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

Should you visit Ios or Urbino?

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

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

Urbino

Urbino is a undiscovered, authentic, and laid back town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Ios and Urbino: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ios or Urbino?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Ios. Although Ios and Urbino 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, and hiking, while Urbino is known for its historical sights. Ios is more touristy than Urbino and is popular for its party hard atmosphere that attracts a younger and rowdier crowd. It is also home to Skarkos Archeological Site. Urbino is popular for its Renaissance walls, historic center, and authentic atmosphere.

How is Ios different from Urbino?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the good sights and museums in both Ios and Urbino.

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 Urbino. At the heart of the city are its historical sights. The cathedral is worth a visit, as is The Ducal Palace, but for most visitors, simply soaking up the town's atmosphere is the best experience.

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

Both Ios and Urbino offer excellent 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.

Urbino has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city's history has influenced its cuisine. Traditional foods include cornbread, truffles, and meat sausage. While these options aren't as common today, you can still find them if you seek them out.

Is Ios or Urbino Better for Nightlife?

Ios is an amazing island to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Urbino is not as popular, but is still a nice town for nightlife.

Ios has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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 Urbino. Because of the large student population, there are usually some fun activities going on at night. You'll find some good bars around town that are fun to hang out at.

Is Ios or Urbino Better for Resorts?

Ios is great for its luxury resorts. However, Urbino is not a resort destination.

In Ios, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. 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.

Urbino is not a resort destination.

Is Ios or Urbino Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Ios is a island with good options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Urbino is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Ios. There are some nice snorkeling and diving areas around the island as well as vendors who organize snorkeling and dive trips.

Urbino is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ios or Urbino Better for Beaches?

Ios is an amazing island to visit for the beach. However, Urbino is not a beach destination.

Ios is considered to be a world-class beach 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.

Urbino is not a beach destination.

Is Ios or Urbino Better for its Old Town?

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

Many people head to Urbino to see the old town. The historic center feels a bit undiscovered by Italian standards. There are stone houses and the town is built on a steep hill, giving it a beautiful setting.

Ios does not have a historic old town.

Is Ios or Urbino Better for Hiking?

Ios is a island with good options for hiking. However, Urbino is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around 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.

Urbino is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ios or Urbino?

Both Ios and Urbino 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.

Urbino has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find galleries, book shops, and jewelry stores around town that are fun to pop into.

Is Ios or Urbino Better for Families?

Most people don't think of either Ios or Urbino as a family destination.

Ios is not the most family-friendly destination. 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.

Urbino is not always a place people visit with their families. The city is filled with history and architecture, which may be lost on the kids. There are the classic Italian restaurants which is a favorite among kids and adults alike.

Is Ios or Urbino Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Ios and Urbino make for a excellent 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.

Urbino makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This walled city is fun to explore and can make for a great romantic stop. The city is walled and has many historical buildings which couples will enjoy learning about together.

Is Ios or Urbino Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ios is an amazing island to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Urbino is not a good destination 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.

Urbino is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not well known by backpackers and there are a very limited number of hostels in the area.

Is Ios or Urbino Better for Students?

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

Urbino is a very popular town for students and younger travelers. The student population is a large part of this small city. University students are usually happy and enjoy many activities and outings into the surrounding area.

Ios is not popular with students.

Is Ios or Urbino 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. However, Urbino is not a good destination for its public transit.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Ios. 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.

Public transit is generally limited in Urbino. The town is accessible by bus but not by train.

Is Ios or Urbino a more walkable city?

Ios and Urbino both are good when exploring on foot.

Ios is a somewhat walkable place. Chora is the most walkable part of the island.

Urbino is a somewhat walkable island. Many parts of the city are easy to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Ios Worth Visiting? and Is Urbino Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Urbino or Ios?

How long in Ios or Urbino?

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

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

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

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 nightlife and food around the laid back destination of Urbino, there's plenty to do. 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 Urbino?

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 Urbino for a weekend. With food and shopping around the authentic town of Urbino, there's plenty to do. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Ios or Urbino?

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 Urbino 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 Urbino?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant 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.

Urbino, 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 2-Week Tours in Italy, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Ios or Urbino?

Urbino has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Ios. When comparing the sizes of Ios and Urbino, 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.