An escape to the Cyclades is a classic endeavor. The cuboid architecture, blustery summer heat, and delectable seafood cuisine — it quickly combines to paint a pretty picture. Yet, situated in the southern-lying Aegean Sea, this island group equally proposes a diverse choice of destinations. Two of the 200-plus islands stand out in particular: Mykonos and Santorini.
Mykonos puts a youthful foot forward with lively beaches and luxurious beach clubs backed by historic windmills and the sea-hanging balconies of Little Venice. Yet Santorini speaks for itself; a volcanic island with beautiful houses (bright white enough to demand sunglasses) and picturesque blue domes. Both have the potential for luxurious rejuvenation or fun-filled escapes. To confuse matters even further, it’s possible to combine the two — booking a day trip to the “losing” party.
With that said, imagine the regret of selecting the wrong island for a base during your Greece trip. So, while you’re comparing different Mykonos villas for rent? Pause the process. Mykonos vs Santorini? Can you confirm with certainty which Greek island is better for you? It is wise to weigh things up beforehand; always conduct due research. Here’s how to confidently choose between these Cycladic celebrities.
Mykonos vs Santorini: Aesthetic Vibes and Atmosphere
Perhaps you’d be surprised to hear that Santorini and Mykonos have distinctly different aesthetics? For one, Mykonos is renowned for being incredibly flat, while Santorini is actually a close-knit collection of five islands surrounding a dormant volcanic caldera. But the differences don’t stop there — each island has its own unique calendar of festivals, contrasts in locally-grown produce, and even climatic variations.
Despite laying a mere 64 nautical miles apart, the islands have individual atmospheres. Choosing between Santorini or Mykonos will dramatically impact your experience.
Mykonos
Despite its increasingly party-centric reputation, Mykonos flourishes with moments of aesthetic architecture and high-brow clubs. If you know where to look, it promises beautiful views and an extroverted atmosphere — a fun destination for feel-good vibes. For those seeking a balance between lively beach clubs and quieter corners for downtime, Mykonos is ideal.
Here’s the caveat: where you stay matters. Deciding where to stay in Mykonos transforms a trip from an idyllic beach break to a rambunctious party weekend or even a boujee 5-star respite. The island has areas of distinctly different aesthetics and atmospheres. Consider the following:
- Mykonos Town: An action-packed itinerary with equal access to nightlife and major attractions like the windmills.
- Paradise Beach: Non-stop partying and extroverted beach club environments.
- Agios Stefanos: A peaceful coastal neighborhood located just north of Tourlos.
- Psarou: An upscale coastal town with luxury shopping outlets.
- Little Venice: A historic neighborhood adjoining Mykonos Town, famed for its windmills and white-washed cuboid buildings.
If aesthetic matters, look at the architecture in Little Venice and Mykonos Town. These are the beautiful hotspots; our advice? Book a scenic table in advance for a picturesque dinner.
Santorini
Santorini is synonymous with sunsets and sea views. Strolling through white-washed properties and gazing down toward the sea below instills a special appreciation. The teetering urban landscapes, clinging to the rim of that dormant caldera, have a complete and utter wow factor.
While Mykonos has the type of atmosphere that whisks you up and involves you in its chaos, Santorini is best described as a “look but don’t touch” destination. The views are its main selling point. The most popular places to stay, like Fira and Oia, are primarily dotted along the scenic vantage point of that volcanic rim. Envision luxurious ocean-facing suites with private plunge pools, endless cocktails, and photoshoots at golden hour.
Winner: Santorini
Santorini narrowly steals the win here. The sheer impressiveness of those viewpoints nab the wind from Mykonos (albeit beautiful) sails. For anyone seeking an aesthetic trip to Greece, Santorini is the best island to choose.
Beaches: Which Island Wins?
Part of that Grecian getaway you’re envisioning is bound to involve reclining on beautiful beaches. The warm breeze, the crashing surf, and the pages of an enticing new book — is anyone else relaxing at the mere concept?
Interestingly, there are some sharp contrasts between the shores of Mykonos and Santorini. So, is Mykonos or Santorini better for beaches?
Mykonos
Unsurprisingly, given its reputation for beach parties, Mykonos has beautiful and accessible stretches of sanded coastline. It is renowned for golden or white sand beaches, most of which have tourist-friendly amenities.
Additionally, the low-lying topography means most coastal towns and villages are just steps away from a local beach. Mykonos beaches are in a league unto themselves; the island revolves around coastal culture.
Santorini
Those sky-high cliffs with beautiful views? While the towns along the caldera’s rim might provide a stunning aesthetic, it does compromise beach access. And even when you successfully meander your way down to the waterfront, the influence of the island’s volcanic geology is palpable.
The mostly pebbled shores of Santorini make for hot and uncomfortable sunbathing. There are some fascinating black and red sanded sections, but for the most part, the island is better designed for pool use.
