long2travel

Can anyone point out what you think are some of the differences between Mykonos and Santorini?

brotherleelove2004

The two biggest differences are beaches and available activities. Santorini has a whole lot more to see and do but Mykonos has the better beaches by far.

justineparis

Well I have only been to Mykonos and Paros, but from what I have seen, Santorini has stunning views from the Caldera, I enjoyed the beaches in Mykonos, but can't say its nearly as physically beautiful as Santorini(kind of scrubby and low lying hills, certainly not the same stunning views from heights..

Both will be filled with tourists during the season.

Mykonos has more "interesting " nightlife,, gay clubs etc..


If I was in young twenties and liked to party, I would pick Mykonos( and did) but now I would pick Santorini( and will next trip) .

HappyTrvlr

Fr us the main difference was the nationalities of the other tourists. Mykonos was northern European..German, Dutch, British. Santorini was all Americans , at least at our hotel, and most were honeymooners. Santorini was pretty but we liked Mykonos much better.

travelingaunta

I have only been to Santorini, but what justineparis says is what I was told when I was trying to decide between the two. I picked Santorini because I am not too much into partying or nightlife, and was attracted by the caldera and the lovely views. I also enjoyed a long day tour that involved walking up the caldera, swimming in hot springs and sunset in Oia. We actually stayed in Kamari - beach was nice although not spectacular. And I may be stating the obvious, but it was not a sand beach. I thoroughly enjoyed Santorini and would go there again. Next time would stay on the caldera side (but the first time I went I was on a tighter budget).

clausar

Santorini means Caldera to me.
Spectacular views over the volcano and Thirassia island, great sunsest and the amazing village of Oia.
In my opinion Santorini is ideal for spending a couple of relaxed days. The beaches are nothing special, with the exception of Perissa... If you are in search of the great beaches that you have seen on photos, you will be disappointed. Santorini is a volcanic island
Attractions on Santorini are : The Akrotiri excavations, ancient Thira, boat tour to the volcano, hiking from Oia to Fira and wine tasting at the local wineries.

The nightlife is concentrated mainly in Fira, the capital of the island, and also in Kamari, which is located on the flat side of the island. Oia is more relaxed , and is certainly no party place. There are plenty of restaurants and cafes with amazing view, but late at night it gets very quiet.....

Mykonos is quite the opposite of Santorini....
No caldera of course, but many great sandy beaches, a wonderful Chora ( main village) with a plethora of everything... amazing restaurants, cafes bars, luxurious shops, international and local celebrities... there's something going on 24/7... There is of course a party crowd there, especially during the high season, but if you are not into clubbing and techno parties, you can have some very relaxed holidays on Mykonos, like i always do.
The main attraction of Mykonos is actually Delos, that can be visited easily.

Both islands are on the expensive side, especially Santorini, if you choose to stay at the caldera side, where prices often are ridiculously high.

long2travel

Thanks everyone for your input. We aren't into night life or the beaches much except maybe one day at the beach. We definitely want the pretty views (especially from our rooml if possible), sunsets, and to see the caldera for sure. Shopping, especially fun artsy crafty shops, is also high on the list. I suspect the shops may be better in Mykonos but don't know for sure. When trying to decide whether to add an extra day to Mykonos or Santorini I think Santorini is sounding like a better choice.

Cathinjoetown

Delos is a good day trip from Mykonos, it's fascinating.