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

Should you visit Mykonos or La Spezia?

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 La Spezia. 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 party-oriented, ritzy, and opulent Greek island. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

La Spezia

La Spezia is a cultural, lively, and convenient town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Mykonos and La Spezia: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Mykonos or La Spezia?

You'll generally find more things to do in Mykonos than La Spezia. Mykonos is bigger than La Spezia, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Mykonos is more touristy than La Spezia and is popular for its active party scene, luxury accommodation, and picturesque villages. Also, Mykonos is famous for the traditional windmills near Chora. La Spezia is well known for being the gateway to Cinque Terre.

How is Mykonos different from La Spezia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Mykonos
La Spezia

Mykonos is a good destination for its museums and history. However, La Spezia is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

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.

La Spezia offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. The highlight of the area is the surrounding natural beauty, but in town you can visit the Maritime Museum, The castle of San Giorgio, and The Amedeo Lia Art Museum.


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

Mykonos
La Spezia

Mykonos is very popular for its restaurants. Also, La Spezia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

Dining out in La Spezia is an experience not to be missed. The town has many local flavors that incorporate seafood and other local ingredients. Focaccia is popular, as is Farinata, which is a chickpea flour pancake. Anchovies and mussels are also common ingredients.

Is Mykonos or La Spezia Better for Nightlife?

Mykonos
La Spezia

Mykonos is very popular for nightlife and partying. Also, La Spezia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Mykonos is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

La Spezia has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find more bars and clubs around town than you do in the smaller nearby towns. Some people head into La Spezia for the evening to grab a drink and socialize.

Is Mykonos or La Spezia Better for Resorts?

Mykonos
La Spezia

Mykonos is very popular for its luxury resorts. However, La Spezia 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.

La Spezia is not a resort destination.


Is Mykonos or La Spezia Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Mykonos
La Spezia

Mykonos is a very popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, La Spezia 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.

La Spezia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mykonos or La Spezia Better for Beaches?

Mykonos
La Spezia

Mykonos is a very popular place for the beache. Also, La Spezia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the beach.

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.

La Spezia is a good option for a beach vacation. The beaches in the area tend to be rocky and pebbly. For the best beaches, head out of town to nearby areas.

Is Mykonos or La Spezia Better for its Old Town?

Mykonos
La Spezia

Mykonos is very popular for its old town. Also, La Spezia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town charm.

Mykonos has a world-famous historical area. Chora, the old town and largest town on the island, is filled with windmills, cafes, churches, and charming streets.

La Spezia offers a nice historic old town area. The old town runs between the streets of Corso Cavour and Via Prione and is best explored on foot.


Is Mykonos or La Spezia Better for Hiking?

Mykonos
La Spezia

Mykonos is not a good area for its hiking trails. However, La Spezia 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.

La Spezia is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Mykonos or La Spezia?

Mykonos
La Spezia

Mykonos is very popular for its shopping opportunities. Also, La Spezia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Mykonos draws large crowds to its stores. This island has become the playground for celebrities and the wealthy, so there are plenty of shopping opportunities in town.

Many visitors go to La Spezia to go shopping. There's a morning market at Piazza del Mercato as well as many clothing and souvenir shops around town.

Is Mykonos or La Spezia Better for Families?

Mykonos
La Spezia

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

La Spezia is a family-friendly place to visit. Visitors often use La Spezia as a base for visiting nearby Cinque Terre. The surrounding region has many kid-friendly activities like hiking, swimming, and beaches.

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 La Spezia Better for Couples?

Mykonos
La Spezia

Mykonos is very popular for its romantic activities. Also, La Spezia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

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.

Couples visit La Spezia frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It makes a nice base for visiting nearby sights if the more popular Cinque Terre area is too overwhelming.

Is Mykonos or La Spezia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mykonos
La Spezia

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

La Spezia is a great town to visit for backpackers. It's more affordable than the nearby towns in Cinque Terre, but they're still easily accessible from town.

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 La Spezia Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Mykonos
La Spezia

Both Mykonos and La Spezia offer notable 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.

La Spezia has some public transit options. Buses, trains, and ferry boats offer the main forms of transportation in the area.


Is Mykonos or La Spezia a more walkable city?

Mykonos
La Spezia

Mykonos is very popular for its high level of walkability. Also, La Spezia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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

La Spezia is a very walkable destination. The town is easy to walk around and you'll find a pedestrian-only area downhill from the train station.

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

Should I spend more time in La Spezia or Mykonos?

How long in Mykonos or La Spezia?

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

Families should spend more time in Mykonos than La Spezia. 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 La Spezia. 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 La Spezia 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 La Spezia? Ideal Length of Stay
    Mykonos 3-5 
    La Spezia 2-3

One day in Mykonos or La Spezia?

You'll find nightlife and food around the quaint Greek island of Mykonos. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In La Spezia, you'll find shopping and nightlife. This town 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 La Spezia?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the party-oriented destination of Mykonos. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This Greek island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In La Spezia, you'll find nightlife and food. 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 La Spezia has to offer.


Five days in Mykonos or La Spezia?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the picturesque Greek island of Mykonos. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this Greek island makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this Greek island has to offer.

La Spezia 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 La Spezia?

