Chances are, you are trying to figure out which Greek island is better for you to visit, right? This is the ultimate comparison guide for Mykonos vs Santorini this year. What are their differences and similarities, and which one is better depending on your situation or even the time of the year you are planning to visit?
First time in the Cyclades? Here is exactly where Santorini is — and why it is not in Italy.
BEST HOTEL IN SANTORINI:San Antonio
BEST HOTEL IN MYKONOS:Nomad Mykonos
For Luxury:
- Mykonos: Riviera
- Santorini: San Antonio
For Couples:
- Mykonos: Boheme
- Santorini: Canaves Oia
For Families:
- Mykonos: Mykonos Bay
- Santorini: Nissia
For Private Pool:
- Mykonos: Cavo Tagoo
- Santorini: Katikies
Cave Hotel:
- Mykonos: Bill & Coo
- Santorini: Divine Cave
For Beach:
- Mykonos: Grand Hotel
- Santorini: Petri Suites
Budget:
- Mykonos: Spanelis
- Santorini: Stelios Place
- Detailed Comparison, differences, and similarities
- Best For Attractions & Sightseeing
- Best For Beaches
- Most Romantic
- Best For Nightlife
- Best For Families
- Most gay-friendly
- Best For Wineries
- Best For Shopping
- Best For Foodies
- Best For Seniors
- Alternative Greek islands
As you know, Greece has no shortage of amazing islands to visit. Did you know that there are more than 2,000 Greek islands? Only about 200 are inhabited, which narrows it down a bit, but still… I know how hard it can be to pick one to visit for your next holiday.
Santorini and Mykonos are the two most famous Greek islands and possibly the most beautiful ones. So, if you can visit them both, it would be even better, in my opinion, but we all know sometimes there can only be money and time for one of them.
READ ALSO:But what happens if you only have to choose one? Which one should it be?
This is my comparison of the best Greek islands, Mykonos vs. Santorini, but obviously, whatever I mention in this post also applies to a Santorini vs. Mykonos comparison.
Mykonos vs Santorini
Both islands are amazing, and I am sure you can have a great time on either. But let me get this straight to you:
If there is only one Greek island you can visit in your life, make it Santorini. You won’t regret it, and as I say to all of my friends “Santorini is literally the picture of Greece you may have in your head”.
It’s not that you won’t have a good time in Mykonos; it’s just that Santorini is much more diverse, has a truly unique landscape, and has more cute villages and towns overall. I have been to both places and loved them for very different reasons. However, if you are struggling to decide, here is my detailed comparison guide.
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| MYKONOS | SANTORINI | |
| Easier to Get To | Mykonos probably feels less crowded, but it’s still hectic in the summer months. | Santorini has an international airport too, but it’s further from Athens by ferry (5 hours). |
| Most Crowded | Santorini has an international airport too, but it’s further from Athens by ferry (5 hours). | Unfortunately, Santorini is the busiest and most crowded Greek island, and it will always feel crowded and packed no matter the time of the year. |
| More attractions and sights | Apart from Mykonos town and the nearby culturally rich ancient island of Delos, there is not much to see on the island other than the beautiful beaches and beach bars. | Santorini is full of history (like Akrotiri), museums, wineries, and cultural events throughout the year. |
| Best Beaches | The beaches of Mykonos are some of the best in Greece, with golden sand and crystal clear waters. | Santorini beaches are not that great (by Greek standards) and they are mostly covered with black and red pebbles, but you can certainly have some fun days in them (like a hike to the Red Beach). |
| Hotels | Better service & facilities overall with a more luxurious feeling. | More impressive views and smaller sizes of hotels overall. |
| Most Romantic | There is a more party vibe on Mykonos overall, but you can avoid it. | Santorini is one of the most romantic destinations in the world, with its stunning views and sunset tours. |
| Best Nightlife | In the summer, Mykonos has some of the best (and posh) nightlife in Europe, with events by some of the best DJs in the world. | Santorini has some decent nightlife, but you will find mostly lounge bars and small clubs. |
| Best Beach Clubs | Mykonos has some of the best beach clubs and bars in Greece, but they are certainly among the most expensive and luxurious. | Santorini also has some good beach bars and clubs with a less premium feeling but with excellent services. |
| More wineries | Mykonos has only two wineries. | Santorini is Greece’s winery capital, with more than 16 wineries on the island that have been producing wine for more than 200 years. |
| Ideal for | Groups of friends, singles, couples. | Couples and families. |
| More Expensive | Super Expensive. | Super Expensive but probably less expensive than Mykonos |
| Best thing you can do: | Enjoy the sandy beaches & the amazing parties. | Enjoy the dramatic views, the wineries, and the sunset cruise. |
| Best for off-season visit (or winter, November to April) | There is not much to do on the island in the winter, as you won’t be able to visit the beaches, as it could be too cold, and all businesses will be closed. | Santorini is much better to visit off-season and in the winter, as there are still many things to do and see apart from the beaches (such as wineries, the volcano, Akrotiri, etc). |
| Best tip: | Rent a car | Rent a car |
So, let’s see which island is better in every case, shall we?
