammock.
Privates start from €2.55pppn.
Playa d’en Bossa Beach, Ibiza
This is where youll find the king of all the beach parties. Theres no time for sleeping on the White Isle although of course youll need somewhere to leave your party threads theres party after after-party here.
Head to Café del Mar to watch the sunset before the party – when I went last year they timed it perfectly to the Paul Okenfold mix of Requiem for a Dream by Clint Mansell, it was incredible.
Ibiza’s mythical party central status is backed up by the reality. Everyone knows they have the biggest and best clubs in the world, with Pacha, Privilege and Space, but they also have the best beach parties, every day. The long stretch of beach known as Playa d’en Bossa houses the infamous Bora Bora Beach party. Here youll find all the debauchery youll ever need, as well as the good spirits of your fellow partygoers.
Theres no better place to get raving than the party capital with sand between your toes, the sun on your back and the freedom of the seas as your backdrop.
Where to stay
On the seafront in Playa den Bossa you’ll find the Apartments Tur Palas. The apartments have full bathrooms, a kitchenette, air con and a balcony. They’ve also got a sun terrace, a swimming pool and a snack bar. The bus stop to get to nearby Space is just 50m away.
Privates start from €15.73
San Juan, Barconaleta Beach, Spain
San Juan is a centuries-old tradition in Spain where partygoers, bonfires and concerts fill the streets, beaches and squares from 23-24 June.
In Barcelona, Barceloneta Beach is the centre of the action. Beachside bars blast out music so everyone dances till dawn, creating the city’s largest annual beach party. Its known locally as ‘verbenas’ or ‘revetllas’ meaning open-air fiestas.
The event marks the summer solstice and the next day is a public holiday so everyones free to celebrate at midnight the Hour of Good Fortune when partygoers go a little crazy.
Heres a sampler of what they get up to
- Jump over red-hot embers (the ascuas) an odd-numbered amount of times to rid of life’s ordinary problems, to cleanse, to exonerate sins and to have their wishes be granted.
- Wash their face and feet three times for three wishes to be granted.
- Race into the sea to have evil spirits swept away.
- Swim naked in the sea to purify.
- Clasp the hand of their loved one, and leap together over a bonfire seven times. According to tradition this means they will live happily ever after.
- Cast wishes, written on paper, into the flames.
- Eat the herbs thyme, rosemary and verbena. On San Juan they’re believed to be 100 times more powerful at remedying your ailments.
For more of San Juan in Barcelona, check out the official site.
Where to stay
We’ve got loads of hostels in Barcelona to choose from, but Equity Point is one of the best located. It has amazing views over the city, a huge common area and is just a 10-minute walk from the beach. It’s on the beautiful Passeig de Gracia – Barcelona’s Grand Avenue – and is a huge hostel with everything from single to dorm-style rooms. There’s also a free breakfast, lockers and wi-fi. All the main sites of Barcelona are just a few minutes walking away.
Dorms start from €8 pppn.
Goa, India
Goa’s beaches are notorious for providing a haven for the world’s trance ravers. Theyre grimier than Ibiza, with none of the glitz, but all of the passion for the music.
Goa nightlife is magnetic. The Indian Ocean sets the perfect backdrop for the cool lights and fireworks along the beach. Impromptu DJ booths are set up over the beach and everyone just follows the sound of the music. There are discos, lounge bars and beach shacks to keep you feeling feisty through the night.
As the sun goes down head to Anjuna, Morjim and Palolem for the best music. Or you can even hitch a boat ride out to one if the islands, join one of the nightclubs or enjoy a river cruise.
Thanks to the hippies of the 1960s Goa is now the beach capital of India, and it easily boasts one of the best beach nightlife scenes in the world.
Where to stay
Casa Paradiso is right in the centre of Goa. It has 18 air-conditioned rooms of different sizes all with en-suites and room service. It’s just minutes away from the main shopping district of Goa, via the beach, and there are plenty of restaurants and bars nearby.
Privates start from €6.82pppn.
Super Paradise, Mykonos
If youre after a beach party with a bit of glamour you need Super Paradise, Mykonos most fabulous beach. The fabulous and free backpackers, jetsetters, clubbers and glamour models flock here to get some guaranteed sun and dance until dawn. Its also a hotspot for naturists and in some areas nudity is obligatory so dont go wondering if youre of a nervous disposition.
Its the best party beach in the Cyclades with its great weather, clear blue water and incredible surrounding architecture. Early on in the day pick your spot on the beach to relax and as the party picks up in the mid-afternoon make your way to the dancing podiums to show Mykonos your best moves.
If youve got sand in all the wrong places and are looking for the comfort of a nightclub, turn around and youll find some of the best in Greece lining the beach. There are also loads of beach bars that run oceanside the most popular is Paradise Beach Bar where the party starts early and doesnt stop till morning.
Where to stay
Hotel Jason is halfway between Mykonos town and the popular party beach Platis Yialos. Its a family-run business with a swimming pool, a terrace and a garden so you can relax and prepare for the party evening ahead. Rooms are twin and double with en-suite, air-con, TV and a balcony or terrace.
Privates start at €21.25pppn.
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