Mykonos vs Santorini: Which Greek Island Should Be on Your 2024 Bucket List?

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Wondering whether to choose Mykonos or Santorini for your dream Greek island vacation?

This complete guide to Mykonos vs Santorini is here to help you decide.

As a lifelong Grecophile who has been visiting the Greek islands since the late 1970s, I’ve enjoyed unforgettable vacations in both Mykonos and Santorini.

Throughout this post, I will be comparing different aspects of these two idyllic Greek destinations, to help you decide whether to pick Santorini or Mykonos for your Greek island vacation. So, let’s get right into it!

Mykonos vs Santorini

Since there are pros and cons to both Mykonos and Santorini, I’ve looked at 18 categories to give a balanced picture. They are price, transport options, atmosphere, beaches, day trips, natural beauty, family friendliness, romance, nightlife, food and restaurants, peace and relaxation, Greek culture, accessibility, accommodation, sunsets, shopping, attractions, and Instagrammability.

I’ve not taken the weather into consideration because it’s broadly similar on both islands. You’re almost guaranteed wall to wall sunshine in the summer season.

Price-wise, how does Mykonos Compare with Santorini?

As a luxurious and glamorous destination, Mykonos comes with a high price tag. You should expect to pay more for activities, dining and accommodations in Mykonos than in other Greek islands – especially during the peak summer season.

Good to know: savvy travellers can find budget options and deals in Mykonos during the off-season.

Santorini, offers a broader range of budget-friendly accommodations and dining options. Its less ostentatious vibe means you can enjoy a luxurious experience without breaking the bank, particularly when you explore beyond the main tourist hubs of Oia and Fira.

🏆Price Winner: Santorini, for offering more varied budget options

READ NEXT: How to Spend One Day in Mykonos

Getting to the Islands – What Are the Transport Options Like?

Mykonos has a small but busy airport, with frequent flights from Athens and other European cities. The island has an efficient public transport system, with regular buses running between the main towns and beaches. Taxis and car rentals are also readily available, although prices can be high during the peak season.

Santorini also boasts an airport with regular flights from Athens and beyond. The island’s bus system is extensive and reliable, connecting most major attractions. Renting a car or ATV is a popular way to explore the island’s more remote areas, but the narrow and winding roads can be rather challenging for some drivers.

🏆Transport Winner: Tie. Both islands offer convenient transport options. Mykonos is slightly easier to navigate due to its smaller size

Atmosphere

Lively, cosmopolitan Mykonos is often dubbed the “Ibiza of Greece” for its vibrant nightlife and upscale beach clubs. The island attracts a glamorous crowd, and is a favourite of celebrities and party-goers.

In comparison, Santorini is renowned for its romantic and serene ambiance. The caldera views, white-washed buildings, and stunning sunsets create a tranquil and picturesque setting that is perfect for couples and relaxation seekers.

🏆 Atmosphere Winner: Depends on your preference. Mykonos is the best choice for lively energy, while Santorini is perfect for a romantic escape.

Does Mykonos or Santorini Have the Best Beaches?

Mykonos is famous for its beautiful sandy beaches, ranging from party-centric spots like Paradise and Super Paradise to quieter, more family-friendly shores like Agios Sostis and Ornos. The clear waters and sandy beaches attract sun worshippers and water sports enthusiasts.

Santorini’s unique black volcanic sand beaches feature dramatic landscapes. Red Beach (Perissa) and Black Beach (Kamari) are popular for their striking colours and geological features, although they lack the soft sand of Mykonos.

🏆 Beaches Winner: Mykonos, for its diverse and sandy beaches

What are the Choices for Day Trips?

Mykonos offers exciting day trips to nearby islands, including Delos, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its archaeological significance, and Tinos, famous for its traditional villages and marble art.

Santorini provides unique day trip experiences such as sailing around the caldera, exploring the volcanic island of Nea Kameni, and visiting the charming villages of Oia and Pyrgos. The island’s rich history and dramatic landscapes make for memorable excursions.

🏆 Day Trips Winner: Tie. Both islands offer fantastic day trip opportunities, catering to different interests.

Natural Beauty

Picturesque Mykonos has iconic windmills, narrow streets, and the old town of Chora is utterly charming. The island’s natural beauty, rampant bougainvillaea and vibrant blue waters make it a photographer’s paradise.

