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

Should you visit Ios or Bergamo?

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

Should I visit Ios or Bergamo? 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.

Bergamo

Bergamo is a under-rated, historical, and fascinating city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Ios and Bergamo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ios or Bergamo?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Ios than Bergamo, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Ios is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Bergamo is more popular for its historical sights. Ios is more touristy than Bergamo and is known for its party hard atmosphere that attracts a younger and rowdier crowd. Also, Ios is famous for Skarkos Archeological Site. Bergamo is well known for its historical buildings and beautiful squares.

How is Ios different from Bergamo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bergamo 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 Bergamo?

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

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 Bergamo. There are historical buildings as well as fascinating museums that are worth checking out. Highlights include the Basilica of St. Mary Major, Colleoni Chapel, the Accademia Carrara, and the Cathedral of Sant'Alessandro.

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

Both Ios and Bergamo offer very good local cuisine and restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Ios. 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.

Bergamo has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find traditional restaurants around town that serve the local specialties, many of which have their roots in peasant dishes. The flavors are humble but high quality and the food is fresh and masterfully prepared.

Is Ios or Bergamo Better for Nightlife?

Ios is an amazing island to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Bergamo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Bergamo. Despite not being high on the itinerary of many travelers, the city has a great nightlife scene that includes many local bars and clubs. You can enjoy a local brew or sip some Italian wine while you enjoy the atmosphere of the old town.

Is Ios or Bergamo Better for Resorts?

Ios is notable for its resorts. However, Bergamo 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.

Bergamo is not a resort destination.

Is Ios or Bergamo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Ios is a nice place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Bergamo 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.

Bergamo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ios or Bergamo Better for Beaches?

Ios is an amazing island to visit for the beache. However, Bergamo 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.

Bergamo is not a beach destination.

Is Ios or Bergamo Better for its Old Town?

Bergamo is a popular place for its old town. However, Ios does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Bergamo to see the old town. Since the old town was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the town has become more popular with visitors. Still, you can enjoy the authentic and less touristy vibe of this beautiful city.

Ios does not have a historic old town.

Is Ios or Bergamo Better for Hiking?

Ios is a nice place to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Bergamo 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.

Bergamo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ios or Bergamo?

Both Ios and Bergamo 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.

Bergamo has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of shopping areas around town including shopping malls and shopping streets. You'll find most of the major brands as well as some interesting boutique shops.

Is Ios or Bergamo Better for Families?

Most people don't think of either Ios or Bergamo as a family destination.

Ios is not the most family-friendly destination. 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.

Bergamo is not always a place people visit with their families. It's a beautiful city that is filled with history, and for kids there are pedestrian streets to explore and great Italian food. There's also the Museo di Scienze Naturali, which is worth checking out.

Is Ios or Bergamo Better for Couples?

Ios is notable for its romantic activities. Also, Bergamo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Ios is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Bergamo is a good island for couples to visit. Couples will appreciate the beautiful architecture and impressive squares. There are also great restaurants and pedestrian streets that are fun to wander through.

Is Ios or Bergamo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ios is an amazing island to visit for backpackers. Also, Bergamo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Bergamo is a good island to visit for backpackers. While it's not the most popular backpacker city in Italy, it does have a couple of hostels and guesthouses that offer affordable rates and a young vibe.

Is Ios or Bergamo Better for Students?

Bergamo is a popular place for students. However, Ios is not popular with students.

Bergamo is a good city to visit for students. The university attracts international students and the city makes a great base for learning and exploring.

Ios is not popular with students.

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

Ios is notable for its public transit. Also, Bergamo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Ios has some very good public transit options. 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.

Bergamo has some public transit options. There are buses around town as well as two funiculars, one connecting Città Bassa with the Città Alta and the other connecting Città Alta to San Vigilio.

Is Ios or Bergamo a more walkable city?

Bergamo is notable 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.

Bergamo is a very walkable city. There are many pedestrian streets and the best way to explore the city is 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 Bergamo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bergamo or Ios?

How long in Ios or Bergamo?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Ios and Bergamo. In our opinion, Ios has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Ios than Bergamo. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Ios, and 2-3 days is enough time in Bergamo.

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

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

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

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.

With nightlife and food around the fascinating destination of Bergamo, there's plenty to do. 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 Bergamo?

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.

Many people visit Bergamo for a weekend. With food and shopping around the fascinating city of Bergamo, there's plenty to do. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Ios or Bergamo?

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.

The destination of Bergamo offers shopping and 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.

A week in Ios or Bergamo?

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.

Bergamo, a popular city, 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.

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 Bergamo, we can see that Bergamo 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 Bergamo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bergamo 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 Bergamo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ios or Bergamo?

Bergamo has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Ios. When comparing the sizes of Ios and Bergamo, 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.