Mykonos and Santorini are two of the most popular Greek islands; both are easy to visit, close to each other and well connected to Athens, which explains why most people visit them together. But if you can see only one and need to decide between Mykonos vs Santorini, you’ll most likely face a difficult decision.
Which island is more accessible? Which one has a more romantic vibe? Is one island more fun to explore than the other? These are all good questions to ask if you have to decide whether to include Mykonos or Santorini into your Greek islands itinerary.
Most people who have been to both have a strong preference for one or the other (including us!). But the truth is that having to choose between Mykonos vs Santorini is really difficult. Both islands are beautiful, yet very different.
Here is my advice to help with your difficult choice.
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Choose Mykonos If…
… You Like to Party
Mykonos is known for its vibrant nightlife and cosmopolitan atmosphere. The island has become a hotspot for beach clubs, and glamorous beach parties. Whether lounging by the beach, enjoying a world-class meal, or dancing the night away at an exclusive club, Mykonos offers a dynamic blend of relaxation and excitement that attracts travelers from around the world.
… You Plan to Spend More Time at the Beach
When it comes to beaches, Mykonos has more sandy shores than Santorini. Beyond a handful of wilder shores such as sleepy Agios Sostis, the best beaches are in the south. From Platis Gialos to Paradise, you’ll have more laid-back beaches, while beaches like Psarou and Super Paradise are more for see-and-be-seen beach clubs.
… You Like More Peace and Quiet
Despite having a reputation for a party island, Mykonos seemed quieter, more peaceful, and overall less hectic than Santorini. Except for Mykonos town, which swarms with people at any time of day, if you stay in one of the many beautiful resorts on the island you’ll be able to enjoy some quiet time.
Choose Santorini If…
…You Are Looking for a Romantic Location
Santorini is famous for being an idilic island with one-of-a-kind views, amazing sunsets and unique architecture. If you are looking for a stunning place to spend your honeymoon or a romantic weekend, this is the island to choose.
The island’s unique architecture, whitewashed buildings, blue-domed churches and luxurious amenities, create a very romantic atmosphere. The combination of these factors makes Santorini a popular destination for couples seeking a romantic getaway or honeymoon.
… You Seek to Take Great Photos
Due to its unique and visually striking landscape, abundant natural light and vibrant colors, Santorini is an ideal place for taking stunning photos. The iconic whitewashed buildings, dramatic cliffs, and volcanic caldera offer endless opportunities for captivating images.
… You Like Spectacular Views
I think Santorini is one of those places that you don’t find anywhere else on earth. The island offers stunning views of the caldera, romantic sunsets, and a more relaxed atmosphere. One of my favorite memories was finding a quiet restaurant in the outskirts of Fira and just sitting there soaking up the view of the shimmering water in the caldera.
… You Want to See Minoan Ruins
If you have an interest in prehistoric ruins, Santorini offers quite a few interesting sights. The most important one is Akrotiri archeological site, which might not look as impressive as the Parthenon, but it’s mind-blowing if you consider it is 3600 years old.
Once a Minoan Bronze Age settlement, Akrotiri was preserved by a volcanic eruption that covered the town in ash around 1600 BCE. This eruption effectively sealed the site, creating a time capsule that has allowed for the remarkable preservation of buildings, streets, and artifacts, offering a unique glimpse into Minoan life.
There are also the classic greek ruins of Ancient Thera, which are worth exploring.
Mykonos vs Santorini: Accessibility
… From the Mainland
Both Mykonos and Santorini are easily accessible from Greece’s mainland, either by plane or by ferry. although Santorini is slightly farther away from Athens than Mykonos, there isn’t much of a difference when it comes to flight times (about 50 minutes from Athens). However, if you decide to go by ferry, expect a longer ferry ride from Athens to Santorini (5-8 hours).
… Accessibility Within Each Island
When it comes to traveling within each island, Mykonos and Santorini differ quite a bit. If you travel by car you’ll find it easier to drive in Mykonos than in Santorini, which is perched on a cliff. Also, although both islands have an extensive bus system, it’s much easier to take busses and taxis in Mykonos than in Santorini – where transferring is necessary every time. Transfers in Santorini take place in the town of Oia and the time you spend on a bus starts to add up.
Also, due to the challenging terrain in Santorini, donkeys and mules are often used for moving people and supplies from the coast to the elevated regions where most villages are located.
Mikonos vs Santorini: Costs
In terms of costs, both islands are tourist hotspots so it’s no surprise that Mykonos and Santorini are both very expensive. When it comes to lodging, depending on the type of accommodation you choose you’ll pay more in Mykonos for a luxury hotel than in Santorini. However, both islands are renowned for their outrageously expensive prices for food and drinks.
Nonetheless, you don’t have to break the bank to visit Santorini or Mykonos mainly because both island are relatively small and you won’t need to stay longer than 3 nights on either one of them. Besides, unless you want to eat in one of the prime location restaurants like Oia and Paradise Beach, it’s easy to find more affordable alternatives outside these areas.
Mykonos vs Santorini: Crowds
As a general observation, both Santorini and Mykonos are very crowded islands. But although much smaller, Mykonos feels less congested than Santorini, especially outside the main towns. But even Mikonos town, the island’s biggest attraction, seems less crowded because it’s wider and has many alleys, piazzas and places to visit.
Santorini on the other hand, is famous for its iconic caldera views and unique architecture. Unfortunately, these qualities attract huge crowds, especially during the summer months or when cruise ships dock here as well. The island’s two big attractions – Fira and Oia – hang up on the mountain side and the only way of visiting them is by walking the narrow strip at the top of the Santorini caldera.
So Which One to Choose: Mykonos, or Santorini?
Between the two, my preferred island was Mykonos – but Santorini is one of those places that you don’t find anywhere else on earth. So deciding which one would be a better choice for you depends on what you hope to get out of your vacation. I hope this guide can help you get an idea of these two islands!
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