A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mykonos vs. Lagos for Food, Nightlife, Resorts, and Beaches

Should you visit Mykonos or Lagos?

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 Lagos. 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.

Lagos

Lagos is a vibrant, beautiful, and scenic resort town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Mykonos and Lagos: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mykonos or Lagos?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Mykonos. Although Mykonos and Lagos are popular destinations, Mykonos has more sights and attractions for tourists. Mykonos is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Lagos attracts visitors for its beaches and hiking. Mykonos is famous for its active party scene, luxury accommodation, and picturesque villages. It is also well known for the traditional windmills near Chora. Lagos is famous for its dramatic beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant nightlife.

How is Mykonos different from Lagos?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Mykonos is a good destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Lagos does not have museums and landmarks.

Mykonos is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Visitors enjoy checking out the windmills and churches around the island. You can also hop over to Delos to see its archeological sites.

Lagos does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Mykonos is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Lagos 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.

Lagos has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city offers some of the best food in the Algarve. The old town has plenty of restaurants that are both affordable and high quality. Seafood is the obvious choice, but you'll also find tapas, paellas, and local dishes such as cataplana (a seafood and chorizo stew). Most restaurants serve up a local fish of the day as well as prawns and other seafood items.

Is Mykonos or Lagos Better for Nightlife?

Mykonos is a must-visit destination for nightlife. Also, Lagos is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

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.

Many people head to Lagos for the nightlife scene. The city has a mellow vibe, even at night, but that's not to say there aren't good parties going on, particularly during the peak of the travel season. There's a local charm to the nightlife scene here and you'll likely start to recognize other party-goers. Many of the bars are housed in character-filled old buildings which can feel a bit cramped, but that's all part of the charm.

Is Mykonos or Lagos Better for Resorts?

There are terrific resorts to choose from in both Mykonos and Lagos.

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, Lagos is a great choice. As a resort town, you'll find no shortage of places to stay in the area. If you don't have a car, your best options are in the historic center. If transportation isn't a concern, then you'll find plenty of great resorts in the Marina, Meia Praia, Dona Ana Beach, Camilo Beach, and Porto de Mós Beach.

Is Mykonos or Lagos Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

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 Lagos. With its unique rock formations and caves, there are many spots where you can snorkel or scuba dive nearby. There's also sparkling blue waters and plenty of marine life including lobster, shrimp, anemones, octopuses, and brightly colored fish.

Is Mykonos or Lagos Better for Beaches?

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

Lagos offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The beaches are long, flat and sandy with beautifully dramatic rock formations. The largest beach in the area is Meia Praia and arguably one of the best beaches is Praia Dona Ana. For convenience, Praia da Batata is the closest beach to town. Praia de Porto de Mós is one of the more quiet beaches, but it's still along a bus line. For beautiful nature head to either Praia dos Estudantes or Praia dos Pinheiros.

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 Lagos Better for its Old Town?

Mykonos is a must-visit destination for its historic old town. However, Lagos 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.

Lagos does not have a historic old town.

Is Mykonos or Lagos Better for Hiking?

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

Lagos is a popular spot for hiking. The city makes an excellent base for exploring some of the nearby hikes and walks. Favorite places to hike include the famous Ponte de Piedade Trail, which is the last part of the multi-day Fisherman's Trail. It takes you by many beautiful rock formations and scenic viewpoints. Another scenic hike is The Alvor Walkways, which is a series of boardwalks through sand dunes.

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 Lagos?

Mykonos is a must-visit destination for shopping. Also, Lagos is still popular, but not quite as popular 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 Lagos. The town has a long history of local artisan crafts. You can head to the seafront promenade and find local traditional items such as ceramics, leather goods, and jewelry.

Is Mykonos or Lagos Better for Families?

Lagos 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, Lagos is very family-friendly. You can spend days hanging out on the beautiful beaches, but there are so many other activities that the whole family will enjoy. Explore the caves in kayaks, take surfing lessons, head for the zoo, or go dolphin watching. There are also plenty of playgrounds and kid-friendly restaurants around town.

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 Lagos Better for Couples?

Mykonos and Lagos both terrific 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.

Lagos makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The beaches and hotels in the area offer a truly romantic setting for couples, whether you're on a honeymoon or a couple's weekend getaway. Spend some time on the beach or go kayaking through the caves. Get a spa treatment at a luxury hotel or go wine tasting through the countryside. You can also enjoy the beautiful sunsets on a sunset boat cruise while sipping a glass of local wine.

Is Mykonos or Lagos Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lagos is an unbeatable place for backpackers. However, Mykonos is not a good Greek island for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Lagos. The area is a favorite for backpackers who come to hang out on the beaches during the day or party late into the night after the sun goes down. There are plenty of hostels around town and many offer a social vibe where 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 Lagos Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Mykonos is a good destination for its public transit. However, Lagos is not particularly known 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 Lagos. The area has buses, but they are limited in where they go. There is also reduced service on weekends and holidays.

Is Mykonos or Lagos a more walkable city?

Mykonos is a must-visit destination for its walkability. However, Lagos is not particularly known 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.

Lagos is not a very walkable Greek island. Most people prefer to have a car as some areas are very hilly and many resorts are outside of town. Depending on your fitness level and motivation, you may be able to get by without a vehicle, but it is generally not recommended.

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

Should I spend more time in Lagos or Mykonos?

How long in Mykonos or Lagos?

In either Mykonos or Lagos, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Mykonos has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Mykonos than Lagos. However, 3-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Mykonos than Lagos. 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 Lagos 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 Lagos?

In Mykonos, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this ritzy 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 Lagos, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This resort 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 Lagos?

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 Lagos, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. 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. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. 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 Lagos?

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.

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

A week in Mykonos or Lagos?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the ritzy 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 Lagos. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Lagos. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 2-Week Tours in Portugal, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mykonos and Lagos, we can see that Mykonos is more expensive. And not only is Lagos much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lagos would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lagos 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 Lagos.

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

Which is Bigger, Mykonos or Lagos?

Mykonos has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Lagos. When comparing the sizes of Mykonos and Lagos, 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.