A Travel Price Comparison for Greece Santorini vs. Mykonos for Food, Nightlife, Resorts, and Couples

Should you visit Santorini or Mykonos?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Santorini or Mykonos, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Santorini

Santorini is a historic, romantic, and stunning island. You'll find world class beauty here as well. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. And you can't forget about the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Mykonos

Mykonos is a party-oriented, ritzy, and opulent Greek island. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Santorini and Mykonos: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less hiking options
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Santorini or Mykonos?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Mykonos than Santorini, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Mykonos is better known for its food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Santorini is more popular for its hiking. Santorini is well known for its beautiful volcanic beaches, stunning natural beauty, and breathtaking sunsets over the whitewashed villages. Mykonos is well known for its active party scene, luxury accommodation, and picturesque villages. Also, Mykonos is famous for the traditional windmills near Chora.

How is Santorini different from Mykonos?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Mykonos and Santorini. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Santorini or Mykonos?

Santorini
Mykonos

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Santorini and Mykonos.

Santorini offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. One of the most impressive historical sights is Akrotiri Archaeological Site. The island has many archeological sites as well as the Archeological Museum in Fira.

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 Santorini or Mykonos? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Santorini
Mykonos

Mykonos is an unbeatable place for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Mykonos is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Santorini area. Popular foods on this island include fava, Greek salad, and kofta.

Is Santorini or Mykonos Better for Nightlife?

Santorini
Mykonos

Mykonos is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its evening party scene.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Santorini. It is one of the calmer, more romantic islands in Greece. For the best nightlife, you'll want to stay near Fira.

Is Santorini or Mykonos Better for Resorts?

Santorini
Mykonos

With a similar set of options, world-class resorts can be found in both Santorini and Mykonos.

Santorini offers an unforgettable resort vacation. The resorts range from all-inclusive options to resorts with a more local feel. The island is one of the most romantic of the Greek Islands, and the resorts are no exception.

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.


Is Santorini or Mykonos Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Santorini
Mykonos

Mykonos is a great Greek island for its diving and snorkeling. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Many visitors go to Mykonos to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. There are many good diving and snorkeling spots around the island include shipwrecks and reefs with good visibility.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Santorini. Some of the best snorkeling places are found at Red Beach, White Beach, and the less accessible Kambia. One of the island's best diving spots is Caldera Beach.

Is Santorini or Mykonos Better for Beaches?

Santorini
Mykonos

Mykonos is a great Greek island for the beache. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for the beach.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Mykonos. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Santorini. The island has many beaches, most of which are made of black pebbly sand that are a result of the island's volcanic history. Popular beaches include Perissa Beach, Kamari Beach, and Perivolos Beach.

Is Santorini or Mykonos Better for its Old Town?

Santorini
Mykonos

Mykonos is an unbeatable place for its old town. However, Santorini does not have a historic 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.

Santorini does not have a historic old town.


Is Santorini or Mykonos Better for Hiking?

Santorini
Mykonos

Santorini is a good destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Mykonos is not a good Greek island for its hiking trails.

Santorini offers some nice hiking trails. The best hiking trails on the island pass by quaint villages and offers stunning ocean views. You can also hike along the edge of a volcano.

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 Santorini or Mykonos?

Santorini
Mykonos

Mykonos is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island 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.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Santorini. Towns around the island are filled with clothing and jewelry boutiques as well as many unique Greek shopping experiences.

Is Santorini or Mykonos Better for Families?

Santorini
Mykonos

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

Santorini is a family-friendly place to visit. It is a calmer destination than many of the Greek Islands. While it's a great place to relax with kids, the beaches aren't as good as they are on some of the other islands. Most families hang out in Kamari and Perissa Beach.

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 Santorini or Mykonos Better for Couples?

Santorini
Mykonos

Santorini and Mykonos are both world-class to visit as a couple.

Santorini has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It is a dream honeymoon destination that is famous for its picturesque setting and luxury resorts. For many couples, this is a top pick for a romantic trip to the Greek Isles.

Mykonos is a great 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.

Is Santorini or Mykonos Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santorini
Mykonos

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Santorini. The island has its share of 5 star resorts, but if you head a few streets in you'll find some surprisingly affordable accommodation. Backpackers are welcomed on the island and beaches are free, so it's possible to get by on a relatively low budget.