Mykonos is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in La Spezia. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting La Spezia. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Italy, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, La Spezia 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 La Spezia is €198. 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 La Spezia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mykonos 74
    La Spezia 113
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mykonos 148
    La Spezia 226
Compare Hotels in Mykonos and La Spezia

Looking for a hotel in Mykonos or La Spezia? 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 La Spezia


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 La Spezia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mykonos 24
    La Spezia 41
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:

  • TRANSFER FROM MYKONOS PORT(Cruise Terminal) TO MYKONOS TOWN: $8.52
  • Sunset South Coast Sail Cruise with lunch,drinks, optional transfer : $120
  • Private Transfer:Mykonos Old Port to your hotel-mini van: $64
  • Private Transfer:Mykonos Old Port to your hotel-mini bus: $75
  • Private Transfer:Mykonos Old Port to your hotel with Sedan: $53
  • Private Transfer:Mykonos Old Port to your Villa with minivan: $64
  • Private Transfer:Mykonos Old Port to your Villa with minibus: $75
  • Private Transfer:Mykonos Old Port to your Villa with Sedan: $53
  • Private Transfer:From your hotel to Windmills with mini van: $64
  • Private Transfer:From your hotel to Windmills with mini bus: $75
  • Private Transfer:From your hotel to Spilia with mini van: $75
  • Private Transfer:From your hotel to Spilia with mini bus: $85

Hired Cars and Shuttles in La Spezia

Also for La Spezia, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from La Spezia Hotels to La Spezia Cruise Port: $22
  • Private Transfer Porto Venere or Lerici to La Spezia by car / van: $91
  • Arrival Private Transfer from La Spezia to Porto Venere or Lerici: $91
  • Private Transfer from La Spezia to Cinque Terre by car or van: $141
  • Private Transfer La Spezia to Pisa by Business or Luxury Vehicle: $202
  • La Spezia Cruise Port to Florence - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $259

Is it cheaper to fly into Mykonos or La Spezia?

Prices for flights to both La Spezia 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
    La Spezia 56
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: $69
  • Traditional Lunch or Dinner with Drinks in Mykonos: $71
  • Sunset Boat Cruise with Light Dinner & Drinks: $100
  • Food Tour in Mykonos - 10 Tastings : $108
  • Cooking Class with Food and Wine: $160
  • Cooking Classes in Mykonos Greece: $163
  • 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: $607

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in La Spezia

For La Spezia, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • La Spezia Cinque Terre Food Tour: $91
  • Small-Group Street Food Tour: $95
  • Portovenere: Sunset Cruise with Aperitif and Dinner: $96
  • La Spezia Cinque Terre Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $97
  • Small-group Street food tour in La Spezia: $97
  • Cesarine: Dining & Cooking Demo at Local's Home in La Spezia: $114
  • Porto Venere & Islands Sunset Boat Tour w/ Dinner: $137
  • Market Tour & Lunch/Dinner at a Cesarina's Home: $148
  • Private Cooking Class in an Italian Home: $155
  • Market Visit and Seafood Cooking Class with Lunch: $156
  • Cesarine: Home Cooking Class & Meal with a Local in La Spezia: $158
  • Private Pizza & Tiramisu Class at a Cesarina's home with tasting in La Spezia: $158

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mykonos 23
    La Spezia 37

Tours and Activities in Mykonos

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

  • All Inclusive Tour to Delos and Rhenia Islands with S/Y Olga M: $152
  • Mykonos Gems for the First Time Cruise Visitors: $84
  • Mykonos Island Tour: $83
  • "Mykonos Private Tour: Town Wonders & Beach Break : $217
  • 2 Hours Gems of Mykonos Private Tour: $109
  • 3 Hours Private Sunset Tour in Greece with Free Drinks & Snacks: $261
  • 4 Hour Mykonos Tour Explorer : $163
  • 4 Hour Private Island Tour in Mykonos & Lunch included : $169
  • 6 Hours Tour to Delos and Rhenia Islands with Sailing Yacht: $152
  • All inclusive Delos & Rhenia Islands tour up to 12 pax (free transportation): $152
  • All inclusive Sunset Cruise Delos & Rhenia - free transpotation: $136
  • All inclusive cruise-Mykonos Delos&Rhenia beaches(free transport): $119

Tours and Activities in La Spezia

For La Spezia, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Hop-On Hop-Off Open-Top Bus City Tour Ticket: $18
  • From Round-Trip to Pisa Cruise Shore Excursion: $42
  • A Sightseeing Tour with Italian-Inspired Music: $43
  • From La Spezia to Pisa with optional Leaning Tower Ticket: $49
  • The Sunset Tour: $54
  • Portovenere & the 3 Islands: Sunset Boat Tour from La Spezia: $58
  • From Florence & Pisa Cruise Shore Excursion: $58
  • Boat Tour of the 3 Islands & Portovenere: $65
  • Cinque Terre Tour by Boat: $68
  • Levanto Paddleboard Tour and snorkeling along the coast: $74
  • Sunset Boat Tour with drinks and Snacks: $75
  • Sunset Boat Tour with Aperitivo and Snacks: $75

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mykonos 20
    La Spezia 35

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: $72
  • 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: $162

Sample the Local Flavors in La Spezia

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

  • boat tour with seafood and wine tasting: $213
  • Lucca city tour and Pisa tower + wine tasting from La Spezia Port: $216


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


Which is Bigger, Mykonos or La Spezia?

Mykonos has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of La Spezia. When comparing the sizes of Mykonos and La Spezia, 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.