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Mykonos or Santorini? Both are among the most popular and beautiful islands not only in Greece but in the whole world! Whitewashed houses and crystalline blue waters make for a heavenly backdrop on both islands but if you don’t have much time, how do you decide which island is the best for you?
A lot of people who visit Greece often wonder“Which is better: Mykonos or Santorini?”. In this post, I will try to answer some questions regarding those islands, so that you can decide where you want to go.
Check out my Athens, Santorini, and Mykonos Itinerary.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means that should you click on certain links, and then subsequently purchase a product, I will receive a small commission.
Table of Contents
Mykonos or Santorini Where Should I Go?
Summary of the Main Differences:
While each Greek island has its own character and charm, there are certain things that set Mykonos and Santorini apart. Both have chic hotels, stylish bars, and wonderful views but for a quick-fire summary of the differences between the two please see below:
Mykonos vs Santorini
Mykonos:
– Great for beaches
– Fun, lively nightlife
– Very LGBT friendly
– Lots of boutique shopping
Santorini:
– Incredible views
– Ideal for honeymoons
– Best for sunsets
– Great for wine tasting
Which Island Is Easiest To Get To Mykonos or Santorini?
Both Mykonos and Santorini are really easily accessible as they each feature a national/international airport as well as at least one ferry port. Short-haul flights from many European destinations fly direct to Mykonos and Santorini, while flights from the US or other long-haul destinations may require a stopover in Athens or another major European hub.
Getting To/From Mykonos by Boat
You can get a ferry to Mykonos from two ports in Athens: Piraeus and Rafina.
From Piraeus port, you have two choices: the speed boat that will take you to Mykonos in 2h 30m and the regular boat that takes approximately 5h to reach Mykonos port.
From Rafina port you again have two choices: the speed boat that takes around 2h 15m and the regular boat that will take you to Mykonos in 4h 30m.
How much does it cost to go from Athens to Mykonos and vice versa?
- One-way tickets from Piraeus port to Mykonos by speedboat cost 57.50 € and by regular boat 37€
- One-way tickets from Rafina port to Mykonos by speedboat cost 52€ and by regular boat 27€
Click here for the ferry schedule and to book your ferry tickets.
Getting To/From Santorini by Boat
You can also get a ferry to Santorini from Athens Piraeus port; a service that runs regularly throughout the year (weather dependent).
From Piraeus port you have two choices: the speed boat that will take you to Santorini in approximately 5h depending on the company, and the regular boat that takes approximately 7 h 30 m to reach Santorini port.
How much does it cost to go from Athens to Santorini and vice versa?
- One-way tickets from Piraeus port to Santorini by speedboat cost 61.50€ and by regular boat 38.50€
You might be interested in: How to get from Athens to Santorini.
Top Tips For Taking a Boat To/From Mykonos and Santorini
If you get seasick easily then you should take the regular boat because when there is wind the journey can be a little rough and the speedboats feel the impact of this much more than the larger ferries.
If you are traveling from other ports on the mainland or other Greek islands, you can check out ferry schedules, times, and prices here.
Please note that you might find a small difference in prices depending on the ferry company.
The Battle Of The Islands: Mykonos Or Santorini
Which Island Has The Best Views: Mykonos or Santorini?
Deciding which island out of Santorini and Mykonos has the best views depends on what type of landscapes you like and what you want to see during your trip to the Greek Isles.
Mykonos has long swathes of beach and plenty of quaint seaside streets, while Santorini has epic caldera views unlike anywhere else in Greece. Santorini also features volcanic beaches, vineyards and towns set high above the caldera which allow for more impressive panoramic views than perhaps anywhere in Mykonos.
Winner: Santorini
Which Island Has The Best Beaches: Mykonos or Santorini?
On the whole, Mykonos has better beaches than Santorini, with white sand and crystal-clear waters which are considered some of the best in Greece. There are numerous beaches to choose from, with some lying just meters from the centre of the main town and others that are further out but either host epic beach parties or a quiet and family-friendly.
Click here for the best beaches in Mykonos.
On the other hand, Santorini’s beaches have unique characteristics because of the volcano which means in Santorini you can find beaches with black pebbles and even red sand. This makes them a little different from classically beautiful beaches but can be great for photography. Please note, however, that not many of Santorini’s beaches are that accessible and you’re more likely to admire beaches and volcanic sands from above than to be reclining on the sand and swimming in the sea.
