Mykonos vs Santorini: which Greek island to choose?

Two Greek Islands gems in particular have always caught my eye: Mykonos and Santorini. These popular Cycladic sisters, though close in proximity, offer relatively different experiences.

Join me as we explore the unique charms of Mykonos and Santorini. This guide should help you decide which Greek paradise is perfect for your next unforgettable getaway.

So, Mykonos vs Santorini: which is it going to be?

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Brief overviews of Mykonos and Santorini

Mykonos: the party island

Ah, Mykonos! I’ve always found this island to be a delightful mix of glamour and tradition. 

Picture winding alleyways lined with whitewashed buildings, their blue doors popping against the stark white.

It’s a place where golden beaches meet crystal-clear waters, and where the party never seems to end.

I’ve also spent many an evening in Little Venice, watching the sunset paint the sky as the windmills stand sentinel.

From celebrity spotting to dancing till dawn, Mykonos offers a vibrant energy that’s simply infectious.

Santorini: the romantic getaway

In contrast, Santorini feels like stepping into a postcard. I’ll never forget my first glimpse of those iconic blue-domed churches perched atop dramatic cliffs.

This crescent-shaped island, born from a volcanic eruption, boasts some of the most breathtaking sunsets I’ve ever witnessed. The caldera views are nothing short of spectacular!

Whether it’s the charming villages of Oia and Fira or the unique black sand beaches, Santorini exudes romance at every turn.

Getting to Mykonos and Santorini

Reaching these Grecian paradises is half the fun! I’ve found that both islands are well-connected, offering multiple options to suit different preferences and budgets.

Reaching Mykonos

You can reach Mykonos by air or sea. The island boasts an international airport with direct flights from many European cities during peak season.

If you fancy a more leisurely approach, hop on a ferry from Athens’ Piraeus or Rafina ports

I rather enjoy the slow ferry option – there’s something magical about watching the Aegean unfold before you.

Fair warning that the fast ferry can be an unpleasant experience if you suffer from sea sickness! So I’d always recommend flying if you can.

Once on the island, I suggest renting a car or scooter to explore. The winding roads can be a bit hair-raising, but the freedom is unbeatable!

Reaching Santorini

Santorini, too, is easily accessible. Flying into Santorini’s airport is a treat in itself. The bird’s-eye view of the caldera is unforgettable.

Alternatively, the ferry journey from Athens, though longer than to Mykonos, offers stunning approaches to the island.

Again, while the high-speed ferry will get you there faster, it can be a bumpy ride!

Interestingly, getting around Santorini can be trickier due to its cliff-top towns. I usually recommend opting for the local buses, taxis or organised tours to navigate the steep terrain safely.

What to do in Mykonos and Santorini

While both islands offer a taste of Greek paradise, I’ve found that Mykonos and Santorini each have their own unique flavour.

Mykonos’ beaches and nightlife pulse with energy. Santorini, on the other hand, captivates with its dramatic landscapes and romantic ambience.

It’s perfect for those seeking a more serene escape.

Top things to do in Mykonos

Explore Mykonos Town: I love losing myself in the labyrinthine streets, stumbling upon charming boutiques and cosy tavernas.

Beach-hop: From the lively Paradise Beach to the secluded Agios Sostis, there’s a stretch of sand for every mood.

Visit Little Venice: Watching the sunset here, cold drink in hand, is a must-do experience.

Party the night away: The island’s beach clubs and bars offer world-class nightlife.

Day trip to Delos: This nearby island is an archaeological treasure trove.

Top things to do in Santorini

Watch the sunset in Oia: It’s touristy, yes, but utterly magical.

Boat cruise: You don’t need a licence to rent a boat here and enjoy the open waters.

Hike from Fira to Oia: The views along this trail are simply breathtaking.

Visit Akrotiri: This ancient Minoan site offers a fascinating glimpse into the past.

Sail the caldera: There’s nothing quite like viewing Santorini’s cliffs from the water.

Dining scenes: Mykonos or Santorini?

Both islands offer a tantalising array of culinary delights.

Mykonos, with its cosmopolitan flair, tends to have a more diverse food scene. You’ll find everything from traditional tavernas to high-end international cuisine.

Santorini, meanwhile, focuses on local specialities, making the most of its unique volcanic soil.

Food in Mykonos

In Mykonos, I’ve found the prices can be very steep, especially in the trendy spots around Little Venice. However, you can still find gems if you venture off the beaten path.

