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The Greek islands are some of the most spectacular places in the world. Surrounded by crystal-clear waters, traditional Greek architecture, and laid back lifestyle, it makes the ultimate place to relax and enjoy some time off. But with hundreds of islands spread across the Mediterranean, deciding which is right for you may be challenging. Especially if you are trying to decide between the two famous islands, Mykonos vs. Santorini.
To help you with this decision, I will compare the two based on various characteristics. We’ll be looking at the pros and cons of both destinations and the main reasons you should visit each so that you can make the best decision.
Overview of Mykonos vs. Santorini
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Mykonos vs. Santorini Comparison
Why You Should Visit Santorini
Santorini may be the best island for you if your ultimate goal is to find stunning landscapes and unique views. Home to a large volcanic crater known as the Caldera, the main towns of Fira and Oia sit high on the cliffside with views of the turquoise waters below. The Caldera is one of the reasons tourists flock to Santorini each year, and it is easy to see why.
Santorini is also home to some unique beaches. Some of the most famous are the black beaches made up of volcanic rock. In contrast, the island also has a magnificent red beach that is a popular place for beach lovers to go.
If you enjoy history, then the ancient city of Akrotiri is a large archaeological site that you can visit as part of a self-guided tour. The town was buried by a volcanic eruption and has painstakingly been uncovered by archaeologists for years.
Lastly, Santorini is known for being home to plenty of vineyards. You can visit them on your own or as part of a guided tour. Besides the unique blends found on the island, the vineyards themselves are perfectly situated on the cliffside for views of the Caldera.
No matter what you are interested in, these are some of the highlights of the beautiful island of Santorini. We will make a side-by-side comparison of the two islands to give you more insight on which is best for you.
READ MORE: Santorini 3 Day Itinerary & Travel Guide
Why You Should Visit Mykonos
Known as a playground for celebrities and party-goes, Mykonos has made a name for itself as the go-to place for nightlife. There are plenty of bars and beachside clubs scattered around the island. This place should be on your list if you are traveling with a group of friends.
Not to mention, Mykonos has a large variety of luxury resorts and sandy beaches for all types of travelers. The island has some of the best beaches in Greece, many of which come with comfortable amenities. There is nothing better than lounging on a sunbed as you get served refreshing cocktails and listen to the sound of the water nearby.
Mykonos is also an excellent place for foodies. There are many high-end restaurants in Mykonos Town, delicious beach bars, and delectable seafood restaurants. And shockingly, many of these places are less expensive than one might think. From tasty gyros to fine dining, there are plenty of places for all budgets.
There is much more to Mykonos than the nightlife and beaches. We will look at other aspects of the island compared to Santorini, including things you may not know about.
READ MORE: The Ultimate 3 Days in Mykonos Itinerary
Best Island for Attractions
Reasons to Visit Santorini
Santorini has many things for visitors to do, including families with young kids. First of all, there are 16 different wineries there, and even more wine tours available. Santorini also has many museums focusing on its culture, folklore, food, and maritime history.
In addition, there are a few villages around the island. The two most popular are the towns of Fira and Oia, which most people know for their whitewashed homes and blue domed churches.
Santorini is also a wonderful place for outdoor lovers and adventurers. One of the top things to do on the island is the 3 hour hike between Fira and Oia that takes you along the cliffside.
The hike is beautiful, and you stop by several attractions along the way. Santorini also has many experiences available such as hiking the volcanic crater or swimming in the thermal waters in the Caldera.
Check out the top experiences in Santorini
Reasons to Visit Mykonos
When visiting Mykonos, you can take a day trip to Delos Island and enjoy the beautiful beaches and beach clubs. Mykonos also has a couple of small museums and the charming village of Ano Mera to visit.
Besides the handful of attractions, Mykonos does have several types of water related excursions that include snorkeling and beach hopping. Many of these include drinks and a traditional dinner. For those of you that want to relax in luxury, there are plenty of leisure catamaran extrusions which take you around the coast.
Besides its beaches, the main attraction in Mykonos is Chora, also known as Mykonos Town. Famous for the area known as Little Venice, Mykonos Town is a labyrinth of whitewashed alleyways. The buildings are adorned with bright blue doors and colorful flowers. The town is where you will find most of the action on Mykonos.
