The Best Party Destinations in Spain

I have cousin who’s a captain of a yacht. Every summer he cruises the Mediterranean, taking his boss (and his entourage) to all the party hotspots along the coasts. Thanks to him we’ve been invited to places like Ibiza and Mallorca.

A lot of people come to Spain to just let loose. So what are the best party destinations in Spain? From Barcelona (one of the best party places in Europe) to Tenerife, this post covers that.

Barcelona

I’ve said it before: I don’t like Barcelona. But many people do and what attracts them is the nightlife. Barcelona has lots of rooftop bars and techno clubs. You can even go to boat parties.

A few of the best-known nightclubs in Barcelona: Sala Razzmatazz (a huge nightclub and concert hall with a capacity of 2,000 people), Bling Bling (a happening high-end club), INPUT (high-end club with various music styles) and Disco City Hall (disco and house club). The best premium beach club is Opium, the best techno is at City Hall.

Barcelona is known for its music festivals, from the BAM festival (held in September), the Barcelona Jazz Festival (one of the best jazz festivals in the world), and the Mira festival (an international festival with auto visual shows).

In comparison to other European cities, Barcelona is quite affordable. But it’s still one of the most expensive cities in Spain for a night out.

Lloret de Mar

An hour north from Barcelona, on the beautiful (and rocky) Costa Brava, is the seaside town of Lloret de Mar. It is known for its nightlife, with cool beach parties and great techno music.

It has a few huge clubs: right in the center, Colossus is a disco known for its foam parties (it has a capacity of 2500 people). Millenium Party is just outside the town and has 3 music zones with everything from R&B to House. Fitting 3000 people, it also has a huge rooftop bar. StTrop Club is a famous disco with world class DJs (and it fits 2000 people).

But Lloret de Mar isn’t about just big clubs, it has about 300 entertainment spots with everything from hip beach bars to English pubs.

Ibiza

Ibiza has long had the reputation of an exclusive party place. It is to Spain what Hvar is to Croatia: a place for celebrities and the wealthy to see and be seen. Popular in Ibiza are boat parties. Promoters offer night or full-day packages and you can enjoy the sun on the boat’s deck during the day while partying at night.

Best clubs in Ibiza: Hï Ibiza is large club with top DJs and was chosen as the number 1 club in the world by the International nightlife association. Even David Guetta performs here. Ushuaïa Ibiza is another popular club. You’ll see bikini clad partygoers, Balinese beds, and huge LED screens. Naomi Cambell has been spotted here. Amnesia Ibiza is another Superclub in Ibiza and has previously received the award for the best club in the world (known for its DJs and foam parties).

Ibiza isn’t cheap. You can pay 50 to 90 Euros for a party…and 16 Euros for a beer and 20 to 23 Euros for a cocktail. But that’s the price to hang out with all the beautiful/wealthy people.

Valencia

Valencia is not a place that automatically comes to mind when you think of nightlife. But this beautiful city (Spain’s 3^rd largest city) is home to a fun and varied nightlife at more affordable prices than places like Ibiza or Barcelona. There’s a lot of variety in Valencia and you’ll experience Latin music, commercial house, urban and reggaeton.

Best clubs in different niches: Mya for a young international club (located right in the famous City of Arts & Sciences), La3 Club for electronic music, Nylon Club for Indie music. Barraca is Valencia’s most famous club with 4 rooms of techno and house music. Agenda Club is the place for students.

Valencia is a great party place for those who want a more laid-back vibe. There’s something for everyone and you’ll find people of all ages going from bar to bar, enjoying music and different tapas.

Mallorca

Mallorca has long been among the most famous party destinations in Spain. Unfortunately most people associate Mallorca with Magaluf (low-class British tourists, cheap alcohol and public sex come to mind with the mention of Magaluf).

But there’s a lot more to Mallorca. It has iconic nightclubs, jazz clubs featuring live music, and venues where you can see concerts and shows.

A few nightclubs to visit: Abaco cocktail bar, set in a palace dating from the 16th century, Brooklyn Club for great music with guest DJs, Hostal Cuba for a chill vibe and a rooftop with views.

Marbella

Marbella is beautiful and a place that should be visited. It’s not just the glitzy and super-exclusive destination that people make it out to be (these glitzy and super-exclusive spots are in fact all located along the coast just outside of the city…).

But the nightlife in Marbella does cater to the jetsetters and celebrities. Most of the nightclubs are in Puerto Banus and the Golden Mile. And they’re exquisite.

A few examples: Nikki Beach Marbella. Expect live music, themed parties and fashion shows. Olivia Valère, which has themed open-air patios housed in hybrid replicas of the Alhambra Palace and Mezquita. Aqwa Mist, featuring international DJs and hosting famous celebrities. Funky Buddha, a lively party atmosphere with an elegant and classy vibe.

Marbella has some very extravagant nightlife.

Málaga

Málaga has a totally different vibe to Marbella. It has a student-friendly, young, international, and cool nightlife. And it’s affordable to the average person.

The Best clubs in Malaga: Sala Gold is almost always full, and you’ll get a variety of music depending on the night: from reggaeton to English and Spanish pop music. Discoteca Anden features two dance floors with resident DJs, 4 bars, and 6 VIP sections. Expect mainstream music and reggaeton. Sala Wenge is known for its music and hip and relaxed atmosphere. For a good cocktail, go to Speakeasy “The Pharmacy”. For live music go to ZZ bar.

Tenerife

The beautiful Canary Islands are known for their geographical beauty. But there is exciting nightlife to be found on both Gran Canaria and Tenerife. Of these two, the star has to be Playa de Las Americas in Tenerife. It is undoubtedly the liveliest resort in the Canary Islands.

Best Clubs in Tenerife: Papagayo Beach Club: with international DJs playing electronic music, great cocktails, a rooftop with great views. Monkey Beach Club: a complex with 4 venues, dancing, great cocktails…Coqueluche beach bar: right on the beach, the place for live music and cool vibes. A few more Tenerife nightlife options here.