A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ios vs. Genoa for Nightlife, Beaches, Backpackers, and Attractions

Should you visit Ios or Genoa?

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

Should I visit Ios or Genoa? 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 touristy, backpacker-friendly, and historical island. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Genoa

Genoa is a historic, vibrant, and colorful port city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Ios and Genoa: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less attractive beach


Is there more to do in Ios or Genoa?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Ios. Although Ios and Genoa are both popular with visitors, Ios has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Ios is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Genoa is known for its museums and historical sights. Ios is popular for its party hard atmosphere that attracts a younger and rowdier crowd. It is also home to Skarkos Archeological Site. Genoa is popular for its maritime history, its vibrant cultural scene, and being the birthplace of Christopher Columbus.

How is Ios different from Genoa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Ios
Genoa

Genoa 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.

Genoa offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city has a long history and it is filled with monuments, palaces, and museums. Popular places to visit include the Via Garibaldi Palaces, the aquarium (one of the largest in Europe), the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, and Santi Ambrogio.

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 Ios or Genoa? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ios
Genoa

Both Ios and Genoa 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.

Genoa has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city's maritime roots have influenced its cuisine and you'll find seafood in many local dishes. Other classic Genoese flavors include pesto, anchovies, fried squid, and focaccia and cheese.

Is Ios or Genoa Better for Nightlife?

Ios
Genoa

Ios is terrific for its evening party scene. Also, Genoa is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for nightlife.

Ios is a must-see 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Genoa. The city lights up at night and it's fun to experience the activity and energy. There's a nice evening atmosphere with many people out and about. You can grab drinks in Piazza Lavagna or see live music in Porto Antico. There are also many bars and clubs around town.

Is Ios or Genoa Better for Resorts?

Ios
Genoa

Ios is great for its luxury resorts. However, Genoa 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.

Genoa is not a resort destination.


Is Ios or Genoa Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Ios
Genoa

Ios is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Genoa 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.

Genoa is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ios or Genoa Better for Beaches?

Ios
Genoa

Ios is terrific for the beach. However, Genoa is not a good destination for its beaches.

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.

Genoa is a good spot to see the beach. While many people head to other nearby towns to enjoy the beach, you will also find a beach just ten minutes from the old town by bus. Boccadasse is one of the closest beaches to town. It's also possible to do a day trip to other more famous beaches in the area, but you need to be prepared to travel a bit farther.

Is Ios or Genoa Better for its Old Town?

Ios
Genoa

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

Many people head to Genoa to see the old town. The old town is large and complex, with many different time periods represented in the architecture and development style.

Ios does not have a historic old town.


Is Ios or Genoa Better for Hiking?

Ios
Genoa

Ios is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Genoa 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.

Genoa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ios or Genoa?

Ios
Genoa

Both Ios and Genoa are good 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.

Genoa has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You can pick up a number of different souvenirs around town including baskets, t-shirts, and local pesto. Popular shopping areas include Galleria Mazzini, Via Roma, and Via XX Settembr.

Is Ios or Genoa Better for Families?

Ios
Genoa

Genoa is notable for its family-friendly activities. However, Ios is a mediocre island for its kid-friendly activities.

Genoa is a very kid-friendly port city. The city is home to the second biggest aquarium in Europe as well as the Galata Maritime Museum and the Nazario Sauro Submarine. In the port there's also Vascello Nettuno, which was a pirate ship that was used in the filming of the movie 'Pirates' by Roman Polanski. Other fun kid-friendly attractions include La Biosfera, The Children's Museum, and the Bigo Lift.

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 Genoa Better for Couples?

Ios
Genoa

With fun activities for couples, both Ios and Genoa make for a very good place to visit.

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.

Genoa makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a beautiful port city with charming neighborhoods and some great restaurants. Couples will enjoy exploring this beautiful city and visiting its palaces and cathedrals.

Is Ios or Genoa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ios
Genoa

Ios is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Genoa is not as popular, but is still a nice port city 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.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Genoa. There are a number of affordable hostels in the area, and while this isn't the top backpacker destination in Italy, it is a nice place to spend some time.

Is Ios or Genoa Better for Students?

Ios
Genoa

Genoa is notable for students. However, Ios is not popular with students.

Genoa is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. It's a popular study abroad destination so you'll find a number of international students in the area. The city is also well connected for exploring the region.

Ios is not popular with students.


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

Ios
Genoa

Both Ios and Genoa offer very good 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 Genoa can get you to most places easily. There's a wide range of different public transit options that are all operated by AMT. The system includes buses, an underground (one line), funiculars (two), lifts (ten), a boat, cogwheel and narrow gauge railways.

Is Ios or Genoa a more walkable city?

Ios
Genoa

Genoa 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.

Genoa is a very walkable port city. The old town, where most tourists spend the majority of their time, is 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 Genoa Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Genoa or Ios?

How long in Ios or Genoa?

