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

Should you visit Ios or Trento?

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

Should I visit Ios or Trento? 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. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Trento

Trento is a youthful, high energy, and dynamic city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and shopping.

Ios and Trento: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ios or Trento?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Ios. Although Ios and Trento are popular destinations, Ios has more sights and attractions for tourists. Ios is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Trento attracts visitors for its hiking. Ios is more touristy than Trento and is popular for its party hard atmosphere that attracts a younger and rowdier crowd. It is also well known for Skarkos Archeological Site. Trento is famous for its beautiful mountain scenery and its historical buildings.

How is Ios different from Trento?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Trento. Perhaps one of the most popular sights is Castello del Buonconsiglio. The Museum of Science is also fun for kids and adults alike and the Duomo is beautiful.

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

Both Ios and Trento offer great 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.

Trento has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The food in the region is influenced by nearby countries such as Austria. Carne salada, which is like corned beef, has a long history in the area. Schüttelbrot is a local flatbread and meraner wurst is a bit like a hot dog. You'll also find salamis and various cheeses.

Is Ios or Trento Better for Nightlife?

Ios is terrific for nightlife. However, Trento is not a good destination for nightlife and partying.

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.

Most people don't head to Trento specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. Despite the large student population, there aren't a lot of bars and clubs around town. Most parties are held in private residences, so visitors may find the nightlife scene a bit slow.

Is Ios or Trento Better for Resorts?

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

Trento is not a resort destination.

Is Ios or Trento Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Ios is very good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Trento 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.

Trento is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ios or Trento Better for Beaches?

Ios is terrific for its beaches. However, Trento 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.

Trento is not a beach destination.

Is Ios or Trento Better for Hiking?

Trento is notable for the nearby hiking options. Also, Ios is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its hiking trails.

Trento is a popular spot for hiking. The surrounding countryside has many beautiful hikes and stunning viewpoints that make for a great outing outside of town.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Ios or Trento?

Both Ios and Trento 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.

Trento has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Head to the main shopping street, Via Balenzani for boutique shopping. You'll also find artisan shops and other unique vendors around town.

Is Ios or Trento Better for Families?

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

Trento is a family-friendly place to visit. Outside of town you'll find plenty of outdoor adventures that the kids will enjoy. In town, there's history and fun kid-friendly museums.

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 Trento Better for Couples?

Ios is great for romance. Also, Trento is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

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.

Trento makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The town mixes old and new in a beautiful setting that makes for a great romantic getaway. Nearby there are outdoor adventures and in town there's a beautiful atmosphere and great restaurants.

Is Ios or Trento Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Many backpackers frequent Ios. 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 Trento. There aren't many hostels in town, but there are some fun activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Is Ios or Trento Better for Students?

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

Many students frequent Trento. It's a popular study abroad destination and you'll find plenty of interesting places to explore in the area.

Ios is not popular with students.

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

Ios is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Trento is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Public transit in Ios is fairly effecient and thorough. 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.

Trento has a few public transit options. The city has a number of bus lines through town.

Is Ios or Trento a more walkable city?

Trento 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.

Trento is a very walkable city. Much of the city can be explored 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 Trento Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Trento or Ios?

How long in Ios or Trento?

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

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

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

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 shopping and museums around the dynamic destination of Trento, there's plenty to do. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Trento?

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 Trento for a weekend. With museums and food around the high energy city of Trento, there's plenty to do. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Ios or Trento?

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 Trento offers food and shopping. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Trento?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the backpacker-friendly 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.

Trento, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Bicycle Tours in Italy, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Ios or Trento?

Trento has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Ios. When comparing the sizes of Ios and Trento, 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.