Forget Magaluf, Ibiza & Ios – These Epic European Party Spots Blow Them Away
By Ryan Brown published on 23 July 2025
If you’ve ticked off Magaluf, Ibiza, and Ios, you already know the drill: packed clubs, same songs on repeat, and drinks that cost more than your flight. If you haven’t partied in these overdone destinations, you might want to skip them altogether for something infinitely better.
Why ditch some of the most iconic or infamous European party destinations? Well, because there’s a whole other level of nightlife and adventure waiting out there – if you’re willing to get off the beaten (and cliché) path.
Alternatives to Magaluf, Ibiza, and Ios - Better Islands, Better Nightlife
A week of island hopping on a sailing holiday through Greece and Croatia isn’t just about crystal-clear swims and lazy lunches in seaside tavernas (although you’ll get those too). It’s about experiencing the best party islands in Europe – spots that are every bit as wild as Ibiza but with way more soul. And all the while, more unknown in a good way.
Here are the best alternatives to Magaluf, Ibiza, and Ios from someone who’s been there, danced that, and knows exactly where to go when you want adventure by day and nightlife by the sea.
Poros, Greece – Strong Cocktails & All‑Night Seaside Sessions
Poros might look sleepy when you first sail in, but don’t be fooled. Beneath the surface of Jenga-stacked white villas and lush bays, the island knows how to throw down. Picture yourself on the water all day, whipping around on watersports, then heading ashore as the sun sets to a line-up of cocktail bars that take mixology seriously. Our fave: Unique lounge is top-notch.
By midnight, everyone gravitates to the legendary seaside club Malibu, where the DJ doesn’t let up until sunrise. It’s sweaty, it’s euphoric, and it’s the kind of night where you lose track of time until you’re walking back to your boat under a peach‑coloured dawn.
Why: Awesome activities, stunning scenery, great cocktails, all-night party
Drink this: Espresso martini to kick things off, pornstar martini to keep it going.
MedSailors Route: Greece Athens Voyager
Hvar, Croatia – Secret Beach Bars & Sunset Sessions
Hvar isn’t exactly a secret… but the way you do Hvar makes all the difference. Hvar is the party capital of the Adriatic, and honestly, it wipes the floor with Ios and the others. Most people roll off the ferry straight into the main square, but when you’re on a sail week with MedSailors, you’ll anchor in a bay nearby and swim the day away before hitting the biggest nightlife hotspot in Croatia.
By day, you’re paddleboarding the pristine Pakleni islands with the rest of the flotilla with paddleboard cocktails, then dress in your best to hit the town with the crew. By night, head to seaside sunset cocktail bars playing beachy beats, dance in hidden ruin bars tucked inside ancient stone buildings, or take a water taxi out to Carpe Diem Beach where the party literally kicks off on its own island.
Hvar mixes high‑energy nightlife with that Croatian charm that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled on something special – because you have.
- Kiva Bar – better than anything you hit in Ios (forget Lost Boys bar). It’s cramped, chaotic, and absolutely electric. And they have a helmet shot!
- Seven Bar – the bartender fire show here is insane, and later in the night, the silent disco kicks in. Unforgettable.
- Carpe Diem Beach – take a water taxi out to this island club where the party goes on after everything else closes.
The best part? You’ll recover the next day by swimming in hidden bays that the ferry crowd doesn’t even know exist.
Why: Jaw-dropping beauty, Insta-worthy seaside bars, legendary nightlife.
Drink this: Grab a fishbowl cocktail with your flotilla fam, do a helmet shot.
MedSailors Route: Croatia Voyager
Paxos, Greece – Gaios & Lakka Bring the Buzz
Tiny island, massive vibe. When you dock up, hop on a quad or e-bike to discover secluded bays and beach bars, swim the day away, and enjoy a fiery sunset at Tripitos Arch. Then, it’s back to the boat for pre-game.
Paxos is all about those seaside nights that start with island exploring and a lazy dinner before drifting to waterfront bars where music spills into the street.
Want something a bit more wild? In Lakka, grab an ouzo, and follow the music until you find yourself dancing barefoot by the water with your boat crew. It’s that kind of true island vibe where the DJ will likely let you take over, your drinks will be cheap and strong, and you’ll absolutely dance to ABBA. It’s got that insider energy – like you’ve found the best‑kept secret in Greece.
Why: Nightlife that feels like a MedSailors exclusive, all just meters from the sea.
Drink this: Gin & tonics will keep you feeling good in these small disco bars.
MedSailors Route: Greece Corfu Discovery
Korčula, Croatia – Fortress Cocktails & Late‑Night Mischief
Korčula is where history meets hedonism. You’ll spend the day wandering cobbled lanes and climbing medieval walls, or tasting the island's famous wines in a vineyard. Then hit the nightlife where things get spicy. We dock up by the town so you can stretch your legs while craning your neck in awe at the architecture, and stay out as late as the bars allow.
The standout? A fortress cocktail bar with panoramic sunset views with your MedSailors crew to start off the evening in style. It’s less touristy than Split but twice as fun, and when you’re rolling in with a MedSailors crew, you’re instantly part of the late‑night scene. After all, they call it “Little Dubrovnik” for the awe-inspiring fortifications that you’ll later be dancing near.
Why: Unique cocktail bars, unbelievable ancient town, great food, awesome parties.