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

Santorini
Mykonos

Santorini and Mykonos both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While Santorini offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a bus system, KTEL Santorini Buses, that runs 23 buses during the summer months but only a small fraction of that operate during the winter months.

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.


Is Santorini or Mykonos a more walkable city?

Santorini
Mykonos

Mykonos is an unbeatable place for its high level of walkability. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its ease of walking around.

Mykonos is a very easy Greek island to get around on foot. Walking is actually one of the only ways to get around town.

Santorini is a somewhat walkable island. Many towns on the island are walkable, including Fira, but the actual island is too large to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Mykonos or Santorini?

How long in Santorini or Mykonos?

In either Santorini or Mykonos, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Santorini than Mykonos because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Santorini, and 3-5 days is enough time in Mykonos.

Families should spend more time in Mykonos than Santorini. 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 Santorini. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Mykonos that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Mykonos than Santorini 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 Santorini or Mykonos? Ideal Length of Stay
    Santorini 3-7 
    Mykonos 3-5

One day in Santorini or Mykonos?

In Santorini, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

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.

A weekend in Santorini or Mykonos?

In Santorini, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the picturesque 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.


Five days in Santorini or Mykonos?

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

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the party-oriented 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.

A week in Santorini or Mykonos?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Santorini. In Santorini, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

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.


Which place is cheaper, Mykonos or Santorini?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Santorini is €175, while the average daily cost in Mykonos is €149. 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 Santorini and Mykonos in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Santorini 93
    Mykonos 74
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Santorini 186
    Mykonos 148
Compare Hotels in Santorini and Mykonos

Looking for a hotel in Santorini or Mykonos? 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 Santorini


Hotels in Mykonos


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: Santorini Hotel Prices and Mykonos Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Santorini 28
    Mykonos 24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santorini

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

  • Port Transfer to Hotels and Airport: $15
  • Transfer From & To Santorini Airport Designed By You: $15
  • Economy Arrival Transfers From Santorini Airport To All Destinations: $15
  • Economy Departure Transfers To Santorini Airport: $15
  • Arrival or Departure Shared Transfer in Santorini: $15
  • One-Way Transfer to/from the Port or Airport: $15
  • Economy Roundtrip Transfer Santorini Airport ( Max 4 stop ): $16
  • Santorini transfer service: $16
  • Transfer & Tours: $18
  • Departure Transfer To Santorini Airport: $18
  • Shared Transfer From Airport and Port to Santorini: $18
  • Shuttle Transfers From or To Santorini Port: $21

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:

  • From Helicopter Transfer to Athens or Greek Island: $2,614
  • Private Catamaran Cruise w/ Food, Drinks & Transfer: $817
  • Boat Tour / Transfer in Mykonos: $762
  • Mykonos Airport or Port from/to Point to Point Private Transfers: $216
  • Mykonos Private Long Distance Transfer Up To 12 Persons: $207
  • Mykonos Private Short Distance Transfer Up To 12 Persons: $192
  • Mykonos transfer: $166
  • Combo Yacht Cruise to Rhenia and Guided Tour of Delos (free transfers): $155
  • Superior Cruise to Rhenia Island and Delos Guided Tour (free transfers): $155
  • Mykonos Private Transfer Up To 8 Persons: $155
  • Rhenia Cruise and Delos Guided Tour with Transfers: $152
  • Mykonos Private Short Distance Transfer Up To 8 Persons: $144

Is it cheaper to fly into Santorini or Mykonos?

Prices for flights to both Mykonos and Santorini 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
    Santorini 48
    Mykonos 48

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santorini

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

  • Live Virtual Cooking Class: $25
  • Traditional Greek Night live Music & Dinner Show in Santorini: $55
  • Santorini Caldera: Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $71
  • Romantic Sunset Caldera Cruise with Dinner: $71
  • Virtual Private Cooking Class Live from Santorini: $72
  • Volcanic Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $82
  • Santorini Caldera Sunset Sailing Cruise with Dinner and Wine: $89
  • Catamaran Tour with BBQ Dinner, Drinks, and Music: $93
  • Volcano and Hot Springs Sunset Dinner Cruise: $98
  • Santorini Sunset Dinner Cruise Including Nea Kameni Visit: $100
  • Greek Cuisine Cooking Class in Santorini: $105
  • Santorini Volcano Sunset Cruise Including Dinner on Board: $110