Conclusion
There are so many more things to do in Santorini than in Mykonos. If you can only stay for a couple of days, this isn’t much of a factor. However, if you want plan to stay longer or want to fill your days with sightseeing, then Santorini is the clear winner.
Check out the top experiences in Mykonos
Best Island for Nightlife
Reasons to Visit Santorini
Santorini does have some nightlife, but it is not as pronounced. You will be able to find lots of late night bars and restaurants, but they are not the crazy loud atmosphere that you find in Mykonos. Santorini is more geared toward couples who want a laid-back experience.
Amoudi bay sits below the town of Oia and is the perfect spot for a romantic dinner. The bay is one of the many places you can watch Santorini’s famous sunsets. With some traditional tavernas just steps from the water, the area is one place to go for a late night meal or drinks.
Reasons to Visit Mykonos
If you are looking for vibrant nightlife, Mykonos is the hands-down winner. The island is full of late-night bars and beach clubs, making Mykonos one of the top destinations for partygoers and singles.
The beaches on the island are where a lot of the nightlife takes place, including Paradise Beach Club and Super Paradise Beach, which stay lively all day long. At night, they turn into a club with DJs and live music.
If you want to enjoy the nightlife but in a more laid-back atmosphere, tavernas near Little Venice are the place to be. They still have that lively late night atmosphere but are much more toned down than the beach clubs.
Conclusion
There is a reason why Mykonos is notorious as a party island. The beach club scene here brings people from around the world to let loose and enjoy themselves. That being said, the whole island is not one big party. So if you are not into that, don’t worry! There are plenty of other things to do.
Best Island for Food
Reasons to Visit Santorini
When it comes to food, I was equally impressed with both islands. Santorini has many fine-dining restaurants with picturesque views of the Caldera. There are also some terrific seafood restaurants here.
The volcanic soil around the island has caused some unique tasting crops, and you can find some delicious traditional Mediterranean food no matter where you go.
Santorini will be where you want to go if you are a wine lover. There are over a dozen wineries open to visitor for tours and wine tastings. Santorini is most known for its sweet Vinsanto wine, similar to a dessert wine or port.
For the ultimate experience, visit Santo Wines. One of the most popular vineyards on Santorini, the restaurant site on the clifftop and is known for having some of the best scenery.
Reasons to Visit Mykonos
On the other hand, Mykonos has diverse restaurants that suit all tastes. They also have some delectable beachside restaurants where you can enjoy a meal while lounging on your very own sun bed.
One thing that surprised me was how many budget restaurants you can find here. Several bakeries and sandwich shops make inexpensive food you can consume on the go. There are also a few affordable Gyro shops in Mykonos Town, such as Sakis and Jimmy Gyros, where you can get a large meal for just a few euros.
Conclusion
I enjoyed our meals in both places, so in terms of food, it is a tie. Santorini does have the advantage over Mykonos when you factor in wine, though. Wherever you choose, you will need to research where to eat before you go. Since Mykonos and Santorini are famous destinations, you want to avoid tourist traps and overpriced restaurants.
Most Romantic Island
Reasons to Visit Santorini
Santorini is the definite winner if you are looking for romance. Known for its sunsets and stunning Caldera views, there is no better place. One of the best things to do in Santorini is rent a cliffside suite with a private plunge pool where you can enjoy the landscape in luxury.
There are also many romantic activities in Santorini, including cruises, wine tastings, and high-end dinners with sunset views. The sloping hillside alleyways and white rooftops of Oia are like nothing you will see anywhere else. Not to mention, no matter where you go, you have the best views of the sea below.
Reasons to Visit Mykonos
Mykonos Town is another unique place to visit. The narrow alleyways full of shops and restaurants are incredibly charming. There is a romantic feel to Mykonos, but not nearly like that of Santorini. Mykonos is an excellent place for couples to visit, but it is much more fun with a group of people.
At night Mykonos Town does become much more romantic. Many restaurants have tables set up along the alleyways under the stars. You can also find many people sprawled along the rocky coast in front of the windmills at night by the water. For a quiet stroll away from the noise of the late night bars, try walking around the Old Port.
Conclusion
There is little more to say in terms of romance. The pictures speak for themselves. Santorini is one of the most romantic places in the world and the perfect getaway for couples.
