Infamous Party Islands

Traveling the world in your youth is a spectacularly exciting rite of passage. It opens your eyes to people, places, cultures, and customs that are uniquely disparate from your own. Yet, in between sightseeing and absorbing the delightfully new surroundings, time should unquestionably be made for some fun. While most cities around the world can boast of exciting and unique nightlife options, if you look hard enough, not many compare to the infamous party islands. These destinations offer entertainment options of Dionysian proportions. Here are a few must visit spots to add to your bucket list.

Ibiza

This Spanish Island in the Mediterranean is the 3rd largest of the Balearic Islands and a quick 1-hour flight from either Madrid or Barcelona. It is a very popular summer holiday spot for Europeans and young global backpackers alike. As probably the most infamous club spot in the world, Ibiza has spent years bulking up its over-the-top reputation. Known as the 24-hour party destination, the destination boasts nightclubs that last well into the morning, transitioning you right into day beach clubs in a never ending cycle of dancing and drinking. During peak summer seasons, famous DJ’s from around the world come here to host parties which add an even more dramatic element of revelry. The main clubs on the island are Pacha, Es Paradis, DC10, Amnesia, Space, Privilege, Booom!, Gatecrasher, and Sankeys. Some of these, like Pacha and Space, have numerous side rooms playing various types of music in addition to the main DJ space. These larger-than-life spots also bring along prices to match, from the entry tickets to alcohol, so be aware of a budget before getting yourself too far down the rabbit hole. After a night of debauchery, the best way to cure a hangover is with a dip in the beautiful ocean; the beaches here are definitely worth checking out between dancing on tables.

Koh Phangan

This Thai island is located in the Gulf of Thailand in the South Eastern portion of the country. Renowned for remarkably gorgeous beaches, friendly locals, amazing food, and reasonable prices, Thailand stands as the perfect tourist destination. Koh Phangan holds a special place as the host of a Full Moon Party every month that many young backpackers have pilgrim-aged to. To get here, a flight or boat ride is taken from the mainland to Koh Samui with another 30 minute connection boat from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan. Be sure to book a hostel or hotel well in advance unless you plan on spending the entire night dancing into the ocean as it becomes quite booked up. The actual party takes place on Haad Rin beach with numerous DJ booths and bars lined up and down the shore for every type of reveler. A quintessential marking of this party (and many other South East Asian bars) are the buckets of alcohol, which are beach pails filled with cheap mixed drinks and a handful of straws thrown in to share with all your new friends. Glow in the dark body paint is also an essential component of the Full Moon Party. Groups paint each other as preparation and continue to share paint with others throughout the night to create a colorful amalgamation of bodies on the sand.

Mykonos

This Greek paradise is part of the Cyclades islands in the Aegean Sea and is often referred to as the Ibiza of Greece. Mykonos is arguably a bit more picturesque than Ibiza though, with gorgeous white washed buildings overhanging cliffs and a glamorous culture beyond the debauchery. Yet the party scene is one of the main draws and is undoubtedly a good time to be remembered (or forgotten in a haze of alcohol consumption). Paradise Beach is where the party gets started in the early afternoon. A DJ revs up the crowd who can groove on the dance floor, lounge in their beach chairs or take the party into the ocean. Another area packed with bars is Little Venice—the perfect spot to drink, laugh and eat with friends as you watch the sun set. After a late dinner, the best spots to continue the party are at Cavo Paradiso and Paradise Club. Paradise Club is on the beach while Cavo is set high up on the hill with a gorgeous view. Both feature a rotating-set of world class DJ’s, pools inside the clubs and a packed crowd of young and gorgeous patrons.

These 3 spots are true island paradises for a crazy, raucous, and indulgently good time. After a day and night of non-stop excitement, be sure to take a moment and a deep breath as the sun rises over a brand new, beautiful and action-packed day.