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: $71
  • Traditional Lunch or Dinner with Drinks in Mykonos: $72
  • Sunset Boat Cruise with Light Dinner & Drinks: $102
  • Food Tour in Mykonos - 10 Tastings : $110
  • Souvlaki Cooking Class in Mykonos: $111
  • Souvlaki Cooking Class with Locals: $133
  • 5 Hours Sunset Tour to Delos and Rhenia Island with Dinner : $144
  • Cooking Class with Food and Wine: $163
  • Cooking Classes in Mykonos Greece: $166
  • Private Cooking Class on Naxos Island with Pick Up: $200
  • Mykonos Cooking Class of Local Specialties: $222
  • Private Greek Cooking Class in Mykonos with a Food Professional: $224

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Santorini 36
    Mykonos 23

Tours and Activities in Santorini

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Santorini.

  • Authentic A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Oia: $6.99
  • Akrotiri Archaeological Site Entry Ticket: $8.71
  • Admission Ticket for Akrotiri Archaeological Site : $9.98
  • Megalochori: Lost Atlantis 9D Experience Museum Entry Ticket: $15
  • Skip the Line Lost Atlantis Experience Ticket: $16
  • E-Ticket to Akrotiri with Audio Tour on your Phone: $16
  • Oia Sunset Daily Tour: $17
  • The Beer Tasting and Pairing Experience: $28
  • Santorini Volcano and Hot Springs Cruise Tour from Fira Old Port: $28
  • Volcanic Islands Cruise with Hot Springs Visit: $28
  • Kayak Rental Adventure in Watersports Santorini: $33
  • Santorini Caldera Cruise Tour (Volcano, Hot Springs, Thirassia): $33

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: $155
  • Mykonos Deluxe Tour for the First-Time Cruisers: $86
  • Mykonos Gems for the First Time Cruise Visitors: $85
  • Mykonos Island Tour: $84
  • "Mykonos Private Tour: Town Wonders & Beach Break : $210
  • 1-Hour Guided Snorkeling Adventure with Go Pro Pictures : $39
  • 3 Hours Private Sunset Tour in Greece with Free Drinks & Snacks: $266
  • 4 Hour Private Tour in Mykonos : $166
  • 5 Hour Mykonos Beach-Club-Crawl Experience: $93
  • 6 Hours Tour to Delos and Rhenia Islands with Sailing Yacht: $155
  • All inclusive Delos & Rhenia Islands tour up to 12 pax (free transportation): $155
  • Ancient Delos Tour: $67

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Santorini 26
    Mykonos 20

Sample the Local Flavors in Santorini

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

  • Half Day Simply Santorini Tour with Wine Tasting: $61
  • Top Sights Day Trip, Wine Tasting, & Oia Sunset: $70
  • Fira Town Walking Tour with Wine Tasting: $76
  • Visit to a Wine Museum and Wine Tasting in Santorini : $78
  • 2 Hours Private Wine Tasting Tour in Santorini With Pick Up: $89
  • Notos Day Tour through History & Wine Tasting: $100
  • Santorini 4-Hour Private Tour including Wine Tasting, Shore Excursion: $105
  • Santorini 4 Hour Private Oia Tour & Wine Tasting : $106
  • Santorini Highlights Small-Group Tour with Wine Tasting from Fira: $111
  • 5 towns in 5 hours: Santorini Most Popular Tour with Wine tasting: $119
  • Wine Tour Santorini: $120
  • Wine Tour with Sunset in Oia: $120

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: $74
  • Tour and Wine Tasting in Mykonian Land : $75
  • Wine Tasting at a Mykonian Farm: $82
  • Wine Tasting Tour at a traditional farm in Mykonos: $83
  • Half-Day Wine Tasting and Snack at a Local House: $131
  • Ancient Greek Wine Tasting on the Beach with a Sommelier: $131
  • Wine Tasting In Mykonos with Greek Ancient varieties : $133
  • Half-Day Wine Tasting Tour in Mykonos : $133


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


Which is Bigger, Santorini or Mykonos?

Santorini has a larger population, and is about 2% larger than the population of Mykonos. When comparing the sizes of Santorini and Mykonos, 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.