Best Island for History
Reasons to Visit Santorini
Although Delos is one of the best archeological sites to visit, Santorini has many more sites overall. For example, Santorini is where you will find the ancient city of Thera. You can also explore the ruins of Ancient Akrotiri, which are currently being excavated.
The community was inhabited since around 4,500 BC until it was destroyed by the eruption of the island’s volcano. This is the same volcano responsible for the famous Caldera’s creation.
There are also several museums dedicated to some items from the ancient cities. The main ones include the Museum of Prehistoric Thera and the Archaeological Museum of Thera, both in the town of Fira. There is also the Maritime Museum in Oia for those interested in all things related to the sea.
Reasons to Visit Mykonos
Mykonos is a short ferry ride away from the island of Delos. Delos is one of Greece’s most remarkable archeological sites and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Once a thriving trading port and home to wealthy inhabitants, the island is now completely uninhabited except for tour groups and archeologists.
A visit to Delos was the highlight of our trip to Mykonos and one of the top things I recommend you do. The sheer size and ingenuity of its past inhabitants were spectacular to see. In addition, Delos was the birthplace of the god Apollo, one of the many important facts we learned during our guided tour.
Besides a visit to Delos, there are a couple of other places you can visit on Mykonos if you enjoy history. The Archeological Museum of Mykonos in Chora is the main museum. There is also a small Aegean Maritime Museum and Folklore Museum.
Conclusion
Santorini would win this category based on the sheer number of historical sites to see. However, none of these sites can beat a visit to Delos.
Best Island for Beaches
Reasons to Visit Santorini
One thing that Santorini’s beaches have are their unique coloring due to the volcanic activity there. Therefore, you will not find the typical sandy Greek beaches but pebbled ones with dynamic colors.
If you’re looking for a beach with dramatic scenery, I recommend Red Beach. This is one of Santorini’s most popular beaches, and it’s easy to see why. The contrast between the red volcanic sand and the blue waters is truly stunning.
Another factor about Santorini’s beaches is the water. Unlike Mykonos, the water in Santorini has a quick drop-off when you get in. The water here, in most places, is extremely deep.
There are also black sand beaches on the island. These too are pebble beaches, but you can rent lounge chairs for the day. You will have access to some beachside bars and restaurants, but they are not the loud, lively type you would find in Mykonos.
Reasons to Visit Mykonos
If you want a more traditional beach holiday, then Mykonos is the clear winner. The beaches here are what you’d expect when thinking about sunbathing in the Mediterranean.
If you like lounging near the water with a cool drink in your hand, we recommend Platis Gialos Beach. Platis Gialos is one of Mykonos’ most popular beaches, and it’s perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying beautiful views. It also has a much more laid-back vibe than some other beaches without losing out on the same type of accommodations.
There are also some extremely lively party beaches and remote, family friendly locations. If you want to get away from the crowds, Fokos beach is a wonderfully secluded location in Mykonos. Places Like Paraga and Paradise Beach are the go-to for partiers and beach clubs.
If you don’t feel like spending the day at the beach but want to explore the water instead, join a cruise around the island. You can take a snorkel tour, try scuba diving, or relax on the Aegean on a luxurious catamaran.
Conclusion
Both Santorini and Mykonos are renowned for their stunning beaches. Santorini’s beaches are known for their dramatic volcanic landscapes, while Mykonos’ beaches are known for their sandy shores and crystal-clear waters. Overall, Mykonos has a more extensive variety of beaches for all tastes, with golden sand and many amenities.
Best Island for Accommodations
Reasons to Visit Santorini
One nice thing about Santorini is that accommodations are available for all budgets. Staying close to the beaches of Perissa or Karmi saves you a lot of money. Since they are more remote, you will need a car to get around.
Many of the accommodations here even include vacation rentals with kitchens for those looking to cook their own meals. You will have a hard time finding something cheaper in the main towns of Fira and Oia, as those are the most popular places to stay.
However, one of the main reasons people come to Santorini is the overall ambiance. There are a few places where you can stay in a whitewashed cave hotel with your own plunge pool, private terrace, and uninterrupted views of the Caldera below. So if you are going to splurge on your trip, this would be it.
We stayed at Pezoules of Oia and spent our entire stay torn between exploring the town and lounging at the pool. Staying at one of these hotels is part of the reason people come to Santorini and what makes the accommodations here stand out.
