Mykonos is a fun island that has a great buzz. Its capital, Mykonos Town, is as enchanting as any town in the Greek islands. Santorini is a stunning island that you’ll never forget. The views and the setting are among the most impressive anywhere.
Short answer:
- If you have 5 days or fewer then go to Santorini.
- If you have 6 days or more then visit both islands, but with 2/3 of your time in Santorini.
Longer answer:
It depends on what your interests are and how you want to spend your time. They are very different islands and complement each other nicely – thus a trip that takes in both islands makes a lot of sense.
- Go to Santorini for sunsets, natural beauty, romance, fine dining, wineries, boutique hotels, sailing trips, and volcano views.
- Go to Mykonos for incredible beaches, nightclubs, dancing, shopping, and partying.
Santorini vs Mykonos – Summary
Santorini
- Incredible caldera and volcano views.
- Over 40 phenomenal luxury hotels
- Pebbly, volcanic beaches but great swimming.
- 20 to 30 flights per day from Athens in summer; many direct flights from western Europe.
- 5 to 8 hours by ferry from Athens.
- Many tours, day trips, wineries, and activities.
- Very family-friendly but few kid-oriented attractions.
- Many great restaurants, several good bars and 2 dance clubs, mostly in the capital Fira.
- The ruins of Ancient Akrotiri are remarkably well-preserved and easy to visit.
- An expensive island, but good cheap food and great affordable hotels are surprisingly easy to find.
Mykonos
- Beautiful island but less dramatic views.
- great luxury hotels.
- Golden, sandy beaches and great swimming.
- 10 to 15 flights per day from Athens in summer; many direct flights from western Europe.
- 2.5 to 6 hours by ferry from Athens.
- Fewer tours, day trips, wineries, or activities.
- Very family-friendly but few kid-oriented attractions.
- Lots of nightlife, beach parties, clubs, and live DJs.
- The vast ruins of ancient Delos Island are a 30-45 minute boat trip away.
- An expensive island but good cheap food and great affordable hotels are surprisingly easy to find.
Santorini vs Mykonos
Outdoor taverna in the Little Venice neighborhood of Mykonos Town.
- The scenery, views, sunsets, and natural beauty of Santorini are unrivaled by Mykonos or any other Greek island. Mykonos is not without its beautiful spots but for scenes that are truly jaw-dropping, Santorini wins hands-down.
- Santorini is more romantic and much better suited to a honeymoon or couples vacation.
- Mykonos has gorgeous beaches with golden sand and turquoise water. Santorini beaches do not have typical white or golden sand. Instead, they are made of black or red volcanic rocks, pebbles, and sand. Since the beaches are darker, they get very hot during the day – aqua socks or sandals are almost a necessity. But some visitors love the beaches of Santorini and treasure their uniqueness.
- Mykonos has more of a club scene and party vibe. There are plenty of places to drink and party in Santorini, but if you’re in Greece to hit the clubs and dance, then Mykonos is your island.
- Mykonos Town has an enchanting maze of narrow lanes and alleyways that is fun to explore. Shops and restaurants are tucked into the classic white stone buildings that the Greek islands are famous for. At night, when visitors flock to the clubs, the lanes are jammed with partiers. It’s a fun vibe and never too crazy, but it can be overwhelming for some.
- Both Santorini and Mykonos are very gay friendly, though Mykonos has more of a gay “scene” with plenty of gay bar, a handful of drag shows, and the famous Elysium Hotel. Not to stereotype but Santorini might be called the wine-drinking gay scene and Mykonos the club-going gay scene.
- Santorini has more tours, sightseeing, and activities: excavation sites to explore, day trips to traditional villages around the island, winery tours, and boat tours around the volcano. Mykonos has some fine scenery, beautiful walks, and picturesque windmills – but in general, Santorini has more to see and do. Mykonos does have the nearby island of Delos (one of the most important mythological, historical, and archaeological sites in the Greek islands) to explore by day trip.
- Both islands are very quiet in winter. The beach towns shut down, and even in the main towns many hotels and restaurants close. That said, Santorini gets more off-season visitors and is never as quiet as Mykonos. Plus, Mykonos doesn’t offer much to do without the beach and party scenes. On Santorini, the cliffs, views, and caldera don’t go away in the slow season.
- Both Santorini and Mykonos have airports which only a handful of Greek islands have. Both islands have direct flights from Athens and northern and western Europe – they’re the only islands in the Cyclades that have international flights.
- Neither Santorini nor Mykonos have direct flights from the USA (nor anywhere outside of Europe). All visitors originating outside of Europe will need to stop somewhere in Europe to catch a flight bound for the Greek islands.