Click here for the best beaches in Santorini.
Winner: Mykonos
Which Island Has The Best Activities: Mykonos or Santorini?
This one again depends on your style of travel and the things you like to do while on vacation. If you want to kick back on the beach for most of your holiday, then you’ll probably think Mykonos is best, while if you want to explore vineyards and boat trips, you might prefer Santorini.
Things To Do In Mykonos
The number one thing to do in Mykonos is to soak up the sun and hit the beach but there are other things to do too. Mykonos has a lovely old town that has been kept in pristine condition so it is wonderful to meander through the winding streets, stopping every now and again to take photographs. Another photogenic spot in Mykonos is Little Venice; a colourful collection of houses that lie on the waterfront and are backed by traditional Greek windmills.
While not strictly in Mykonos, the nearby island of Delos is another popular attraction that draws visitors to Mykonos every year. Delos is probably the most important archaeological island in the whole of Greece as it was home to an entire community and much of the remains are still visible today. You cannot stay on the island of Delos as it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the entire complex is covered in archaeological ruins, but it can easily be reached by boat from Mykonos.
Finally, Mykonos’ nightlife is another major draw to the island but we’ll come to that later.
You might want to check out: What to do in Mykonos.
Things To Do In Santorini
Aside from walking around the picture-perfect village of Oia and taking photographs of sunsets, there are a number of historical and cultural activities available in Santorini to keep you entertained. The ancient city of Akrotiri and the Museum of Prehistoric Thira both offer a fascinating insight into the island’s history before the volcanic eruption destroyed the Minoan village.
If you fancy a spot of wine tasting, Santorini has you covered as this island is one of the few Greek islands that is able to produce great wine crops thanks to the fertility of the volcanic soil.
Boat trips are another fun activity available in Santorini, so whether you take a small boat out for a spin around the island yourself or opt for a group trip into the caldera, you will certainly enjoy the incredible views of this amazing island from a whole new angle.
You might also like: Things to do in Santorini, Things to do in Oia Santorini, Things to do in Fira Santorini.
Winner: It’s a close one but maybe Santorini for the variety offered
Which Island Has The Best Bars and Nightlife: Mykonos or Santorini?
Mykonos has a big nightlife scene with numerous clubs and bars for all tastes and genres. It is considered to be a party island with big-name DJs coming here during the peak summer months. Mykonos has long been a gay-friendly destination and as such there are a whole host of LGBT-friendly bars and clubs that allow you to party until the early hours.
Santorini on the other hand has a more relaxed vibe, with a handful of bars and clubs but on the whole it is very quiet compared to Mykonos. The island has a very upmarket atmosphere and is best for enjoy a few classy cocktails rather than partying the night away.
Winner: Mykonos
Which Island Has The Best Shopping: Mykonos or Santorini?
Neither island is known for having large malls as this is not the style of Greek Island shopping, but you will certainly find stylish boutiques in both Mykonos and Santorini where you can purchase hand-made souvenirs and sophisticated beachwear. Mykonos especially is known for having high-end boutiques and designer brands that draw in the jet-set crowd and yachties.
Winner: Mykonos
Which Island Is Better to Go for a Honeymoon: Mykonos or Santorini?
Santorini is considered one of the most romantic places in the world making it an ideal place for weddings and honeymooners. Many travellers even come here with their wedding dresses just to take photos with the town of Oia and the stunning caldera in the background!
Both Mykonos and Santorini offer an amazing selection of upmarket hotels and restaurants, but arguably Santorini’s chic stays just nudge it thanks to their private pools overlooking the caldera and exquisite interiors.
Winner: Santorini
Which Island Has a Better Sunset: Mykonos or Santorini?
Although the sunset from Mykonos is beautiful and there are some great bars that offer panoramic views and delicious cocktails at sunset, Santorini’s sunset is considered one of the best in the world. A lot of people gather every night in Oia to see the sunset and while this may be a bit busy for some, if you can manage to find a spot without too many people in front of you, you will be blessed with a truly breath-taking sunset!
Winner: Santorini
The Battle Of The Islands Winner: Santorini
With a score of 4-3, it is pretty tight but Santorini just tips the scales based on its sunsets, activities, views and suitability for honeymoons. Of course, this is by no means a definitive list and there are sure to be things that Mykonos has over Santorini and vice versa. In the end, it really depends on what your priorities are, what you’re looking to experience and the length of time you have available to you.
