Greece › Mykonos or Santorini
Updated: August 4, 2026 • By Santorini Dave
See Also
- Where to Stay in Santorini
- Where to Stay in Mykonos
- Santorini to Mykonos Ferry
- Mykonos to Santorini Ferry
Sunset over Oia and the Santorini caldera.
If you are choosing between Mykonos and Santorini, I would recommend Santorini for most first-time visitors.
There are many Greek islands with excellent beaches. There is nowhere else quite like Santorini. Its flooded caldera, volcanic cliffs, whitewashed villages, cave hotels, and sunset views create one of the most memorable destinations in Europe.
Mykonos is the better choice when the trip revolves around sandy beaches, swimming, stylish restaurants, shopping, beach clubs, and lively evenings. It is dismissed as a party island, but that description misses much of what makes it special. Many visitors never enter a nightclub.
Neither island is better overall. Santorini is the stronger sightseeing and romantic destination. Mykonos is the better beach vacation.
Mykonos or Santorini: Quick Answers
- First trip to Greece: Santorini.
- Only one island: Santorini.
- Honeymoon or anniversary: Santorini.
- Couples: Santorini.
- Friends trip: Mykonos.
- Families with teenagers: Mykonos.
- Best beaches: Mykonos.
- Best scenery: Santorini.
- Best nightlife: Mykonos.
- Best shopping: Mykonos.
- Best luxury hotel experience: Santorini.
- Best without a car: Santorini.
- Best in April or late October: Santorini.
- One week in Greece: Visit both.
Which Island Should You Choose?
Choose Santorini if you want spectacular views, romantic hotels, scenic walking, wineries, boat tours, ancient sites, and a trip that feels unlike anywhere else.
Choose Mykonos if you want long beach days, clear water, stylish restaurants, shopping, beach clubs, and more energy after dark.
Choose both if you have at least six or seven nights. They complement each other extremely well and do not feel repetitive.
Who Should Choose Santorini?
Santorini is best for travelers who want one extraordinary place rather than a conventional beach holiday. Most days revolve around the caldera: walking between villages, relaxing on a hotel terrace, hiking from Fira to Oia, taking a catamaran cruise, visiting wineries, exploring Akrotiri, and eating dinner with a volcano view.
Santorini is especially good for:
- First-time visitors to Greece.
- Couples and honeymooners.
- Travelers celebrating an anniversary or birthday.
- Anyone who values scenery more than beaches.
- Visitors with only three or four nights.
- Travelers who do not want to rent a car.
- Spring and late-fall trips.
Who Should Choose Mykonos?
Mykonos is best for travelers who want a polished beach vacation with excellent dining and lively evenings.
The island has some of the Cyclades’ best sandy beaches, one of Greece’s prettiest towns, strong hotel choices, and far more variety after dark than Santorini.
Mykonos is especially good for:
- Beach lovers.
- Groups of friends.
- Families with older children and teenagers.
- Travelers who enjoy shopping and stylish restaurants.
- Anyone interested in beach clubs and nightlife.
- Visitors who have already seen Santorini.
- June through September trips.
Should You Skip Santorini Because of the Crowds?
→ No.
Oia becomes crowded before sunset, and Fira feels busy when several cruise ships are in port. Those scenes are real, but they represent specific places at specific hours, not the entire island.
Stay in Imerovigli, Firostefani, Pyrgos, Megalochori, or Akrotiri. Explore Oia early in the morning. Walk the caldera path before midday. Save afternoons for your hotel, a winery, Akrotiri, or a boat tour.
Santorini is much easier to enjoy when you stay overnight and plan around the busiest hours. I would not skip it on a first trip to Greece because of crowded videos taken in central Oia at sunset.
Should You Skip Mykonos If You Do Not Party?
→ No.
Mykonos has famous nightlife, but partying is optional. Many visitors spend their days swimming, eating lunch by the water, wandering Mykonos Town, visiting Delos, and having dinner without ever entering a club.
