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

Should you visit Mykonos or Geneva?

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 Geneva. 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. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. 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.

Geneva

Geneva is a diverse, international, and professional city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Mykonos and Geneva: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Big city activities
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular old town
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Mykonos or Geneva?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Mykonos than Geneva. 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, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Geneva attracts visitors for its museums and big city activities. Mykonos is more touristy than Geneva and is known for its active party scene, luxury accommodation, and picturesque villages. It is also well known for the traditional windmills near Chora. Geneva is famous for its role as a global hub for the United Nations, the Red Cross, and the World Health Organization.

How is Mykonos different from Geneva?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Mykonos
Geneva

Geneva 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 Geneva. Famous sights and landmarks include the spectacular Water Jet, St Pierre Cathedral, and the Palais des Nations. There are also impressive art and history museums in the city.

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 Geneva? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Mykonos
Geneva

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

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.

Geneva has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city has an amazing mix of traditional Swiss restaurants as well as diverse ethnic options. Traditional dishes include fondue and raclette, both of which involve the decadent Swiss cheese.

Is Mykonos or Geneva Better for Nightlife?

Mykonos
Geneva

Mykonos is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Geneva has a few options to choose from. During the day the city is all business, but at night the professionals, interns, students, and NGO workers all come together to enjoy a drink at a bar or dance at one of the city's diverse clubs.

Is Mykonos or Geneva Better for Resorts?

Mykonos
Geneva

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

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.

Geneva is not a resort destination.


Is Mykonos or Geneva Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Mykonos
Geneva

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

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.

Geneva is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mykonos or Geneva Better for Beaches?

Mykonos
Geneva

Mykonos is a great destination for its beaches. However, Geneva is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Mykonos for it's beautiful 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.

Geneva is not a beach destination.

Is Mykonos or Geneva Better for its Old Town?

Mykonos
Geneva

Mykonos is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for its 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Geneva. The Old Town offers a number of charming streets where you can wander as well as historical buildings including St. Pierre Cathedral.


Is Mykonos or Geneva Better for Hiking?

Mykonos
Geneva

Mykonos is not so good for its hiking experiences. However, Geneva 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.

Geneva is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Mykonos or Geneva?

Mykonos
Geneva

Both Mykonos and Geneva are terrific shopping destinations.

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.

Many people travel to Geneva specifically to go shopping. Famous for its posh shops and luxury brands, this city is a popular shopping destination. From chic boutiques to deluxe toy stores, you'll find something for everyone. In particular, the city is known for its Swiss watches, Swiss Army knives, chocolate, and wine.

Is Mykonos or Geneva Better for Families?

Mykonos
Geneva

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

Geneva is a family-friendly place to visit. This diverse city has a number of chocolate shops, toy stores, and parks where kids can play. They'll be impressed by the Water Jet and there are few places where you can swim in the lake when the weather is warm.

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 Geneva Better for Couples?

Mykonos
Geneva

Mykonos is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

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.

Geneva makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Wandering Old Town, sampling Swiss chocolate, and enjoying one of the many ethnic restaurants around town all make for great date activities. Fondue in a traditional restaurant is also a not to be missed experience.

Is Mykonos or Geneva Better for Students?

Mykonos
Geneva

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

Many students visit Geneva. The University of Geneva attracts many international students and the city is quite diverse. It feels like a mixing bowl of cultures, so students will feel very welcomed and comfortable here.

Mykonos is not popular with students.

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

Mykonos
Geneva

Geneva is an unbeatable place for its public transit. Also, Mykonos is not as famous, but is still a good Greek island to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors in Geneva can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The very comprehensive system includes trams, buses, and boats.

Mykonos has some 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.


Is Mykonos or Geneva a more walkable city?

Mykonos
Geneva

Mykonos is an unbeatable place for its walkability. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

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

Geneva is a very walkable Greek island. Most areas where visitors spend their time can be easily explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Geneva or Mykonos?

How long in Mykonos or Geneva?

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

Families should spend more time in Mykonos than Geneva. 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 Geneva. 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 Geneva 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 Geneva? Ideal Length of Stay
    Mykonos 3-5 
    Geneva 1-3

One day in Mykonos or Geneva?

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.

Because Geneva is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. 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 Geneva?

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.

Because Geneva is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Geneva has to offer.


Five days in Mykonos or Geneva?

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.

Geneva 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 Geneva?

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 Geneva. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Geneva. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. 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 Switzerland, and The Best Adventure Tours to Switzerland.


Which place is cheaper, Geneva 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 Geneva is €196. 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 Geneva in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mykonos 74
    Geneva 136
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mykonos 148
    Geneva 272
Compare Hotels in Mykonos and Geneva

Looking for a hotel in Mykonos or Geneva? 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 Geneva


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 Geneva Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mykonos 24
    Geneva 8.79
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 Geneva

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Geneva:

  • Geneva Int Airport (GVA) to La Clusaz - Arrival Private Transfer: $49
  • Geneva Airport (GVA) to Lausanne - Arrival Private Transfer: $53
  • Geneva to Geneva Airport (GVA)- Departure Private Transfer: $55
  • One-way Private Transfer From/To Geneva Airport: $71
  • VIP Transfer: $72
  • Arrival Transfer from Geneva Airport GVA to Geneva by Sedan: $73
  • Geneva Airport (GVA) to Verbier - Arrival Private Transfer: $76
  • Private Transfer from Geneva Hotels to Geneva Airport: $86
  • Private Transfer from Geneva Airport to Geneva Hotels : $86
  • Geneva Airport Transfers : Geneva City to Geneva Airport GVA in Business Car: $87
  • Geneva Departure Private Transfers from Geneva City to Geneva Airport GVA: $87
  • Geneva Passenger Transfer to Chamonix Mont Blanc: $87

Is it cheaper to fly into Mykonos or Geneva?

Prices for flights to both Geneva 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
    Geneva 49
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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Geneva

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

  • Geneva City Tour with Cooking Class: $144
  • City Tour and Fondue Cooking Class: $185
  • Food tour in Geneva: $2,406

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mykonos 23
    Geneva 28

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 Geneva

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

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • Escape Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Geneva Lakeside Stroll: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • From Brunswick Monument to the Botanical Garden: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Old Town Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Geneva Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $8.02
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • The Many Faces of Self-Guided Audio City Tour: $11
  • International District Self-Guided City Sightseeing: $15
  • Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $15
  • Geneva (International District) City Sights Self-Guided Tour: $16

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mykonos 20
    Geneva 21

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


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


Which is Bigger, Mykonos or Geneva?

Mykonos has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Geneva. When comparing the sizes of Mykonos and Geneva, 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.