Mykonos vs Santorini: Which Island Should You Choose?
Mykonos vs Santorini, are you trying to decide which Greek island to visit for your next getaway?
Both are top destinations for travellers seeking the quintessential Greek holiday. Mykonos is famed for its cosmopolitan atmosphere, pristine beaches, and legendary party scene, catering to those in search of lively entertainment and luxury.
On the other hand, Santorini enchants visitors with its dramatic volcanic scenery, iconic whitewashed buildings, and romantic sunsets, perfect for couples and photography enthusiasts.
This travel guide delves into the heart of Mykonos vs Santorini, helping you decide which island best suits your travel preferences, whether you're after cultural immersion, relaxation, or a bit of everything the enchanting Aegean Sea has to offer.
Best island for beaches
Mykonos
Mykonos is the winner for me when choosing the best island for beaches. Whilst Santorini has some gorgeous beaches and incredible black sand landscapes, the beaches in Mykonos are easier to access and more set up for beach holidays.
Mykonos is a larger island with a more diverse coastline. Whether you are looking for the best swimming spots, beach bars, or family-friendly beaches, you will find a beach for everyone's needs.
The beaches in Mykonos are renowned for their soft, golden sands, which are more conducive to classic beach activities like sunbathing, sandcastle building, and beach games. In contrast, due to the island's volcanic nature, many of Santorini's beaches are characterised by pebbles and volcanic rocks.
If you are looking for something more lively, there are a ton of great beach clubs in Mykonos. The island's beach clubs are famous worldwide, offering day-to-night entertainment with renowned DJs, dance parties, food and drink.
Best island for relaxation
Santorini
You can't argue against the fact that both islands are incredibly relaxing, we are talking about Greece after all. However, Santorini has the edge here for sure!
Santorini is home to stunning natural beauty, with dramatic volcanic landscapes, caldera views, and iconic sunsets, the perfect recipe in creating a beautiful backdrop for a peaceful getaway.
The island's unique vistas, with whitewashed buildings and blue-domed churches set against the Aegean Sea, encourage visitors to slow down and soak up all the surroundings.
Hotels in Santorini focus on a tranquil and luxurious experience for quiet escapes. Many offer spa services, private dining, and sunset viewings for guests to unwind and relax.
While Santorini’s beaches may not have the classic white sands of other Greek islands, they offer unique beauty and a more peaceful beach experience. The volcanic sands of Red Beach, the secluded cove of White Beach, perfect for those looking to relax by the sea without a party atmosphere.
Best island for luxury
Mykonos & Santorini
Mykonos: Glamorous luxury
I tend to find the luxury in Mykonos a little louder than in other areas of the Cyclades. It is not uncommon to see super yachts in the harbour, people popping champagne until the early hours, and beach clubs where a sun loungers can cost over €150 a day.
Shoppers will delight in the boutique stores and high end fashion houses hidden in the warren of streets in Mykonos Town. Designer brands such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Cartier are all present on the island.
Santorini: Sophisticated luxury
Meanwhile in Santorini, the luxury is sophisticated and understated, mostly found within its exclusive accommodations and romantic atmosphere.
Santorini is known for its luxury cave hotels and villas built into the cliffs, offering private terraces, infinity pools, and caldera views that create a sense of exclusivity and seclusion.
The island features a selection of high-end restaurants where you can enjoy fine dining with a view, often emphasising local ingredients and wines from Santorini's ancient vineyards.
Best island for romance
Santorini
Santorini is undeniably one of the most romantic islands in the world, it has been captivating couples for decades for so many reasons.
The island's stunning natural beauty is foundational to its romantic ambience. Santorini's dramatic caldera, formed by a massive volcanic eruption, offers awe-inspiring views of steep cliffs dropping into the azure Aegean Sea. The contrast of the sparkling blue waters against the whitewashed buildings and blue-domed churches creates a visually stunning setting that feels surreal.
The island's sunsets are legendary, casting a warm, golden glow that illuminates the island and the sea. Watching the sun dip below the horizon from Oia, with the caldera as a backdrop, is a quintessential experience for couples, symbolising the beauty and fleeting nature of moments shared.
Despite its popularity, Santorini retains a sense of seclusion and exclusivity, partly due to its unique geography. The island's cliffside locations and the architectural marvel of cave houses carved into the rock provide a cosy, intimate feeling that enhances the romantic experience.
Best island for landscapes
Santorini
Mykonos and Santorini are both breathtaking, the sea sparkles, the water is crystal clear, the rocky coastline stretches into beautiful beaches.
However, if I really have to choose, Santorini has the edge.
Santorini is renowned worldwide for its dramatic landscapes, primarily shaped by its volcanic history. The island's most iconic feature is the caldera, a large, sea-filled crater formed by a massive volcanic eruption. The caldera offers breathtaking views, especially from towns perched along the crater rim, like Oia and Fira. The contrast of the whitewashed buildings with blue-domed roofs against the deep blue of the Aegean Sea and the sheer cliffs of the caldera is unforgettable.
The sunsets in Santorini are legendary, with the town of Oia being one of the best places in the world to witness the sun dipping into the sea, painting the sky in hues of orange, pink, and purple.
Best island for nightlife
Mykonos
This is one of the easiest comparisons to make, as Mykonos and Santorini are polar opposites in terms of party lifestyles.
Mykonos is renowned worldwide as one of the premier destinations for nightlife, making it an excellent place to visit for those looking to enjoy vibrant evenings and lively parties. The island's reputation attracts visitors from all over the world, including celebrities and international DJs.
That being said, do not expect the island to be one crazy booze-up. Whilst the island boasts an impressive nightclub scene, there are much more chilled options too, from chic cocktail bars to seaside lounges; Mykonos has something to suit every taste.
The island is famous for its beach clubs, which blend daytime relaxation by the sea with evening parties. Venues like Scorpios, Super Paradise Beach Club, and Cavo Paradiso are known for their spectacular locations, stylish decor, and energetic parties that often continue until sunrise.
The truth is, you can't go wrong with either island, but there is a distinct difference in the type of holiday it will provide. Writing Mykonos vs Santorini is strange because I love them so much, but I love them for different reasons.
Santorini is my relaxing place, I can really unwind there. i feel as though the days go slower and time just ticks over without me having to clock watch.
On the other hand, Mykonos is so special, it's fun, it has a great vibe. Both islands offer so much natural beauty, they are easy to get to as they have international airports, and you can also easily use both as a base for island hopping.
I'm not sure I could choose just one!
They’re all so beautiful aren’t they!