Which Island is Best For You? Mykonos or Santorini?

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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.

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.

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