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

Should you visit Mykonos or Cardiff?

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 Cardiff. 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 picturesque, postcard perfect, and glamourous Greek island. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Cardiff

Cardiff is a industrial, up-and-coming, and green city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Mykonos and Cardiff: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Mykonos or Cardiff?

You'll generally find more things to do in Mykonos than Cardiff. Mykonos is bigger than Cardiff, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Mykonos is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Cardiff is more popular for its big city activities. Mykonos is more touristy than Cardiff and is known for its active party scene, luxury accommodation, and picturesque villages. Also, Mykonos is famous for the traditional windmills near Chora. Cardiff is well known for having the most castles per square mile of any city in Europe.

How is Mykonos different from Cardiff?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Mykonos
Cardiff

Plenty of people visit the notable sights and museums in both Mykonos and Cardiff.

Mykonos offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Visitors enjoy checking out the windmills and churches around the island. You can also hop over to Delos to see its archeological sites.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Cardiff. The most notable landmark of the city is the famous and well-preserved Cardiff Castle. Visitors also enjoy seeing the Victorian arcades, museums, and cathedrals around town.


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

Mykonos
Cardiff

Mykonos is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Mykonos is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

Cardiff may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Welsh cuisine is known for its stews and hearty vegetable dishes. The national dish is cawl, which is a stew made with lamb and vegetables. Other local favorites include Welsh rarebit, which is a type of cheese toast, and Glamorgan Sausage, which is actually made with vegetables.

Is Mykonos or Cardiff Better for Nightlife?

Mykonos
Cardiff

Mykonos is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Mykonos is a world class party destination. 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 Cardiff has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is all about fun and most of the activities are driven by the large and diverse student population.

Is Mykonos or Cardiff Better for Resorts?

Mykonos
Cardiff

Mykonos is a must-visit destination for its resorts. However, Cardiff is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Mykonos is a great 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.

Cardiff is not a resort destination.


Is Mykonos or Cardiff Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Mykonos
Cardiff

Mykonos is a great destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Cardiff is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Mykonos. There are many good diving and snorkeling spots around the island include shipwrecks and reefs with good visibility.

Cardiff is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mykonos or Cardiff Better for Beaches?

Mykonos
Cardiff

Mykonos is a great destination for the beache. However, Cardiff is not a beach destination.

Mykonos is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Cardiff is not a beach destination.

Is Mykonos or Cardiff Better for its Old Town?

Mykonos
Cardiff

Mykonos is a must-visit destination for its old town. However, Cardiff does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Mykonos can be explored in its historical center. Chora, the old town and largest town on the island, is filled with windmills, cafes, churches, and charming streets.

Cardiff does not have a historic old town.


Is Mykonos or Cardiff Better for Hiking?

Mykonos
Cardiff

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

A few hiking trails can be found near Mykonos. This island doesn't have any real hiking but you can walk to the beach along the road. The island is mostly flat.

Cardiff is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Mykonos or Cardiff?

Mykonos
Cardiff

Mykonos is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Mykonos make it a world-class shopping destination. This island has become the playground for celebrities and the wealthy, so there are plenty of shopping opportunities in town.

Cardiff has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Shopping options include shopping malls and boutique lined streets. There is a nice mix of independent shops and major chains to choose between.

Is Mykonos or Cardiff Better for Families?

Mykonos
Cardiff

Cardiff is a good destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Mykonos is not a good Greek island for its kid-friendly activities.

Cardiff is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of climbing and play areas, museums, and playgrounds that can keep the little ones entertained. There are also plenty of outdoor parks and trails to wander around.

Mykonos is not always a place people visit with their families. 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.


Is Mykonos or Cardiff Better for Couples?

Mykonos
Cardiff

Mykonos is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for couples.

Mykonos makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Couples who enjoy beautiful coastal settings with a great party scene will love a vacation or honeymoon to this Greek island.

Cardiff is not always the best place to visit for a couple. The most romantic experiences involve a night out dining at nice restaurants, enjoying a cocktail at a classy bar, and strolling through neighborhoods and soaking up the atmosphere.

