The ultimate summer duel: Greek islands vs Spanish islands
We don’t exactly know what attracts us to spend some sunny days on the coast of an island, but to be honest the reasons are more than enough. Opt for flying or sailing towards a secluded piece of land in the middle of the sea and enjoy a few of the things only an island could provide you. Two of the most well-known holiday destinations in Europe, Greece and Spain, are always a treat to visit and even more so when you kick back on one of their famous islands. Say that you have a bit of time and money on your hands and you’re about to visit one of the two. Which one should you go for? In this article we aim to find out.
Beaches
Beaches in Greece could hardly be described with a few words, however here are some teasers. Enjoy the unique pink sand of Elafonisi in Crete or head on a holiday to Kefalonia and witness the majestic Xi (Ksi) and Myrtos beaches. Of course a holiday to Zante is never complete without a visit to the world famous Navagio (Shipwreck beach) or the spectacular Laganas, which is also home to the endangered loggerhead turtles of the Mediterranean.
Activities
Due to the mostly calm nature of the Aegean and Ionian seas, people tend to dive around the stunning underwater scenery and engage in the usual watersports such as sailing, kitesurfing and windsurfing. The Greek islands bustle with history and a holiday to Rhodes is a prime opportunity to see the well preserved medieval castles (Old town of Rhodes) in contrast to the ancient Greek ruins in Lindos. Watch one of the most famous sunsets on a holiday to Santorini or the Minoan palace on a holiday to Crete. With history stretching that far back, you could spend days just visiting archeological sites and museums.
Nightlife
Opa! The party never stops with a huge selections of places to go and things to do. From the wild holidays in Corfu (Kavos) and Crete (Hersonisos) to the romantic sunsets of Santorini (Oia), there’s always something for everyone. Most bars and clubs stay open until early in the morning and the Greeks like to let their hair down quite a lot as the vibe is something hard to come by anyplace else.
Beaches
The beaches of the Spanish islands are quite phenomenal. Opt for holidays to Gran Canaria and get lost in the sand dunes of Maspalomas or head to Lanzarote for some of the most impressive volcanic beaches. If you fancy something more familiar, choose a holiday to Ibiza or Majorca and fall in love with the Mediterranean sandy settings of the Balearic Islands. Head to Talamanca in Ibiza for a vibrant vibe by the azure blue waters or to Alcudia in Majorca for lazing endlessly by the sea with the sand between your toes.
Activities
Pick an island and pick a watersport and you definitely will be covered. Surfing, kitesurfing and windsurfing are well represented on a holiday to the Canaries, as well as hiking and cycling on a holiday to Majorca. Visit the medieval castles and monasteries on the mountains of Majorca or hike in Tenerife and before you decide to head home and rest, explore the barren volcanic landscape on your holidays to Lanzarote.
Nightlife
Of course the party capital of the universe, Ibiza, needs no further introduction and the wild Magaluf in Majorca are some of the prime spots to put on your list if you want to party hard. In case you don’t, a holiday to Tenerife or any other of the Canary and Balearic Islands offers a plentiful of options, from relaxed beach clubs to all out club nights and fine dining by the sea.