When Is Best To Visit Mykonos and Santorini?
Both Mykonos and Santorini lie in the Cyclades chain of islands and are therefore blessed with glorious weather throughout the summer season. As Mykonos’ beaches and summer parties are one of the main draws, it is best to visit between May/June and September to enjoy the very best weather. Because Santorini offers more in the way of sight-seeing than beaches, it can be enjoyed year-round with the best time being between April and October.
Please note that both islands get extremely busy during the months of July and August with large cruise ships arriving daily which top up the already busy numbers on these small islands! If you can avoid travelling during these months, I would recommend it!
Check out: The best time to Visit Mykonos and The best time to visit Santorini
Can I Visit Both Mykonos and Santorini In One Trip?
While it is best not to try and visit one island as a day trip from the other (as ferries can take a few hours), you can certainly combine both islands on a multi-stop trip to Greece. Travel between the two islands is super easy with regular ferry services travelling back and forth.
If you wish to fly, you will need to head back to Athens airport, but the journey time between Athens and the islands is very quick and simple.
Where to stay in Mykonos?
Budget Hotel:
Sourmeli Garden Hotel is located in Mykonos Chora close to Megali Ammos Beach and offers rooms with either small patios or balconies. Other amenities include air conditioning, free Wi-fi and a refrigerator. Check here for the latest prices and more details.
Mid-Range Hotel:
With Inn is located on the sandy beach of Tourlos, 1 km away from Mykonos port. It offers elegant rooms, with air conditioning, and free wi-fi. Most of the rooms come with views to the Aegean Sea. Check here for the latest prices and more details.
Luxury Hotels:
Bill & Coo Suites & Lounge part of the Leading Hotels of the World offers sea-view suites & villas in Megali Ammos Beach and a km away from Mykonos Town. Check here for the latest prices and more details.
For a detailed guide on where to stay in Mykonos, check my guide here.
You might also like: The best Airbnbs in Mykonos.
Where to stay in Santorini?
Budget Hotel:
Studios Apartments Kapetanios: Located in Perissa, 1 km away from the beach it offers rooms with air-conditioning, free wi-fi, and a small kitchenette. Check here for the latest prices and more details.
Mid-Range Hotel:
Costa Marina Villas (Fira): This budget-friendly guesthouse, just 200 m away from Fira’s central square, offers rooms with free Wi-Fi, hairdryer, air conditioning, fridge and electric kettle. Check here for the latest prices and more details.
Luxury Hotel:
Canaves Oia Santorini: Built on the cliff overlooking the caldera offers elegant rooms and suites with free wi-fi, and balcony with Caldera, volcano and the Aegean Sea views. Other hotel amenities include an outdoor pool and private parking. Check here for the latest prices and more details.
Check my post: The best Airbnbs to stay in Santorini.
I believe that both islands deserve your visit so if you can explore both Mykonos and Santorini you won’t be disappointed. However, if you only have time for one island, I think I would choose Santorini just due to its unique landscape and picture-perfect views.
Have you ever been to Mykonos or Santorini? Which island do you like best?
Do you have any other questions regarding your holidays to the islands? Feel free to ask me.
What are the charges for staying in these magnificent islands?
At hight season July and August expect at least 100 euro per night!
thank you
Looks unreal. Always been a destination in mind. Hopefully some day soon!
I hope you can make it there soon!
This is a great quick guide for choosing between Santorini or Mykonos. It’s hard to choose but I think I would go for Santorini first.
Great post! Love to see comparisons like this. So helpful! Sounds like Santorini is more my speed. 🙂
Thank you Amanda
I love them both and it’s very hard to decide but i’d have to say Santorini! Cant go to wrong visiting the greek islands imho…
Santorini is my fave as well!
One of my dream trips is islandhopping in Greece. So far I’ve only been to Athens and Crete but would definitely love to see more!
Ilove Crete! All the islands are great! I hope you can make it there soon!
This is a great guide for people who want to go to Santorini. It’s such a popular place at the moment!
Thank you ! Santorini is a unique island!
Both Mykonos and Santorini look beautiful. Can I go to both?! I love Greek islands and enjoyed travelling through mainland Greece last year. I will go back in the future
I hope you can make it here again soon there are so many things to discover!
