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

Should you visit Ios or Pompeii?

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

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

Pompeii

Pompeii is a ancient, famous, and iconic archeological site. And you can't forget about the museums.

Ios and Pompeii: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ios or Pompeii?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Ios. Although Ios and Pompeii are both popular with visitors, Ios has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Ios is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Pompeii is known for its museums. Pompeii is more touristy than Ios and is popular for its well preserved archaeological ruins that are still intact following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Ios is popular for its party hard atmosphere that attracts a younger and rowdier crowd. It is also home to Skarkos Archeological Site.

How is Ios different from Pompeii?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Pompeii is very popular for its sights and museums. Also, Ios is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Pompeii are among the most recognizable in the world. Pompeii is a city frozen in time and it is truly a one-of-a-kind destination. The streets remain as they once stood, lined with shops and homes. Highlights of a visit include the Forum, the Antiquarium, the Temple of Isis, and the Teatro Grande.

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 Pompeii? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ios is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Ios has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.

While Pompeii is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. While there is a café near the Forum, the quality of the food isn't great and it can get crowded. You'd do best to bring your own food as the site is large and you'll want to eat on your own schedule.

Is Ios or Pompeii Better for Nightlife?

Ios is renowned for its evening party scene. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for nightlife.

Ios is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Pompeii. As a popular tourist destination, you'll find some bars nearby, but most people visit as a day trip and head out of town before the evening hours.

Is Ios or Pompeii Better for Resorts?

Ios is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Pompeii is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Ios. 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.

Pompeii is not a resort destination.

Is Ios or Pompeii Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Ios is very good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Pompeii is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Ios. There are some nice snorkeling and diving areas around the island as well as vendors who organize snorkeling and dive trips.

Pompeii is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ios or Pompeii Better for Beaches?

Ios is renowned for the beach. However, Pompeii is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Ios is a very popular vacation 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.

Pompeii is not a beach destination.

Is Ios or Pompeii Better for Hiking?

Ios is very good for its hiking trails. However, Pompeii is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting 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.

Pompeii is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ios or Pompeii?

Ios is very good for its shopping areas. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for shopping.

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.

Pompeii has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There are some souvenir stands outside of the site where you can buy trinkets to remember your visit.

Is Ios or Pompeii Better for Families?

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

Pompeii is a very kid-friendly archeological site. Its a city frozen in time, and even kids will get lost in the history and story behind Pompeii. The trick is to find a kid-friendly tour and understand the layout before you arrive. Because it's so big, you want to know which places to visit and which you might want to skip with kids who have short attention spans.

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 Pompeii Better for Couples?

Ios is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Pompeii is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Ios makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Pompeii is a nice destination for couples. It's an iconic destination in Italy, and should be added to any Italian trip itinerary. It's not exactly a romantic destination, but it's something that every visitor should see.

Is Ios or Pompeii Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ios is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Pompeii is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Pompeii. It's touristy and crowded, but also world renowned and not-to-be-missed. Whether you're a backpacker or a luxury traveler, Pompeii is on most itineraries.

Is Ios or Pompeii Better for Students?

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

Pompeii is a good archeological site to visit for students. It's history and educational significance make it a great study abroad destination, whether you visit alone, with friends, or as part of a tour group.

Ios is not popular with students.

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

Ios is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Pompeii is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Ios offers a very effecient public transportation network. 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.

You'll find some public transit in Pompeii, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Many visitors from Sorrento and Naples arrive via the the Circumvesuviana train. There are also buses from many different locations.

Is Ios or Pompeii a more walkable city?

Pompeii is very popular 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.

It is easy to get around Pompeii on foot. You can walk around the entire site in about 4 hours, but you'll really want to allow a full day if you want to see everything in depth.

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 Pompeii Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pompeii or Ios?

How long in Ios or Pompeii?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Ios or Pompeii to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Ios than Pompeii 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 Pompeii.

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

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

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 museums around the famous destination of Pompeii, there's plenty to do. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. 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 Pompeii?

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 Pompeii for a weekend. With museums around the one-of-a-kind archeological site of Pompeii, there's plenty to do. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Ios or Pompeii?

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 Pompeii offers museums. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. 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 Pompeii?

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.

Pompeii, a popular archeological site, 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, and The Best Walking Tours in Italy.

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