A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mykonos vs. Arles for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Old Town

Should you visit Mykonos or Arles?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Mykonos and Arles. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Mykonos

Mykonos is a ritzy, opulent, and picturesque Greek island. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Arles

Arles is a historic, charming, and compact 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.

Mykonos and Arles: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mykonos or Arles?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Mykonos than Arles, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Mykonos is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Arles is known for its museums. Mykonos is more touristy than Arles and is known for its active party scene, luxury accommodation, and picturesque villages. It is also home to the traditional windmills near Chora. Arles is popular for its Roman history and its influence over Vincent van Gogh.

How is Mykonos different from Arles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Arles and Mykonos. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Mykonos or Arles?

Arles is an unbeatable place for its sights and museums. Also, Mykonos is not as famous, but is still a good Greek island to visit for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Arles are among the most recognizable in the world. It's a small town but it's filled with Roman ruins and remarkable landmarks. Popular sights include L'Amphithéâtre Romain, Les Alyscamps, Cloître Saint-Trophime, and Théâtre Antique.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Mykonos. Visitors enjoy checking out the windmills and churches around the island. You can also hop over to Delos to see its archeological sites.

Is the Food Better in Mykonos or Arles? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Mykonos is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Arles is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Mykonos has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Like most things on the island, food is expensive, but its also very good. Make sure you try the louza sausage, kopanisti cheese, and melopita pie.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Arles. The cuisine is heavily influenced by the region's local agriculture. Popular dishes include agriade (beef stew), tellines soup, and fougasse (a local bread).

Is Mykonos or Arles Better for Nightlife?

Mykonos is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Arles is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

The nightlife in Mykonos is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. With many exclusive clubs and bars, this island is among the best for nightlife in Greece. Popular options include Tropicana Club, Scarpa, and Super Paradise Beach Club.

If you're looking for night time activities Arles has a few options to choose from. There are countless bars and pubs where you can enjoy a cold drink and a relaxing night out.

Is Mykonos or Arles Better for Resorts?

Mykonos is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Arles is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Mykonos is a perfect choice. There are many world class luxury resorts on the island that offer a variety of amenities including pools, restaurants, and spas. Popular options include Myconian Avaton Resort, Myconian Imperial Resort and Villas, and Myconian Utopia Resort.

Arles is not a resort destination.

Is Mykonos or Arles Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Mykonos is well known for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Arles is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in Mykonos. There are many good diving and snorkeling spots around the island include shipwrecks and reefs with good visibility.

Arles is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mykonos or Arles Better for Beaches?

Mykonos is well known for the beach. However, Arles is not a beach destination.

Mykonos is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. This island has become popular for its sandy beaches, but these days they come with a high price. Many are lined with umbrellas and sunbeds that you can rent. They often have bars that bring high energy and loud music. The water is often calm enough to enjoy swimming or water sports. Most of the best beaches are on the southern side of the island, but there are less crowds on the northern side, although the weather may not be as good.

Arles is not a beach destination.

Is Mykonos or Arles Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the first-rate old town areas in both Mykonos and Arles.

With a famous historical old-town, Mykonos offers plenty to see. Chora, the old town and largest town on the island, is filled with windmills, cafes, churches, and charming streets.

The rich history of Arles can be explored in its historical center. The large old town is filled with Roman ruins and historic sights. There are narrow streets and many interesting places to explore.

Is Mykonos or Arles Better for Hiking?

Mykonos is not so good for its hiking experiences. However, Arles is not a hiking destination.

While not known for its hiking, Mykonos has a few options. This island doesn't have any real hiking but you can walk to the beach along the road. The island is mostly flat.

Arles is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Mykonos or Arles?

Mykonos is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Arles is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Mykonos is a world class destination for shoppers. This island has become the playground for celebrities and the wealthy, so there are plenty of shopping opportunities in town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Arles. There are many boutiques that are filled with local art, crafts, and merchandise.

Is Mykonos or Arles Better for Families?

Most people don't think of either Mykonos or Arles as a family destination.

Mykonos is not the most family-friendly destination. This island is a bit of a party destination, so many people choose alternative islands when visiting Greece with their kids. If you do head to Mykonos, you'll find nice beaches and some good museums.

Arles is not always a place people visit with their families. Filled with Roman ruins and beautiful art, this is a great town, but can make for a long day for younger kids.

Is Mykonos or Arles Better for Couples?

Mykonos is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Arles is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Mykonos has plenty to offer. Couples who enjoy beautiful coastal settings with a great party scene will love a vacation or honeymoon to this Greek island.

Arles is a great Greek island if you're traveling as a couple. Couples who enjoy history, roman ruins, and beautiful art will appreciate a weekend getaway to this town.

Is Mykonos or Arles Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Mykonos and Arles offer good public transit options.

Mykonos has a few public transit options. There is a bus system that connects the towns and beaches on the island. Both major bus stations are on the western side of the island.

Arles has some public transit options. There are shuttle buses that run between the city center and the train station, which is less than a kilometer out of town.

Is Mykonos or Arles a more walkable city?

Mykonos is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Arles is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Getting around Mykonos on foot is easy. Walking is actually one of the only ways to get around town.

Arles is very walkable. It's a historic walled city that is very walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Mykonos Worth Visiting? and Is Arles Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Arles or Mykonos?

How long in Mykonos or Arles?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Mykonos or Arles to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Mykonos than Arles because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Mykonos, and 1-2 days is enough time in Arles.

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

Couples should spend more time in Mykonos than Arles. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Mykonos that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Mykonos than Arles 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 Mykonos.

One day in Mykonos or Arles?

In Mykonos, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this postcard perfect destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This Greek island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In Arles, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Mykonos or Arles?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mykonos. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

In Arles, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Arles has to offer.

Five days in Mykonos or Arles?

Mykonos is a fun place to experience. In Mykonos, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this quaint destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Arles is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

A week in Mykonos or Arles?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the party-oriented destination of Mykonos. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Arles. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Arles. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Greece, The Best G Adventures Tours to Greece, The Best Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.

When comparing the travel costs between Mykonos and Arles, we can see that Mykonos 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 Mykonos Expensive? and Is Arles Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Mykonos or Arles?

Mykonos has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Arles. When comparing the sizes of Mykonos and Arles, 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.