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

Should you visit Mykonos or Lucca?

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 Lucca. 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 this place 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.

Lucca

Lucca is a historic, charming, and quaint city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Mykonos and Lucca: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mykonos or Lucca?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Mykonos than Lucca, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Mykonos is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Lucca is known for its museums. Mykonos is more touristy than Lucca and is known for its active party scene, luxury accommodation, and picturesque villages. It is also home to the traditional windmills near Chora. Lucca is popular for its ancient city walls and its many historic buildings.

How is Mykonos different from Lucca?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Lucca 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 Lucca. There are many interesting historic sights and buildings around this charming town. You can climb to the top of the Guinigi Tower or visit the Roman Amphitheater. Many visitors enjoy walking or biking around the city walls as well. Also make sure you visit the cathedral.

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 Lucca? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Lucca. There are many great Tuscan restaurants inside the city walls. Perhaps the most popular local dish is tordelli Lucchesi. Its a meat filled pasta that has a beef ragu sauce. There are also other Tuscan recipes that include steak, boar, or rabbit.

Is Mykonos or Lucca Better for Nightlife?

Mykonos is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Lucca is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

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 Lucca has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is most lively during the spring and summer months when tourists crowd into the city. For the highest concentration of bars, clubs, and lounges, head to Piazza Amfiteatro, Piazza San Michele and Via Fillungo.

Is Mykonos or Lucca Better for Resorts?

Mykonos is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Lucca 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.

Lucca is not a resort destination.

Is Mykonos or Lucca Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Mykonos is well known for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Lucca 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.

Lucca is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mykonos or Lucca Better for Beaches?

Mykonos is well known for the beach. However, Lucca 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.

Lucca is not a beach destination.

Is Mykonos or Lucca Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the fantastic old town areas in both Mykonos and Lucca.

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.

The rich history of Lucca can be explored in its historical center. The historic city is surrounded by city walls, which you can walk around. Within the walls there are cobblestone streets and a charming atmosphere.

Is Mykonos or Lucca Better for Hiking?

Mykonos is not so good for its hiking experiences. However, Lucca is not a hiking destination.

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.

Lucca is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Mykonos or Lucca?

Mykonos is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Lucca 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 Lucca. The city is filled with a mix of tourist shops and more authentic local vendors. If you look hard, you can still find some interesting local items that make for a more unique and personal shopping experience.

Is Mykonos or Lucca Better for Families?

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

Lucca is a family-friendly place to visit. You can pass through town in a day or two, or stay longer and use it as a base for exploring Tuscany. There are playgrounds for the kids as well as some fun activities like cycling the city walls and climbing towers.

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 Lucca Better for Couples?

Mykonos is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Lucca is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

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.

Lucca is a great Greek island if you're traveling as a couple. It's a beautiful city with good restaurants and access to nice countryside. Couples who want to explore Tuscany can use this town as a base to take in much of the region.

Is Mykonos or Lucca Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lucca is a good destination for backpackers. However, Mykonos is not a good Greek island for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Lucca. While there aren't many traditional hostels around town, guesthouses are usually affordable.

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

Mykonos is a Greek island with good options for its public transit. However, Lucca 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 quite limited in Lucca. There's no public transit within the city so if you can't walk somewhere, you'll want to take a taxi. In general, walking is the best option though.

Is Mykonos or Lucca a more walkable city?

Mykonos is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Lucca is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

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

Lucca is very walkable. Much of the city can be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Lucca or Mykonos?

How long in Mykonos or Lucca?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Mykonos or Lucca to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Mykonos than Lucca because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Mykonos, and 1-2 days is enough time in Lucca.

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

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 Lucca, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Lucca?

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 Lucca, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Lucca has to offer.

Five days in Mykonos or Lucca?

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.

Lucca is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Lucca?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the postcard perfect 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 Lucca. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Lucca. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy, and The Best Historical Tours in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Mykonos or Lucca?

Mykonos has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Lucca. When comparing the sizes of Mykonos and Lucca, 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.