Mykonos or Santorini: Where Should I Travel?

Mykonos is southeast of mainland Greece, in the heart of the Cyclades archipelago. On the island, the Aegean Sea's crystalline waters lap against golden shores, while its iconic windmills stand sentinel over Chora, the main town, where white cubic houses form a maze of narrow streets and hidden squares.

The island's 33 square miles encompass everything from spectacular beaches to rural villages. From the sophisticated scene at Psarou Beach to the authentic charm of Ano Mera village, you can experience the Island of the Winds on a best of Greece vacation.

Santorini crowns the southernmost edge of the Cyclades. Its crescent shape hosts a volcanic caldera formed by an ancient eruption. The western cliffs rise dramatically from the sea and villages like Oia and Fira cling to the volcanic rim 1,000 feet above the water.

The island layers three-and-a-half millennia of history, from the preserved Bronze Age settlement of Akrotiri to Byzantine-era castles, an excellent example being the Castle of Pyrgos. This medieval structure was built to protect and fortify the village of Pyrgos and features impressive walls and two churches from the 10th century. The castle has been well-preserved despite suffering damage from an earthquake in 1956, making it a significant historical site that reflects the island's heritage.

Both islands highlight Cycladic architecture, with white-washed buildings, blue-domed churches, and winding pathways. Their museums showcase ancient artifacts and both treat historical preservation as an integral part of their island identities. Each has pioneered luxury hospitality, from Mykonos's sophisticated beach clubs to Santorini's caldera-edge infinity pools.

Mykonos and Santorini share deep connections to traditional Greek cuisine. They boast wonderful culinary traditions that blend local ingredients with generations-old recipes. In Santorini, enjoy chlorotyri, a cheese made from goat's milk that’s known for its slightly sour taste and creamy texture. Gorgeous Santorini tomatoes, white eggplant, and capers are also highlights of its cuisine. Among the island’s traditional dishes are tomato fritters, eggplant dip with pita bread, and apochti, a traditional meat dish prepared by salting pork loin and soaking it in vinegar before air-drying. It is seasoned with pepper and cinnamon. In Mykonos, look forward to louza, which is similar to prosciutto, and the sweet almond treat amygdalota. Onion pie and lobster spaghetti are also on the menu. Both islands cherish their wine-making heritage. Mykonos produces crisp Assyrtiko wines and Santorini is famous for its mineral-rich volcanic varieties that you can savor on a perfect Greece vacation package.

Their villages reveal similar patterns of traditional development, with their appeal based on characteristic street life and local markets. Santorini’s Oia is particularly notable for its charming narrow streets lined with whitewashed houses, shops, and markets. The layout encourages pedestrian movement, fostering a lively atmosphere where you can engage with residents’ daily activities. This is emblematic of many villages in the Cyclades, where the integration of residential spaces with commercial activities creates a lively street life that enhances the appeal of these picturesque locations.

These Cycladic jewels are distinguished by their island character. Mykonos serves cosmopolitan luxury with designer boutiques and world-class nightlife, while Santorini offers dramatic natural beauty and romantic seclusion.

Cultural heritage follows distinct paths in each destination. Mykonos's glamorous energy thrives through beach clubs, art galleries, and fashion boutiques. From Sunset wine tastings to candlelit caldera dinners, Santorini's romantic atmosphere shapes its identity.

Both islands boast culinary traditions that celebrate Aegean flavors. They offer distinctive dining experiences that reflect their characters. While Mykonos excels in sophisticated international cuisine and fresh seafood, Santorini specializes in local ingredients shaped by its volcanic soil.

Mykonos will delight you with its seaside tavernas and upscale restaurants. Start your day with fresh-caught sea bass grilled with local herbs and lemon, or savor lobster pasta as waves lap against restaurant terraces. The island's signature kopanisti, a spicy cheese spread made from unpasteurized milk, offers a taste of traditional flavors, while modern Greek restaurants elevate classic dishes with contemporary presentation. In waterfront establishments, the day's catch is displayed on ice, ready to be selected and prepared to your preferences.

