kanikawadhawan

Hi all,
I want to visit Europe for my 1 st wedding anniversary. i am just confused, which place is better.... Spain or Greece. We both are party people and we love going on beaches and some other water activities.

Heimdall

What time of the year do you wish to travel?

Robert2016

The Greek Islands are fine most of the year, but you have to select where to go carefully. There is a refugee crisis at some locations you might not be aware of.

If you want to party in Spain, then head for Ibiza in late June thorugh early September.

Heimdall

Robert2016, there isn't a refugee crises on the Greek Islands, your info is outdated.

The reason I asked when you are travelling, kanikawadhawan, is the Greek Islands are very seasonal, and I wouldn't want to go in winter. At the beginning of January this year there was snow on the Greek Islands as far south as Crete, and just in the last few days there has been serious flooding on Naxos and Paros.

The months of May through September are the "season" on the Greek Islands, and any of those months plus October would be fine. July and August are very busy, which suits party people like yourselves. May, June, and September are quieter, but it's still possible to have a good time, especially on islands like Mykonos and Santorini.

crazyh

When you go will determine how lively or party atmosphere will be available. High Season (July/August) will find Spain and Greece filled with tourists and party goers.

I haven't been to Spain (even though I've researched it a number of times) but have gone to Greece many times.

You have your pick of Greek Islands to party, Mykonos, Ios, Santorini are probably the three top party islands during that time.

For those who want culture, history, tradition and more locals than tourists then off-season is best, which is why we go off season.

But . . . to each their own.

If you decide on Greece I'm sure you'll find a number of islands that will meet your needs.

Robert2016

>there isn't a refugee crises on the Greek Islands, your info is outdated< I guess it must be so if you say so...

http://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/11/wo...orms.html?_r=0

jamikins

I don't think these refugee camps will impact most tourists on most islands. We have been in the Ionian islands in Aug 2015 and 2016 and were not impacted at all.

The Dodecanese are right by Turkey so are likely to be most impacted. I haven't heard of the Cyclades, santorini or Mykonos for example, being impacted from a tourist perspective (actually haven't heard of any islands being greatly impacted by this terrible situation from a tourism perspective)

Heimdall

The recent weather has made it difficult for the refugees already in camps on islands near the Turkish mainland, but refugee flow has all but dried up after agreements between the EU and Turkey:
http://www.tornosnews.gr/en/greek-ne...rkey-deal.html

kanikawadhawan

Hi Heimdall,Jamikins,Robert,Crazyh,

Thanks for your replies. I am planning to go from 8th july to 15th july.
Robert, i have also heard that Ibiza is a party place and one should definately visit there but on the other side as Heimdall mentioned, mykonos is also beautiful. That was the reason i was confused.
My main preference is to party first, beaches all around, nice food, water sport activities and some cheap markets to shop. i would also like to mention here that i am looking for a good apartment near the beach where i can cook the food myself. I was thinking to take a house on rent through airbnb.
Please advise.

Heimdall

If partying is your priority, you can't go wrong with either Ibiza or Mykonos. I have been to both, and although too old for the party scene, enjoyed my stays on each island.

Mykonos is a little smaller, so it's easier to get from the party beaches into town, where nightlife doesn't begin until after midnight. Ibiza is much larger than Mykonos, with clubs scattered around the island. The main party center on Ibiza is San Antonio, which attracts young partygoers on cheap package holidays. Mykonos, IMO, is more upmarket than Ibiza, and prices reflect it. Ibiza has a couple of "hippy markets" which are fun to visit.

Heimdall

By the way, there are many other islands in Greece that have a vibrant party scene, so it is wrong to single out just Mykonos. Ios is also famous for its partying in July and August. Certain resorts on Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, and several other islands would fit the bill.

frencharmoire

Really hard to choose which is the better party place, but worried chatter about refugees really shouldn't deter you about going to Greece if you begin to think that appeals to you more.

I think you can't wrong with either country if you pick the right location when it comes to prettiness & a hotel, so maybe the best thing to do is some cost comparisons about plane flights, plus which might be easier to get to, and also compare hotels and such. Also think about what you want to eat and drink! Two countries are different in that regard.