It’s summertime! Whether you’re already done with uni for the year or whether you’re submitting your last few assignments in the coming days, I think I speak for all students when I say that summer is already on our minds. With no assignments for the next few months (hallelujah!), now is the perfect time to travel. No matter what type of trip you’re looking for, there are many places in Europe that you could visit. If you’re the kind of person that enjoys a party, then there are many places across the continent for you to visit. So, here are some of the best beach party destinations in Europe to holiday with friends!

Beach party destinations to travel to in Europe

From obvious choices like Ibiza and Hvar, to less well-known beach party holidays like Sunny Beach and Rimini, here’s our pick of the top 10 places to travel to for a good time this summer.

1. Ibiza, Spain

Of course, starting off with one of the classics. Ibiza is known as the party capital of the world for a reason. A small island off the coast of Spain, with 100 miles of coastline and some 50 beaches, stunning views, and also the clubs. If you’re lucky, you may catch a celebrity while you’re there, whether it’s walking around or running a club night, such as David Guetta’s F*** Me I’m Famous club night at Pacha, every Monday in June. Plus, there are a number of restaurants, beaches and markets to visit, so you can add a little culture to your trip in between the clubs.  One word of warning though – the prices in Ibiza are very expensive. So, if you go, it may have to be a short trip. 

• Best club: Amnesia – Known for its legendary foam parties and world-class DJs, Amnesia is a must-visit for any partygoer in Ibiza.
• Best area to stay in to party: Playa d’en Bossa – This area is packed with beach clubs, bars, and restaurants, making it the ideal base for party lovers.
• Unmissable thing to do: Attend a sunset party at Café Mambo in San Antonio and enjoy the breathtaking views and lively atmosphere.

2. Zrce Beach, Croatia

On the Croatian island of Pag, you’ll find Zrce Beach, one of the best party destinations in Europe. It’s home to four of the biggest clubs in the world – Papaya, Noa, Aquarius and Kalypso. All four clubs were ranked in the top 60 of the DJ MAG Top 100 club list worldwide in 2020, so you’ll get a lot in one trip. This summer, some of the people you’ll get to see include Robin Schulz, Timmy Trumpet, Nervo and Oliver Heldens, along with many others. Zrce Beach will be one big party all summer long.  Discover more of Croatia’s destinations that are amazing for both beautiful beaches and great nightlife here.

• Best club: Papaya – Renowned for its incredible open-air parties and international DJs, Papaya is a highlight on Zrće Beach.
• Best area to stay in to party: Novalja – Just a short ride from Zrće Beach, Novalja offers a range of accommodation options and a vibrant nightlife.
• Unmissable thing to do: Experience the thrill of the annual Hideout Festival, which brings together top electronic music artists and enthusiastic crowds.

3. Mykonos, Greece

Mykonos is another big party option. On a Greek island in the middle of the Aegean sea, you’re bound to have stunning views while you party into the night. Paradise Beach and Super Paradise Beach are two places you’ll want to visit. A mix between a beach bar and an open-air clubbing venue, it’ll be a venue like no other. Plus, the beach club is open from April to October so you’ll have plenty of time to soak in the sun while partying the night away. 

• Best club: Cavo Paradiso – Perched on a cliff overlooking the Aegean Sea, Cavo Paradiso is famous for its spectacular parties and stunning sunrise views.
• Best area to stay in to party: Mykonos Town – The heart of the island’s nightlife, filled with trendy bars, clubs, and stylish boutiques.
• Unmissable thing to do: Dance the night away at Paradise Beach Club, one of the island’s most iconic beach party venues.

4. Sunny Beach, Bulgaria

While it may be a lesser-known option, Sunny Beach in Bulgaria will give you just as memorable an experience as some of the other options on this list. Most importantly, you can enjoy it at a fraction of the cost of some other options, which is great for us students. Entry to the PGV, the biggest club in the area, is a mere €10 – ten times cheaper than it is in Ibiza. Plus, room2 has an all-night free bar (well, from 11 pm to close). But, what more could you want?

• Best club: Cacao Beach Club – A major hotspot for electronic music, Cacao Beach Club hosts some of the best parties on the Black Sea coast.
• Best area to stay in to party: Central Sunny Beach – This area is teeming with hotels, bars, and clubs, offering endless entertainment options.
• Unmissable thing to do: Take part in the annual Solar Summer Festival, featuring international DJs and non-stop beach parties.

5. Ayia Napa, Cyprus

Ayia Napa in Cyprus is by far one of the most popular beach party destinations in Europe. It’s home to plenty of clubs and bars that stay open until the early hours of the morning and it is fully catered to tourists meaning that it’s an easy place to go for a first holiday with friends. However, it’s not all partying. By day there are plenty of gorgeous beaches to explore and bustling tavernas to eat at. Likewise, if you are looking for somewhere a little bit more chill, you may want to consider the Cypriot town of Paphos which offers a more low-key nightlife.

