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

Should you visit Mykonos or Galway?

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 Galway. 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 glamourous, party-oriented, and ritzy Greek island. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Galway

Galway is a historical, vibrant, and lively city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Mykonos and Galway: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mykonos or Galway?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Mykonos than Galway. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Mykonos is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Galway attracts visitors for its big city activities. Mykonos is more touristy than Galway and is known for its active party scene, luxury accommodation, and picturesque villages. It is also well known for the traditional windmills near Chora. Galway is famous for its many festivals, its traditional pubs, and its live Irish folk music.

How is Mykonos different from Galway?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the nice sights and museums in both Mykonos and Galway.

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 Galway. Popular landmarks and sights in town include Eyre Square, St. Nicholas' Church, the Galway Cathedral, and the Galway City Museum.

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

Mykonos is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Many restaurants in Mykonos have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

Galway has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are local pubs and traditional restaurants offering authentic Irish dishes. Popular options include Irish Stew, Cockles and Mussels, and Galway Oysters.

Is Mykonos or Galway Better for Nightlife?

Mykonos is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

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.

Galway has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The nightlife scene is among the best in Ireland. The city embraces the friendly Irish hospitality and there are laid back pubs and bars around town as well as a few trendy nightclubs.

Is Mykonos or Galway Better for Resorts?

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

Mykonos is a world class resort vacation destination. 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.

Galway is not a resort destination.

Is Mykonos or Galway Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Mykonos is notable for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Galway is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Mykonos is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. There are many good diving and snorkeling spots around the island include shipwrecks and reefs with good visibility.

Galway is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mykonos or Galway Better for Beaches?

Mykonos is notable for its beaches. However, Galway is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Mykonos attract visitors from all over. 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.

Galway is not a beach destination.

Is Mykonos or Galway Better for its Old Town?

Mykonos is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. However, Galway does not have a historic old town.

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.

Galway does not have a historic old town.

Is Mykonos or Galway Better for Hiking?

Mykonos is not a good place to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Galway is not a hiking destination.

Mykonos has hiking trails for those that seek them out. This island doesn't have any real hiking but you can walk to the beach along the road. The island is mostly flat.

Galway is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Mykonos or Galway?

Mykonos is an unbeatable place for shopping. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Galway. You'll find shopping both in the city center as well as at suburban shopping malls. For some of the best shopping head to The Latin Quarter, The Westend or the outdoor market which is found in Church lane by St Nicholas' Church.

Is Mykonos or Galway Better for Families?

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

Galway is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy the National Aquarium Galway or simply wandering around the Latin Quarter. About 15 minutes outside of the city is the Wildlands Adventure Park which has ziplines, ropes courses, and other adrenaline filled activities. Brigit's Garden is another fun place to let kids stretch their legs.

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 Galway Better for Couples?

Mykonos is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Mykonos is a great Greek island for couples, as it 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.

Galway makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are nice restaurants, beautiful walks, and a few parks to explore. There are also several romantic places just outside of town that make for a great day trip.

Is Mykonos or Galway Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Galway is a great city to visit for backpackers. There are plenty of hostels in the area and it's easy to meet other travelers.

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 Galway Better for Students?

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

Galway is a good city to visit for students. The city has a solid student population with a number of activities and entertainment options.

Mykonos is not popular with students.

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

Both Mykonos and Galway offer nice 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.

Galway has some public transit options. There are two bus companies in Galway, Bus Eireann and City Direct.

Is Mykonos or Galway a more walkable city?

Mykonos is an unbeatable place for its walkability. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

Galway is a very walkable Greek island. If you stay in central Galway, the area is generally compact and walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Galway or Mykonos?

How long in Mykonos or Galway?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Mykonos and Galway. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Mykonos than in Galway. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Mykonos, and 2-3 days is enough time in Galway.

Families should spend more time in Mykonos than Galway. 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 Galway. 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 Galway 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 Galway?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the quaint destination of Mykonos. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Galway, you'll find nightlife and food. This city 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 Galway?

Mykonos is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Galway, you'll find food 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 Galway has to offer.

Five days in Mykonos or Galway?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mykonos. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Galway 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 Galway?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the opulent destination of Mykonos. This Greek island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Galway. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Galway. 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 Budget Tours to Ireland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Ireland.

When comparing the travel costs between Mykonos and Galway, 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 Galway Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Mykonos or Galway?

Mykonos has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Galway. When comparing the sizes of Mykonos and Galway, 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.