Is Mykonos or Cardiff Better for Students?

Mykonos
Cardiff

Cardiff is a good destination for students. However, Mykonos is not popular with students.

Cardiff is a good city to visit for students. Most students come to study at Cardiff University, which is a leading university in Great Britain.

Mykonos is not popular with students.

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

Mykonos
Cardiff

Mykonos is a popular place for its public transit. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Mykonos, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. 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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Cardiff. There is a bus system that you can use to get around.


Is Mykonos or Cardiff a more walkable city?

Mykonos
Cardiff

Mykonos is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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

Cardiff is a somewhat walkable Greek island. There are pedestrianized areas and the waterfront is nice to walk around but there is still room for improvement when it comes to walkability.

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

Should I spend more time in Cardiff or Mykonos?

How long in Mykonos or Cardiff?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Mykonos and Cardiff. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Mykonos than in Cardiff. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Mykonos, and 1-3 days is enough time in Cardiff.

Families should spend more time in Mykonos than Cardiff. 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 Cardiff. 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 Cardiff 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.


  • How many days in Mykonos or Cardiff? Ideal Length of Stay
    Mykonos 3-5 
    Cardiff 1-3

One day in Mykonos or Cardiff?

In Mykonos, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This Greek island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Cardiff, you'll find museums and nightlife. This city 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 Cardiff?

In Mykonos, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

In Cardiff, you'll find nightlife and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cardiff has to offer.


Five days in Mykonos or Cardiff?

Mykonos is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Mykonos has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Cardiff is a great place to explore. 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 Cardiff?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mykonos. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Mykonos. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cardiff. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Cardiff. 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United Kingdom, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United Kingdom.


Which place is cheaper, Cardiff or Mykonos?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Mykonos is €149, while the average daily cost in Cardiff is €182. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Mykonos and Cardiff in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mykonos 74
    Cardiff 109
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mykonos 148
    Cardiff 218
Compare Hotels in Mykonos and Cardiff

Looking for a hotel in Mykonos or Cardiff? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Mykonos


Hotels in Cardiff


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Mykonos Hotel Prices and Cardiff Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mykonos 24
    Cardiff 25
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Mykonos

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Mykonos:


  • Bus to Paradise Beach (for 2)
    5.60
  • Taxi to Kalafatis
    13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mykonos

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Mykonos:

  • 24 Hour Private Transfer Service All Around Mykonos Island: $27
  • 24 Hours Mykonos Private Transfer: $87
  • 24-hour Point-Point Mykonos Airport and Port Transfers Service: $20
  • All Included Mykonos South Beaches, Rhenia and Delos Islands (free transfers): $120
  • Boat Tour / Transfer in Mykonos: $1,069
  • Delos Island: Roundtrip Boat Transfer from Mykonos Island: $31
  • From Helicopter Transfer to Athens or Greek Island: $2,567
  • Mykonos 6hrs sailing cruise: Delos Rhenia with lunch & transfer : $153
  • Mykonos Airport (JMK) to Mykonos - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $72
  • Mykonos Airport or Port from/to Point to Point Private Transfers: $213
  • Mykonos Airport: Private Mykonos, Elia, or Kalafati Transfer: $81
  • Mykonos Alternative Sunset Sail Aperitivo for Adults-only (free transfers): $71

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cardiff

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cardiff:

  • Bristol Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Cardiff: $13
  • Heathrow Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Cardiff: $16
  • Barry Accommodation to Cardiff Airport (CWL) - Departure Private Transfer: $33
  • Cardiff to Cardiff Airport (CWL) - Departure Private Transfer: $38
  • Private Cardiff Departure Transfer - Hotel / Accommodation to Airport: $58
  • Private Cardiff Arrival Transfer- Airport to Hotel / Accommodation : $58
  • Newport Accommodation to Cardiff Airport (CWL) - Departure Private Transfer: $60
  • Cardiff Private Transfer from Cardiff Airport to City centre: $79
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Cardiff Airport CWL to Cardiff by Luxury Vehicle: $95
  • Departure Private Transfer from Cardiff to Cardiff Airport CWL by Luxury Vehicle: $95
  • Private Transfer from Holyhead Port to Manchester Airport (MAN): $102
  • Private Transfer from Mold to Manchester Airport (MAN): $125

Is it cheaper to fly into Mykonos or Cardiff?