Winner: Mykonos
The stark contrast in beaches is the greatest difference between Mykonos and Santorini. Mykonos has traditional Cycladic beaches with vast expanses of golden or white sand. Santorini has mostly pebbled shorelines; for this reason, Mykonos is preferable for those wanting a classic beach break.
Nightlife: Santorini or Mykonos?
There is something electric about after-hours entertainment; nightlife cuts an interesting part of any trip. Debating Mykonos vs Santorini based on nightlife? Here’s what to keep in mind.
Mykonos
This extroverted island could tempt even the most introverted visitor out of their shell. Nightlife flourishes in different forms across Mykonos. In Mykonos Town, back alleys are dotted with diverse venues, including the terraced rooftop at Kymbo and sea views at DJ-run Rhapsody Bar. Yet on the southern shores, Super Paradise Beach Club offers partying on a mega-scale — with an expansive, resort-style layout.
Visit in peak season, and the partying in Mykonos flows freely between night and day. It’s a fantastic choice for anyone craving dance floors and shots amongst friends.
Santorini
Santorini isn’t just a pretty face; the island knows how to shake things up in an evening. Fira is its “entertainment capital” with clubs like 2 Brothers Bar or Kira Thira Jazz Bar. Yet there is an undeniable shift towards sunset cocktails at sleek restaurants. There are opportunities for wilder nights, but Santorini is still slanted towards sit-down experiences. Consider it a more sedentary option.
Winner: Mykonos
Santorini is beautiful, but Mykonos takes the crown for its nightlife. The island pioneers a more youthful, outgoing vibe after hours. Santorini isn’t void of partying opportunities. However, visitors understandably get side-tracked by the elegant views and classy cocktails around the caldera’s most scenic restaurants.
Cost Comparison: Is Santorini or Mykonos More Expensive?
Beauty comes at a price; that much is agreed. But is Santorini or Mykonos more expensive? Neither island is considered a cheap choice when visiting the Cyclades. For affordability, look to Naxos or Ios (the latter of which specializes in budget-friendly partying). Save Santorini and Mykonos for day trips, or budget extra to facilitate visits to these pricier destinations.
However, for the budget-conscious with their hearts set on these two, is there a stark difference between them? And, if so, what are the key considerations to remember?
Mykonos
Mykonos is an upscale party island. The club-dotted shorelines play host to luxurious resorts and beautiful spots for cocktail sipping at sunset. Think boutique hotels, designer shopping, and sought-after clubs with big-name DJs.
However, comparably speaking, the island is slightly cheaper than Santorini. According to Numbeo, a meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs €12, and an imported beer is €4.85. Public transport is also reasonably priced, with average rates of €1.80 per one-way ticket.
Santorini
Santorini is the golden child of the Cyclades; it knows it’s spoiled, and you should, too. Arrive prepared to embrace both the island’s — and your own — inner diva. Whether splashing out on plunge pool suites in Oia or splurging on multi-course meals, Santorini clocks up spending faster than Mykonos.
Let’s evaluate the stats, though. Referring back to Numbeo, a meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs €17, while an imported beer is €6.50. Public transport is marginally more expensive too, with an average rate of €2.80 per one-way ticket.
In general, restaurant prices are 49.2% higher in Santorini than in Mykonos. Planning on going self-catered instead? Expect grocery bills at a 10.1% higher rate, too.
Winner: Santorini
Santorini takes the double-edged trophy as the most expensive of the two. It’s hardly surprising; the island has a reputation for honeymooners and celebrities. It’s a bucket list destination for millions, naturally encouraging higher prices and more liberal spending — especially on accommodation.
With that said, it does depend on your spending style; partiers might spend more in Mykonos than non-partiers in Santorini.
Best Time to Visit: Mykonos vs Santorini
Planning on utilizing “prime time” as the final decider? We hate to be the bearers of bad news, but Mykonos and Santorini abide by almost identical seasons. July and August are the peak times, with the hottest temperatures and busiest crowds. The shoulder seasons, like May or September to October, are the most recommended periods for a warm but relaxing trip.
With that said, there are some marginal differences in climate. Here is some of the fine print to consider.
- Santorini is mildly warmer than Mykonos in shoulder seasons. The two are nearly identical in July and August, but in May, September, and October, Mykonos is approximately 1°C hotter.
- Santorini has slightly warmer sea temperatures year-round. That extra degree of air temperature heat translates to a similar one-degree difference in sea temperature year-round. Of course, the flip side of this stat is that Mykonos has better beaches — do what you want with that information.
- Mykonos has heavier rain between December and February. If you value good weather, neither Santorini nor Mykonos are best experienced in winter. But for those committed to a winter break to the Cyclades, Santorini remains much drier throughout the off-season.