Best Island for Attractions, Museums & Sightseeing: Santorini
Detailed Comparison:
- Santorini is diverse and has lots of things to do.
- Mykonos has nothing more to offer outside of the triangle beach-party-food (nothing wrong with it though…).
- In Santorini, you can do wine tasting in one of the 16 wineries of the island
- There are only two pretty small wineries in Mykonos (this oneand this one)
- Santorini has more than 10 amazing museums or archaeological sites (including Akrotiri Prehistoric Site, a Tomato Industrial Museum, Museum of Prehistoric Thera, Archaeological Museum, Folklore Museum, Santozeum, Gyzi Mansion, Wine Museum, Art Space Gallery, Maritime Museum, Ancient Thera Site, and a Museum of Fossils at Perissa)
- Mykonos has the island of Delos, which is not really in Mykonos, as it’s a different island. There are a few interesting museums in Mykonos, but nothing extraordinary (apart from Delos island, which is incredible and unique as a UNESCO heritage site). There is the Archaeological Museum of Delos, the Archaeological Museum of Mykonos, Lena’s Folklore Museum, and the Maritime Museum of Mykonos
- Santorini has some amazing traditional Cycladic villages, like Fira, Pyrgos, Megalochori, Emporio, and, of course, the incredible Oia town (which can easily be the only reason to visit Santorini anyway…).
- Mykonos apart from the main town called “Chora” (Mykonos City) which is lovely and very picturesque (with the amazing “Little Venice”) has nothing more to offer in terms of picturesque and traditional villages. You are limited to Mykonos City only.
- Santorini has 5 Venetian Castles and fortresses.
- Mykonos has none of this, but it has the cutest mascot: a pelican named “Petros”
- Santorini has an active volcano with one of the largest craters in the world, which you can actually take a tour of (!). You don’t get to see that every day, and it is the characteristic that makes Santorini’s landscape so dramatic and impressive.
Best Island for Beaches: Mykonos
Santorini is excellent, but Mykonos has amazing tropical golden sand beaches. Moreover, beach clubs in Santorini are very relaxing and chilled out, whereas Mykonos beach clubs are famous for their crazy beach parties.
Detailed Comparison:
- Santorini has only volcanic pebble beaches (red, black, and white beaches). These are very impressive, to be honest, but you won’t find any fine sand beaches in Santorini due to the volcanic stones scattered all over the island.
- Mykonos has more than 20 amazing sandy beaches with crystal-clear turquoise waters. You can find a gay-friendly beach, a cosmopolitan beach, beaches for nudism, beaches for partying, beaches for families, and even quiet and relaxing beaches where you’ll be alone.
- Santorini’s sea waters can be quite deep. It is the kind of sea where you take one step, two steps, and you are in! There is no time to think about it.
- Mykonos’s sea waters can be quite shallow and are perfect for kids or seniors. I like the type of beaches where you can walk and walk until you wonder, “When is this sea water getting deeper?”
Most Romantic Island: Santorini
Detailed Comparison:
- Santorini is considered one of the most romantic destinations in the world and one of the top destinations for honeymooners. For many good reasons: sunsets, views, food, cute villages…what else do you need?
- Mykonos was always considered a destination for singles rather than a destination for couples. That doesn’t mean you won’t have a good time if you visit Mykonos with your other half. Quite the opposite, I would say.
Best Island for Partying & Nightlife: Mykonos
Detailed Comparison:
- Mykonos is considered one of the world’s best clubbing and partying destinations. The nightlife in Mykonos is unreal and not limited to nighttime. The party never stops at Mykonos City or any of the beach Bars of the island (including the famous Super Paradise Beach Club)
- Some of the best DJs in the world perform every summer in Mykonos
- Mykonos is the place where Greek spring breakers go every year…
- If you are single while visiting Mykonos and you are into party mode, then you won’t get much sleep as the party goes on 24/7 (especially in high season, May-October)
- Santorini has a decent nightlife, but it’s nothing compared to Mykonos…
Most gay friendly island: Mykonos
Why: Mykonos is also super gay-friendly—not that Santorini is anti-gay, but Mykonos is famous for its gay bars, gay beaches, and overall gay-friendliness.
Detailed Comparison:
- Mykonos is considered one of the most gay-friendly destinations in the world, and people have been arriving on the island since the 1960s.
- In Mykonos, you will find some of the best gay bars (who doesn’t know the famousJackie O’ Bar?) and gay friendly beaches in Greece (and possibly in the world)
- Mykonoseven has some amazing drag shows in the summer. Priscilla is incredible!
- There are no designated gay bars or beaches in Santorini. But this doesn’t mean that the island is not gay-friendly.
Best island for wine lovers: Santorini
Detailed Comparison:
- Santorini is considered the most unique (and underrated, I have to say…) wine destination in the world.
- Santorini has more than 16 Wineries and Wine Tours you can take. The wine tasting experience usually includes amazing views, refreshing local wine, and Greek meze/nibbles.