The quieter side of the island is easy to find at beaches such as Agios Ioannis, Ornos, Lia, and parts of Elia. Staying outside Mykonos Town also changes the feel of the trip considerably.
Skip Mykonos if beaches are not important, you dislike expensive destinations, or you want a long list of historical sights. Do not skip it simply because you are not interested in nightlife.
Which Island Has Better Scenery?
→ Santorini.
The caldera is one of the most dramatic landscapes in the Mediterranean. Villages sit high above the sea, hotels are carved into volcanic cliffs, and almost every caldera walk opens to another exceptional view.
Mykonos is beautiful in a more intimate way. Mykonos Town has narrow whitewashed lanes, tiny churches, colorful balconies, windmills, bougainvillea, and attractive waterfront views.
Mykonos is prettier at street level. Santorini is more spectacular overall.
Which Island Has Better Beaches?
→ Mykonos.
If your perfect day means spending six hours on soft sand, swimming in clear water, ordering lunch to your sunbed, and staying until late afternoon, choose Mykonos.
The south-coast beaches are the island’s strongest feature. Some are relaxed and family-friendly, while others have restaurants, music, and major beach clubs.
Santorini’s volcanic beaches are interesting rather than beautiful in the classic Greek-island sense. Perissa, Perivolos, Kamari, Vlychada, and Red Beach are worth seeing, but beaches are not the reason to choose Santorini.
Which Island Has Better Hotels?
Both have excellent hotels, but the experience is different.
Santorini hotels are the destination. Guests spend hours on private terraces, in plunge pools, or at infinity pools because the caldera view is the main attraction. The best stays are small, romantic, and built into the cliff.
Mykonos hotels support the destination. They are places to return to after the beach, shopping, lunch, or a night out. The island is stronger for beachfront resorts, larger pools, stylish design hotels, and properties suited to groups or families.
Choose Santorini for cave suites, caldera views, and private plunge pools.
Choose Mykonos for beachfront resorts, larger pools, and easier access to swimming.
For a honeymoon or anniversary, I would choose Santorini.
Which Island Is More Romantic?
→ Santorini.
Private terraces, sunset views, cliffside restaurants, cave suites, and catamaran cruises make Santorini one of the world’s great couples destinations.
Mykonos is also romantic, especially around Agios Ioannis, Psarou, or quieter boutique hotels, but its overall energy is more social and outward-facing.
For a honeymoon, anniversary, or proposal trip, Santorini is the clear choice.
Which Island Is More Relaxing?
It depends on what relaxation means to you.
Santorini is more relaxing if you want to sit beside a private pool, read on a quiet terrace, and watch the caldera for hours. Stay in Imerovigli, Firostefani, Akrotiri, or Pyrgos rather than central Fira or Oia.
Mykonos is more relaxing if you want to swim every day and spend long afternoons at the beach. Avoid the loudest beach clubs and choose a quieter beach hotel.
If relaxation means a peaceful hotel with an extraordinary view, choose Santorini.
If relaxation means swimming and sand, choose Mykonos.
Which Island Has Better Food?
→ This is close.
Santorini has excellent fine dining, romantic caldera restaurants, strong local produce, and a serious wine culture built around Assyrtiko. Its best meals are part of the sightseeing experience.
Mykonos offers more cosmopolitan variety, excellent seafood, upscale beach restaurants, and a stronger late-night dining scene. It is easier to build an entire day around beach, lunch, shopping, drinks, and dinner.
Food alone should not determine the choice. Both islands are excellent, though Mykonos is usually more expensive.
Which Island Has Better Nightlife?
→ Mykonos.
It has beach clubs, cocktail bars, sunset venues, clubs, late-night restaurants, and far more energy after midnight.
Santorini nightlife is centered in Fira and is much smaller. Most visitors prioritize sunset drinks, dinner, wine bars, and returning to their hotel rather than staying out until dawn.
Choose Mykonos for nightlife. Choose Santorini for romantic evenings.
