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

Should you visit Ios or Ghent?

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

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

Ghent

Ghent is a youthful, high energy, and cultural city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Ios and Ghent: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ios or Ghent?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Ios. Although Ios and Ghent are popular destinations, Ios has more sights and attractions for tourists. Ios is very popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Ghent attracts visitors for its museums, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Ios is more touristy than Ghent and is known for its party hard atmosphere that attracts a younger and rowdier crowd. It is also well known for Skarkos Archeological Site. Ghent is famous for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets

How is Ios different from Ghent?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Ghent 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.

Ghent offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city has many different sights that are concentrated in a compact area. Make sure you check out the Cathedral of St. Bavo, The Fortress of Gravensteen, and The Belfry. The audio tour at Gravensteen really brings the history to life and makes for an enjoyable activity.

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 Ghent? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Ios and Ghent offer superb 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.

Ghent has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The food scene is diverse and international, but there are also many local dishes and flavors that you should try. Pas de Rouge is a local cheese and mastel is a local bread. Ganda ham is also a popular meat that is dried and salted. In additional to traditional restaurants, you'll find almost any international cuisine that you could want.

Is Ios or Ghent Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are amazing in both Ios and Ghent.

Ios is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

People head to Ghent just to party. With its young student population, you'll find plenty of lively bars and clubs around town. There are many places where you can party or dance into the early hours of the morning and some of the best places are around Oude Beestenmarkt, De Overpoort, and De Vlasmarkt. There's also the famous Ghent Festival every July.

Is Ios or Ghent Better for Resorts?

Ios is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Ghent is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Ios to choose from. 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.

Ghent is not a resort destination.

Is Ios or Ghent Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Ios is a good destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Ghent is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Ios. There are some nice snorkeling and diving areas around the island as well as vendors who organize snorkeling and dive trips.

Ghent is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ios or Ghent Better for Beaches?

Ios is a world-class destination for its beaches. However, Ghent is not a beach destination.

Ios offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around 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.

Ghent is not a beach destination.

Is Ios or Ghent Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Ghent. The medieval old town follows along the canal and offers great architecture and a unique atmosphere.

Ios does not have a historic old town.

Is Ios or Ghent Better for Hiking?

Ios is a good destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Ghent is not a hiking destination.

Ios offers some nice hiking trails. 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.

Ghent is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ios or Ghent?

Ghent is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Ios is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its shopping areas.

Ghent is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has the largest pedestrian shopping area in Belgium, making it a great place to explore on foot. The city has several different shopping areas which each have their own style and personality. You'll find everything from major European brands to local boutiques and street markets.

Ios has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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.

Is Ios or Ghent Better for Families?

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

Ghent is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a fun atmosphere with kid-friendly restaurants and a number of attractions that appeal to all ages. Kids and adults alike will enjoy exploring Gravensteen, which is the "Castle of Counts". You can also take a boat tour, rent bikes, or head to one of the town's playgrounds so the kids can burn off some energy.

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 Ghent Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Ios and Ghent make for a superb 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.

Ghent makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It makes a great weekend getaway with a diverse restaurant scene, nice hotels, and plenty of historic attractions that you can explore.

Is Ios or Ghent Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ios is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Ghent 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Ghent. The city has a number of hostels to choose from as well as a young vibe with a large student population. Many people overlook Ghent, but it feels more genuine than nearby Bruges, which attracts the larger tourist crowds.

Is Ios or Ghent Better for Students?

Ghent is very popular for students. However, Ios is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Ghent. The city is very popular with international students so it has a young and energetic vibe with plenty to do throughout the year.

Ios is not popular with students.

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

Ghent is very popular for its public transit. Also, Ios is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Ghent has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. Buses and trams travel to most parts of the city and are convenient and efficient.

The public transit in Ios can get you to most places 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.

Is Ios or Ghent a more walkable city?

Ghent 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.

Ghent is a very walkable city. The area's with the most tourist attractions are generally 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 Ghent Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Ghent or Ios?

How long in Ios or Ghent?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Ios and Ghent. In our opinion, Ghent has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Ghent than Ios. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

In Ios, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this backpacker-friendly 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 historic destination of Ghent, there's plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. 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 Ghent?

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 Ghent for a weekend. With food and shopping around the historic city of Ghent, there's plenty to do. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Ios or Ghent?

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 Ghent offers shopping and museums. 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 nightlife. 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 Ghent?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historical 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.

Ghent, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.

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

Which is Bigger, Ios or Ghent?

Ghent has a larger population, and is about 130 times larger than the population of Ios. When comparing the sizes of Ios and Ghent, 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.