Prices for flights to both Cardiff and Mykonos change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Mykonos 48
    Cardiff 51
Typical Food Prices in Mykonos

Some typical examples of dining costs in Mykonos are as follows:


  • Two Ice cream Cones
    4.50

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mykonos

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Mykonos.

  • Traditional Lunch or Dinner at the Mykonian Spiti: $70
  • Sunset Boat Cruise with Light Dinner & Drinks: $100
  • Food Tour in Mykonos - 10 Tastings : $108
  • Souvlaki Cooking Class in Mykonos: $109
  • Cooking Class with Food and Wine: $160
  • Cooking Classes in Mykonos Greece: $164
  • Private Cooking Class on Naxos Island with Pick Up: $196
  • Private Authentic Greek Brunch Cooking Class in Mykonos with a Local: $254
  • Private Food Tour & Wine Tasting In Tinos Island with a Local: $284
  • Private Cooking Class At The Home Of A Mykonian Family: $610

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mykonos 23
    Cardiff 29

Tours and Activities in Mykonos

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Mykonos are as follows:

  • Old Town Self-Guided Game & Tour: $12
  • Mykonos Self-Guided Game & Tour: $12
  • Paddle Boat Experience: $16
  • Cellar Tour & Beer Tasting at Mykonos Brewing Company : $30
  • Sunset Party Boat Cruise with 1 Drink: $32
  • Highlights Walking Tour with a Local: $37
  • Walking Tour as a Local: $38
  • 1-Hour Guided Snorkeling Adventure with Go Pro Pictures : $38
  • Mykonos Walking Tour: $42
  • Mykonos Old Town Walking Tour: $43
  • Half-Day City Walking Tour and Island Bus Tour: $44
  • Super Paradise Beach: Wakeboarding Experience: $48

Tours and Activities in Cardiff

Here are a few actual costs in Cardiff for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Ghosts of Llandaff Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • A Journey through Tudor A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Cardiff’s Bay and Waterfront: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • The Ghosts of Llandaff: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour of Bay and Barrage: $5.99
  • Cardiff's Civic Centre: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Essential Caerphilly: Explore the town’s history on a self-guided audio tour: $6.22
  • Uncover Ghostly Chester: In-App Audio Tour of Eerie Tales: $11
  • Uncover Spectral Secrets with the Llandaff Ghosts Audio Tour: $11
  • Cardiff Bay Private Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Llanberis, Conwy and Caernarfon Castle: A Self-Guided Driving Tour of Snowdonia: $15
  • Cardiff Bay Boat Tour: $15

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mykonos 20
    Cardiff 15

Sample the Local Flavors in Mykonos

Also in Mykonos, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Winery Vineyard Experience with Food & Wine Tasting: $73
  • Tour and Wine Tasting in Mykonian Land : $74
  • Wine Tasting at a Mykonian Farm: $80
  • Wine Tasting Tour at a traditional farm in Mykonos: $82
  • Half-Day Wine Tasting and Snack at a Local House: $128
  • Ancient Greek Wine Tasting on the Beach with a Sommelier: $128
  • Luxurious All-in-One Mykonos Party Tour with Wine Tasting: $163

Sample the Local Flavors in Cardiff

Also in Cardiff, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Gin Tour at Hensol Castle Distillery: $32
  • Cardiff Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $44


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mykonos and Cardiff, we can see that Cardiff is more expensive. And not only is Mykonos much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Mykonos would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mykonos 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 Cardiff would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cardiff than you might in Mykonos.

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


Which is Bigger, Mykonos or Cardiff?

Mykonos has a larger population, and is about 95% larger than the population of Cardiff. When comparing the sizes of Mykonos and Cardiff, 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.