• Best club: Club Ice – Known for its energetic atmosphere and impressive light shows, Club Ice is a favorite among party enthusiasts in Ayia Napa.
• Best area to stay in to party: Nissi Beach – Close to the best clubs and bars, Nissi Beach is perfect for those looking to stay in the heart of the action.
• Unmissable thing to do: Visit the famous Makronissos Beach Club for an unforgettable day-to-night party experience.

6. Barcelona, Spain

Why compromise on a city break and a beach party destination in Europe? Well in Barcelona, you can have both. There are plenty of cheap flights between the UK and this Spanish beach city and lots of affordable accommodation. By day you can explore the city’s gorgeous gothic architecture, stock up on food at the markets and soak up some sun on the beach. By night you can head to one of the many iconic clubs and party to your heart’s content. Some of the most famous clubs in the city include Pacha and Opium.

• Best club: Opium – Located on the beachfront, Opium is known for its stylish decor, top DJs, and vibrant party scene.
• Best area to stay in to party: El Raval – This trendy neighborhood is packed with eclectic bars, clubs, and late-night eateries.
• Unmissable thing to do: Attend the Sónar Festival, a pioneering electronic music festival held annually in Barcelona.

7. Hvar, Croatia

Hvar is a small island located off the coast of Croatia, known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant nightlife. The island is approximately 68 km long, and its main town, Hvar Town, is situated on the western coast of the island. Hvar Town is a popular for people looking to enjoy the island’s nightlife and party scene. In summer, you can find beach parties, rooftop bars, and nightclubs that are open until the early hours of the morning. You can visit beach clubs like Hula Hula, offering cocktails and great sunset views, or Carpe Diem, in a secluded cove just a short boat ride away on Stipanska island.

• Best club: Carpe Diem – Accessible only by boat, Carpe Diem is famous for its exclusive parties and stunning island setting.
• Best area to stay in to party: Hvar Town – The bustling heart of the island, known for its lively nightlife and luxurious yachts.
• Unmissable thing to do: Party at Hula Hula Beach Bar, a popular spot for sunset cocktails and dancing by the sea.

8. Rimini, Italy

One of the main attractions in Rimini is its long sandy beaches that stretch for over 15 kilometers along the coast. They have everything for sunbathing in the day, to drinking at the many bars lining the beach at night. Rimini is not the most obvious choice when it comes to best beach party destinations in Europe, but it’s a good one. One of the most famous clubs in Rimini is Cocoricò, which has been entertaining partygoers for over 30 years. The club is known for its techno and house music and attracts some of the world’s top DJs.

• Best club: Altromondo Studios – With its futuristic design and epic parties, Altromondo Studios is a must-visit for clubbers in Rimini.
• Best area to stay in to party: Marina Centro – The central area of Rimini, filled with vibrant bars, clubs, and restaurants.
• Unmissable thing to do: Enjoy a night out at the beachside club Coconuts, known for its tropical vibe and lively dance floor.

9. Albufeira, Portugal

Stunning beaches and great nightlife, Albugeira offers the perfect blend as one of the best beach party destinations in Europe. It’s in the Algarve, so only a short distance to fly to, making it that much easier to plan. The town’s main beach, Praia dos Pescadores, is a beautiful sandy beach surrounded by restaurants, bars, and cafes. Or head inland and you’ll find plenty of bars and clubs. Albufeira town’s “strip,” located in the Areias de São João area, is home to several bars and clubs that are open until the early hours of the morning. One of the most popular clubs in Albufeira is Kiss Club, which is known for its house and techno music and attracts some of the best DJs from around the world. From lazy beach days to all-night raves, Albugeira is a great spot to choose.

• Best club: Kiss Disco Club – One of the oldest and most famous clubs in Albufeira, offering great music and a fun atmosphere.
• Best area to stay in to party: The Strip (Avenida Dr. Francisco Sá Carneiro) – The main hub for nightlife, lined with bars, clubs, and restaurants.
• Unmissable thing to do: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of a boat party along the Algarve coast.

10. Alcudia, Mallorca, Spain

Alcudia is a beautiful European beach party destination located on the northern coast of Mallorca. The town has plenty of beaches to choose from where you can try waterspots or just relax. At night, the town’s beachfront comes alive with a range of bars and clubs that cater to all tastes and budgets. Some of the most popular clubs in Alcudia include Menta Disco and Banana Club, which offer a range of music and keep going until the early hours of the morning. It’s a popular party hub to rival Magaluf, but is less well-known for it. It’s definitely one of the liveliest areas on the island though throughout the summer months.

• Best club: Menta Disco – A popular club in Alcudia with a large dance floor and a diverse music selection.
• Best area to stay in to party: Port d’Alcudia – This area is known for its lively bars and nightclubs, perfect for a fun night out.
• Unmissable thing to do: Spend a day at the beach and then head to one of the many beachfront bars for cocktails and live music.

So, there you have some of the best beach party destinations in Europe. There are a number of different options around the continent for you and your mates to enjoy and make some memories this summer. A great way to remove some steam after a year of stress (aka uni). Now, it’s party time! If you’re looking for a different kind of holiday with your mates, check out our list of 8 cheap city breaks in Europe.