- Mykonos has only two pretty small wineries (this one and this one)
- Santorini’s wineries are top world venues for weddings because of their romantic settings and the stunning views
- Santorini has 1 of the 10 wine museums in the world (this one)
- Santorini’s most famous local wine is the “Assyrtiko” variety, which has received hundreds of awards worldwide. You can also taste the sweet port-like wine of Santorini called “Vinsanto”
- Santorini has this stunning winery
Best island for foodies: Santorini
Best island for families with kids: Santorini
Apart from lovely Mykonos town with its extravagant restaurants and bar,s and the lovely sandy beaches in Mykonos, there is not much else to do and see. However, Santorini is full of experiences that fascinate a kid, such as visiting an active volcano, Akrotiri prehistoric ruins, a hike from Fira to Oia, or even to the unique Red Beach.
Moreover, Perissa and Kamari beaches are excellent family resort towns with many amenities and relatively affordable restaurants and hotels. Ok, Mykonos’s beaches with their golden sand can be objectively better, but sadly, the island no longer caters to the average family.
Most Expensive island: both!
Why: Both Santorini and Mykonos are super expensive (compared to other Greek islands or other holiday destinations), probably because they are so famous.But that does not mean that you can only visit if you are super rich or that you have to save money for a lifetime to come over. You can visit both islands on a budget and still have a great time.
If you come off-season, there are great offers and cheap choices regarding food and accommodation. You just need to do a bit of research. This way, you will also avoid the crowds and get a bit more privacy.
Best island for shopping: Mykonos
Best island for seniors or people with disabilities: Mykonos
Why: Santorini’s difficult terrain and the thousand-stair villages are not the best for people with disabilities or seniors… Mykonos is pretty flat, and the amazing sandy beaches will be great for everyone (including kids). It’s not that seniors or people with disabilities won’t enjoy Santorini. Still, if you belong to this category, you’d better stay close to a beach (like Perissa/Perivolos or Kamari).
Which one is finally the best island: Santorini or Mykonos?
I am sure you would enjoy both; they complement each other quite well if you think about it. You could spend a few days in Santorini to enjoy the views, the sunsets, and the romantic atmosphere, and then head to Mykonos and enjoy the beach life there, along with a couple of drinks…possibly)
Read Also: How Many Days Do You Really Need in Santorini?
If I had to choose just one, I would always go to Santorini. If you have to visit only one Greek island, make it Santorini. You won’t regret it.
It’s not that you won’t have a good time in Mykonos. But Santorini is a unique place that you have to see once in your lifetime, not only in terms of views, scenery, hotels, amenities, restaurants, bars, and shopping, but in terms of pure natural beauty. After all, you don’t get to wake up to a volcano view daily….do you?Besides Santorini and Mykonos?
Crete is a great choice because it offers diversity and a wonderful mix of history, tradition, and breathtaking landscapes. It can match every taste. And because it is the largest Greek island, you can take all the time you want to discover it.
I shouldn’t forget to mention that the food in Crete is tasty beyond your wildest imagination. They have their specialities that will blow your mind! What is there not to like?!
*Remember that you will need a car in Crete, an oversized island.Conclusion
I hope my comparison of Mykonos vs Santorini helped you a bit. As always, feel free to get in touch if you have any questions. I strongly believe that you will have a great time wherever you go in Greece.
And I am not just saying that because I am Greek. You will see, one time is never enough. The moment you land, you will know you want to come back.
To wrap it up, my final advice to your dilemma, “Mykonos or Santorini?” would be that it really depends on your situation and what you will be looking at from your trip to Greece. However, I firmly believe that if it’s your first time in my beautiful country, a visit to Santorini first has to be at the top of your bucket list.
FAQs
Is Santorini or Mykonos better?
If you can only visit one Greek island in your life, make it Santorini. Santorini is much more diverse, has a truly unique volcanic landscape, and features more picturesque villages. However, if your priority is golden sandy beaches and world-class nightlife, Mykonos is the better choice.
Which island has better beaches: Mykonos or Santorini?
Mykonos has much better beaches than Santorini. The beaches in Mykonos feature soft golden sand and crystal clear waters, making them some of the best in Greece. Santorini’s beaches are mostly covered with volcanic black and red pebbles, which are unique but not ideal for traditional beachgoers.
Is Mykonos or Santorini better for couples and honeymooners?
Santorini is widely considered the most romantic destination in Greece and is better for couples and honeymooners. The dramatic caldera views, stunning sunsets, and luxury cliffside hotels make it perfect for romance. Mykonos is beautiful but has a much stronger party vibe.
Which island has better nightlife: Mykonos or Santorini?
Mykonos has significantly better nightlife than Santorini. During the summer, Mykonos hosts some of the best and most luxurious parties in Europe, featuring world-renowned DJs at famous beach clubs. Santorini has decent nightlife with lounge bars and small clubs, but it is much quieter.
Which island is more expensive: Santorini or Mykonos?
Both islands are the most expensive destinations in Greece, but Mykonos is generally considered more expensive than Santorini, especially when it comes to beach clubs, nightlife, and dining. Santorini can also be super expensive, particularly for luxury hotels with caldera views.
* Christina from SantoriniPlus.net has contributed to this post
