Cycladic islands are one of the most famous parts of Greece – the tourism here is flourishing every single year, and the reputation of the area is well deserved. If you want to experience a bit of this atmosphere, which island should you choose? Naxos vs. Mykonos is one of the most common dilemmas, as these are two of the most popular islands in this part of the Aegean Sea.

Naxos vs. Mykonos – Which Greek Island Is a Better Choice for Your Greek Summer Vacation?

Deciding on the right travel destination for your vacation is often a complex issue – you have to consider many aspects before finally booking a stay in a hotel. When it comes to the winner between Mykonos and Naxos, you don’t have to be worried about making a wrong choice.

Both of these islands are extraordinary, and they also have plenty of similar features. Still, the decision lies in details – what sets them apart is what will help you ultimately pick your perfect tourist destination.

The Best Greek Island for You Can Be Determined Depending on What You Want Your Greek Travel Experience to Look Like

Is there an easy way to tell which island is the perfect fit for you? Luckily there is, and we will help you get to the answer. All you have to do is set a clear goal for your trip. Do you want a relaxing vacation, or is an adventurous one better?

Are you looking for a family-friendly getaway, or would you be okay with a bit more upbeat place? Also, what is your budget for the time in Greece? All this can tell you where to go. Now, we will talk about the characteristics of both islands, so you will know where your loyalties lie – let’s get started.

Woman lying on the sand on the coast of Mykonos

It’s time to spend a day on a Greek beach – but on which island?

Which One Is More Expensive?

If you know anything about the reputations of these islands, the answer should be obvious. Mykonos is undoubtedly the one where you will spend more money. Whether this is necessarily a bad thing depends on your budget. If you can afford a more expensive beach vacation and stay in one of the luxury Mykonos villas, a visit to The Island of the Winds should be a no-brainer.

However, missing out on Naxos would be a shame, so it’s always wise to organize a day or two on this island as well if you have enough time. On the other hand, if you are limited by hotel prices, Naxos would be a more logical choice.

View of the coast of Naxos

Obviously, both islands are phenomenal, but Naxos is less expensive than Mykonos

Which One Has Better Beaches?

When it comes to beaches and the overall look of the coast, there is no right verdict. Honestly, since the islands are so close, it shouldn’t come as any surprise that they have similar nature. The beaches on both Naxos and Mykonos will amaze you. If your ultimate goal is to have a chill beach vacation where you can just swim and lay in the sand for hours, you won’t make a mistake wherever you go. After all, we’re talking about Greece – if there is anything this country is famous for, it’s beaches.

That being said, we must note one more thing. For those who are looking for calmer, less crowded beaches, Naxos would probably be a better solution. Mykonos is known to be packed with tourists from the start of the season till the weather cools down in the autumn. So, Naxos is the one that will provide you with a chill, quiet trip. However, no one said there aren’t any calm, empty beaches in Mykonos – there are, just not many. Most of them are full of beach clubs where people party all day long. If you feel like joining them, definitely choose Mykonos.

View of the sunbeds and umbrellas on the coast of Mykonos

The beach experience is similar, except beaches on Mykonos tend to be more crowded

Which One Has More Amenities?

The answer to this depends on what kind of amenities you’re looking for. Both places have a lot of beautiful spots to offer, and you will have a memorable vacation either way. One of the most interesting things about the Cyclades is the tiny isle of Delos – a unique archeological site that’s under UNESCO protection. It’s great to know that you can visit it from both Naxos and Mykonos and have a lovely one-day trip. Still, if you’re coming from Naxos, the boat ride will be about 2 hours, and if you’re visiting from Mykonos, it will be 30-45 minutes.

When it comes to towns on the island, both have their Chora (Chora means town in Greek). These towns are actually pretty similar – if we put two pictures together and asked you to guess which one is Naxos and which one is Mykonos, trust us that a lot of you would guess wrong. Still, the difference is in the number of hotels, bars, and restaurants – Mykonos has way more.

Mykonos vs. Naxos When It Comes to Food

For all our foodies out there, the good news is that you will have a fantastic dining experience in both these places. It would just be different in a matter of what type of cuisine you try. Naxos offers more of a traditional Greek cuisine experience, and Mykonos is all for a fabulous cosmopolitan kitchen. In Mykonos, you will find literally everything – from Mediterranean dishes to sushi. Some of the restaurants in Mykonos are among the best ones in the world.

Food on the table with a view of the old port in Mykonos town

When it comes to amenities, food is high on our lists – where to go for the best meals?

Which One Has Better Nightlife?

And for the end, let’s talk about nightlife – a lot of tourists like to upgrade their fantastic time in Greece with a few fabulous nights with great music and some drinks. If you’re one of them, your choice is simple – it’s Mykonos. This isn’t really much of a competition. Even though Naxos has some nice bars in Chora, Mykonos is literally the party capital of the world.

Mykonos has amazing parties all over the coast during summer. From fantastic beach bars and clubs to amazing spots in Chora, there is something for everybody. The vibe of Mykonos nightlife is hedonistic and luxurious – there’s no way this won’t be the best vacation you will ever have. You will attend parties with the world’s top DJs and dance all day on the beach with a refreshing cocktail in hand. Parties in Mykonos are truly one of a kind and something everyone has to experience at least once in a lifetime.

Fireworks above Mykonos town in the evening

When it comes to nightlife, Mykonos is a winner – without any doubts

So, What’s the Final Verdict? Where Will You Travel This Summer?

Hopefully, our little guide helped you understand these two places better and choose the one for you. When it comes to the ultimate winner, no one’s to say which island is the best – they both have their strengths and weaknesses. In the end, it all depends on what you want to get from your trip. If you happen to choose Mykonos, we can help you organize your trip and find the best accommodation – The Ace Vip has some of the most beautiful luxury private villas in Mykonos, and staying in one of them is a sure way to have an outstanding vacation.