Santorini is often considered one of the most beautiful places in the world, with its stunning caldera views, white-washed houses, and blue-domed churches. The island’s dramatic cliffs and breathtaking sunsets are unparalleled.

🏆 Natural Beauty Winner: Santorini just edges in front, thanks to its extraordinary and iconic beauty

Family Friendliness

Mykonos can be family-friendly if you choose the right areas. The calm waters and amenities of Ornos and Agios Ioannis beaches are ideal for families. The island’s nightlife and party scene, however, may not be ideal for families looking for a quiet retreat.

Santorini provides a more tranquil setting, with family-friendly activities such as boat tours, and visits to ancient ruins. The quieter pace and less raucous nightlife make it a better family choice.

Good to know: Donkey rides along the famous Santorini ‘donkey trail’ are not ethical and should be avoided.

🏆 Family Friendliness Winner: Santorini, for its family-friendly activities and peaceful environment

Romance

Mykonos has some stunning romantic spots, particularly in quieter areas and charming towns. However, the island’s party reputation may not be compatible with a romantic getaway for some couples.

Santorini is one of the most romantic destinations in the world. Its enchanting sunsets, cliffside accommodations, and intimate dining experiences create the perfect backdrop for a romantic escape. It’s also a favourite choice for destination weddings and honeymoons.

🏆 Romance Winner: Santorini, for its idyllic and romantic setting

Nightlife

Mykonos is renowned for its vibrant nightlife, with beach clubs, bars, and nightclubs that keep the party going until dawn. The island attracts world-famous DJs and the lively party scene rivals Ibiza.

Santorini has a more subdued nightlife, with cosy bars and lounge-style venues offering beautiful views and a relaxed atmosphere. It’s ideal for those looking for a quieter evening out.

🏆 Nightlife Winner: Mykonos, for its legendary and energetic nightlife

Food and Restaurants

Mykonos boasts a diverse dining scene, from upscale restaurants offering gourmet cuisine to cute traditional tavernas serving authentic Greek dishes and the freshest seafood. The island is a foodie paradise, with options to suit every palate and budget.

Santorini offers unique culinary experiences. Many restaurants capitalise on the island’s stunning caldera views and local ingredients, including its fresh seafood and local wines.

🏆 Winner: Tie. Both islands offer excellent dining options, with Mykonos being more diverse and Santorini providing a scenic and local experience

Peace and Relaxation

Mykonos can offer peace and relaxation, especially in quieter areas away from the main town and party beaches. However, the island’s overall lively atmosphere may not be ideal for those seeking complete tranquility.

Santorini is the epitome of peace and relaxation, with numerous quiet spots, luxurious accommodations, and serene views. The island’s laid-back vibe and slower pace make it perfect for a restful getaway.

🏆 Peace and Relaxation Winner: Santorini, for its serene and relaxing environment

Greek Culture

Mykonos has a rich cultural heritage, with traditional festivals, art galleries, and historical sites like the Archaeological Museum of Mykonos and the Monastery of Panagia Tourliani.

Santorini also offers a deep dive into Greek culture, with ancient ruins at Akrotiri, traditional villages, and numerous museums. The island’s history, particularly its connection to the Minoan civilization, is fascinating.

🏆 Greek Culture Winner: Tie. Both islands offer rich cultural experiences. Mykonos blends modern and traditional elements, while Santorini showcases ancient history

Accessibility

To be honest, a lot of the areas you would want to see in Mykonos and Santorini simply aren’t wheelchair accessible.

Mykonos poses several challenges to travelers with limited mobility, including cobblestones, hills, sandy beaches, and inaccessible public transportation…
Santorini’s rustic, rocky terrain and many stairs (especially in the clifftop villages) can make it a challenging choice for travelers with mobility issues

SANTORINI DAVE

🏆 Accessibility Winner: Neither of the islands is currently a great choice for visitors who use wheelchairs.

Accommodations

Mykonos offers a wide range of accommodations, from luxury resorts and boutique hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses. The island’s upscale options, like the Palladium Hotel are perfect if you’re looking for a lavish stay.

Santorini is famous for its cliffside hotels like the Art Maisons Luxury Oia Castle, with stunning views of the caldera. The island also provides a variety of budget accommodations, making it accessible to all travelers.