- Mykonos is a couple of hours closer to Athens when traveling by ferry. Ferry from Athens to Mykonos takes 3.5 hours (high-speed ferry) or 5.5 hours (cheaper car ferry). Ferry from Athens to Santorini takes 5 hours (high-speed) and 8 hours (car ferry).
The weather in Santorini and Mykonos
There is no appreciable difference in climate between Santorini and Mykonos. The best weather for both islands is from late May to early October.
Since Santorini is more of a sightseeing island than Mykonos, visits in spring and fall still offer lots to see and do (the views don’t go away with the hot weather). The tourist season on Santorini is from April to early November.
Since most people go to Mykonos for the beaches, a visit outside of the warmest months has less to offer. The tourist season on Mykonos is from late May to early October.
Visiting Both Santorini and Mykonos
Passengers disembark a SeaJets high-speed ferry at Athinios Port in Santorini.
Santorini and Mykonos are so different that visiting both is a great choice. The two islands complement each other very well. They are 3 hours apart by ferry so getting between Mykonos and Santorini is fairly easy.
Some summers there are direct flights between Santorini and Mykonos. And some summers there aren’t. Flights take about 30 minutes and cost between €30 and €80. There are many more flights (that run throughout the year) via Athens but these cost 3 times as much and take 2 to 5 hours (so if there’s no direct flight, it’s best to take the ferry).
The most popular way to get between Santorini and Mykonos is by ferry.
In summer, there are multiple daily high-speed ferries that run from Santorini to Mykonos and then return from Mykonos to Santorini. The ferries leave Santorini (for Mykonos) about noon and leave Mykonos (for Santorini) in the mid-afternoon. The trip takes 2.5 hours and the ferry stops in Paros and Ios in between and in both directions. You can also take a larger and more stable Blue Star Ferry between Santorini and Naxos, and a high-speed ferry for the short distance between Naxos and Mykonos.
Ferryhopper.com is the best and easiest way to search for and buy ferry tickets for the route between Mykonos and Santorini. You don’t need advance tickets outside of July and August, but because it is so easy to do online, we recommend booking before you go. If you’re already in Greece you can buy tickets from any travel agency a few days in advance of your ferry trip.
Day Trip to Santorini or Mykonos
We do not recommend doing a day trip from Mykonos to Santorini or Santorini to Mykonos. Depending on the ferry schedule, some years in July and August it’s just possible to get 5 to 7 hours of time at the destination island. But this is after spending 3 hours each way on a high-speed ferry. The high-speed ferries can be rough and unpleasant rides on windy days – so you could find yourself “recovering” from a bumpy journey for the better part of your visit, only to have to get on it again in a few hours for the ride back.
If you’re interested in seeing both islands then you should visit both islands for at least a few nights. Visiting either island for a few hours in the afternoon is not a good way to appreciate each island’s highlights.
Santorini and Mykonos in Photos
Mykonos: The sea is always nearby in Mykonos.
Santorini: The sea is often far below in Santorini.
Mykonos: Paradise Beach on Mykonos. Mykonos has better beaches.
Santorini: The red volcanic rock at Red Beach on Santorini. Santorini has more memorable, unique beaches.
Mykonos: A restaurant in the Little Venice section of Mykonos Town.
Santorini: The restaurants of Fira looking out into the caldera.
Mykonos: A windmill perched above Mykonos Town.
Santorini: Ammoudi Bay below Oia.
Mykonos: The parties can get a little crazy at some of the Mykonos beaches, though there are many quieter family-friendly beaches, too.
Santorini: Every night people gather around Oia for a view of the sunset. It’s busy, touristy, and tons of fun.
Mykonos: The ancient island of Delos, among Greece’s most important archaeological sites, is an easy half-day trip from Mykonos.
Santorini: The ancient city of Akrotiri on Santorini is smaller, though still impressive.
Mykonos: Pelicans wander the streets of Mykonos.
Santorini: Donkeys wander the streets of Santorini.
Mykonos: The best hotels are all about being close to the beach in Mykonos. (Santa Marina Resort)
Santorini: The best hotels have amazing views over the caldera in Santorini. (Katikies Hotel in Oia.)
Santorini: A Photo Guide
Santorini is known for its breathtaking landscape, especially the caldera, which was formed as the aftermath of a 16th century volcanic eruption. This is the view from Santorini’s capital, Fira.
Once a round island, Santorini is now shaped like a backward “C” with 2 volcanoes in the sea to its west and a couple of smaller islands (Thirassia and Aspronisi) where the western half of Santorini used to be. This is the view of the 2 volcanoes from Nafsika Estate by Vedema on the caldera side of Megalochori. Thirassia is the larger island in the background; Aspronisi is the tiny one on the left. The white village in the background on the right is Oia.
