A Travel Price Comparison for Greece Zakynthos vs. Ios for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Zakynthos or Ios?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Zakynthos and Ios can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Zakynthos or Ios?

Zakynthos

Zakynthos (also known as Zante) is a breathtaking island in the Ionian Sea, renowned for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and rich cultural heritage. Whether you're traveling on a budget, seeking scenic sights, engaging in activities, or savoring Greek cuisine, Zakynthos has it all. Exploring Zakynthos without breaking the bank is absolutely possible despite its generally high prices for hotels. Budget travelers can find affordable accommodations, dine at local tavernas, and enjoy many of the island's attractions for free or at a low cost, such as on the numerous hiking trails with epic views. Also, utilize public buses or rent a scooter for economical travel around the island.

Ios

Ios is an island in the south of Greece, located in the Cyclades group of islands in the Mediterranean Sea. It is a peaceful beach getaway by day, and a lively party scene by night. While its main town is the hub for nightlife, it is also a charming place during the day, typical of a traditional Greek village with shops and cafes against a backdrop of whitewashed buildings and turquoise waters.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Honeymoon Tours in Greece, The Best Luxury Tours to Greece, The Best Budget Tours to Greece, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Greece.


Which place is cheaper, Ios or Zakynthos?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Zakynthos is €521, while the average daily cost in Ios is €115. 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 Zakynthos and Ios in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Zakynthos 334
    Ios 39
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Zakynthos 668
    Ios 78
Compare Hotels in Zakynthos and Ios

Looking for a hotel in Zakynthos or Ios? 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 Zakynthos


Hotels in Ios


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: Zakynthos Hotel Prices and Ios Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Zakynthos 84
    Ios 16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zakynthos

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zakynthos:

  • Private Transfer from Zakynthos city hotels to Cruise Port: $29
  • Private Transfer from Zakynthos Port to Zakynthos Airport (ZTH): $29
  • Private Airport Transfer Xirocastello - One Way Journey: $33
  • Private Airport Transfer - Agios Sostis One Way Transfer: $33
  • Zakynthos to Zakynthos Airport (ZTH) - Departure Private Transfer: $41
  • Zakynthos Shipwreck Beach Tour with Boat and Bus Transfer: $53
  • Zakynthos Sunset Cruise to Myzithres with Wine & transfer: $65
  • Private Airport Transfer - Laganas Return Journey: $75
  • Private Airport Transfer Alykanas- Return Journey: $90
  • Private Lavrio Port Transfer to Athens City Center: $189

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ios

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ios:

  • 1-Way Private Helicopter Transfer to the Greek Islands: $3,302

Is it cheaper to fly into Zakynthos or Ios?

Prices for flights to both Ios and Zakynthos 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
    Zakynthos 126
    Ios 57

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zakynthos

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zakynthos.

  • Half-Day Greek Cooking Class of Zakynthian Culture with Lunch: $130
  • Taste the Culture of Greece: A Live Cooking Experience: $212

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ios

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Ios.

  • Cooking Experience with Cheese and Wine Tasting: $123

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Zakynthos 74
    Ios 26

Tours and Activities in Zakynthos

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

  • Zakynthos Shipwreck Beach and Blue Caves Boat Tour: $24
  • Zakynthos Glass Bottom Boat Tour to Keri Caves and Turtle Island: $26
  • Zante Water Village Admission Ticket: $29
  • Zakynthos VIP Above & Beyond Shipwreck & Blue Caves Tour: $29
  • Zakynthos Half Day Tour and Cruise Turtle Island and Keri Caves: $32
  • Zakynthos Shipwreck Beach with Blue Caves Land and Sea Tour: $33
  • Zakynthos boat tour:Shipwreck& Local blue caves with 3 Swim Stops: $35
  • Zakynthos Speedboat Tour:Turtle Tour,Keri Caves&Myzithres swim: $37
  • Turtle Spotting Cruise in Zakynthos: $41
  • Zakynthos : One day small group tour to Navagio beach Blue Caves & top view: $41
  • From Alykes Alykanas Boat Tour to Shipwreck Beach and Blue Caves: $41
  • Zakynthos Speedboat Sunset Cruise: Caves & Free Wine: $41

Tours and Activities in Ios

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

  • Ios Island Trekking Tours: Discover Ios Unexplored: $35
  • 4-Hour Cruise of the Best Beaches: $79
  • Culture & Taste Tour: $106
  • History & Myth Tour: $106
  • 5 -6 Hour Full Heritage & Flavor Tour: $142
  • Private Orienteering Experience in Mylopotas: $177
  • Half Day Private Tour on Ios Island: $295

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Zakynthos 22
    Ios 33

Sample the Local Flavors in Zakynthos

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Zakynthos:

  • Wine Tasting with Panagiotis aka Chilly August: $168

Sample the Local Flavors in Ios

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

  • Pub Crawl in Cyclades: $41
  • Bar Crawl Ios Ticket in Cyclades: $41
  • Cheese and Wine Tasting (Guided Tour INCLUDED): $45


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zakynthos and Ios, we can see that Zakynthos is more expensive. And not only is Ios much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ios would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ios 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 Zakynthos would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zakynthos than you might in Ios.

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


Which is Bigger, Zakynthos or Ios?

Zakynthos has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Ios. When comparing the sizes of Zakynthos and Ios, 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.