🏆 Accomodations Winner: Tie. Both islands offer a diverse range of accommodations, with Mykonos leaning towards luxury and Santorini providing unique scenic stays at varied price points.

Sunsets

Mykonos offers beautiful sunsets, particularly from locations like Little Venice and the iconic windmills. The sunset views over the Aegean are stunning, although not as famous as those on Santorini.

Santorini is renowned for its breathtaking sunsets, with Oia being one of the most popular spots in the world to watch the sun dip below the horizon. The island’s caldera views provide an unforgettable sunset experience.

🏆 Sunsets Winner: Santorini, for its world-famous and awe-inspiring sunsets

Shopping

Mykonos is a shopper’s paradise, with a wide array of boutiques, designer stores, and local artisan shops. The island is perfect for those looking to indulge in luxury shopping or find unique souvenirs.

Santorini also offers excellent shopping, with numerous shops selling local crafts, jewelry, and artwork. While not as glamorous as Mykonos, it provides a charming and authentic shopping experience.

🏆 Shopping Winner: Mykonos, for its extensive and luxurious shopping options

Attractions

Mykonos offers a mix of historical and cultural attractions, including the Archaeological Museum of Mykonos, the Church of Panagia Paraportiani, and the vibrant Mykonos Town. The island’s beautiful beaches and lively nightlife also serve as major attractions.

Santorini is rich in historical and natural attractions, from the ancient ruins of Akrotiri to the stunning volcanic landscapes. The island’s picturesque villages and unique geological features make it a captivating destination.

🏆 Attractions Winner: Tie. Both islands offer a range of attractions, with Mykonos focusing more on culture and nightlife, and Santorini on history and natural beauty

Instagram Mentions

Mykonos has almost 7 million tags, across the top five hashtags – #mykonos, #mykonosgreece, #mykonosisland, #mykonostown, and #mykonoslife.

In comparison, I found over 9 million tags for the top five Santorini hashtags – #santorini, #santorinigreece, #santoriniisland, #santorinisunset, and #santoriniwedding.

Instagram Winner: Santorini has 43% more Instagram posts than Mykonos, when looking at the top five hashtags used for each island.

Mykonos Vs Santorini Summary

Now that I’ve gone into detail about each category, here’s a quick overview of the winners of each category.

Category	Winner
Price	Santorini
Transport	Tie
Atmosphere	Tie
Beaches	Mykonos
Day Trips	Tie
Natural Beauty	Santorini
Family Friendliness	Santorini
Romance	Santorini
Nightlife	Mykonos
Food	Tie
Peace & Relaxation	Santorini
Greek Culture	Tie
Accessibility	Neither
Accomodations	Tie
Sunsets	Santorini
Shopping	Mykonos
Attractions	Tie
Instagram Mentions	Santorini

On paper, Santorini is the clear winner, picking up 7 wins vs 3 for Mykonos, once the tied results are discounted. But I don’t think it’s as straightforward as the numbers suggest, as both islands hold immense appeal for different types of visitors.

In reality, it’s hard to choose between Mykonos and Santorini, and that’s why both are often included on the most popular Mediterranean cruise itineraries.

I hope, the category breakdown helps you choose which island is best for you to visit. Personally, I prefer Santorini over Mykonos, because I enjoy the slower pace of exploring – and vibrant nightlife is no longer on my agenda 🙂

TIP: Visit in May or September to enjoy the island without the crowds – and to save a little on those high season prices!

Final Thoughts about Mykonos vs Santorini

Choosing between these desirable destinations ultimately depends on what you want in a Greek island getaway.

Mykonos is ideal if you want vibrant nightlife, luxurious accommodations, and beautiful sandy beaches, and high-end shopping.

Santorini, on the other hand, is perfect for romance, stunning sunsets, and a tranquil escape surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. It’s also the runaway winner for destination weddings and honeymoons!

Whether you’re a party-goer, a family, or a couple looking for a romantic retreat, both islands have something unique to offer.

Hopefully our comparison guide looking at Mykonos vs Santorini was useful, answered all your questions, and gave you a better idea of what to expect when you visit one of these stunning Greek island hotspots..

More tips for your trip to Mykonos or Santorini

• Where to go: One Day in Mykonos 
• Travel Inspiration: Mykonos Instagram Captions, Santorini Quotes & Captions & Quotes About Greece
• Tourist Information: Do People in Greece Speak English?

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