Top Beach Vacation Party Resorts
31/01/2007 By Terry Jewell, World News Editor, On The Beach Holidays

Ibiza, Balearic Islands (Spain) A long time ago, Ibiza was a sleepy island where the most exciting thing happening was the harvest. After being discovered in the 1950's by the flower power troupe, who visited the island as part of the annual hippie trail, Ibiza has been transformed into the capital of the global party scene. The nightlife on the island is second to none, with every type of dance music on offer late into the night. The biggest parties are to be found in San Antonio and Ibiza Town, but if you are after something more calming then head out into the country or visit sleepy Santa Eulalia. Another alternative is the incredible open air sunset beach parties at Bora Bora on Playa d'en Bossa or the full moon beach party at Sa Caleta Beach. While there are plenty, and I mean plenty, of beach parties in the main clubbing areas most of the huge parties that have made Ibiza the global party capital are held in clubs like Manumission and Eden. One thing is for sure, any self-respecting party animal should have Ibiza at the top of their destination list!
Haad Rin, Koh Phangan (Thailand)The beaches on Ko Phangan are forever ingrained in the hearts and minds of just about every visitor who have ever set foot on it's white sand beaches. By day Koh Phangan is a lot quieter than the madness that is Chaweng, but that doesn't mean you can't party late into the night! The full moon party on Koh Phangan, held every full moon, is a party you will never forget. People come to experience this party from all over the world, culminating in a massive crowd of up to 10,000 people who are all there for the sole purpose of the party. In a sense the island is almost schizophrenic, morphing from idyllic and somewhat reclusive tropical getaway by day to the craziest party you will ever see by full moonlit night!
Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) You might know Copacabana from that famous Barry Manilow song, but did you know that it is also famed for it's party scene? Copacabana in Rio de Janeiro has been the venue for some of the largest parties ever such as the mammoth New Years Eve party on the beach that attracts millions of party-goers. Recent New Years Eve parties on Copacabana beach have seen acts such as Rod Stewart and the Rolling Stones play to humongous crowds of revellers. While the quality of the club scene along the 4km stretch of beach has declined in recent years, you still won't find yourself stuck for choice for a night out.
Daytona Beach, Florida (USA) Each spring thousands of college students from across the USA flock to the sandy beaches of Daytona Beach, Florida. When they get there, they find a crazy party scene that is quite unlike anything you'll see anywhere else. Daytona Beach is renowned for the range of clubs and bars as well as the pool and beach parties that start early and continue through the night. Check out Ocean Deck, a bar / club that is right on the beach and has been the scene of some of the maddest spring break parties on record.
Mykonos, Aegean Islands (Greece) Like the fabled party island of Ibiza, this once secluded island in the Aegean Sea has been transformed into a buzzing party destination. Mykonos has just about every type of party you can imagine from pseudo new-age / trendy beach parties to mad all-night clubs If it is a party on the beach that you are after then head straight to the Paradise Beach Bar where the parties start early and don't finish until early the next morning. The nightlife here is non-stop, my advice would be to stock up on energy drinks and get yourself ready for what will probably be one of the most exhausting trips of your life.
Ayia Napa (Cyprus) Once a quiet island dominated by spectacular mountains, centuries old olive groves, fruit plantations and the occasional 'locals-only' festival, Ayia Napa has been transformed into a booming party island that comes alive over the summer months. Cyprus is a heady mix of sun-kissed beaches, fascinating myths, unhurried village life and massive parties through the night. Ayia Napa is the island's party central offering an irresistible mix of superclubs and beach parties that cater to just about every musical taste under the sun. BBC Radio 1 have been known to throw a few beach parties while off the beach you can find plenty to do in The Square, an area in central Ayia Napa packed with restaurants, bars and clubs.
Patong Beach, Phuket (Thailand) Phuket, 'The Pearl of the South', is one of the most established beach resorts in Thailand and serves as a gateway to the many small offshore islands such as Koh Samui and Krabi. While many flock here throughout the year for the long sandy beaches, Phuket is also renowned for it's incredible party scene. Look out for full moon beach parties that typically start as the sun drops and the moon rises. If there are no parties on the beach while you are there, then head into town and enjoy a night in one of the many bars and clubs that line the streets. A night out in Phuket is something you'll probably never forget, it's a whole different experience to the slick and stylish Meditteraean resorts of Ayia Napa or Mykonos.
Kuta Beach, Bali (Indonesia) Bali remained a quiet and very secluded island until it was discovered by traveling Australian surfers in the 1970's. After Tracks magazine published pictures of them surfing at Uluwatu on the Bukit Peninsula, Bali was inundated by surfers from all over the world seeking warm water and hollow waves. Nowadays Bali is a thriving tourist destination with plenty of cheap accommodation and lots of partying, despite the recent bombings. Hundreds of people regularly meet on Kuta Beach to watch the sun melt into the Indian Ocean before partying the night away in the bars lining the beach.
Nusa Lembongan, Bali (Indonesia) Situated off the coast of Bali, Nusa Lembongan is accessible by boat from the Denpasar port. Once you get there you'll find a trippy, relaxed scene with a real beach scene. Mostly quiet, Nusa Lembongan comes alive with the full moon parties held on the beach there. Just make sure you arrive early, accommodation is limited.
