Mykonos vs. Santorini: Which Greek Island is Better?

Most Americans who travel to Greece opt for the “American Triangle” – or the path of traveling to Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini.

This begs the question which island is better: Mykonos or Santorini?

The truth is that both islands are completely different, but here is a breakdown of comparison if you’re trying to decide which island is for you.

Cost: Both

Both Mykonos and Santorini have their expensive sides, but I would say that as a tourist – you’re likely to go through more money in Santorini. This is because unless you rent a car, you’ll have to take the bus in Santorini to see everything you want to see.

Nightlife: Mykonos

I am not a nightlife girl, but Mykonos is known to have some of the best nightlife in the world. I saw two girls in their twenties near Little Venice dressed in short skirts and sky high heels ready to dance the night away nearing 10PM. Nuff said.

Beaches: Both (but different reasons)

Beaches in Santorini aren’t lively, but more for the visual or aesthetic purposes – whereas the ones in Mykonos are made for partying, tanning, drinking, and having a good time.

Perissa black sand beach in Santorini; May 2023

Long story short: if you’re a photographer, you’ll like Santorini’s beaches better. If you want to go to the beach because you enjoy going to the beach – go to Mykonos.

Beauty: Santorini

The island of Mykonos isn’t particularly beautiful, and neither is Santorini – as both are barren and dry.

However, the surrounding coastline of Santorini is gorgeous and reminiscent of the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland… but times ten.

Family Friendliness: Both

Both islands have a lot of family friendly activities, but due to ease of getting around – I would vote for Mykonos here.

Romantic: Both

I can see how both islands could be viewed as a Romantic getaway. Mykonos feels more isolated, pampered – whereas Santorini feels secluded and private if you’re honeymooning in one of the caves on the cliffs of Oia.

World famous sunset in Santorini; May 2023

Personally, I would pick Mykonos again – but this is really a choice of preference. If you like outdoors, hiking, and a lot to explore: Santorini may be a better fit. If you have the money to rent out a cave home in Santorini, that may be a good bet too – but I find Mykonos to be more accessible to have the best of both worlds.

View of sunset in Mykonos from Aeolos Resort; April 2023

Restaurants: About the same

All Greek food is good food in my book, but honesty – the best food I had in Greece was in Athens: in small, hole-in-the-wall family restaurants.

Both Mykonos and Santorini are costly, and while the food isn’t bad – it isn’t the best Greece has to offer. You’ll find a similar selection in grocery stores on both islands, too.

View of Little Venice; where there are many restaurants in Mykonos

Accessibility: Mykonos

Mykonos was much… much easier to get around than Santorini.

See, the main town of Mykonos is below the cliff, whereas the main parts of Santorini are on a cliff. It was much easier to take busses and taxis in Mykonos than in Santorini – where transferring is necessary every time (transfers in Santorini happen in the town of Oia) and the time you spend on a bus starts to add up.

All the main villages in Santorini are on a cliff; meaning it’s hard to travel from one village to another.

If I would go back to Mykonos, I would rent a car and be able to visit the 30+ beaches on the island of Mykonos with ease. In Santorini, even if I were to rent a car – it would still be a far journey to each destination.

The city girl in me preferred Mykonos on this point.

Relaxation: Mykonos (but could be Santorini under certain circumstances)

If you’re hiding out in a cave hotel or AirBnB in Santorini, and don’t plan on seeing the rest of the island – I could see how Santorini could be a relaxing getaway. But the reality is that most people do not stay in those cave hotels of Santorini.

I liked Mykonos because it felt quieter, more peaceful, and overall less hectic. Santorini is a lot like Cinque Terre in Italy if you’ve ever been: except getting around all of the villages is more difficult in Santorini than it is in Cinque Terre because it’s by bus instead of train. It felt overwhelming and chaotic – Mykonos doesn’t have that vibe, and is a place where you can truly relax.

Overall, my preferred island was Mykonos – but everyone is different. I hope this guide can help you get an idea of the two different islands!

Want to see my travels to Mykonos and Santorini in action?

Watch my vlog below!

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