Make sure you try the local kopanisti, a peppery cheese spread, and the freshly caught sea urchins. Delicious!

Food in Santorini

Santorini’s cuisine is a true reflection of its terroir. The island’s cherry tomatoes, fava beans, and white aubergines are must-tries.

I particularly love the tomatokeftedes (tomato fritters) as they’re crispy on the outside, and juicy on the inside.

Prices in Santorini can also be high – especially in restaurants with caldera views, but the quality is generally excellent.

Beach & party clubs: Mykonos vs Santorini

Mykonos is undoubtedly the winner for party-goers, of course, but I’ve found Santorini’s beaches to be perfect for those seeking a more chilled-out vibe.

The volcanic beaches, though pebbly, offer unique landscapes you won’t find elsewhere. 

And let’s not forget the sunset beach bars in Oia. They may not be clubs, but sipping a refreshing drink as the sun dips into the Aegean is its own kind of magic!

Best beaches and beach clubs in Mykonos

Paradise Beach: The epicentre of Mykonos’ party scene. I’ve danced from afternoon to sunrise here! Free entry fee and expect to pay €10-15 for a drink.

Scorpios: A more upscale experience with a boho-chic vibe and my favourite Mykonos beach club. Making a reservation beforehand is recommended. For sun loungers or cabanas, there’s a daily rental fee of €160 per person.

Cavo Paradiso: World-famous DJs in an incredible cliff-top setting, with an entry fee of €30-50, depending on the night and DJ.

Discover more of the best bars and beach clubs in Mykonos in my guide.

Best beaches and beach clubs in Santorini

Perissa Beach: Black sand and a more relaxed atmosphere with plenty of beach bars, with drinks around €8-10. Renting sunbeds costs €10-15 per day.

Kamari Beach: Family-friendly space with a lovely promenade where sun loungers are free of charge.

Red Beach: Stunning scenery, but limited facilities so bring your own refreshments!

Hotels in Mykonos and Santorini

When it comes to places to rest your head, both islands offer a range of options.

In my experience, Mykonos tends to have more diverse accommodation types – whether it’s budget-friendly hostels to ultra-luxe villas.

Santorini, on the other hand, is known for its unique cave hotels and caldera-view suites often coming with a hefty price tag.

Where to Stay in Mykonos

Mykonos Town: Perfect for those who want to be in the heart of the action. Try Semeli Hotel for a chic boutique hotel with a lovely pool.

Ornos: Family-friendly area with a beautiful beach. Book into Mykonos Blanc for a stylish beachfront hotel.

Platis Gialos: Great for beach lovers; check out Branco Mykonos for a trendy beach resort.

Agios Ioannis: Quieter area with stunning sunsets. Anax Resort offers luxurious rooms with sea views.

Where to Stay in Santorini

Oia: The postcard-perfect village with the best sunset views. I’d recommend Canaves Oia Suites for unforgettable luxurious cave suites.

Imerovigli: Quieter than Oia, but still with caldera views. Try Astra Suites for a romantic cliff-top hotel.

Fira: The bustling capital, great for nightlife. Aria Suites is a boutique hotel in the town centre.

Kamari: Beach town with more affordable options. Book into Santorini Kastelli Resort for a lovely resort near the beach.

Mykonos or Santorini: budget & price considerations 

In my experience, Mykonos tends to be slightly more expensive overall. Those swanky beach clubs and celebrity-chef restaurants can really add up!

With that, I’ve found that accommodation in Mykonos offers a wider range of prices. You can find everything from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels, alongside the luxury resorts.

Santorini, with its unique landscape and romantic allure, often commands premium prices – especially for those coveted caldera-view rooms.

However, I’ve discovered that dining can be more reasonable here if you venture away from the tourist hotspots.

Pro tip: Both islands offer better deals in the shoulder seasons (May-June and September-October).

Not only will you save a few euros, but you’ll also enjoy milder weather and fewer crowds. Win-win, if you ask me!

Final thoughts: Mykonos vs Santorini

After exploring these two Aegean gems, I’ve come to realise that choosing between Mykonos and Santorini isn’t about finding the better island, it’s about finding the one that suits you best.

Are you drawn to Mykonos’ golden beaches and vibrant nightlife? Or are you more about Santorini’s dramatic landscapes and romantic sunsets? Either way, you’ll be in for a treat!

My advice, though? If you can, visit both! Each island offers a unique slice of Greek paradise, 

Kalí diakopés! (Happy holidays!)