I’ve been to both islands and prefer Santorini, though I only spent a portion of a day in Mykonos. I would highly recommend to take the ferry to Santorini, but fly back to Athens, rather than fly both ways. The views of the island from the ferry are stunning!
I agree with you the view of Santorini as you arrive by the ferry is incredible!
Both feel so overcrowded that I don’t know which one I would go for given the chance. Thanks for this article. It brings up a few great points to make a choice!
In the high season it’s crowed but if you go on May or September it’s perfect!
Hi Chrissy, I booked my flight to Mykonos for 20-28 of September. do you think the weather and the sea are already not so hot? as I know most bars and beach parties are closed that time? will there be the open ones? and what can you say about crises in Greece? I mean did it influence the prices in Mykonos? (lunch/dinner in tavernas/restaurants, wine ecc). I am little bit stressed about all this things. will appreciate your quick answer! Love from Turkey.
Hi Maria, The temperature of the sea is fine at the end of September imagine it;s better than June. There are people in Mykonos in September but it’s not overcrowded like in July and August and of course a lot of places will be open. I am afraid that the Greek crisis didn’t affect Mykonos at all. It reamains an expensive island ut in September things will be a little cheaper. I don’t know your budget but there are a lot of options for food and drink so there are a lot of places that aren’t expensive. Always check the menu before entering a restaurant. I hope I helped you a little. Let me know if you need anything else.
oh, thank you for your quick reply! great! actually I was afraid that crisis will affect it in bad way like higher prices then usual. my budget is kind of 100 euro per day. not so much.
Hello Maria,
Happy to help! If your budget doen’t include the hotel it’s ok. The most I have spent on my holidays in Greece per day but not in Mykonos or Santorini was 40 – 50 euros and in many destinations like Crete less.I hope you enjoy your holidays to Mykonos. Make sure you do the trip to Dilos if you are into history.
hi again:) it s without hotel. which beaches do you prefer the most? will there still be beach parties in the end of sept?
I think that there are beach parties in paradise and super paradise beach especially on the weekends. Mykonos has nice beaches like Ornos, Elia Kato Livadi, Psarou most of Greek and many international celebrities spent their holidays there. There are a lot of bars and clubs in Chora for teh night with plenty of people.
Hi again:) it is without hotel. I am still thinking between some options. may be you can recommend a nice place on a budget in Chora or nearby but still with good view?:) and I ll do my best to get to Delos:) thank you again!
I am afraid that i wouldn’t reccomend the hotels I stayed in Mykonos but there is an area close to Chora called Ornos (3km) that are some nice places you can stay. You will need transport if you want to go to Chora though.There is the public bus of course. Ornos has a niice beach too.
oh, really? I still prefer to stay near the center and go to the beaches during the day. I thought about Nazos Hotel, nearly all comments on tripadvisor are positive ones and its only 320 euros for 7 nights for 2.
Chora is a great place to stay I checked Nazos Hotel and it looks ok plus the price is very good for Mykonos! Let me know if you had a nice time!
In June we (my wife and two grown children with me) spent 3 nights in Mykonos and 3 nights in Santorini. Third time for each island. We flew from Istanbul after a 4 night stay there. Hard to pick a favorite. Mykonos has the short excursion to Delos- spring for a guide there. We loved Paradise Beach (Tropicana) where you can get a wonderful pork gyro brought to your lounge chair for 2.5 euros plus tip. The atmosphere in town is very fun, particularly after the cruise boats leave and it is not as crowded. Santorini is a photographer’s dream. Eating breakfast overlooking the caldera is a wonderful experience. We rented a car this time. I mentioned to our host at our hotel I was interested in renting a car (with automatic transmission) she said come back to her office in half an hour and one would be there. It was and 5 minutes of paperwork later we had a car. That way we drove to Oia twice for sunsets; Akrotiri for the archeological site- then Red Beach. We also went to Permissa (sp?) and the other beach – begins with a K- We did not stay in Thera but were about 45 minutes away on the rim walk. On our previous trips my wife and I made the rim walk from Thera to Oia. Of all the Greek Islands we chose those two to take our children for the first time as they had not been to any of them and we thought those were the best. My son is into photography. We had a great time
Hello Steve! It seems that you had a great time in Mykonos and Santorini. June is a great time to be there not so crowded! I loved Delos as well!