Santorini’s 4 most populous villages – Oia, Imerovigli, Firostefani, and Fira (from left to right seen here starting with Oia in the center background) – sit along its northwestern rim. That is Athinios Ferry Port in the foreground, with one volcano on the left and Thirassia Island on the left in the distance.
Hotels, restaurants, and shops in the main villages spread from the top of the caldera down toward the sea, with many set in man-made caves carved out from the side of the cliff and spreading over several levels. This is a shot of Oia from about midway down the caldera.
Expect to climb plenty of stairs if staying in the caldera. Most hotels, like Chromata Hotel in Imerovigli (shown here), do not have elevators.
Traditional, cave-style architecture is just one of the many things that make a stay in Santorini unique and memorable. This is the view from the entrance of Perivolas Hotel in Oia.
The western-facing ridge of Santorini is known for its incredible sunset views. The best sunset views can be found in Imerovigli, north of Skaros Rock. This village sits at the highest altitude along the caldera’s edge.
Oia is the most popular spot to catch the sunset, especially at the Byzantine castle ruins, seen here.
Sunset caldera cruises are also incredibly popular. This photo was taken from the castle ruins.
Ammoudi Bay lays at the foot of the Oia caldera, with fantastic swimming and amazingly fresh seafood restaurants.
The capital Fira is the hub of transportation, nightlife, and shopping in Santorini. The white dome is the Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral, Fira’s most recognizable landmark.
The Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral sits near the caldera’s edge in Fira with tons of hotels, restaurants, bars, and shops nearby.
The vast majority of Santorini’s bars and its 2 nightclubs are located in Fira.
Firostefani, Fira’s neighbor to the north, is a smaller village just a short walk from the action of the capital but removed from the crowds and noise.
The Akrotiri lighthouse, at the southwestern tip of the island offers a more quiet and romantic sunset experience than you’ll find in the busier villages.
The ruins of ancient Akrotiri sit nearby. This highly advanced civilization is believed by many to have been the inspiration for the legend of Atlantis.
The Red Beach, made of red volcanic rocks and sand, sits on the Akrotiri Peninsula.
On the eastern side of the island, you’ll find Santorini’s black sand beaches. Kamari, seen here, is the most popular beach on the island. This pebbly beach area offers plenty of affordable lodging, restaurants, and the open-air cinema.
Perissa is another a black, volcanic beach, but it has more sand than pebbles and becomes sandier still as it stretches farther south to Perivolos and Agios Georgios Beaches. There are a few great luxury hotels on the southern end of Perivolos.
Other highlights of Santorini include the wineries, which fill in the middle and southern parts of the island, especially around Megalochori village. Vineyards in Santorini arrange their vines in nests laying low to the ground to protect the grapes from the harsh winds, sun, and dry heat.
Traditional Pyrgos is the highest village on the island, offering superb sunset views. This is the view from Franco’s Bar in Pyrgos.
Pyrgos is the highest village, but the mountain of Profitis Ilias (named for its 18th century monastery) is the highest point on the whole island and boasts sweeping panoramic views.
Santorini has no shortage of amazing dining, no matter where on the island you are. The best restaurant in Santorini is Metaxi Mas, located on the outskirts of Exo Gonia village.
The best restaurant with sunset caldera views is Athenian House in Imerovigli.
Mykonos: A Photo Guide
Mykonos is known for its sandy beaches and lively main village, Mykonos Town aka the Chora.
The charming, seaside Mykonos Town sits on the west side of the island and is made of a jumble of cobblestone lanes brimming with restaurants, bars, clubs, and shops.
Luxury and boutique shops fill the narrow lanes, though there are still a handful of artisan shops, like Giorgiadis Icon Workshop here.
The Chora’s oldest neighborhood, Kastro, is arranged around the 15th century, whitewashed church Panagia Paraportiani.
The Kastro neighborhood is where you’ll find many of Mykonos’ best restaurants, including Funky Kitchen, the best restaurant on the island.
There is a small pier on the Kastro waterfront, used for boats that are bound for Delos Island, among the most important Greek archaeological sites, believed to be the mythological birthplace of Apollo and Artemis.
Heading south from Kastro, guests will find the charming Little Venice neighborhood, with its 18th century fishing houses lining the water’s edge.
At the south end of Little Venice are the picturesque Kato Mili Windmills, the remaining 5 and a half windmills from a Venetian flour mill.
The Chora is the nightlife hub of Mykonos, with several sunset-view co*cktail bars and all-night dance clubs. This is the top floor of Skandinavian Bar.
Jackie O and Babylon, side by side here, are the most popular gay bars in Mykonos. Jacki O hosts nightly drag shows at their Mykonos Town bar and at their beach club on Super Paradise.
From Kastro heading north, travelers will find the Old Port, used for smaller ferries and chartered boats, with its many waterfront fish tavernas. There are 2 spots overlooking the Old Port with great sunset views: Boni’s Windmill and 180° Sunset Bar, where this photo was taken.
