Mykonos or Santorini? Which Greek island to pick if you can only visit one? Here’s my honest opinion after visiting both iconic Mediterranean destinations.
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Which is better to visit, Mykonos or Santorini?
Why I love the Greek Islands
Since Greece is one of my all-time favorite destinations, I have returned to this country on multiple occasions to explore both landmarks and beaches.
The Greek Islands are my favorites for a relaxing Mediterranean vacation. Their laid-back vibe is unmatched, with delicious food, beautiful beaches, and crystal-clear water adding to the holiday experience. While there are many Greek islands, the two most famous ones are Mykonos and Santorini, known for their picture-perfect whitewashed architecture.
However, my current favorite Greek island is actually Crete, and my husband’s – Rhodes. The interesting thing about visiting the Greek islands is that they all have a similar feel but are so unique at the same time that there’s always a different opinion about which island is the best. Also, there’s Cyprus, which is a separate country but has a huge Greek influence, and its southern part feels like another Greek island.
Nevertheless, I’d say the biggest debate is always between Mykonos and Santorini, as they are some of the most unique islands in the world and top every Greece bucket list. So, let me share my honest thoughts after visiting both.
Mykonos or Santorini, which one is nicer?
I have a very conflicted answer on which island, Mykonos or Santorini, is nicer. Overall, my experience on Mykonos was better. I felt like the island had a bit of everything and was easier to navigate. Yet, while every logical argument I’ll try to explain in this post will be against Santorini – it was still unapologetically beautiful and felt like one of those destinations you have to see before you die.
So honestly, I think Mykonos is a more versatile destination and would be a better match for most travelers. However, in my case, I was so impressed by the views of Santorini that if I had to choose only one Greek island, I’d still head to Santorini. At the same time, strangely enough, I’m not sure I would return to either of these two Greek islands. Both were overpriced and overcrowded despite being truly unique. Yet, I should admit that they deserve every bit of the international attention. For first-timers, both are must-stops in Greece.
Why to choose Mykonos
Mykonos is often called the fanciest island in Greece. In terms of parties and beach clubs in summer, it doesn’t envy Ibiza in any way. Navigating the island is easier than dealing with the mountain roads of Santorini, and the Old Town is full of charming streets and nice areas to walk. While there are lots of expensive restaurants and luxury hotels in Mykonos, it still felt more versatile than Santorini. Our hotel in Mykonos was overpriced compared to Crete or Cyprus, but it was still okay considering that the island is one of the most popular Mediterranean destinations. By and large, Mykonos felt easier than Santorini in every possible way.
While our trip took place at the beginning of September, it was still busy but didn’t feel like a nightmare, unlike Cinque Terre in Italy. We spent 3 days exploring the island in a laid-back way, and it felt enough for me. We visited Mykonos by ferry right after a week in Crete, and while everything was so picture-perfect, I felt a bit of contrast since Crete was much more interesting in terms of sightseeing.
So, while I loved visiting Mykonos and the island is extremely charming, I’m not sure I would return, as there are many lesser-known Greek islands where you can enjoy similar whitewashed architecture and delicious food but with a more local feel and without so many people around. Also, to my surprise, Mykonos made it to my list of the most beautiful sunsets around the world.
By and large, I loved visiting Mykonos, and I feel like it fits the bill for travelers looking for a cliché Greek vacation where you can enjoy the architecture of a whitewashed fishing village, combined with beautiful hotels, nice beaches, top-rated restaurants, and trendy clubs. In fact, visiting the island is a great idea, even if you only have a day at the Mykonos cruise port.
As I’ve previously mentioned, I’d rather visit another Greek island than return to Mykonos. Yet, given a choice to return exclusively to Mykonos or Santorini, I’d choose Mykonos.








Why to choose Santorini
Santorini falls behind Mykonos in every logical argument – it’s even more overpriced and overcrowded. After reading about the local roads, we gave up the idea of renting a car, as an adventurous holiday was not my plan for Santorini at all. Yet, for some reason, the famous village of Oia, with its whitewashed hilltop architecture, felt like such an otherworldly destination. Santorini is a far less comfortable destination than Mykonos due to its steep elevations and winding mountain roads, but this mind-blowing geographical location is also what adds to its unique charm.
