A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ios vs. Chartres for Backpackers, Food, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Ios or Chartres?

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

Should I visit Ios or Chartres? 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 striking, touristy, and backpacker-friendly island. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Chartres

Chartres is a grand, spectacular, and historic town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. And you can't forget about the food and museums.

Ios and Chartres: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ios or Chartres?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Ios than Chartres, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Ios is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Chartres is more popular for its small town charm. Ios is more touristy than Chartres and is popular for its party hard atmosphere that attracts a younger and rowdier crowd. Also, Ios is famous for Skarkos Archeological Site. Chartres is well known for its beautiful cathedral and long running history.

How is Ios different from Chartres?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Chartres. Most visitors make the trip to see the spectacular Gothic cathedral, Cathédrale Notre-Dame. It was completed in 1220 and is famous for its beautiful stained glass windows.

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

Ios is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Chartres is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Ios has a huge number of terrific 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Chartres area. There are a number of restaurants around town so it's easy to grab lunch during a day trip.

Is Ios or Chartres Better for Nightlife?

Ios is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. However, Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Ios is a world class party destination. 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.

Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Ios or Chartres Better for Resorts?

Ios is great for its luxury resorts. However, Chartres is not a resort destination.

Ios is known as a popular and fun resort destination. 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.

Chartres is not a resort destination.

Is Ios or Chartres Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Ios is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Chartres is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

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.

Chartres is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ios or Chartres Better for Beaches?

Ios is a must-visit destination for the beache. However, Chartres is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Ios. 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.

Chartres is not a beach destination.

Is Ios or Chartres Better for Hiking?

Ios is a popular place for hiking. However, Chartres is not a hiking destination.

Ios is a good destination for hiking. 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.

Chartres is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ios or Chartres?

Ios is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Chartres is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Ios. 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.

Chartres is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Ios or Chartres Better for Families?

Most people don't think of either Ios or Chartres 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.

Chartres is not always a place people visit with their families. The main attraction in town is the cathedral, but the surrounding area is also filled with history. This may not keep your kids entertained for long, so you can also check out the Stained Glass Museum, La Tanière (a zoo), or one of the parks around town.

Is Ios or Chartres Better for Couples?

Ios is great for its romantic activities. Also, Chartres is not as popular, but is still a nice town for couples.

Ios is a great island if you're traveling as 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.

Chartres is a good island for couples to visit. With its cathedral and rich history, many couples enjoy exploring the town. It is filled with history and interesting sights.

Is Ios or Chartres Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ios is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Chartres is not as popular, but is still a nice town for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Ios is extremely popular for backpackers. 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.

Chartres is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's easy enough to visit as a day trip from Paris, so backpackers and other tourists typically allow themselves a few hours to explore.

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

Both Ios and Chartres offer high quality public transit options.

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.

The public transit in Chartres can get you to most places easily. There are trains that leave Paris Montparnasse 1 Et 2 every half hour and travel to Chartres. The trip takes about 1 hour 15 minutes.

Is Ios or Chartres a more walkable city?

Chartres 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.

Chartres is a very walkable town. It's easy to see the sights around town 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 Chartres Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Chartres or Ios?

How long in Ios or Chartres?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Ios or Chartres to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Ios than Chartres because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Ios, and 1-2 days is enough time in Chartres.

Families should spend more time in Ios than Chartres. 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 Chartres. 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 Chartres 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 Chartres?

The beautiful island of Ios offers museums and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

With food and museums around the spectacular destination of Chartres, 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.

A weekend in Ios or Chartres?

Ios is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this island makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Ios, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Many people visit Chartres for a weekend. With museums and food around the spectacular town of Chartres, there's plenty to do. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Ios or Chartres?

Ios is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The destination of Chartres offers food 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 Chartres?

Ios is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This island offers something for everyone.

Chartres, a popular town, 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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Ios or Chartres?

Chartres has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Ios. When comparing the sizes of Ios and Chartres, 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.