Drink this: GOT-themed cocktail atop the fortress, switch to Aperol Spritz when things get going.
MedSailors Route: Croatia Voyager
Agistri, Greece – The Greek Finale Party You’ll Never Forget
Agistri is absolute bliss in the day, and pure nocturnal chaos in the best way possible at night. MedSailors often save this for the grand finale, and trust us, it delivers. Imagine: Cycling to a beach island club and spending the afternoon on floating hammocks in a blue lagoon. Then, the evening fun begins.
Head to a traditional Greek taverna that turns into a full‑blown plate‑smashing party while you’re wrapped up in a toga or an island-chic white outfit. Try your best at Greek dancing while listening to live music, and singing along with locals — all with that infectious energy that only comes from a proper Greek night out.
But it doesn’t end there. After smashing the plates and either ridding yourself of bad mojo or sending good vibes into the universe, you and the flotilla will head to a cliffside club that’s renowned even in Athens. Dance the night away with the DJ playing heavy house beats and the bar slinging shots for a cheers to an unforgettable week.
By the time you leave, your voice will be hoarse, your feet sore, and your heart very, very full.
Why: One of the most beautiful islands in the Saronics, with the best party.
Drink this: Wine is fine for dinner, then move onto the ouzo or G&T at the club!
MedSailors Route: Greece Athens Voyager
Parga, Greece – Sunset Cocktails & Chill Party Vibes
Over on the mainland, Parga is a dreamy harbour town with pastel buildings and a hilltop Venetian castle. But don’t let the postcard look fool you – Parga knows how to serve a cocktail session. We’re anchored right in the crescent-shaped bay surrounded by gold sands and watersports that you'll be looking out over with a drink later.
Start the evening with a sunset fortress walk and cracking cold ones at the top, then head back into town for a seaside sundowner and gyros while you watch as the harbour lights up with music and laughter. It’s a vibe that balances party with the "I’m really doing Europe right" feeling. Our tip: Grab a gyro and a drink for takeaway, find a spot on the sea wall to take it all in, and then head to Veranda bar for live music.
Why: One of the most beautiful towns in Greece with amazing views and cocktails to match.
Drink this: Shake it up and have a margarita or paloma by the sea.
MedSailors Route: Greece Corfu Discovery
Ermioni, Greece – Sunset Cocktails & A Bar That's Literally Fire
You know you’ve arrived when MedSailors throws their welcome party in Ermioni. Start with craft sunset cocktails on the waterfront and meet your new flotilla fam, then let the night take you. There’s a classic Greek disco bar here where the owner sets the bar on fire – and somehow that’s just the warm‑up.
It’s as cliché as it gets in a good way, with the bar blasting 80s, 90s, and 2000s bangers from CD mixes under a disco ball with fog machines and bubbles. By the end of the night, you’re dancing with locals, swapping stories, and realising this is exactly why you came to Europe in your 20s and 30s. Get stuck in and ride the good vibes with your new best mates to kick off the week.
Why: Our best welcome party and a Greek disco bar that feels like it’s from a movie.
Drink this: Sip a astellar cocktail at Thanos bar, then hit rum cocktails like a true salty sea dog at the after party.
MedSailors Route: Greece Athens Voyager
Bonus: Partying Onboard Your Yacht
Here’s the part no one tells you when you book a standard holiday: sometimes the best party of the week isn’t even on land.
Be it an afternoon cocktail sesh and charcuterie on the bow of the boat, or after a huge night out, nothing beats the good times on the yacht and a floating party.
Someone breaks out a portable speaker, someone else brings cocktails from the galley, and suddenly you’re dancing under the stars, sea breeze in your hair, anchored in a quiet bay with your best new mates.
Late‑night swims under the stars, swapping stories on deck, laughing until the sun starts creeping up – these are the moments that make a sailing holiday unforgettable. No club queue, no overpriced drinks, just you, your crew, and the sound of the water lapping against the hull.
Stops Worth a Night Out Before or After
One of the best things about a MedSailors week? You begin your odyssey of awesome at some of Europe’s best nightlife hotspots. Along the way, you can hit bonus destinations at the start or end of your trip:
- Corfu Town: buzzing nightlife wrapped in historic charm with beach parties to discover.
- Athens: rooftop bars and hidden speakeasies for a pre‑sail warm‑up or post-trip rally.
- Dubrovnik: where Game of Thrones backdrops meet craft cocktails and a surprisingly wild club scene, some within the historic walls!
Ready to Sail Beyond the Ordinary?
Anyone can book a flight to Ibiza. But a sail week with MedSailors means a Europe trip that helps you explore like never before. You’re not just heading to the best Greek party islands or top Croatian nightlife spots, you’re rolling in with a ready‑made crew, anchoring in secret bays, and getting insider access you’d never find solo.
✅ Island hopping freedom: New destinations every day, no checkout, check-in, ferries, or taxis required.
✅ Adventure included: Paddleboarding, snorkelling, cliff jumping in between nights out.
✅ Epic nightlife: From fortress bars in Korčula to plate smashing in Agistri.
✅ Instant mates: Solo or with friends, you’ll leave with a whole new crew.
Book your MedSailors trip now and discover the sailing holiday that’s part island hopping, part nightlife legend, and 100% unforgettable.