Santorini's cuisine relies on the unique properties of its volcanic soil, producing intensely flavored cherry tomatoes, white eggplants, and capers. The island's fava, made from yellow split peas grown in mineral-rich earth, becomes velvety smooth when pureed with olive oil and lemon. White eggplants are grilled until tender and dressed with herbs and garlic, while Santorini salads showcase the famous cherry tomatoes alongside cucumber, capers, and chunks of chloro cheese.

Mykonos claims some of Greece's finest beaches, with golden sand stretching along its coastline. From the sophisticated scene at Psarou, where celebrities lounge on designer sunbeds, to the pristine beauty of Agios Sostis, each beach has its own personality.

Santorini's beaches tell the story of its volcanic history through red-, white-, and black-sand shores. While they may not match Mykonos's soft sand, they offer experiences like swimming in the warm waters off Red Beach or exploring the black-sand shores of Perissa.

For beach variety and quality, Mykonos often comes out tops with its superior sandy shores and beach club culture, but Santorini offers more unique water experiences integrated into its volcanic landscape. Kayak past dramatic rock formations or take catamaran and sailing cruises to swim along the coastline, including in hot springs.

When you visit Little Venice at sunset, whitewashed buildings seem to float above the sea while windmills silhouette against the changing sky. During the day, private yacht charters reveal hidden coves and nearby islands. You can also join a local chef for a cooking class in a traditional home, learning to prepare dishes like moussaka and baklava, or explore the island's interior on horseback through ancient stone walls and olive groves.

Designer boutiques in Chora offer exclusive shopping, while evening beach clubs transform shorelines into sophisticated get-togethers. Morning visits to Ano Mera's monastery reveal peaceful courtyards, while afternoon wine tastings showcase local vintages like Mandilaria. Often used to produce rosés, you can get a taste of its rich flavor profile in centuries-old cellars.

Hike the caldera path from Fira to Oia, where every turn offers breathtaking views of the volcano and the Aegean Sea. Private catamaran cruises explore volcanic islands and hot springs, while guided tours of ancient Akrotiri reveal a Bronze Age city preserved in ash.

If you are looking for a taste of the region’s wine, visit traditional wineries where Assyrtiko grapes grow in volcanic soil, or join a cooking class to master Santorini specialties like tomato fritters and white eggplant moussaka. Sunset experiences range from private caldera-view dinners to photography tours capturing the famous Oia sunset.

Traveling to Mykonos and Santorini involves similar steps, but there are some differences in accessibility. Both islands have international airports, which makes them relatively easy to reach. However, Mykonos International Airport is more frequently connected to major European hubs, offering more direct flights from the US during peak seasons. Santorini  also receives international flights, but it might require more connections. Both islands are part of the Greek island network, and once you reach Athens, you can easily connect to Mykonos or Santorini via domestic flights. While neither island is directly served by non-stop flights from the US, Mykonos might offer slightly more convenient connections through major European cities like London or Amsterdam.

• Superior beaches
• Sophisticated nightlife
• International dining scene
• Shopping and fashion
• Beach club culture
• Cosmopolitan atmosphere

Mykonos excels at providing luxury experiences and sophisticated island adventures, from its pristine beaches and worldly sophistication to its intimate tavernas and grand beach clubs that you can find out more about in our best Mykonos vacations and tours.

• Dramatic caldera views
• Romantic atmosphere
• Unique wines
• Archaeological sites
• Sunset vistas
• Volcanic landscapes

In Santorini, you'll find dramatic views and intimate moments. From infinity pools overlooking the caldera to world-class wineries complemented by archaeological wonders, find out more from our Santorini vacations and tours.

Whether you choose Mykonos's multicultural energy and beach culture or Santorini's dramatic beauty and romantic atmosphere, both islands promise wonderful vacations. Your decision might depend on whether you seek Mykonos's sophisticated beach scene and nightlife or Santorini's natural wonders and intimate moments. Either guarantees world-class hospitality and immersion in some of Greece's most significant landscapes.

Explore our Greece travel guide for more inspiration and detailed information on what you can look forward to on a Greece vacation.