Oct 4, 2022

Mykonos or Santorini – We Help You Decide!

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.

Weather

One of the first things that people consider when deciding to go on holiday is the weather. This can affect several things, such as activities and what you plan on doing whilst visiting.

Mykonos 

Many travellers choose to visit Mykonos in summer for its hot weather and glorious sunshine. With highs of 29°C and lows of 23°C in July and August, expect hot days and balmy evenings. This means that you can spend your time here lounging on the beach during the day and wandering through the many idyllic towns and villages at night. 

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. 

Santorini

Much like Mykonos, Santorini also displays a glorious summer climate for all to enjoy. With average temperatures of around 25°C and the occasional hot morning reaching 38°C in August, you can expect blue skies and lots of sunshine when visiting during this time. Visitors spend their days relaxing by the pool or swimming in the sea during the day, with romantic strolls and candlelight dinners in the evening.

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. 

Scenery and Architecture

It is no surprise that if you’re planning a trip to either Mykonos or Santorini, you’re most likely seeking incredible scenery and impressive architecture. Luckily enough, you will find both on either one of these magnificent islands.

Mykonos 

Mykonos has golden, sandy beaches, turquoise waters and quaint towns scattered throughout the island. You will find beauty everywhere. Places like Little Venice display colourful buildings, situated on the water’s edge, with cobbled streets and narrow alleys to wander. 

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. 

Santorini

If you’re looking for villages perched on cliffs, alongside volcanic beaches and incredible coastal views, Santorini is where you want to go. The island boasts a plethora of iconic white buildings with authentic blue dome roofs. With plenty of quaint streets and picturesque villages, it comes as no surprise that so many choose to honeymoon in Santorini, as its romantic aura is unmatched. 

Beaches

When deciding on Santorini or Mykonos, beaches are a significant factor. Beautiful coastlines and sandy shores are a must if you’re looking to spend your time in Greece truly relaxing and unwinding. 

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. 

Mykonos

With more than 20 stunning beaches to choose from, there is a place for every type of holidaymaker in Mykonos. Although this island gets particularly busy during the summer seasons, with so many sandy shores to choose from, you won’t find yourself struggling for somewhere to relax for the day. 

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. 

Santorini

Being a volcanic island does mean that the beaches on Santorini differ slightly from those on Mykonos. The shores are black with volcanic ash with some consisting entirely of pebbles – perfect for those who don’t enjoy sandy toes! 

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. 

Best Island for Romance

If you’re deciding on staying in Santorini or Mykonos for your honeymoon, you’re likely wondering which of the islands offers the most romance. They’re both renowned for being romantic places to visit, with stunning architecture, beautiful coastal views and quaint towns and villages.

Mykonos

Due to its golden shorelines and impressive sunsets, Mykonos isn’t without its romance. Whether you want to spend your honeymoon wandering on one of the pristine beaches, strolling through cobblestone streets or sitting on the coastline and admiring the view, there is plenty to do here for couples seeking a romantic break. 

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. 

Santorini 

Santorini is renowned for its romance. With the beautiful white and blue buildings, its position atop a cliff and stunning vistas that stretch out to sea, it is the ultimate honeymoon destination. Couples go to the island each year to enjoy the mouth-watering eateries, cosy bars and quaint villages, all of which provide an intimate setting. 

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. 

Best Island for Nightlife 

If you’re planning a trip to Mykonos or Santorini for partying, then you’re likely wondering which island has the best nightlife. Both offer a great evening scene, with a variety of bars, restaurants and cafes. 

Mykonos 

Mykonos is one of the top destinations in Greece for those seeking lively nightlife. Here you will find an abundance of nightclubs, bars, beach clubs and more. 

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.

Santorini 

Santorini is more subdued in comparison to Mykonos for nightlife. The island often attracts honeymooners and families, making it less appealing for those looking for a vibrant party atmosphere. However, you can still find some great bars and clubs to dance through the night on the 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. 

Best Island an Off-Season Visit 

When deciding which is better, Mykonos or Santorini, it’s best to look at what time of year you plan on visiting. Being popular tourist destinations means that the islands can change drastically depending on the season. With many bars, restaurants and hotels closing for the winter, you will often find a different experience visiting during this time than what you would in the summer. 

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.

Mykonos

Mykonos often displays much colder winters, with a higher chance of rainfall, so it isn’t ideal to visit during this time if you’re looking for a beach holiday. For those hoping to explore the many attractions with less oppressive heat, the off-season is a great time to visit. The tourists are few and far between, making sights like the windmills much easier to see without having to queue. 

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. 

Santorini 

When deciding to visit Santorini in the off-season, you’re likely considering between November and March. This is when the tourists are few and far between and the island settles into a quieter rhythm. For those looking to visit the many historical sights, the off-season is a great time to visit. The tourists have disappeared and there is a tranquil aura around Santorini, perfect for those seeking a little peace and seclusion. 

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. 

Summary

We hope that after reading through this article you can now decide on whether Mykonos or Santorini best suits you. No matter which island you choose to visit, you will find natural beauty, pristine beaches, incredible eateries and breathtaking architecture everywhere you look. These destinations are full of romance, culture and history, making them a complete paradise for all types of holidaymakers. 

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.