A Travel Price Comparison for Greece Mykonos vs. Crete for Food, Nightlife, Resorts, and Beaches

Should you visit Mykonos or Crete?

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 Crete. 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 Mykonos 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. See Mykonos travel costs.

Crete

Crete is a stunning, breathtaking, and world-renowned island. The beauty of Crete is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Crete travel costs.

Mykonos and Crete: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mykonos or Crete?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Mykonos. Although Mykonos and Crete are both popular with visitors, Mykonos has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Mykonos is more popular for its nightlife, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Crete is known for its museums and attractions, beaches, and hiking. Mykonos is popular for its active party scene, luxury accommodation, and picturesque villages. It is also home to the traditional windmills near Chora. Crete is popular for its breathtaking beaches, wild nightlife, and impressive archeological ruins.

How is Mykonos different from Crete?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Crete is a well-known 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.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Crete. The island is filled with archeological sites including the famous Palace of Knossos. While most people come to Crete for the natural beauty, in the cities you'll find some great museums and landmarks.

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 Crete? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Mykonos and Crete can be an enjoyable experience.

Eat your way through Mykonos, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

For foodies, Crete is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Local cuisine is influenced by the island's fertile environment and excellent agriculture. You'll find olive oil in most dishes and seafood is a major staple. You'll also find a lot of stews and recipes that incorporate local ingredients.

Is Mykonos or Crete Better for Nightlife?

Mykonos is an amazing Greek island to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Crete is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Mykonos has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

Many people head to Crete for the nightlife scene. The island has excellent nightlife with clubs and bars found in Chania, Malia and Stalis to Elounda. The area is popular with British tourists and you'll find many bars open until 2 or 3 in the morning.

Is Mykonos or Crete Better for Resorts?

There are amazing resorts to choose from in both Mykonos and Crete.

Vacationers flock to Mykonos for its luxury resorts. 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.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Crete is a great choice. The island has world class resorts that include pools and buffet meals. There are many beachfront resorts that range in style from romantic to family-friendly.

Is Mykonos or Crete Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

You'll find superb places where you can go scuba diving or snorkeling in Mykonos and Crete.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Mykonos. There are many good diving and snorkeling spots around the island include shipwrecks and reefs with good visibility.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Crete. The island is surrounded by clear waters that make for great snorkeling and diving. There's a number of beautiful fish and other sea life that you can see. Be on the lookout for crabs, sea stars, sponges, and even octopi.

Is Mykonos or Crete Better for Beaches?

Crete is an unbeatable place for the beach. Also, Mykonos is not as famous, but is still a good Greek island to visit for the beach.

Crete offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. There are some of the best beaches in the world on Crete. The areas around Chania have some of the island's best beaches, with one of the most beautiful being Balos. On the northern side of the island, be on the lookout for strong winds, particularly in August, which can make for larger waves. The island is large, so you'll find everything from secluded and quiet beaches to more active and lively places.

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.

Is Mykonos or Crete Better for its Old Town?

Mykonos is an amazing Greek island to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Crete does not have a historic old town.

Mykonos offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. Chora, the old town and largest town on the island, is filled with windmills, cafes, churches, and charming streets. It's a scenic area that has long been popular for its beautiful setting.

Crete does not have a historic old town.

Is Mykonos or Crete Better for Hiking?

Crete is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Mykonos is not a good Greek island for its hiking trails.

Crete is a popular spot for hiking. The island is filled with beautiful hikes that run along the shoreline or head inland through the island's beautiful landscapes. There are hikes for every ability level that offer spectacular views and an incredible experience.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Mykonos or Crete?

Mykonos is an amazing Greek island to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Crete 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 Crete. The island has many markets that sell local foods and handicrafts. There are also shops and boutiques where you can buy anything from souvenirs to homemade artwork.

Is Mykonos or Crete More Beautiful?

Mykonos is an amazing Greek island to visit for its scenery and beauty. Also, Crete is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The famous beauty of Mykonos is one of the main draws. With its stunning blue waters and postcard perfect towns, this island is filled with beauty.

Crete is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The island has some of the world's most beautiful beaches. The blue waters and striking landscapes make this a world class destination.

Is Mykonos or Crete Better for Families?

Crete is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. However, Mykonos is not a good Greek island for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Crete is very family-friendly. The island is large and filled with countless family-friendly activities. You can spend several days at the beach, explore Lake Kournas, visit a water park, or even take a pirate themed boat cruise. There's also the amusement park, ​​Labyrinth Park, aquariums and more.

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 Crete Better for Couples?

Mykonos and Crete both amazing destinations for a couple.

Mykonos is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Couples who enjoy beautiful coastal settings with a great party scene will love a vacation or honeymoon to this Greek island.

Crete makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's stunning beaches, beautiful landscapes, world renowned restaurants, and amazing resorts make this a top honeymoon spot for international travelers and romance seekers.

Is Mykonos or Crete Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Crete is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Mykonos is not a good Greek island for backpackers and budget travelers.

Crete is a great island to visit for backpackers. It's a large island with a great social scene and no shortage of hostels for backpackers to choose from.

Mykonos is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The island appeals to the wealthy and glamourous, but for backpackers and budget travelers, there are a few budget-friendly hotels. It'll be a bit harder to find affordable food though, as restaurants can be quite expensive.

Is Mykonos or Crete Better for Students?

Crete is a well-known place for students. However, Mykonos is not popular with students.

Many students visit Crete. It's affordability and great coastal activities is a big draw for students in the area.

Mykonos is not popular with students.

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

Both Mykonos and Crete 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.

Crete has some public transit options. There's a decent bus system that travels around the island and offers access to many areas.

Is Mykonos or Crete a more walkable city?

Mykonos is an amazing Greek island to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Crete is not particularly known for its walkability.

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

Crete is generally not a very walkable Greek island. The island is large and requires a vehicle to get around, but there are short strolls that let you enjoy the stunning landscapes.

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

Should I spend more time in Crete or Mykonos?

How long in Mykonos or Crete?

Both Mykonos and Crete have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Crete than in Mykonos. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Mykonos, and 5-7 days is enough time in Crete.

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

Couples should spend more time in Mykonos than Crete. 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 Crete than Mykonos 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 Crete.

One day in Mykonos or Crete?

In Mykonos, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this opulent 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 Crete, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Mykonos or Crete?

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 Crete, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Mykonos or Crete?

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.

Crete 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 Crete has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Mykonos or Crete?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the glamourous 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 Crete. In Crete, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Greece, The Best Bicycle Tours in Greece, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Greece, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Greece.

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

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

Which has a larger population, Mykonos or Crete?

Crete has a larger population, and is about 2% larger than the population of Mykonos. When comparing the sizes of Mykonos and Crete, 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.