Byron Bay, NSW (Australia) The Australians know how to party too, in fact Byron Bay throws some of the craziest parties I know of. Did yo know that Paul Hogan of Crocodile Dundee fame has a bar in Byron Bay? The town is usually packed out with travelers from all over the world who come to enjoy the beaches, the diving and parties that last long into the night. If you want to experience Byron Bay at it's best head there during the annual Schoolies, the Australian equivalent of Spring Break, that starts mid November and lasts into December.
Cancun (Mexico) The Mexican resort of Cancun is the Caribbean's party capital, flooded annually by party-seeking spring breakers from the USA. There is plenty to see and do on the beach while the warm waters offer lots of diving activity. By night Cancun offers every sort of party imaginable in some of the biggest clubs and coolest beach bars around. Even though Cancun was hit hard by Hurricane Wilma it has rebuilt itself and is once again firmly on the party circuit.
Chaweng Beach, Koh Samui (Thailand) Located on the tiny island of Koh Samui is the long sandy stretch of tropical beach called Chaweng, a magnet for tourists and backpackers from around the world. What draws them here? Aside from the white sand, warm water and scorching sun, Chaweng manages to pack in more restaurants, bars and clubs than you can shake a large stick at. When the suns sets over the turquoise Gulf of Thailand Chaweng comes alive. You can have it all here, pool-side cocktail bars, traditional Thai food on the beach and all night dance parties. It's all there for the taking.
Grand Bahama Island (Bahamas) A paradise island located approximately 100 miles off the eastern Florida coast, Grand Bahama Island plays host to tourists from around the globe looking for relaxation and fun. It's countless sandy palm-fringed beaches are dotted with bars and clubs that offer plenty of intoxicating cocktails and brews that will blow your mind. Grand Bahama Island may not be a destination for the ardent party animal, but who would pass it up?
Paradise Island (Bahamas) If you are looking for an eclectic mix of city and beach with year round sun, then try Paradise Island. While you may be drawn to the palm-fringed white sand beaches and the azul waters, don't forget the world famous Atlantis resort where you can eat, drink and be merry on the beach amid a truly luxurious setting.
South Beach, Miami (USA) The white, fine powder sands of South Beach is where the beautiful people hang out in the sun and on the water. During the day most people will spend their time bathing in the sun, strolling the beach or enjoying the water. However, by nightfall the scene changes completely into one of the craziest party scenes on earth. You'll be spoilt for choice because there are so many restaurants, bars and clubs to choose from. Be warned though, many of them are packed out and you'll have to queue for entry. However, there are services available where you can book a package that will guarantee your entry. Just make sure to dress up in your very finest clubbing attire!
Puerto Vallarta (Mexico) Puerto Vallarta has just about everything you would ever want in a beach resort, great hotels, quality golf courses, local restaurants, sandy beaches and plenty of partying. Each year the resort is flooded with students from all over America who come to Puerto Vallarta looking for a a lot of fun, and that is exactly what they get at the many clubs and beach parties. Every year Puerto Vallarta is the venue for a massive New Years Eve party that features a prestigious lineup of DJs from around the world.
Panama City Beach, Florida (USA) Situated on the Florida panhandle, Panama City Beach is one of the hottest destinations for spring breakers who flock to the city for some of the craziest parties you can imagine. The laws here are a little more lax than in other Floridian resorts, they even allow kegs of beer on the beach. Do not miss the world famous Sharky's Beach Bash held every Tuesday night, just make sure to book your tickets in advance.
South Padre Island Often ranked among the top beaches in the world, South Padre Island offers spring breakers and party goers a massive range of non-stop action. Each spring the Texan resort is inundated with party-anxious college students looking to forget about their studies and exams, and South Padre Island delivers every time. Coca-Cola Beach is where most of the action goes down with daily crowds of 10,000 - 15,000 on the beach enjoying the bands and contests on stage.
Brighton, Sussex (England) Firmly established as one of the foremost party resorts in England, Brighton has a reputation for big clubs and late nights. However, recently Brighton has been the venue for some truly massive beach parties such as the famed Fatboy Slim beach party of 2002 when the beach was swamped with 250,000 visitors. The Brighton beach party has Fatboy Slim as a resident DJ, playing from 6PM until early morning each New Years Eve. If you are unable to get into the annual beach party then you could try your luck with one of the many clubs in the town.
Newquay, Cornwall (England) In a past life Newquay was a sleepy town that was in a steep decline as the young people moved out to Bristol, Bath and London in search of work and excitement. Recently, however, Newquay has experienced a resurgence in popularity due to the popularity of surfing. You might think that Cornwall is the least likely of places to get decent surf but you would be wrong, the Cornish coast is lined with secret coves, rivermouths, pointbreaks and beaches with waves all year round. Newquay has become the epicenter of the UK surf scene and is now home to a massive annual surf / beach party when many of the world's best surfers descend on the town along with thousands of tourists. The Rip Curl Boardmasters is held on Newquay's Fistral Beach every August and is well worth the trip to experience. If surfing isn't your thing then head off the beach and enjoy some of the great bars and clubs in the town.