Greece has many beautiful islands everybody wants to visit, but the two that stand out the most are undoubtedly Mykonos and Santorini. They are the most famous and expensive ones, and one problem tourists usually have is deciding between them. Mykonos vs. Santorini – where should you go on your next trip to Greece? We’ve gathered some info that will help you see what these islands have to offer and decide which one works better for you.

The Never-Ending Debate on Which Is Better – Mykonos or Santorini

The two most popular islands in the Aegean Sea attract countless tourists every summer. People often wonder about the differences between Mykonos and Santorini – they are both (obviously) great but not that similar. It takes about 3 hours on a ferry to get from one to the other, so the good news is that you can visit both on the same vacation. Still, if you don’t have enough time to check out all the amenities on the two islands, you’ll have to make a decision. Santorini or Mykonos – which is better?

How to Decide Which Island Is the Best for You? The Pros and Cons of Mykonos and Santorini

Although pretty close, these islands are entirely different. Everybody knows that, if you want to have an exciting trip with plenty of parties and extravagant nightlife in town, you should go to Mykonos. We probably don’t need to tell you that you can run into a few Hollywood stars in Mykonos town, Chora – this town is a very common travel choice among celebrities.

On the other hand, Santorini has a unique landscape, great views (not that Mykonos lacks those!), and it’s probably a better choice for a honeymoon or romantic vacation. So, your ideal travel destination will depend on your preferences and how you want to spend your time in Greece.

The coast of Oia in Santorini

Choosing a travel destination can be difficult, but we will help you untangle this issue

Should I Go to Mykonos or Santorini First?

Let’s say you have enough time to visit both islands – which one should be first? We have no doubt that you will like everything you see in this part of Greece, but it would be best to come to Mykonos first and make sure you spend at least five days here. If you fly to Athens, you can take a ferry from there – ferry rides are always an excellent idea, and we suggest you take every opportunity you have for this experience.

It takes about two and a half hours to get from Athens to Mykonos with a high-speed ferry and about five hours with a standard one. After you spend enough time getting around this gorgeous island, it is time to experience Greek island hopping and continue your travel tour to Santorini.

Don’t Book a Round Trip, We Have a Better Idea

Naturally, you also have an option of air travel – both of these Greek islands have international airports, with flights from Athens and other European cities such as London, Paris, Rome, and Amsterdam. Keep in mind that there aren’t any direct flights from the United States. If you choose to fly to Greece, it’s wise to fly into Mykonos, take a ferry to Santorini, and then fly out of Santorini after your vacation comes to an end.

Windmills on the coast of Mykonos

It’s best to come to Mykonos first and continue to Santorini after your visit

Which Island Has More Amenities?

Is it worth going to Mykonos if you want something besides partying in beach clubs? Or, if you look at it the other way around, is it worth going to Santorini if you want something more than just a fantastic view for your Instagram photo? The answer is yes in both cases.

Although Santorini is known for its magnificent views (some of the best in the world) and excellent potential for relaxing or romantic vacations, the fact is that there is more to check out in Mykonos. So, if you were writing a detailed list of the best places you would like to visit on your Greek island, the list for Mykonos would be longer.

Where to Go for Interesting Archeological Sites?

If you’re a history geek or simply interested in culture, it’s best to choose Mykonos. Only 40 minutes by boat from the port in Chora lies a magnificent tiny island called Delos. Being one of the most important sites in Greece, Delos is a UNESCO World Heritage island where you can see an essential part of Greek history. Keep in mind that Delos is uninhabited – you should come in the morning so you can have enough time to enjoy the view. Don’t forget to visit the Archeological Museum of Delos while you’re here.

Is Mykonos or Santorini More Expensive – Where to Go for a Luxury Travel Experience?

If we’re honest, there’s not much difference – both of these places are pretty expensive and will require a solid budget. But, you can be sure that you’ll get your money’s worth and won’t regret a single euro you will spend in Greece. The choice for a luxury vacation depends a bit on your definition of luxury.

Do you want to sip wine while looking at a gorgeous, romantic sunset? Then choose Santorini. Do you want to party on a luxury yacht and later go shopping? Then Mykonos would suit you perfectly (shopping in the principal town, Chora, will be a memorable experience).

A woman in a blue dress with a white hat looking down on the port in Mykonos

If you want a luxury vacation, you will like Mykonos and its town more

Where Should I Go for the Best Beaches?

Although we could debate about other categories, when it comes to beaches, Mykonos is an absolute winner. Everybody knows that this place has many beautiful, sandy beaches with crystal clear water, perfect for swimming all day long. Santorini is a volcanic island, so it has a lot of interesting beaches to see.

It isn’t uncommon to come across a beach with black sand or, in some cases, red. You will also see fantastic rock formations and dark blue water. That’s an experience to have, for sure, but for a beach vacation, Mykonos should be your first choice.

Sunbeds on the coast of Mykonos

If you like standard Greek beaches with views, go to Mykonos – you won’t regret it

Now That You’ve Solved the Mykonos vs. Santorini Dilemma, Let’s Find a Perfect Luxury Villa for Your Upcoming Vacation

So, now you know what is there to see and do in both places. All that’s left to do is just find yourself a perfect luxury Mykonos villa with astonishing views and enjoy your Greek vacation. We can help with your accommodation, but it isn’t just luxury Mykonos villas for rental we can offer you – you might also need a car rental service, and we have that as well. Just reach out, and we will make sure you have everything you need for the perfect vacation you will remember forever.