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

Should you visit Ios or Vilnius?

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

Should I visit Ios or Vilnius? 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. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and food.

Vilnius

Vilnius is a historic, religious, and surprising city. 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 Vilnius: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ios or Vilnius?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Ios than Vilnius, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Ios is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Vilnius is more popular for its historical sights. Ios is more touristy than Vilnius and is known for its party hard atmosphere that attracts a younger and rowdier crowd. Also, Ios is famous for Skarkos Archeological Site. Vilnius is well known for its authentic old town and long running history.

How is Ios different from Vilnius?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the notable sights and museums in both Ios and Vilnius.

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 Vilnius. The city has fascinating museums relating to Soviet times. These include the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights and the Lithuanian Diaspora Art Museum. Other notable sights include the Three Crosses Monument and the St. Anne's and Bernardine Church Complex.

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

Ios is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its 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.

Vilnius is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The food is hearty with plenty of meat and potatoes. There are also soups and herring dishes as well as great desserts. Popular dishes in the area include cepelinai (meat filled potato dumplings), kibinai (a pastry), and potato pancakes.

Is Ios or Vilnius Better for Nightlife?

Ios is an amazing island to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

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.

Vilnius has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The large student population is at the heart of the city's nightlife scene. You'll find most of the activity centered around three streets - Vilniaus, Islandijos and Vokiečių. These areas have a number of bars and clubs, and they draw the biggest crowds.

Is Ios or Vilnius Better for Resorts?

Ios is notable for its resorts. However, Vilnius 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.

Vilnius is not a resort destination.

Is Ios or Vilnius Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Ios is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Vilnius 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.

Vilnius is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ios or Vilnius Better for Beaches?

Ios is an amazing island to visit for the beache. However, Vilnius 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.

Vilnius is not a beach destination.

Is Ios or Vilnius Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Vilnius. The old town is filled with history, architecture, and churches. It's also where you'll find Vilnius University. At the heart of the area is Pilies Gatve (Castle Street), which has shopping, cafes, and restaurants.

Ios does not have a historic old town.

Is Ios or Vilnius Better for Hiking?

Ios is a good destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Vilnius 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.

Vilnius is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ios or Vilnius?

Both Ios and Vilnius are notable 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.

Vilnius has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. For quaint shops, head to old town, particularly around Pilies Gatve. The city also has an open air market, Kalvarijų Turgus, that is popular on Saturdays. There are also a few shopping malls around town.

Is Ios or Vilnius Better for Families?

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

Vilnius is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of historic sights, but once your kids have had their fill, you can head to one of the outdoor or indoor play areas in the city center. There's also a toy museum and an Energy and Technology Museum that kids will enjoy. After a busy day, make sure you grab some ice cream to lift everyone's spirits.

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 Vilnius Better for Couples?

Ios is notable for its romantic activities. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

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.

Vilnius is a good island for couples to visit. The city is filled with viewpoints, from hill tops to towers, where you can enjoy romantic views over the landscape. You can also dine in a local restaurant or enjoy a picnic in one of the outdoor settings.

Is Ios or Vilnius Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ios is an amazing island to visit for backpackers. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit 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.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Vilnius. For backpackers who want to escape the crowds, this off-the-beaten path European capital is a great option. It has history, charm, and an authenticity that is hard to find in a more touristy area. It's also an affordable city, with hostels and plenty of cheap places to eat.

Is Ios or Vilnius Better for Students?

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

Vilnius is a good city to visit for students. The city is small but charming with a number of places where international students can study. It's an affordable city with a lively atmosphere and an authenticate and genuine personality.

Ios is not popular with students.

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

Ios is notable for its public transit. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Ios has some very good public transit options. 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.

Vilnius has some public transit options. Bus and trolleybuses are available.

Is Ios or Vilnius a more walkable city?

Ios and Vilnius both are notable when exploring on foot.

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

Vilnius is a somewhat walkable island. The old town is the most walkable part of the city.

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

Should I spend more time in Vilnius or Ios?

How long in Ios or Vilnius?

It's fun to spend time in either Ios or Vilnius. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Vilnius due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Ios, and 1-4 days is enough time in Vilnius.

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

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

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 nightlife and food around the undiscovered destination of Vilnius, there's plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Vilnius?

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 Vilnius for a weekend. With food and shopping around the religious city of Vilnius, there's plenty to do. 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 Vilnius?

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 Vilnius offers shopping and museums. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 Vilnius?

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.

Vilnius, 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Vilnius, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Lithuania.

When comparing the travel costs between Ios and Vilnius, we can see that Vilnius 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 Vilnius Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ios or Vilnius?

Vilnius has a larger population, and is about 300 times larger than the population of Ios. When comparing the sizes of Ios and Vilnius, 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.