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

Should you visit Ios or Zaragoza?

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

Should I visit Ios or Zaragoza? 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. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and food.

Zaragoza

Zaragoza is a cultural, historical, and compact 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 Zaragoza: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ios or Zaragoza?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Ios. Although Ios and Zaragoza 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 Zaragoza is known for its museums, historical sights, and shopping. Ios is more touristy than Zaragoza and is known for its party hard atmosphere that attracts a younger and rowdier crowd. It is also home to Skarkos Archeological Site. Zaragoza is popular for its grand landmarks, local cuisine, and rich cultural scene.

How is Ios different from Zaragoza?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Zaragoza offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. For such a small city, it really has a large number of cultural and historical attractions. The Basilica of Our Lady of Pilar is the most recognizable sight, but there's also the Museum of the Roman Forum of Caesaraugusta, the cathedral of Zaragoza, and the Aljafería Palace, among others.

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 Zaragoza? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Ios and Zaragoza offer very good 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.

Zaragoza has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There are authentic restaurants that cater to locals and tourists alike. You'll also find some interesting food tours around town. Tapas are popular, as is chocolate and fresh, traditional recipes.

Is Ios or Zaragoza Better for Nightlife?

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

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Zaragoza. The nightlife is at its best on weekends, when students and young locals head out on the town. Many evenings start with tapas and wine, but there are nightclubs and dancing as well.

Is Ios or Zaragoza Better for Resorts?

Ios is notable for its resorts. However, Zaragoza is not a resort destination.

Ios is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. 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.

Zaragoza is not a resort destination.

Is Ios or Zaragoza Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Ios is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Zaragoza is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Ios has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There are some nice snorkeling and diving areas around the island as well as vendors who organize snorkeling and dive trips.

Zaragoza is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ios or Zaragoza Better for Beaches?

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

The beaches in Ios are among the best in 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.

Zaragoza is not a beach destination.

Is Ios or Zaragoza Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Zaragoza. The old town is small but filled with monumental buildings and an authentic atmosphere.

Ios does not have a historic old town.

Is Ios or Zaragoza Better for Hiking?

Ios is a nice place to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Zaragoza is not a hiking destination.

Ios has hiking trails worth exploring. 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.

Zaragoza is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ios or Zaragoza?

Zaragoza is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Ios is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its shopping areas.

Zaragoza is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has many local shops selling locally produced items and interesting souvenirs. There are also boutiques, markets, and vintage shops that are fun to browse though.

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.

Is Ios or Zaragoza Better for Families?

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

Zaragoza is a family-friendly place to visit. When your kids get their fill of architecture and history, you can head to the Zaragoza Aquarium. Also worth a visit is the Emoz Museum, which is an origami museum. And if you need a break from sightseeing, take a kayak out on the Ebro River.

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 Zaragoza Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Ios and Zaragoza make for a very good 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.

Zaragoza makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Filled with culture, beauty, and monumental buildings, this is a small and romantic city. It's particularly romantic at night when the streets are quiet and many of the buildings are lit up.

Is Ios or Zaragoza Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Ios is a very popular island to visit for backpackers. 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.

Zaragoza is a good island to visit for backpackers. There are enough hostels around town to choose from, and while it's not the backpacker haven that some Spanish cities are, it still sees a good number of young travelers.

Is Ios or Zaragoza Better for Students?

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

Zaragoza is a good city to visit for students. International students enjoy this small city because it has a local vibe where they can practice their Spanish and enjoy an authentic experience.

Ios is not popular with students.

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

Both Ios and Zaragoza offer very good public transit options.

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.

The public transit in Zaragoza can get you to most places easily. There are buses and trams around the city.

Is Ios or Zaragoza a more walkable city?

Zaragoza 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.

Zaragoza is a very walkable city. The city center is very walkable.

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 Zaragoza Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zaragoza or Ios?

How long in Ios or Zaragoza?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Ios and Zaragoza. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

The beautiful island of Ios offers museums and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

With nightlife and food around the historical destination of Zaragoza, 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 Zaragoza?

Ios is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this island makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Ios, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Many people visit Zaragoza for a weekend. With food and shopping around the compact city of Zaragoza, 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 Zaragoza?

Ios is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The destination of Zaragoza 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 Zaragoza?

Ios is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This island offers something for everyone.

Zaragoza, 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 2-Week Tours from Barcelona, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Spain.

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

Which is Bigger, Ios or Zaragoza?

Zaragoza has a larger population, and is about 360 times larger than the population of Ios. When comparing the sizes of Ios and Zaragoza, 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.