HI I am planning to go to Greece with my friends in mid-June. Could you please give some suggestion on an Athens + Santorini + Mykonos itinerary? How many days should we spend in total? And for each city, how many days should we spend? We are planning to go for a week, is that enough?
Thanks a lot,
Audrey
Hello Audrey thanks for stopping by. Would you like to tell me what you are interested in? Archaeological sites, beaches nightlife so I can help you more? You can go on the contact me page and send me an email so we can speak in private if you want.
Hi i am planning to visit santorini in the month of december for my honeymoon. is it good time to visit? also if you can tell me normal temperature in the month of december? how many days one should need to spend if one wants to enjoy the beauty with relaxation. Thanks in advance
Hello there and congratulations on your marriage. I am afraid that December is not the best time to visit Santorini. The average temperature is about 10 degrees Celsious but the worst thing are the high winds in winter. Now if you are lucky you make enjoy nice sunny days. Now most of the things are closed during winter, Of course there are a lot of hotels that stay open in Fira, the museums, a couple of wineries and some restaurants. 4 days are enough I think to enjoy the island. Now the good thing about visiting Santorini off season is that you have it on your own and i great for photos.
Which island has the best hiking?
I would say Santorini. It’s a small island with great routes. Don’t forget to hike grom Fira to Oia, one of the most scenic hikes.
Do you need a car or can manage with public transport both in Santorini and Mykonos?
If you have a lot of days I think you can manage with public passport , during the high season and if you saty somewhere central like Fira in Santorini and Chora in Mykonos
Hi, going to Greek islands in July with friends incl a 15yr old son and a friends baby. Is Mykonos a good place to stay over a week (9days?) or would that be too long? Thinking 3 nights Santorini, 4 naxos, 9 Mykonos or should we seperate and Myk to 5 and 4 on Paros?
Thanks in advance,
Jodie
Hello Jodie, thanks for stopping by. Personally, I find 9 days in Mykonos too much. I suggest that you visit the island of Paros or Naxos as well. Mykonos is more a party, jet set island. In Paros and Naxos, you will have a more original Greek experience.The islands are quieter they have great food, nice beaches and are less expensive than overpriced Mykonos. They are more family friendly islands too. Let me know if you have more questions and enjoy your time in Greece.
Hi! I am planning to go visit Athens for 3 days then either Mykonos or Santorini with my sister we’re both in our early 20’s which place would you recommend if we are not into clubbing scenes but we still would like to have fun and spend times in the bright blue beach? also how is the weather going to be like there?
Thanks in advance,
Brendan
Hello Brendan. Between Mykonos and Santorini I prefer Santorini as it a really unique island. Mykonos on the other hand has nicer beaches. When are you coming? From May till October you can swim in the sea and the weather is generally good.
Hi, it’s a great blog with super information. By the coming weekend, we will be in Greece for about 10 nights (4 in Athens, 3 in Mykonos & Santorini each).
We are 3 families with young kids (2 are 7 and one is 3).
Suggest me some activities we can do that the young ones will like. We though of going to a beach, windmill, museum, sunset etc. What else do you recommend?
Thanks for your help.
Maulik
Hello Maulik, Thank you for your kind words. In Athens, there is a fantastic tour that the kids will like called the Mythological tour of Athens that goes to all of Athens major attractions and tells the mythology behind it. All the kids find this nice. KIds will also have fun watching the change of the guards at Syntagma square. Finally in the centre of Athens close to Monastiraki metro station there is a road called Pittaki has a beautiful cafe like the Alice in Wonderland. It is called Little Cook. In Santorini, is not very child-friendly but the kids will have a great time at the beach, especially Monolithos beach and by the pool. The archaeological site of Akrotiri is interesting too. Mykonos has amazing sandy beaches the kids will love (Ornos, Plati Yialos and Agios stefanos are great for kids), you can visit the windmills as well, there is a pelican going around the alleys of Chora in Mykonos, Kids will love him. You can also do a boat excursion as well. There is also a tour in Mykonos that goes to an organic farm and kids spend time with animals and picking vegetables I don’t know from which country you are coming from but It is getting hotter and hotter here so bring light clothes sunscreen and hats.
Thank you Chrissy for quick & informative reply.
Well, I will be traveling from a city that has 44 Celsius degree temperature so definitely I am coming to a cooler place.
I will keep you posted with what we did & how did it go so that you can recommend to others too.
Cheers,
Maulik
Looking forward to your feedback. Have a nice time in Greece.