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

Should you visit Mykonos or Madrid?

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 Madrid. 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 opulent, picturesque, and postcard perfect Greek island. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Madrid

Madrid is a diverse, compact, and friendly city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the live music, food, and shopping.

Mykonos and Madrid: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mykonos or Madrid?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Madrid than Mykonos. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Madrid is very popular for its music and big city activities, while Mykonos attracts visitors for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Mykonos is more touristy than Madrid and is popular for its active party scene, luxury accommodation, and picturesque villages. Madrid is famous for its art and architecture, its tapas and culinary scene, and its lively flamenco dancing. It is also well known for The Prado Museum.

How is Mykonos different from Madrid?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Madrid. There are a number of cultural sights in the city including Museo Nacional del Prado, the Royal Palace and Gardens, and Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Mykonos and Madrid can be an enjoyable experience.

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.

For foodies, Madrid is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The city has a mix of flavors that come from all of Spain. There are amazing markets where you can grab a meal or snack. There are also many high quality restaurants around town where you're guaranteed a good meal. Local favorites include roast suckling pig, Spanish omelette, and meat and chickpea stew.

Is Mykonos or Madrid Better for Nightlife?

Mykonos is renowned for nightlife. Also, Madrid is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

Mykonos is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

Madrid offers plenty to do in the evening. Many tourists and international students hang out in the Huertas area, while Malasaña has a bohemian, hipster vibe with small clubs that play indie music. Chueca is a fun area that's known for being gay-friendly with many good bars. Finally, you'll find that the area around Avenida de Brasil is where famous DJs often perform.

Is Mykonos or Madrid Better for Music?

Madrid is an unbeatable place for its live music scene. However, Mykonos is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Madrid Rock, jazz, and flamenco are all popular in the city. Some of the most well known music venues include Sala Caracol, Sala Clamores, and Costello Club.

Mykonos is not a live music destination.

Is Mykonos or Madrid Better for Resorts?

Mykonos is renowned for its luxury resorts. However, Madrid 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.

Madrid is not a resort destination.

Is Mykonos or Madrid Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Mykonos is a great Greek island for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Madrid 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.

Madrid is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mykonos or Madrid Better for Beaches?

Mykonos is a great Greek island for its beaches. However, Madrid 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.

Madrid is not a beach destination.

Is Mykonos or Madrid Better for its Old Town?

Mykonos is renowned for its historic old town. However, Madrid does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Mykonos is one of the most recognized in the world. Chora, the old town and largest town on the island, is filled with windmills, cafes, churches, and charming streets.

Madrid does not have a historic old town.

Is Mykonos or Madrid Better for Hiking?

Mykonos is mediocre for hiking. However, Madrid 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.

Madrid is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Mykonos or Madrid?

Both Mykonos and Madrid are fantastic 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 Madrid specifically to go shopping. Gran Vía is a main thoroughfare in Madrid that is also popular for shopping. Calle Fuencarral is where you'll find the fashion shops and Calle Preciados is a fun pedestrian area to explore.

Is Mykonos or Madrid Better for Families?

Madrid is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. However, Mykonos is not a good Greek island for its kid-friendly activities.

Madrid is a very kid-friendly city. Kids love splashing around at Madrid Río, taking a ride on the cable car (Teleférico), and exploring the city's many parks and playgrounds. There's even a maze at Sabatini Gardens. Restaurants around the city are also very kid-friendly.

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 Madrid Better for Couples?

Mykonos is renowned for romance. Also, Madrid is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Madrid is a very popular place to visit for couples. Fun and romantic activities around town include taking a boat ride at Casa de Campo, riding a bike in one of the many parks, and enjoy dinner and show in the evening.

Is Mykonos or Madrid Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Madrid is a great city to visit for backpackers. The many hostels around town make it easy for backpackers to find affordable accommodation while also meeting 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 Madrid Better for Students?

Madrid is an unbeatable place for students. However, Mykonos is not popular with students.

Madrid is a very popular place to visit for students. With several great universities, this city is popular with international and study abroad students. The city also has a diverse population and an active nightlife that appeals to students.

Mykonos is not popular with students.

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

Madrid 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 Madrid can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The system includes the Madrid Metro, buses, and a light rail system.

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 Madrid a more walkable city?

Mykonos and Madrid both are fantastic when exploring on foot.

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

It's very easy to get around on foot in Madrid. Most tourists stay in the central part of Madrid where it's compact and relatively easy to walk to most tourist sights.

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

Should I spend more time in Madrid or Mykonos?

How long in Mykonos or Madrid?

In either Mykonos or Madrid, 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 Madrid. In general, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Mykonos, and 2-5 days is enough time in Madrid.

Couples should spend more time in Mykonos than Madrid. 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 Madrid than Mykonos 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 Madrid.

One day in Mykonos or Madrid?

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 Madrid is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Madrid?

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 Madrid 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. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Madrid has to offer.

Five days in Mykonos or Madrid?

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.

Madrid is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Madrid has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Mykonos or Madrid?

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 Madrid. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Madrid. 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 Contiki Tours to Spain, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain.

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

Which is Bigger, Mykonos or Madrid?

Madrid has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Mykonos. When comparing the sizes of Mykonos and Madrid, 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.