Santorini is one of the most iconic honeymoon destinations for a reason. In fact, when my husband and I visited the island, we had been dating for six months, and it was in Santorini where he popped the question, asking if I’d ever like to marry him. Needless to say, it wasn’t just me who was impressed by the views – Santorini feels special enough to inspire spontaneous, life-changing decisions. It is absolutely one of those “see-before-you-die” destinations from travel books.
There are also unique places and experiences on the island, like hiking to Skaros Rock or visiting Perissa Black Sand Beach, but one of the most compelling reasons to visit Santorini is for the famous hilltop views of Oia, surrounded by the sea. Also, it is easy to reach Santorini from Athens, either by plane or ferry. So, despite its mountainous landscape, it is a popular stop on any Greece itinerary.
As a one-time experience, Santorini impressed me even more than Mykonos. However, I’m not sure I would return unless I could afford an exclusive villa on the cliffs and wake up to those breathtaking views far away from the crowds.
Santorini is too crowded, overpriced, and uncomfortable to navigate to make it a destination to visit every summer. Yet, for first-timers, it makes sense to see the island at least once. What I really love about Santorini is that while many places look stunning in pictures but are less enjoyable in reality, this Greek island is just as beautiful as it seems.




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Your photos are stunning! I’ve never been but my sister has visited Santorini and has spoken so highly of it that I’d love to go there one day!
Hope that you are having a lovely week with a nice weekend ahead of you 🙂
Away From The Blue Blog
It was my childhood dream to visit Santorini ! Such a beautiful place!
Ohhh my GOODNESS…Isn’t Greece just the BEST?! I went to Mykonos a few years ago, but have yet to visit Santorini. Looks like you had the most incredible time and your photos are lovely! Thanks for sharing, girl!
Thanks for stopping by, Emily! Greece is amazing!
It looks so pretty!! I love the pictures you took.
Thank you, Courtney!
Such a beautiful place and paradise.
It really is!
Your photos are absolutely gorgeous. Both have been on my bucket list for quite a while but WOW, I had no idea they are so beautiful!
Thanks, Kasie!
Gorgeous pictures
Thank you!
I’ve never been to Greece yet and I really want to. I’ve seen such beautiful photos of Mykonos and Santorini like yours and ugh its on my bucket list.
Thanks so much! It´s one of my favorite countries for traveling!
I haven’t been to Greece but it definitely is in my list especially Mykonos and Santorini! Your fab pictures of these places just reminded why I had them in my list! You look so gorgeous in the pictures, love your summer resort style outfit looks!
Wishing you an amazing weekend! 🙂
xx
Ankita | Real Girl Talks
Thanks so much, Ankita! Have a great week!
Amazing photo selection.
These two islands are definitely a must visit.
xx
Thank you, Zorica!
So beautiful! Would love to visit both Mykonos and Santorini one day!
Thanks Viktoria, both are absolutely “once in a lifetime” kind of places!
No, I’ve not been to either, but they are on my travel bucket list. I love the charm that both islands seem to have. One day. 🙂
Definitely charming! Hope you get to visit soon!
The photos are so beautiful I got chills! I WANT TO GO SO BAD! I’m trying to think …. OK do I think the photos of Mykonos or Santorini are more beautiful?
They are equally stunning! To think people have lived on those islands and spent their entire life there is just incredible. To them, it’s probably just everyday life. But I see it, and I think, if I only I could pick up life and move it there!
I have the same feeling every time I visit lol I mean I get it – it´s not places for career and some might consider living there quite boring…but at some point we all come to the conclusion that life is so much about these small details like seaside, tranquility, good food and weather!
Two of the islands we have on our bucket list! They look amazing and we can’t wait to go there 😀
Sending good vibes only,
xx
Patricia & Miguel
Thank you! Both are so amazing – I´d love to visit again!
Stunning photos as always, Anna! I’ve been told (friend of a colleague, etc.) that Mykonos should be avoided because it’s way too touristy but I can see the appeal from your photos! Haven’t been to Greece yet…but hope to make it there one day 🙂
Thanks, Michelle! Mykonos is definitely way too touristy, but worth visiting once! I wouldn’t go back there because of the crowds and there are so many wonderful Greek islands to explore yet!
Aaah, Greece is always dreamy. Those summer vibes are totally unforgettable. Santorini has been on my bucket list for about two years now 🙁 I’m hoping to go there, this year!
Love,
i.b.
Hope you get to visit soon! It´s such a magical place!