When you think of romance, sunset vistas, elegant shorelines and relaxing beaches, Mykonos or Santorini usually come to mind. They are two beautiful Greek islands situated in the Aegean Sea, part of the Cyclades archipelago.
Due to their similarities and many attractions, holidaymakers tend to go to either Mykonos or Santorini when visiting this part of the world. The white-washed buildings and blue domed roofs on both of these islands create a picturesque setting to enjoy some time in the sun.
Whether you’re looking to spend some time with the family, enjoy a romantic honeymoon or just relax on Greece’s favoured islands, you will find something for everyone in Santorini or Mykonos. If you’re stuck deciding on which one to visit first, we have put together information on the islands, so you can compare the two and choose where you want to enjoy your next island escape.
Winter in Mykonos displays a slight change in weather to that of summer. From December to March the temperatures drop to around 16°C, with it getting even colder in February at around 8°C. There is a higher chance of rainfall during this time, with less sun and shorter days. However, winter is still an attractive time to visit the island due to fewer tourists and minimal crowds throughout the towns and villages.
November and March are classed as the winter season in Santorini. December through to January tend to display the colder, wetter months of the year, although the climate remains relatively mild in comparison to other parts of Europe at this time. High temperatures average around 15°C with lows of 9°C in January and February. Similar to Mykonos, with less sun and a higher chance of rain, this does mean that Santorini is much quieter in winter, great if you’re looking for some peace and seclusion.
Some of the most impressive and iconic pieces of architecture on the island are the windmills. These old structures stand tall in the backdrop with thatched roofs and the typical white-washed stone in spherical shapes - utterly breathtaking sights to see.
Both islands offer great beaches with the most beautiful shorelines and crystal clear waters. Again, there are some differences in what Mykonos and Santorini offer, so here’s a little bit more information so that you can decide.
Most of the beaches are open from April right through until October, making it a great place to go for a beach holiday even out of peak season. Many places offer sun loungers and parasol rental, making them convenient to visit if you don’t want to carry around umbrellas and towels for a day at the beach.
If you’re looking for a beach with a lively atmosphere, great amenities and plenty of restaurants and bars nearby, you will want to go to either Platys Gialos, Psarou, Elia or Paradise. Here you will find beach parties, plenty of sun loungers and parasols, plus some great places to grab a drink or bite to eat. These are some of the more popular beaches on the island, so it's worth noting that they can become very busy, especially during summer.
Places like Agios Stefanos, Korfos, Kalafatis and Ftelia offer a quieter and more subdued atmosphere. These are great beaches to go to if you’re aiming to escape the hustle and bustle and spend some time on beautiful golden stretches of sand.
There is a beach for everyone in Mykonos, whether you’re looking to party, relax, eat, drink or just stroll along the shoreline, you will find it on this wonderful island.
The beaches on this island are equally as stunning, with turquoise waters and raw, craggy cliffs everywhere you look. For a unique kind of coastline, head to Red Beach. Here you will find rust-like cliff edges and a rocky shoreline. The views are breathtaking as you catch a glimpse of black and red volcanic pebbles, alongside some of the warmest water to take a dip in.
For those looking for a beach with a little more going on, try Perivolos. With sun loungers and parasols available to rent, and several tavernas, bars and restaurants, you will find everything you need on this beautiful beach. It is one of the more popular spots in Santorini, so it's always best to get there early if you want to grab a good spot.
There are many more lovely beaches to choose from in Santorini, some offer a quieter atmosphere, whereas others have plenty going on. Whatever you’re looking for, you will be sure to find it on this beautiful island.
Many places in Mykonos are also great for shopping. With several designer boutiques and pretty shops scattered around the island, you can find several places to treat your partner whilst visiting here.
Mykonos also offers numerous fantastic eateries. With a wide selection of cuisines to choose from, you can mix up your evening meals to try something new each night. Candlelight dinners on balmy evenings provide the perfect romantic setting for many.
Its blend of history, culture and raw natural beauty are just some of the things that make Santorini so special. Oia is known for being the most picturesque town on the island, providing some of the best sunset views from the castle. Visit Akrotiri, the ruins of a historic village for a slice of the island's history, or perhaps Ancient Thera, the old mountaintop city.
There are so many romantic things to do and see in Santorini, it is no surprise why so many choose this beautiful island for the perfect honeymoon getaway.
Beaches such as Paradise and Super Paradise are particularly vibrant, with many parties, famous DJs and great music playing here throughout summer - the perfect place to let your hair down and enjoy the party scene.
There are different sides to the island of Mykonos, with Mykonos Town offering the most for those seeking to enjoy the energetic nightlife scene. Agios Ioannis, Ano Mera and Agios Stefanos are quieter and have more of a family-oriented atmosphere. This means that you get the best of both worlds when visiting this wonderful island.
Places like Fira offer some of the best evening entertainment and activities in Santorini. With several beach bars, clubs and cocktail bars throughout the capital, you will find numerous places to enjoy a few drinks and a dance on the island.
The off-season is a great time to visit for those looking to explore either of the islands with fewer crowds. Attractions are easier to visit and with less tourist traffic and it’s more manageable to navigate around the many towns and villages.
Many of the bars, restaurants, clubs and hotels are open between May and October in Mykonos, so you will still find a great atmosphere up until late October on the island. If you plan on visiting between November and April, many of the locals have packed up their shops and eateries as they rest before catering to the tourists again next season. This is the perfect time to go to soak up the culture in Mykonos and see how the locals live once the crowds have dispersed.
Much like Mykonos, the shops, bars, restaurants and hotels tend to shut down in late October and re-open in April. This does mean that you will find less to do on the island, but it provides a great time to see authentic Santorini as the locals resume their everyday activities.
If you’re planning a trip to either Mykonos or Santorini, you’re likely in need of accommodation. The Villa Collection has a fantastic selection of rental villas to choose from, putting you in the perfect place to explore either of these two stunning islands.