It's fun to spend time in either Ios or Genoa. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Genoa due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Ios, and 2-4 days is enough time in Genoa.

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

Couples should spend more time in Ios than Genoa. 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 Genoa 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.


  • How many days in Ios or Genoa? Ideal Length of Stay
    Ios 1-3 
    Genoa 2-4

One day in Ios or Genoa?

In Ios, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this striking destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

With nightlife and food around the colorful destination of Genoa, 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 Genoa?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ios. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

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

Five days in Ios or Genoa?

Ios is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Ios. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

The destination of Genoa 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 Genoa?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the touristy destination of Ios. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Genoa, a popular port 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.


Which place is cheaper, Genoa or Ios?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Ios is €91, while the average daily cost in Genoa is €150. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Ios and Genoa in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ios 39
    Genoa 88
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ios 78
    Genoa 176
Compare Hotels in Ios and Genoa

Looking for a hotel in Ios or Genoa? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Ios


Hotels in Genoa


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Ios Hotel Prices and Genoa Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ios 16
    Genoa 8.69

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ios

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ios:

  • 1-Way Private Helicopter Transfer to the Greek Islands: $2,461

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Genoa

Also for Genoa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Genoa Cruise Port to Genoa city - Arrival Private Transfer: $27
  • Private Transfer from Genoa Hotels to Genoa Cruise Port: $27
  • Genoa city to Genoa Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $27
  • Private Transfer from Genoa Cruise Port to Genoa hotels: $27
  • Genoa to Genoa Airport (GOA) - Departure Private Transfer: $28
  • Genoa Airport (GOA) to Genoa - Arrival Private Transfer: $28
  • Private Transfer: GOA Airport to Genoa city, Savona or Portofino by business car: $44
  • Private Transfer from Genoa city to Santa Margherita Cruise Port: $44
  • Private Transfer from Santa Margherita Cruise Port to Genoa city: $44
  • Private Transfer from Genoa Airport GOA to Santa Margherita Port: $44
  • Private Transfer from Santa Margherita Port to Genoa Airport GOA: $44
  • Private Transfer Genoa Cruise Port to Genoa, Savona or Portofino by Business Car: $44

Is it cheaper to fly into Ios or Genoa?

Prices for flights to both Genoa and Ios change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Ios 33
    Genoa 51

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Genoa

For Genoa, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Genoese cooking lesson in the garden with lunch: $69
  • Genoa Old town Food Tour: $75
  • Itinerant dinner in the old town: $76
  • Street Food Tour: $86
  • Do Eat Better Experience - Food Tours in Genoa: $88
  • Traditional Food Tour: $93
  • Lunch or dinner and cooking demo at a local home in Camogli: $94
  • Lunch or dinner and cooking demo at a local home in Savona: $94
  • Traditional Home Cooking Class in Genoa: $94
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Santa Margherita Ligure with Show Cooking: $94
  • Tour of Genoa historic center and wine tasting with dinner: $94
  • Lunch or dinner with an Italian family with cooking demo and wines - Rapallo: $94

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ios 26
    Genoa 20

Tours and Activities in Ios

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Ios are as follows:

  • 5 -6 Hour Private Chora E-Bike Tours: $133
  • Electric Bike Tour Chora to Diaseli Cheesery: $111
  • Electric Bike Tour Chora to Homer's Tomp: $111
  • From RIB Boat Trip to Sikinos Island and Winery Tour: $86
  • Ios Island Trekking Tours: Discover Ios Unexplored: $28
  • Ios Island: Speedboat Cruise from Mylopotas Beach: $53
  • 4-Hour Cruise of the Best Beaches: $64
  • Private Orienteering Experience in Mylopotas: $166

Tours and Activities in Genoa

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Genoa.

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.27
  • Genoa Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.65
  • Skip the Line: Single ticket to visit the Open Air Museum, Museum, Lighthouse: $6.65
  • City Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $7.08
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $7.08
  • Lighthouse Entrance Ticket: $8.71
  • Finance and Nobility: Explore medieval Genoa on a self-guided audio tour: $8.99
  • Finance and Nobility Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Historic Guided Tour of Christopher Columbus' House: $11
  • The City of Children and Young Museum Entry Ticket: $13
  • Calvino Cantafavole Entry Ticket: $14
  • 2-Hour Guided Walking Tour of the Historical Center: $15

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ios 33
    Genoa 10

Sample the Local Flavors in Ios

Also in Ios, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Bar Crawl Ios Ticket in Cyclades: $39

Sample the Local Flavors in Genoa

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Genoa:

  • 3 Hour Pesto Making and Wine Tasting Activity in Campetto Genoa: $92
  • CAMOGLI: PRIVATE Ligurian Wine Tasting Experience and walking on National Park: $127


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


Which is Bigger, Ios or Genoa?

Genoa has a larger population, and is about 330 times larger than the population of Ios. When comparing the sizes of Ios and Genoa, 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.