A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ios vs. Amalfi for Food, Nightlife, Beaches, and Couples

Should you visit Ios or Amalfi?

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

Should I visit Ios or Amalfi? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Ios

Ios is a historical, party-oriented, and vibrant island. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and food.

Amalfi

Amalfi is a stunning, dramatic, and charming town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Ios and Amalfi: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ios or Amalfi?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Amalfi than Ios, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Amalfi is better known for its food, historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Ios is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, and beaches. Amalfi is more touristy than Ios and is known for its dramatic views, charming character, and excellent limoncello. Also, Amalfi is famous for the dramatic coastline. Ios is well known for its party hard atmosphere that attracts a younger and rowdier crowd.

How is Ios different from Amalfi?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the notable sights and museums in both Ios and Amalfi.

Ios offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Amalfi. The town is an attraction in and off itself. It's filled with charm and character and visitors spend much of their time simply walking around and soaking up the atmosphere.

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

Amalfi is very popular for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Ios is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Amalfi is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The town's access to the beautiful sea means that many dishes use a variety of seafood. Eggplant is also a common ingredient and you'll find everything from pastas to elegant desserts around town.

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.

Is Ios or Amalfi Better for Nightlife?

Ios is an amazing island to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Amalfi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Ios has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

Many people head to Amalfi for the nightlife scene. There's a good number of bars and clubs in town that often have live music or DJs. Alternatively, there are also clubs that dot the entire coastline.

Is Ios or Amalfi Better for Resorts?

Ios is well known for its resorts. However, Amalfi is not a resort destination.

In Ios, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. 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.

Amalfi is not a resort destination.

Is Ios or Amalfi Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

There's notable scuba diving or snorkeling available in both Ios and Amalfi.

Ios has a few good snorkeling spots. There are some nice snorkeling and diving areas around the island as well as vendors who organize snorkeling and dive trips.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Amalfi. You'll find snorkeling trips that take you along the coastline and stop at several places so you can take a peak at the underwater world.

Is Ios or Amalfi Better for Beaches?

Ios is an amazing island to visit for the beache. Also, Amalfi is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beach.

Ios is considered to be a world-class beach destination. 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.

Amalfi offers a nice beach destination. The beaches tend to be pebbly and rocky. During the summer months they can get very crowded, but taking a swim is a great way to escape the heat for a bit.

Is Ios or Amalfi Better for its Old Town?

Amalfi is notable for its old town. However, Ios does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Amalfi. The town is charming and filled with great shops and restaurants. It's the perfect place to soak up the atmosphere of the Amalfi Coast.

Ios does not have a historic old town.

Is Ios or Amalfi Better for Hiking?

Amalfi is notable for the nearby hiking options. Also, Ios is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its hiking trails.

Amalfi is a popular spot for hiking. The coastline is filled with great trails that offer stunning views. Hiking is a top way to see the natural beauty of the Amalfi Coast and catch a glimpse at some of the best beaches.

Many people include a hike when visiting Ios. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Ios or Amalfi?

Both Ios and Amalfi are notable shopping destinations.

Ios offers some nice shopping areas. 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.

Amalfi has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find many great shops that sell everything from clothing to fine wine, local foods, or limoncello.

Is Ios or Amalfi Better for Families?

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

Amalfi is a family-friendly place to visit. The town is positioned in the middle of the Amalfi Coast, making it a great base for exploring the area. It's also one of the larger towns so you'll find more energy and things to do with kids, including the Museum of Paper.

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 Ios or Amalfi Better for Couples?

Amalfi is very popular for its romantic activities. Also, Ios is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for couples.

Amalfi makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The Amalfi Coast is a world class honeymoon destination and couples will enjoy staying in the lively town of Amalfi. It's a quaint and beautiful town in the middle of everything, so you'll have access to all that the area has to offer.

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.

Is Ios or Amalfi Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ios is an amazing island to visit for backpackers. However, Amalfi is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Ios. 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.

Amalfi is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The area has a couple of hostels around, but in general this is a difficult place to visit as a backpacker. There are SITA buses that offer transportation, and because the town is in the middle of the coastline, it offers decent access to everything.

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

Ios is well known for its public transit. Also, Amalfi is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Ios can get you around 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.

While Amalfi offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The SITA buses offer transit between many of the towns along the Amalfi Coast.

Is Ios or Amalfi a more walkable city?

Amalfi is very popular for its high level of walkability. Also, Ios is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Amalfi on foot. It's a compact and charming town that is a bit flatter than some nearby villages so it's easy to explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Amalfi or Ios?

How long in Ios or Amalfi?

Both Ios and Amalfi have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Amalfi than in Ios. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Ios, and 2-7 days is enough time in Amalfi.

Families should spend more time in Amalfi than Ios. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Amalfi, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ios than Amalfi 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 Ios or Amalfi?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Ios. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

With museums and nightlife around the charming destination of Amalfi, there's plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One of the main draws to the area is the food. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A weekend in Ios or Amalfi?

Ios is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Many people visit Amalfi for a weekend. With nightlife and food around the stunning town of Amalfi, there's plenty to do. One of the main draws to the area is the food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Ios or Amalfi?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ios. Most people come for the beaches. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the destination of Amalfi, there's plenty to do. Many people spend five days here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the food. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

A week in Ios or Amalfi?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the striking destination of Ios. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Amalfi, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Visiting the old town is also a must. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best 3-Day Tours in Greece, The Best 2-Week Tours from Rome, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ios and Amalfi, we can see that Amalfi 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 Amalfi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Amalfi 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 Ios Expensive? and Is Amalfi Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ios or Amalfi?

Amalfi has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Ios. When comparing the sizes of Ios and Amalfi, 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.