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

Should you visit Ios or Trogir?

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

Should I visit Ios or Trogir? 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.

Trogir

Trogir is a quaint, authentic, and historic town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Ios and Trogir: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ios or Trogir?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Ios. Although Ios and Trogir are popular destinations, Ios has more sights and attractions for tourists. Ios is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Trogir attracts visitors for its food, historical sights, and small town charm. Ios is more touristy than Trogir and is popular for its party hard atmosphere that attracts a younger and rowdier crowd. It is also well known for Skarkos Archeological Site. Trogir is famous for its historic buildings and its local cuisine.

How is Ios different from Trogir?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Trogir. The old town has some fascinating historic sights such as the Cathedral of St. Lawrence, the Clock Tower and the city gates.

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

Trogir is very popular for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Ios is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Trogir is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. For such a small place there's a surprising number of amazing restaurants. You won't find touristy restaurants here. Instead, locals and tourists intermingle, enjoying the same amazing dishes. There's also a number of fine dining restaurants that are affordable and high quality.

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.

Is Ios or Trogir Better for Nightlife?

Ios is terrific for nightlife. Also, Trogir is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Trogir. You'll find bars and a few discos around town that keep things fun after the sun sets.

Is Ios or Trogir Better for Resorts?

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

Trogir is not a resort destination.

Is Ios or Trogir Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Ios is very good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Trogir is not a good destination for its diving and snorkeling.

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.

Snorkeling is an option in Trogir. There are less snorkeling trips leaving from here than from some of the larger nearby tourist destinations.

Is Ios or Trogir Better for Beaches?

Ios is terrific for its beaches. Also, Trogir is not as popular, but is still a nice town for the beache.

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.

Trogir has a beach worth visiting. You'll find some good beaches in the vicinity of town. A favorite is Pantan Beach, which is about 1.5 kilometers from town and accessible by bus. There are also beaches on Ciovo Island and the Drvenik Islands.

Is Ios or Trogir Better for its Old Town?

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

Many people head to Trogir to see the old town. The medieval old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it sits on an island that is connected to the mainland by bridge.

Ios does not have a historic old town.

Is Ios or Trogir Better for Hiking?

Ios is very good for hiking. However, Trogir 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.

Trogir is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ios or Trogir?

Ios is very good for shopping. However, Trogir is not a good destination for its shopping opportunities.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Ios. 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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Trogir has some nice offerings. There are shops and shopping centers in the area that sell the standard brands.

Is Ios or Trogir Better for Families?

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

Trogir is a family-friendly place to visit. There are dessert bakeries around town that the kids will love. You'll also find historic sights and a castle. In the surrounding area there's kayaking and other water activities.

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 Trogir Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Ios and Trogir make for a great 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.

Trogir makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This seaside town is filled with historic sights and great restaurants. Dessert lovers will appreciate the pastry shops and for those willing to head out of town, there are a number of water activities to enjoy.

Is Ios or Trogir Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Trogir is a great island to visit for backpackers. There's no shortage of affordable hostels in town. You'll find enough backpackers around town to keep things interesting and fun.

Is Ios or Trogir 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, Trogir is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its public transit.

Visitors to Ios can move around easily with public transportation. 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.

Trogir has a few public transit options. There's a bus station in town that provides regional access to nearby towns.

Is Ios or Trogir a more walkable city?

Trogir 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.

Trogir is a very walkable town. If you stay in the pedestrian-only old town, its 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 Trogir Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Trogir or Ios?

How long in Ios or Trogir?

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

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

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

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 food and museums around the historic destination of Trogir, there's plenty to do. One of the main draws to the area is the food. 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 Trogir?

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 Trogir for a weekend. With museums and nightlife around the authentic town of Trogir, there's plenty to do. One of the main draws to the area is the food. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Ios or Trogir?

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 Trogir offers nightlife and food. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the food. 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 Trogir?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the beautiful 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.

Trogir, a popular town, 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 10-Day Tours in Croatia, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Croatia.

When comparing the travel costs between Ios and Trogir, we can see that Trogir is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ios Expensive? and Is Trogir Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ios or Trogir?

Trogir has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Ios. When comparing the sizes of Ios and Trogir, 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.