Reasons to Visit Mykonos
Different from Santorini, there are very few budget options in Mykonos. And if you find one, book it as soon as possible because they sell out fast. There are, however, a lot of accommodations to choose from, with a large number of mid-range hotels near Mykonos Town.
One nice thing about Mykonos is the number of five-star resorts available around the island. So for those looking for a few days at the beach with everything at your fingertips, a beach resort is the way to go.
Conclusion
Although Mykonos has more mid-range hotels to choose from, the winner for me was Santorini due to the uniqueness of the hotels themselves. Being able to stay in a beautiful cliffside suite with views of a volcano from your bed was my deciding factor.
Guide to Visiting Both Islands
Since the two islands are very different from each other, try to fit them both into your island hopping itinerary if you can, as they are both worth visiting, especially as they are around a 3-hour ferry ride from each other. Also, since both are popular Greek islands, you will be able to find multiple ferries running between the two each day during the summer months.
Since it takes you about 3 hours each way, they are too far from each other for a day trip. Even if they were closer, neither could truly be explored in just a few hours. At a minimum, you need two nights on each island, possibly three on Santorini, if you want to explore multiple villages and attractions.
How to travel between Mykonos and Santorini
Although both islands have a small airport, the easiest and cheapest way to travel between the two is by ferry. Companies like SeaJets make multiple runs between the two each day, with more during peak season. The main port of Santorini is right near the town of Fira. From Oia, it is about a 30-minute drive to get there. Getting to the port an hour early is advised so you can go to the ticket office and have yours printed out for you. Recently, many companies no longer require printed tickets. However, getting there at least 30 minutes before departure is important.
From there, a fast ferry will take you to Mykonos in around 3 hours. You will most likely arrive in Mykonos’ New Port. Some buses frequently run from the Old Port to Mykonos Town and take about 10-15 minutes to get there. In front of the bus terminal is also a lane of taxis which are more expensive, but may get you to where you want to go quicker.
Which One Should You Choose?
The question still remains, Mykonos or Santorini? Honestly, you can’t go wrong with either Greek island. Each has its unique landscape and charm. Since they are so close, I recommend visiting both if you can.
Santorini’s views are one of a kind, and its hotels are some of the most unique you will find in Greece. On the other hand, Mykonos has some incredible beaches and a lively atmosphere.
If you could only pick one, I would pick Santorini. Of course, I loved Mykonos as well, but the breathtaking landscape of Santorini was the deciding factor for me.
Being able to wake up every morning with views of the Caldera and your very own plunge pool and cave suite was such a unique experience that you can’t get anywhere else.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this detailed Mykonos vs. Santorini comparison helped you make the hard decision of choosing between the two. If there are other aspects you’d like to know more about, feel free to reach out! No matter which you choose, you will have a fantastic experience.
Enjoyed this post? Here are some other Greek destinations!
Milos
- The Ultimate Milos, Greece Travel Guide
- The Top 10 Best Beaches in Milos
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- Where to Stay in Milos, Greece
Santorini
Mykonos
- The Ultimate 3 Days in Mykonos Itinerary
- Mykonos Travel Guide: How to Plan the Perfect Island Getaway
- Mykonos Day Trips: Visit Delos Island
Rhodes
Other Greek Destinations
- Complete Greek Island Hopping Itinerary and Guide
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- Guide to Greek Ferries – Island Hopping Made Easy!
Travel Planning Resources
BOOK YOUR FLIGHT |Skyscanner is the top search engine for finding and booking flights. They price check over 1,200 travel sites to help you find the best prices.
VIEW ACCOMMODATIONS |For booking hotels and vacation rentals Booking.com is a top resource . They offer some of the cheapest rates and different payment options.
PLAN TRANSPORTATION | Discover Cars is my go-to site when booking rentals. They work with hundreds of companies worldwide to help you find the best car for your needs and budget.
SCHEDULE YOUR TOURS | There are many top companies available in Europe. Get Your Guide is one of the best sites for tours, excursions, and activities. Viator is another terrific website for all types of experiences.
GET TRAVEL INSURANCE | Having travel insurance is always a good idea. World Nomads is one of the top travel insurance companies. It will cover you if you must cancel your trip or if something unexpected happens.
Check out the resource page for additional travel planning resources.
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