Santorini VS Mykonos – Which famous Greek island to visit?

When it comes to summer holidays in Greece, it seems that most travelers are faced with one big dilemma: Santorini or Mykonos? Both islands are very famous and they are some of the most popular tourist destinations in the world for very different reasons, but considering that vacation time is precious, one will probably get to visit only one of them during their trip to Greece. So, which of those two islands is the best for you? Which will provide you with unforgettable experiences in 2021? Read our comparison and find out!

Scenery

When it comes to choosing a vacation destination, the scenery – or in other terms the natural beauty of the destination – is an extremely important decisive factor, especially of the traveler is into photography. It should be noted that both islands are part of the Cyclades island group and they have all the features that one associates with islands in the Aegean Sea i.e. small white-washed houses, blue-domed churches, quaint villages and gorgeous beaches. However, it should be noted that Santorini has a definite edge in the scenery department.
Santorini is one of the most photographed places in the world and this is because several of the island’s villages are perched on its volcanic caldera. Simply put, Santorini’s landscape is unique and absolutely breath-taking. The small island is also known for its gorgeous sunsets, making it one of the most romantic destinations in the world. If you want to spend your vacation in the most beautiful place possible, Santorini is definitely the right choice.

Nightlife and luxury

Let’s face it, not everyone wants to relax and take in the scenery during their vacation. Some people want to party while others want to spend their vacation living like movie stars. If that’s what how you would like to spend your vacation, then Mykonos is the right destination for you. This island may be rather tiny, but it is one of the most luxurious summer destinations in Europe and the world in general. It is the famous vacation spot of various celebrities from Hollywood stars to famous athletes and Victoria’s Secret angels. Just take a walk through the island’s many scenic alleys and you’re almost guaranteed to come face to face with a celebrity. Mykonos is also famous for its night-clubs, restaurants and beach bars. We should warn you though that the most popular ones are rather pricey.
Now, that’s not to say that Santorini isn’t a good destination for a luxurious summer vacation, it’s just that it can’t quite match the luxury and opulence offered by Mykonos.

Romance

What if you are looking for a romantic getaway for you and your significant other? In that case either island will do, but Santorini has a slight edge due to its unique landscape and amazingly beautiful sunsets. Countless marriage proposals, weddings and declarations of love have occurred during the island’s legendary sunsets.

Cost

Let’s get down to some practical matters now: which vacation will cost you more? First of all, it should be noted that neither island is what one would call a budget-friendly destination. Hotel rates are a bit on the pricey side for both islands, while their restaurants also lean on the pricey side. Also, considering that Mykonos is synonymous with luxury and opulence, finding somewhere cheap to stay or eat can be a problem. The island is famous for its Michelin star restaurants and five-star luxury hotels and villas after all.
When it comes to Santorini, you can save money by opting not to stay in a hotel or room overlooking the caldera. The same goes for restaurants. So, while both of those destinations are a bit expensive, Santorini can be a bit less expensive, provided that one does their “homework” of course.