Santorini Vs. Mykonos Comparison Guide: How To Choose Santorini Or Mykonos

Should you visit Mykonos or Santorini? In this post, we talk about both Santorini vs. Mykonos, their top attractions, and the best each of these Greek Islands has to offer you.

In the end, you will be able to know which island is best for your Greek vacation. 

Which Of The Two Most Famous Greek Island Is Better?

When deciding on your summer destination, it can be challenging to pinpoint one particular area. You’re keen to have the very best time possible, and you’re reading about sun, sand, and colorful cocktails in all manner of spots.

It doesn’t make your choice very easy.

Greece is undoubtedly one of the most popular holiday destinations, and post-pandemic, it has seen a significant boost in tourism. The Greek islands are gorgeous, with sun-drenched landscapes, plenty to see and do, and delicious food to enjoy.

But then you have to choose which island you want to visit!

Two of the most popular are certainly Santorini and Mykonos.

So, if you’ve whittled down your choice to these two islands, how can you choose between the island famed for its blue-domed churches or the one with the uber-famous Super Paradise Beach?

Let’s help you decide and jet off on your Greek vacation.

Keep reading below for our in-depth analysis on weighing up Santorini vs. Mykonos.

Why You Should Choose Santorini Over Mykonos

Santorini has long been a traveler’s favorite. It’s one of the most beautiful spots around, and if you Google it, you’ll see exactly what we mean! The downside is that its popularity means a higher price tag, but that may not be an issue if you can find a deal during the shoulder months.

The views over the island are stunning, including the Caldera—an active volcano to gaze upon. The island’s capital, Fira, is geared toward tourism and has everything you could possibly need, although other spots, such as Oia, are also worth a visit.

Santorini’s beaches offer crystal clear waters, though they are primarily pebbly or are dark, volcanic sandy beaches. The beaches of Santorini are ideal for swimmers as the water is calm, and you have those stunning views as you enjoy a beach day. Many boat trips leave the harbor daily, too, so you can get the best views.

Santorini is known for its luxury hotels; if you want a romantic trip, this is a great spot. That’s not to say that the island isn’t family-friendly, but fewer activities are geared solely towards children and families. Instead, you can look forward to visiting wineries and natural beauty spots.

There is also ancient history to learn, with Ancient Akrotiri, one of the island’s most important archaeological sites, totally worth a visit.

Nightlife-wise, Santorini is far more chilled out than Mykonos, but that’s not to say you’ll be bored when the sun goes down. Fira, in particular, has a vibrant nightlife and a few nightclubs to check out, too. You’ll also find all the different types of food to enjoy, including authentic Greek cuisine and fresh seafood.

Santorini is a popular choice as it is well connected to major European cities during the summer months, and there are flights from Athens every day during the winter months. However, the island is extremely quiet during the winter, and flight numbers to Santorini International Airport are reduced.

Mykonos Vs Santorini – Why Is Mykonos Better

Mykonos has always been popular, and even more so now due to the countless celebrities choosing the island as their summer destination. It has always been a summer favorite and a great place to enjoy Greece.

Mykonos is known for its fantastic nightlife, but there is more to it than that. It has a more family-friendly vibe than Santorini and is a great spot for groups. Mykonos beaches are long and contain golden sand, with calm waters for children to swim. There are plenty of boat trips to enjoy, some of which are party boats.

While Santorini has dramatic hillside views, Mykonos is more about laid-back enjoyment on beautiful beaches. On a boat trip, you can also visit Delos Island and its ruins, which will take around 45 minutes to reach.

Most people choose to base themselves in Chora, also known as Mykonos Town, during their stay. Many hotels are located in and around Chora. Some luxurious five-star choices, including all-inclusive options, are also available outside the main town.

While days are often spent swimming and enjoying the beach clubs, you can also walk around the Old Town’s cobbled streets and do a spot of shopping. When night falls, that’s when Mykonos Town, in particular, really comes alive. There are all types of nightlife to enjoy and some very exclusive nightclubs on the island, which may afford you the odd celebrity spotting or two!

Mykonos and Santorini are similar in terms of cost, although Mykonos may be slightly less expensive for food and other essentials. Despite that, thanks to a long season of good weather, you can find some outstanding deals for a Mykonos holiday during the spring and autumn months.

Mykonos Or Santorini

Now you know what to expect from both islands; which one wins?

Honestly, both.

It really depends on what you want your holiday to be about in terms of which destination you choose. Both islands are perfect for soaking up the sun and enjoying fantastic scenery and beach time. You can see both islands’ rich history and views, and the gastronomy is of top quality regardless of your destination.