Mykonos is best known as a beach paradise, with dozens of sandy beaches wrapping around the island. The most popular beaches are Ornos, seen here…
…and Platis Gialos Beach, seen here.
These two beaches are well-connected to Mykonos Town by frequent bus routes. A water taxi connects Ornos and Platis Gialos with most of the southern beaches, including Paraga, Paradise, Super Paradise, Agrari, and Elia Beach, seen here.
The best beaches for partying are Paraga, Paradise, and Super Paradise (pictured here), with clubs lined up along the coast hosting international DJs with dancing all night until the sun comes up.
The best family-friendly beaches include Ornos, Platis Gialos, and Psarou Beach here.
The best beaches for water sports are Psarou, Korfos, and Kalafati. Korfos, seen here, is the most popular kitesurfing beach.
Though many beaches in Mykonos are fairly lively, there are still a few quiet, relatively untouched beaches. The best among these are Agios Sostis, Ftelia, and Fokos Beaches (with its incredibly clear water shown here). You’ll need a car to get to these beaches.
Aside from the Chora, there is really only one other true village on Mykonos, Ano Mera. This traditional village has only a handful of hotels, but it has quite a few excellent tavernas…
…and the 16th century monastery of Panagia Tourliani.
Finally, at the northwestern tip of the island, you’ll find the Armenistis Lighthouse, offering sweeping views over the Aegean Sea toward Tinos, Siros, Rineia, and Delos Island and the best sunset views in Mykonos.
Waiting for sunset at the lighthouse.
Mykonos is known for its sandy beaches and lively main village, Mykonos Town aka the Chora.
The charming, seaside Mykonos Town sits on the west side of the island and is made of a jumble of cobblestone lanes brimming with restaurants, bars, clubs, and shops.
Luxury and boutique shops fill the narrow lanes, though there are still a handful of artisan shops, like Giorgiadis Icon Workshop here.
The Chora’s oldest neighborhood, Kastro, is arranged around the 15th century, whitewashed church Panagia Paraportiani.
The Kastro neighborhood is where you’ll find many of Mykonos’ best restaurants, including Funky Kitchen, the best restaurant on the island.
There is a small pier on the Kastro waterfront, used for boats that are bound for Delos Island, among the most important Greek archaeological sites, believed to be the mythological birthplace of Apollo and Artemis.
Heading south from Kastro, guests will find the charming Little Venice neighborhood, with its 18th century fishing houses lining the water’s edge.
At the south end of Little Venice are the picturesque Kato Mili Windmills, the remaining 5 and a half windmills from a Venetian flour mill.
The Chora is the nightlife hub of Mykonos, with several sunset-view co*cktail bars and all-night dance clubs. This is the top floor of Skandinavian Bar.
Jackie O and Babylon, side by side here, are the most popular gay bars in Mykonos. Jacki O hosts nightly drag shows at their Mykonos Town bar and at their beach club on Super Paradise.
From Kastro heading north, travelers will find the Old Port, used for smaller ferries and chartered boats, with its many waterfront fish tavernas. There are 2 spots overlooking the Old Port with great sunset views: Boni’s Windmill and 180° Sunset Bar, where this photo was taken.
Mykonos is best known as a beach paradise, with dozens of sandy beaches wrapping around the island. The most popular beaches are Ornos, seen here…
…and Platis Gialos Beach, seen here.
These two beaches are well-connected to Mykonos Town by frequent bus routes. A water taxi connects Ornos and Platis Gialos with most of the southern beaches, including Paraga, Paradise, Super Paradise, Agrari, and Elia Beach, seen here.
The best beaches for partying are Paraga, Paradise, and Super Paradise (pictured here), with clubs lined up along the coast hosting international DJs with dancing all night until the sun comes up.
The best family-friendly beaches include Ornos, Platis Gialos, and Psarou Beach here.
The best beaches for water sports are Psarou, Korfos, and Kalafati. Korfos, seen here, is the most popular kitesurfing beach.
Though many beaches in Mykonos are fairly lively, there are still a few quiet, relatively untouched beaches. The best among these are Agios Sostis, Ftelia, and Fokos Beaches (with its incredibly clear water shown here). You’ll need a car to get to these beaches.
Aside from the Chora, there is really only one other true village on Mykonos, Ano Mera. This traditional village has only a handful of hotels, but it has quite a few excellent tavernas…
…and the 16th century monastery of Panagia Tourliani.
Finally, at the northwestern tip of the island, you’ll find the Armenistis Lighthouse, offering sweeping views over the Aegean Sea toward Tinos, Siros, Rineia, and Delos Island and the best sunset views in Mykonos.
Waiting for sunset at the lighthouse.
