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

Should you visit Ios or Galway?

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

Should I visit Ios or Galway? 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 beautiful, striking, and touristy island. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Galway

Galway is a vibrant, lively, and friendly city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Ios and Galway: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ios or Galway?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Ios. Although Ios and Galway are popular destinations, Ios has more sights and attractions for tourists. Ios is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Galway attracts visitors for its big city activities. Ios is more touristy than Galway and is known for its party hard atmosphere that attracts a younger and rowdier crowd. It is also well known for Skarkos Archeological Site. Galway is famous for its many festivals, its traditional pubs, and its live Irish folk music.

How is Ios different from Galway?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the nice sights and museums in both Ios and Galway.

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 Galway. Popular landmarks and sights in town include Eyre Square, St. Nicholas' Church, the Galway Cathedral, and the Galway City Museum.

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

Ios is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Ios makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Galway has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are local pubs and traditional restaurants offering authentic Irish dishes. Popular options include Irish Stew, Cockles and Mussels, and Galway Oysters.

Is Ios or Galway Better for Nightlife?

Ios is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

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.

Galway has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The nightlife scene is among the best in Ireland. The city embraces the friendly Irish hospitality and there are laid back pubs and bars around town as well as a few trendy nightclubs.

Is Ios or Galway Better for Resorts?

Ios is notable for its resorts. However, Galway 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.

Galway is not a resort destination.

Is Ios or Galway Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Ios is a island with good options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Galway is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Ios. There are some nice snorkeling and diving areas around the island as well as vendors who organize snorkeling and dive trips.

Galway is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ios or Galway Better for Beaches?

Ios is an unbeatable place for its beaches. However, Galway is not a beach destination.

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.

Galway is not a beach destination.

Is Ios or Galway Better for Hiking?

Ios is a island with good options for the nearby hiking options. However, Galway is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around 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.

Galway is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ios or Galway?

Both Ios and Galway are nice 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.

Galway has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find shopping both in the city center as well as at suburban shopping malls. For some of the best shopping head to The Latin Quarter, The Westend or the outdoor market which is found in Church lane by St Nicholas' Church.

Is Ios or Galway Better for Families?

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

Galway is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy the National Aquarium Galway or simply wandering around the Latin Quarter. About 15 minutes outside of the city is the Wildlands Adventure Park which has ziplines, ropes courses, and other adrenaline filled activities. Brigit's Garden is another fun place to let kids stretch their legs.

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 Galway Better for Couples?

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

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.

Galway makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are nice restaurants, beautiful walks, and a few parks to explore. There are also several romantic places just outside of town that make for a great day trip.

Is Ios or Galway Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ios is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Ios is a mecca for backpackers and 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.

Many backpackers visit Galway. There are plenty of hostels in the area and it's easy to meet other travelers.

Is Ios or Galway Better for Students?

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

Galway is a good city to visit for students. The city has a solid student population with a number of activities and entertainment options.

Ios is not popular with students.

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

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

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Ios. 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.

Galway has some public transit options. There are two bus companies in Galway, Bus Eireann and City Direct.

Is Ios or Galway a more walkable city?

Galway 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.

Galway is a very walkable city. If you stay in central Galway, the area is generally compact and walkable.

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 Galway Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Galway or Ios?

How long in Ios or Galway?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Ios than Galway. 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 Galway 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 Galway?

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 nightlife and food around the friendly destination of Galway, 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 Galway?

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 Galway for a weekend. With food and shopping around the historical city of Galway, there's plenty to do. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Ios or Galway?

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.

The destination of Galway 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 Galway?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant 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.

Galway, 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 Budget Tours to Ireland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Ireland.

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

Which is Bigger, Ios or Galway?

Galway has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Ios. When comparing the sizes of Ios and Galway, 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.