Holiday showdown: Mykonos versus Ibiza

Glorious golden sands make Ibiza a top destination for all beach enthusiasts. If you plan on laying horizontal on your beach towel for the foreseeable future of your getaway, Playa d’En Boda should be your first port of call. Oh, and as it is the longest stretch of beach paradise on the islands, our bet is you’ll be here for a while. What’s more, there are various beach bars and restaurants dotted along the promenade to keep you fed and hydrated during your tanning session. Alternatively, pitch up a parasol at Cala Jondal. The pine trees and jagged cliffs make for dramatic scenes, and the waters are adorned with yachts and boats for a little extra luxury. Speaking of luxury, Nikki Beach Club is perfect for all those wanting the finer things in life. Situated on S’Argamassa Beach there’s a large watersports centre, beach bar and the most comfortable sun beds to take advantage of. It’s also famous for its signature annual White Party that sees guests don their most fabulous white attire. If you’re here on a Sunday the Nikki brunch is a must too with various cooking areas serving international cuisine such as sushi, carvery dishes and various forms of egg plates.
 
Similarly, Mykonos has plenty of beaches to keep every traveller satisfied. From the wild and free beaches that are Paradise and Super Paradise to the more secluded Agios Sostis, you’ll be able to find a brilliant stretch of sands to suit you. Ornos Beach is one of the busiest on the island due to its close proximity to multiple hotels. With a shuttle service to and from the beach as well as an array of restaurants, a day of soaking up the sun is guaranteed. For a family excursion with a healthy dose of watersports, Gialos Beach is ideal. Here, snorkelling and scuba diving are highly popular so if you fancy a little exploration before dinner this place is perfect.

If you’re on the hunt for a party isle, Ibiza is always top of the list… and for good reason. World-class DJ’s, legendary venues and night-long parties are its bread and butter. The island boasts three main clubbing resorts – Playa d’en Bossa, San Antonia and Ibiza Town and all have their fair share of unforgettable nights. Pacha can be found in Ibiza Town. A real playground for the rich and famous, here you’ll find countless rooms each with varying music from chart and dance to underground and electronic. Amnesia in San Antonia is just as iconic. With a capacity of 5,000, cannons that pump out dry ice and an upstairs VIP lounge, you’ll be having endless fun here. This club also has its own sound system that is able to submit frequencies that give you the feeling of having a sound massage.
 
Equally, Mykonos has its fair share of clubs. Cavo Paradiso in Paradise Beach annually invites the top EDM DJ’s to grace the decks and always delivers a heart pumping evening. This open-air club is the perfect party and is best enjoyed with table service, but be sure to book in advance… they sell out fast. For the LGBT traveller the islands have a wealth of gay clubs and the nightly drag shows and summertime themed parties at Babylon are certain to be a hit. You’ll be throwing some shapes to the likes of house, techno, acid jazz and ambient beats. Super Paradise Club is popular with both gay and straight holiday makers. Parties are spontaneous, often starting in the afternoon and lasting ‘til the early hours.

Ibiza has a wealth of hotels that are in the perfect location to all the clubs and attractions that bring holiday makers to its sandy shores. Ibiza Town and Play d’en Bossa are two of the most popular ares and both offer plenty of five-star resorts to choose from. Hard Rock Hotel, Ibiza in Playa d’en Bossa is just one of these. Home to the destination’s highest roof terrace, restaurants serving global favourites and a tranquil spa to unwind in, all guests are catered for. However, if you want to be close to the party scene then you should definitely stay at Grand Palladium Palace Ibiza Resort & Spa as both Ushuaïa and Space are less than a five-minute walk away.
 
Mykonos is also home to world-class luxury hotels too, however they tend to be in more secluded locations. Mykonos Grand Hotel & Resort is certain to up the glamour factor with it’s tennis courts, stunning swimming pool and lavish accommodation. Alternatively, Mykonos Blanc Hotel is perfect for all sun worshippers as it’s just a two-minute walk to the sands of Ornos Beach. The rooms and suites are contemporary and luxe, with a striking white colour scheme and plenty of gorgeous views to take in. Add into the mix three restaurants serving gourmet dishes, a beach bar for post-dinner drinks, a magnificent spa and a sweat-inducing gym and you’re sorted. Alternatively, if you’re planning on staying in Mykonos Town then Absolut Mykonos Suites & More is fantastic. The chance to stay in a windmill with views of the Aegean Sea? Count us in! 

Eating in Ibiza is certain to have all foodies in paradise. Spanish seafood will have your taste buds tantalised from the moment you arrive. Signature dishes will see you enjoy a cultural taste of the isle with seafood stew and home-produced honey and herb liqueur. If these local delicacies don’t tickle your fancy then guisat de peix might. Various grilled fish, almost always freshly caught that morning, is cooked in sofrito sauce before large chunks of potato are added. The result is an aromatic dish that will have your hunger well and truly at bay. International cuisine is also common especially in the eateries by the beach. Whether you’re after some home comforts the morning after a party or a flavoursome meal for a date night with your other half, you don’t have to go far to please the palate. Oh, and if you don’t enjoy a sangria at least once during your getaway then it’s a wasted trip.
 
Let Mediterranean flavours take centre stage while dining in Mykonos. Delicacies and signature dishes are also top of the menu here, however this time with a spicy kick. Mousakka is an absolute must, comprised of eggplant and béchamel sauce that’s been baked in the oven. Not a fan? Why not try pastitsio instead? A spicy Greek lasagne, you’re certain to be wanting seconds and thirds. For snacks on the go, or if you’re wanting to feed every member of the family, souvlaki is brilliant. Skewered meat and vegetables are barbecued to perfection, ensuring a succulent and delicious taste with every bite. And for dessert you simply have to order a baklava. Chopped nuts held together with syrup or honey, encased in layers of filo pastry? Our mouths are watering just thinking about it.

While you may think that Ibiza is just a party destination it also has plenty of history. Above the harbour is the old quarter of Dalt Vila. Home to Catedral de Eivissa, this gothic monument stands proud in Ibiza Town and is just as hauntingly beautiful at night. You can also get back to nature at the Caves of Culleram. Located in the north of the island, here you can venture through the chambers that make up this place of worship. Visitors still leave offerings to the fertility and fortune goddess Tanit, with more than 600 terracotta images of her found within the walls of this cultural sight. Alternatively, leave your inhibitions behind and take a boat trip to any of the remote islands found close to the shores of Ibiza. Formentera promises travellers sandy stretches surrounded by pine trees as well as brilliant snorkelling and scuba diving opportunities.
 
The windmills of Mykonos are one of the most famous monuments on this Greek island. For the best views of them simply go to Mykonos village, often called Chora, and head to Alefkandra harbour. Plus, if you want to find out more about these structures, one of the windmills has been transformed into a museum so all your questions are bound to be answered. For even more phenomenal backdrops, venture up to Armenistis lighthouse and relish the cerulean waters of the Aegean Sea. A 20-minute drive from here will see you dive into all the action of the Aegean Maritime Museum with various exhibitions and artefacts to wander through too.