Aegean Sea Beaches On Santorini Vs. Mykonos

Both Mykonos and Santorini offer a variety of stunning beaches, each with its own charm and atmosphere:

 Best Beaches In Mykonos

1. Paradise Beach. Known for its vibrant party scene, with lively beach clubs and music
2. Super Paradise Beach. Similar to Paradise Beach, it’s famous for its parties and energetic atmosphere
3. Elia Beach. A relaxed and family-friendly beach with crystal-clear waters and a good range of amenities
4. Psarou Beach. Popular among celebrities and upscale travelers, offering luxury beach clubs and a fashionable atmosphere
5. Platis Gialos Beach. A well-organized and lively beach with various water sports activities and beachfront dining options

Santorini Beaches

1. Kamari Beach. A long, black, volcanic sand beach with a range of amenities, water sports activities, and beach bars
2. Perissa Beach. Another black sand beach located near Kamari offering a relaxed setting with umbrellas, sunbeds, and beachfront tavernas
3. Red Beach. Known for its unique red cliffs and sand, offering a stunning backdrop for sunbathing and snorkeling
4. Vlychada Beach. Distinguished by its impressive lunar-like landscape, featuring cliffs and volcanic ash formations
5. White Beach. A picturesque pebble beach surrounded by white cliffs, accessible by boat or via a short hike from the Red Beach

Santorini Or Mykonos For Romance 

For a romantic experience in Mykonos and Santorini, here are some options to consider:

Mykonos

• Little Venice. A charming neighborhood in Mykonos Town known for its colorful houses and waterfront cafes. It’s a great spot to enjoy a romantic sunset
• Agios Sostis. A secluded and unspoiled beach with a serene atmosphere, perfect for a romantic picnic or a leisurely swim
• Private yacht or boat tour. Rent a private yacht or join a boat tour to explore the stunning coastline and nearby islands, enjoying privacy and spectacular views together
• Sunset dinner at a beachfront restaurant. Book a table at one of Mykonos’s many romantic beachfront restaurants and savor a delicious meal while watching the sunset over the Aegean Sea.

Santorini

• Oia. Famous for its breathtaking sunsets, stroll through the quaint streets of Oia and find a spot to watch the sun go down while enjoying the stunning views
• Santorini Winery Tour. Discover the island’s renowned vineyards and enjoy wine-tasting sessions together, surrounded by scenic landscapes
• Caldera boat tour. Embark on a boat tour of the Caldera, exploring the volcanic islands and hot springs. Many tours also offer a romantic dinner on board while admiring the dramatic coastline
• Amoudi Bay: Located below Oia, Amoudi Bay offers a picturesque setting with waterside seafood restaurants. Enjoy a romantic dinner here, with cliffs and sea views as your backdrop.

These options provide opportunities for romantic moments and experiences in both Mykonos and Santorini, allowing you to create unforgettable memories together.

Mykonos Or Santorini For Architecture

Here’s a list of 5 architectural highlights for both Mykonos and Santorini to help you choose:

Architectural highlights of Mykonos

1. Windmills of Mykonos. These iconic white windmills overlooking Mykonos Town are a symbol of the island
2. Mykonos Town (Chora). The town features charming narrow streets, whitewashed houses with colorful doors and balconies, and traditional Cycladic architecture
3. Church of Panagia Paraportiani. This unique church is a notable example of Cycladic architecture, comprising several smaller chapels combined into one complex
4. Little Venice. Located in Mykonos Town, this picturesque neighborhood features old fishermen’s houses with balconies hanging over the sea
5. Ano Mera: A traditional village on the island with a central square featuring the 18th-century Monastery of Panagia Tourliani

Architectural highlights of Santorini

1. Oia. This charming village is famous for its blue-domed churches, cave houses, and narrow streets perched on the edge of the Caldera
2. Fira. The capital of Santorini showcases a mix of traditional Cycladic and neoclassical architecture, with whitewashed houses and blue-domed churches
3. Akrotiri Archaeological Site. The ancient Minoan settlement of Akrotiri was preserved by volcanic ash, and visitors can explore the well-preserved ruins and discover its architectural remnants
4. Pyrgos. A medieval village with a Venetian castle at its center, Pyrgos offers panoramic views and traditional Cycladic architecture with whitewashed houses and blue domes
5. Megalochori. This traditional village features narrow streets, traditional wineries, and beautifully preserved neoclassical mansions

These are just a few architectural highlights of each island, and many more structures and neighborhoods exist to explore. Both Mykonos and Santorini offer distinct architectural beauty, showcasing the unique charm and character of the Cyclades islands.

Showdown Between Mykonos And Santorini

Some tiny details set them apart, which may help you make your final decision.

Mykonos may be a better option for you if you’re traveling with friends or family. Here, you’ll find more variety in terms of nightlife, and the best beaches are long, wide, and golden.

However, Santorini is an excellent choice if you travel as a couple or as a solo traveler. It has a very romantic atmosphere and could also be a perfect honeymoon destination for newlyweds.

It also boils down to this: if you want to party, go to Mykonos. If you want to see jaw-dropping, rugged scenery, go to Santorini.

Or, you could choose both! Both islands are close together, and a high-speed ferry ride should only take 2-3 hours during the summer season. In that case, you can visit both islands during the space of one holiday (ferry tickets are easy to get) and then you don’t have to choose!

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Decide Between Santorini And Mykonos FAQs