Spain or Greece: Which European islands should you holiday in next?

Greece or Spain, what’s the ultimate island escape?

Euro summer is in full swing... this is where to go island hopping. 

Greek islands

Arguably the most famous holiday islands in the world, the beautiful Greek islands, with their whitewashed towns overlooking azure seas, need little introduction. There are thousands of islands – 227 of which are inhabited – which means there’s a destination for every kind of visitor.

Whether you want the glitzy islands of Mykonos and Santorini, the neighbouring party island of Ios ; up-market Corfu and pretty Paxos in the Ionian Islands; car-free Hydra; or the ‘next-big-thing’ destinations of Milos, Paros, or Tinos, there’s a Greek island to suit everyone. And they really are beautiful – it’s little wonder in Greek mythology they’re known as the birthplace of the gods. Zeus, king of the gods, is said to have been born in a cave on Crete.

The ‘next-big-thing’ is the island of Milos

While the days of island-hopping on a budget have pretty much gone, it’s still possible to have a Mamma Mia-esque experience on many of the quieter, unspoilt islands, with the added bonus of much more comfortable accommodation than you’d encounter in previous decades.

And truly, nothing compares to hiring a boat and meandering between islands and bays before watching the sunset from a taverna. “The Greek islands offer crystal-clear seas, a laid-back atmosphere, and off-the-beaten-track charm,” says Mat Simpson, of Simpson Travel, which represents properties all over the Greek islands.

The glitzy islands of Santorini is still worth the hype

Spanish islands

They might not be as numerous as the Greek islands, but Spain’s Balearic Islands pack a mighty punch in the tourism game – so much so that residents have been in the news of late, demonstrating against the volume of visitors. It’s little wonder they became so popular, as Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza – which along with Formentera make up the islands – have spectacular sandy beaches that are perfect for families, along with gorgeous coves and picturesque villages overlooking the tranquil Mediterranean Sea.

While a more developed tourism industry than the Greek islands does mean bigger resorts in some areas – particularly on Mallorca’s coast, swathes of which are full of hotels – it’s also possible to enjoy the natural landscape away from the crowds. Parts of Mallorca, Menorca, Formentera, and even party-island Ibiza are – to the surprise of many first-time visitors – designated Unesco World Heritage sites.

The Balearic lslands’ picturesque Cala Mitjana beach on Menorca

But it also means a more developed infrastructure than the Greek islands, so facilities are more sophisticated, plus it’s easier to get in and around. The islands also have a thriving gourmet scene, boasting 14 Michelin star restaurants. Greece’s 12, in comparison, are all in its capital, Athens.

“Both the Spanish and Greek islands offer the perfect blend of relaxation, beautiful beaches, and wonderful food,” says Mat Simpson. “Mallorca is blessed with some of the sandiest beaches in the Mediterranean, while the Ionian Islands, though home to some sandy beaches, are more famous for their pebbly shores,” he says. But whichever you choose, “both destinations are unlikely to disappoint”.

Originally published as Spain or Greece: Which European islands should you holiday in next?