7 European Party Islands to Help You Go Harder This Summer

But where is the best place to go for all things loco under the sizzling hot sun? As well as the usual suspects (I’m looking at you Ibiza) Europe has been quietly brewing an exciting new island scene for some time now.

If you didn’t know about this, you need to get with the program, and we have just got a list of some European party islands. Read on, party people.

Here some of the best European party islands:

1. Pag (Croatia)

When it’s not summer, Pag is an idyllic island home to around 8000 people and a lot of sheep; it boasts rolling hills and some pretty good cheese. Come the warm weather however, and the tables turn. The infamous Zrće (pronounced zer-che) beach attracts top DJs and world-class temptation, the superclubs fire up their sounds systems and the cheap alcohol starts a-flowing. The Euro hasn’t reached Croatia (yet), so you’ll find crystal clear water and pumping bass lines are all yours for an astonishingly low price.

Find cheap accommodation in Pag so you can be close to the action.

2. Hvar (Croatia)

Maybe you’re looking for something ever so slightly upmarket of Pag’s free-spirited fun? With a party repertoire that includes visits from Beyoncé, Jay Z and Prince Harry, Hvar has cemented itself as the classy alternative to its more budget-friendly cousin. Prices are higher than the rest of the country, but not extortionate; expect to part with about €20 for club entry and €6-€9 for a cocktail (the carafe cocktails at Kiva Bar are particularly delicious, although mildly overpriced). Carpe Diem Bar andHula Hula promise the best dancefloors.

*Update* The Croatian government has banned parties to take place at Veneranda. The location is currently closed until further notice.

Click here for the best deals on Hvar hostels.  

3. Rab (Croatia)

So you may have heard about the island of Rab and its popularity amongst nudists (and if you haven’t, you’re missing a great story about a naked King) but there’s much more to this scandalous island than letting it all hang out. Head to San Antonio, Santos Beach Club or Escape for some awesome parties that endure until the wee hours.

Find cheap hostels in Rab. 

4. Mykonos (Greece)

 

Too impatient to wait for the sun to go down? In Mykonos, the party never sleeps; by day, the beaches are roaring with day raves and by night, the clubs light up. You’ll find the craziest parties and the most diverse crowd over at Paradise beach; head to Tropicana Beach Bar or Paradise Club for the best raves. Scandinavian Bar in downtown Mykonos is also worth checking out for its fun-filled atmosphere.

Find an amazing deal on your accommodation here

5. Ios (Greece)

If Mykonos is the Hvar of the Greek islands then Ios is firmly following the example of Pag. You won’t find the giant nightclubs or glamorous crowds of Tropicana Beach Bar, but you can expect enough alcohol, dancing and free love to curb your appetite until next summer. Chora, the main party town is teeming with bars that stock cheap booze and plenty of table-dancing opportunities. Far Out Beach Club is also not to be missed during summertime, here you’ll find the best day raves. If you’re worried about burning out, the island takes a well-deserved siesta between 8-11pm, so you’ll have plenty of time to rest up before a big night. One of the best parts about Ios is that pretty much anything goes, don’t expect a stuffy bouncer to give you any grief about what you’re wearing or how drunk you are, wear whatever you like and feel free to let loose.

Get a great deal on a hostel here. 

6. Gotland (Sweden)

So Sweden is probably not the first place that springs to mind when you’re imagining scorching hot summer madness, but this sexy corner of Scandinavia is just waiting to surprise you. The party season hits its peak in Visby during Stockholm week (14^th – 20^th July), when Sweden’s young and beautiful flock from the mainland to terrorize this quaint coastal town. Stora Torget (the main square) is a delicious hub of drunken hedonism, just head towards the music that tickles your fancy. There are also some stunning beaches around the town ready for you to nurse your hangover during the day. And there’s no need to worry about the weather, in the height of summer, Sweden can promise you a climate that is just as gorgeous as its people.

Find a place to stay nearby. 

7. Ibiza (Spain)

 

No list of party islands would be complete without the legendary Ibiza. With more party history than all the other European islands combined, the beaches here have more stories to tell than Justin Bieber’s bedroom wall. If you didn’t already know (in which case where have you been for the last 10 years??) San Antonio and Bossa Beach are the two main hotspots for hard-core craziness on the island. The choice of nightclubs and daytime beach raves can be a little overwhelming, but there’s plenty of help out there for Ibiza virgins. Check out this detailed schedule of parties and big events throughout summer 2014 to plan your trip.

Click here for cool hostels in Ibiza.  

Do you have any party island tips to share? Let us know in the comments…

Thanks to  Mario Fajit, derÄsthet, Allan Henderson, Abir Anwar, stockholmsveckan, David, Bergen, Emmett and Amnesia Ibiza for the images from Flickr. Please note, all Flickr images were used under the Creative Commons License at the time of posting.