A Travel Price Comparison for Greece Corinth vs. Ios for Backpackers, Attractions, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Corinth or Ios?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Corinth or Ios, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Corinth

Corinth is a unique, fascinating, and ancient archeological site. And you can't forget about the museums.

Ios

Ios is a beautiful, striking, and touristy island. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Corinth and Ios: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Corinth or Ios?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Ios. Although Corinth and Ios are both popular with visitors, Ios has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Ios is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Corinth is known for its museums. Corinth is popular for its historical ruins and fascinating temples. Ios is popular for its party hard atmosphere that attracts a younger and rowdier crowd. It is also home to Skarkos Archeological Site.

How is Corinth different from Ios?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Ios and Corinth. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Corinth or Ios?

Corinth is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Ios is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its museums and history.

Corinth offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Visitors come to explore the ancient city of Corinth, which is now a significant archeological site. The Apollo Temple is an important landmark on the site. In a separate area you'll find the Acrocorinth, which is the ancient city's acropolis. Also a must-see is the Corinth Canal.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Ios. If you can pull yourself away from the beaches or parties, there are a number of archaeological and historic sights around the island. Churches like Panayia Gremiotissa Church and Evangelisimos Cathedral are worth visiting. Other attractions include Odysseas Elytis Theatre, Homer’s Tomb, and Skarkos Hill.

Is the Food Better in Corinth or Ios? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ios is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Corinth is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Ios has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Most of the island's restaurants are found in the port area or in the town of Chora, but you'll also find several options near Mylopotas Beach. Most restaurants offer typical Greek dishes, but they often have a local twist. You'll often find local cheeses or a slightly different take on an old favorite. Popular ingredients include cheese, yogurt, fish, olives, honey, olive oil, and grains. Common meats include lamb, beef, and even rabbit, but seafood is obviously popular as well.

Corinth offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are a couple of restaurants where you can grab a quick bite to eat in the area, but most are not convenient.

Is Corinth or Ios Better for Nightlife?

Ios is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. However, Corinth is lacking in good options for nightlife.

The nightlife in Ios is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. This is one of the quintessential party islands in Greece. Many young backpackers come here just to party, particularly during the summer months. You'll find many parties start around midnight or later and carry on well into the morning. Most of the clubs and bars are around the main square and nearby streets in Chora, but there are also clubs spread throughout the town. Outside of town, Mylopotas Beach is another popular party area.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Corinth. Most people visit the archeological sights and the canal as a day trip from Athens, so nightlife is not part of their itinerary.

Is Corinth or Ios Better for Resorts?

Ios is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Corinth is not a resort destination.

Ios is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. There are a number of resort areas around the island with families preferring the areas around Yialos Beach and Manganari Beach. Partiers usually head to Chora and the great beaches near Mylopotas, but if you want to escape the crowds, head to Agia Theodoti.

Corinth is not a resort destination.

Is Corinth or Ios Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Ios is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Corinth is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Ios has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There are some nice snorkeling and diving areas around the island as well as vendors who organize snorkeling and dive trips.

Corinth is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Corinth or Ios Better for Beaches?

Ios is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Corinth is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Ios are among the best in the world. The island has beautiful sandy beaches that range from family-friendly to party hard. There are popular and more developed beaches near Chora like Koumbara and Mylopotas as well as more relaxing beaches a little more removed like Kalamos and Manganari. Because of their striking beauty, the beaches around the island have been featured in a few films.

Corinth is not a beach destination.

Is Corinth or Ios Better for Hiking?

Ios is a nice place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Corinth is not a hiking destination.

Ios has hiking trails worth exploring. The island has a barren and rocky landscape that offers spectacular views. Many of the hikes are quite challenging, but there are a few options for beginners as well. Many also pass by the spectacular ruins around the island.

Corinth is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Corinth or Ios?

Ios is a nice place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Corinth is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Ios has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of local souvenirs that you can pick up. Many visitors prefer to take home unique items such as a tin of olives or olive oil. Jewelry, honey, and local ceramics also make good gifts.

Corinth is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Corinth or Ios Better for Families?

Corinth is a popular place for its family-friendly activities. However, Ios is a mediocre island for its kid-friendly activities.

Corinth is a family-friendly place to visit. These archeological ruins will have a special draw for those kids who enjoy the Percy Jackson book series. The ruins and corresponding museum tell the story of lives lived millennia ago. For kids with an active imagination, this is a fascinating place to explore.

Ios is not always a place people visit with their families. While the island is known as one of the top party destinations in Greece, it also has a more cultural side. There are impressive archaeological ruins and stunning beaches that kids will enjoy. The island also has snorkeling and plenty of kid-friendly food. Some of the best family-friendly beaches are in Manganari Bay and Yialos Beach is a nice family-friendly area.

Is Corinth or Ios Better for Couples?

Ios is a very popular place for couples. Also, Corinth is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Ios makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Because it's so close to Santorini, many people visit as a day trip. While the island is synonymous with partying, there are still many world-class archaeological sites and romantic beaches that make for an active and fun honeymoon. It's a bit quieter outside of the peak summer months.

Corinth is a nice destination for couples. An easy day trip from Athens, these archeological ruins are unique and impressive to explore for couples who enjoy history and Greek mythology.

Is Corinth or Ios Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ios is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Corinth is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Ios, as it is a very popular island for budget travelers. For many backpackers, partying in Ios is a quintessential European experience. Nights are spent at all night clubs or beach raves, while days are spent nursing a hangover on the beach. There are plenty of venues that cater to the budget crowd, with cheap food available at different places.

Corinth is a good archeological site to visit for backpackers. Most visitors come as a day trip from Athens. Public transportation options are plentiful so backpackers will find this an easy, independent trip to make.

Is Corinth or Ios Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Ios is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Corinth is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The public transit in Ios can get you to most places easily. There are public buses that travel to most of the tourist sights around the island including several of the more remote beaches like Manganari and Agia Theodoti.

You'll find some public transit in Corinth, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses and trains that connect Athens and Corinth but confirm that the schedule is convenient for your trip.

Is Corinth or Ios a more walkable city?

Ios is a nice place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Corinth is lacking in good options for its walkability.

Ios is a somewhat walkable island. Chora is the most walkable part of the island.

Corinth is generally not very walkable. Many areas are spread out, so some parts are easily walkable and others are not.

For even more information, also check out Is Corinth Worth Visiting? and Is Ios Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Ios or Corinth?

How long in Corinth or Ios?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Corinth and Ios. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Ios than in Corinth. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Corinth, and 1-3 days is enough time in Ios.

Couples should spend more time in Ios than Corinth. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Ios that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ios than Corinth if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Ios.

One day in Corinth or Ios?

With museums around the fascinating destination of Corinth, there's plenty to do. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

In Ios, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Corinth or Ios?

Many people visit Corinth for a weekend. With museums around the ancient archeological site of Corinth, there's plenty to do. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Ios, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ios has to offer.

Five days in Corinth or Ios?

The destination of Corinth offers museums. It offers something for everyone. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Ios is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Corinth or Ios?

Corinth, a popular archeological site, is full of activities for travelers. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ios. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Ios. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Greece, The Best Budget Tours to Greece, The Best Tours for Seniors to Greece, and The Best Contiki Tours to Greece.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Corinth and Ios, we can see that Corinth is more expensive. And not only is Ios much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ios would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ios and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Corinth would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Corinth than you might in Ios.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Corinth Expensive? and Is Ios Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Corinth or Ios?

Corinth has a larger population, and is about 320 times larger than the population of Ios. When comparing the sizes of Corinth and Ios, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.