Good music, dancing, drinks, and yachts - what could be better than yachting in the best party islands in Europe, Asian and the US.
Discotecas, raves, poolside clubs, and beach bars - whatever you want to call it - there are all sorts of unique party opportunities to be found around the world. Yacht4Less breaks down where you can find the best party islands.
Let's dive right in.
Greece is a top party and sailing destination, so it only makes sense that it has some of the best party islands in Europe.
The top destination in Greece is Mykonos, which is known for its beautiful beaches, swanky nightclubs, and lively bars. Mykonos’ reputation as a legendary party scene goes all the way back to the 1960’s. For chill nights, there is a neighborhood called Little Venice, or Chora, where you can sip cocktails overlooking the ocean. For a little day drinking, you’ll have a great time at Psarrou Beach, where Paradise Club, Tropicana Beach Bar, and Cavo Paradiso are located.
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The Mykonos Port makes mooring in Mykonos easy. For Stern-to morning, it costs about 3 euros per day for 40ft lengths, and side mooring will be an extra 25%. Water and power cost extra too, about 10 euros per cubic meter and 0.65 euros per kWh, respectively.
Other honorable mentions include Ios, Zakynthos, Skiathos, and Corfu.
A trendy hotspot, Croatia is an amazing place to party. Home to 718 islands, 389 islets and 78 reefs - there are plenty of party islands in Croatia.
Most notably, Pag is the perfect party stop for your sailing holiday. Known as the “Croatian Ibiza”, on Pag you can spend the day at summer beach parties and music festivals. Stop at Zrće beach, where you’ll find Kalypso Club - one of the best clubs in Croatia. Zrće also has other open air clubs, like Papaya and Aquarius. If you love DJs and pool parties, then Pag is the place for you.
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Croatia also has other party islands like Murter, Hvar, Brač, and Rab.
Of course, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention Ibiza, the absolute ultimate party island in Spain, Europe, and potentially the world. After all, Mike Posner wrote a whole song about the crazy parties in Ibiza. While you can spend a sailing holiday in Ibiza relaxing on the beach and enjoying the weather - Ibiza is more known for the renowned clubs, like Pacha and Ushuaïa. If you’re not feeling the discotecas, head to the Sunset Strip along thee Caló des Moro in San Antonio for a more atmospheric setting. There you’ll be able to watch the sunset, have a drink, and listen to some low-key music.
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San Antonio is where smaller yachts and charter boats typically moor, but Ibiza Town is where all the glamorous nightlife is located. Make sure to book well in advance since it’s such a popular destination. Luckily, if you’re trying to avoid expensive marina fees, you can try anchoring in one of the many small bays that will offer a safe, secure anchorage.
If you’re looking for a party island in Spain, definitely check out Mallorca, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and Lanzarote as well.
When you think of partying in Thailand, most people think of the Full Moon Party on Haad Rin Beach. It’s a can’t-miss experience in Koh Phagan, which is also home to beautiful sandy beaches and a lush jungle interior.
However, if you’re looking for a big city experience you’ll have to head to Phuket, one of the larger islands. Patong Beach on Phuket is one of the top party destinations worldwide. Start the evening off with entertainment like a Muay Thai boxing match, or a Simon Cabaret show. Then head to the bars and clubs. People come from all over to prowl the nightclubs, bars, and go-go bars here.
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The east side of the island is where you’ll find most of the marinas. At the Phuket Boat Lagoon mooring fees range from 39-60 THB. Electricity costs about 9 THB per Kwh, water 95 THB per Cu. M., and utilities are charged at 20% berth rate.
In Thailand you can also visit Ko Phi Phi Don, Koh Tao, and Koh Phangan for some other top party islands.
Other spots worth mentioning are Tioman Island and Langkawi in Malaysia. Tioman Island may be a little less rowdy than some of the other islands we’ve mentioned,but it's a great place to relax with some sundowners on Salang beach after a day of snorkeling and sunbathing. If you’re looking for a more luxury sailing holiday, head to Langkawi. Pantai Cenang is the place to be for an evening out, as the stretch of restaurants it is home to turn into cocktail bars after-hours.
You’ll need to head down to the Caribbean to find some of the best party islands in the Americas.
The French-Dutch island of Saint Martin is known for its hospitality and has been nicknamed “The Friendly Island.” The French side has plenty of great attractions like beach barbeque restaurants, nudist beaches, and great views, however - the Dutch side is where the party is at. Phillipsburg offers gourmet restaurants, luxe casinos, and vibrant street parties and cultural festivals.
To dock in Simspon Bay, you’ll have to pay deck, meeting and clearing fees. Clearance fees range from $2 to $9+ depending on the ton. Lump sums charged in addition to mooring fees are $5-20 by ton. Then the daily mooring fee ranges from $20-290 depending on length.
Other party islands in the Americas include Morro De Sao Paulo or Florianopolis in Brazil, and Caye Caulker, Belize are also known as top party islands in the Caribbean. Last, but not least, we couldn’t forget Key West in the US.
With all these parties to be found, you might never sleep during your sailing holiday.
Which destination sounds like the right fit?