Which Island Has Better Shopping?
→ Mykonos.
Mykonos Town has designer shops, jewelry stores, galleries, boutiques, local fashion, souvenirs, and attractive streets that make browsing part of the experience.
Santorini has good shops in Oia and Fira, but shopping is secondary to the views, hotels, wineries, and sightseeing.
Which Island Has Better History?
It depends on how much effort you want to make.
Santorini has Akrotiri and Ancient Thera directly on the island. Akrotiri is one of Greece’s most compelling archaeological sites and fits easily into a day of sightseeing.
Mykonos is the gateway to Delos, one of the most important ancient sites in Greece. Delos is historically more significant, but it requires a boat excursion and several hours.
Santorini is easier for casual sightseeing. Mykonos and Delos are better for travelers with a serious interest in ancient Greece.
Which Island Is Better Without a Car?
→ Santorini.
Stay in Fira, Firostefani, or Imerovigli and it’s easy to combine walking, buses, taxis, hotel transfers, and tours. Fira is the transportation hub and the best base without a vehicle.
Mykonos also works without a car when you stay in Mykonos Town, Ornos, Platis Gialos, or another beach with reliable bus access. The difficulty comes when you want to move between several beaches, especially late at night or during peak season.
Neither island requires a car for a short visit, but Santorini is easier to plan without one.
Which Island Feels More Crowded?
Santorini’s crowds are concentrated around Oia before sunset, central Fira, the cable-car area, and a few famous viewpoints.
Mykonos feels busiest in Mykonos Town at night and at the most popular beaches during the day.
Santorini’s crowding is more visible because many visitors gather for the same views at the same time. Mykonos spreads visitors between the town, beaches, restaurants, hotels, and clubs.
On either island, hotel location and daily timing matter more than the overall visitor count.
Which Island Is More Expensive?
Both are among Greece’s most expensive islands, but Mykonos is usually the pricier vacation once you arrive.
Santorini’s best caldera hotels cost more than comparable Mykonos hotels, especially in Oia and Imerovigli. But everyday expenses are easier to control.
Mykonos costs add up through beach clubs, sunbeds, cocktails, restaurants, taxis, nightlife, and minimum-spend policies at fashionable venues.
Budget carefully on either island. On Mykonos, confirm prices before ordering at high-profile beach clubs and waterfront restaurants.
Which Island Is Better in Spring or Fall?
→ Santorini.
Santorini works well outside peak summer because its main attractions are scenery, villages, hiking, wine, archaeology, and hotels with caldera views. April, early May, October, and even late October are still great.
Mykonos depends much more on warm beach weather. In April and early May, many beach businesses are still opening and the sea is cool. By late October, much of the seasonal beach and nightlife scene has closed.
Choose Santorini outside the main swimming season.
Which Island Changes More by Season?
→ Mykonos.
From June through September, Mykonos feels energetic and complete. Beaches, clubs, restaurants, shops, hotels, and boat tours are fully operating.
Outside those months, the island becomes quiet quickly. That can be appealing, but it is a different trip and not the classic Mykonos experience most visitors expect.
Santorini also changes by season, but less dramatically. Even when beach weather is uncertain, the caldera, villages, archaeological sites, wineries, and walking routes remain compelling.
How Long Should You Stay?
→ Santorini
- 2 nights: Enough for the highlights, but rushed.
- 3 nights: Good for most first visits.
- 4 nights: Ideal and relaxed.
- 5 nights: Worthwhile for slow travel, hotel time, beaches, or several tours.
Mykonos
- 2 nights: Enough for Mykonos Town and one beach day.
- 3 nights: Good for most visitors.
- 4 nights: Better for several beaches, Delos, and relaxed evenings.
- 5 nights: Best for serious beach time and nightlife.
Which Island Disappoints Travelers More?
Santorini disappoints travelers when:
- They stay away from the caldera to save money but expect the full Santorini experience.
- They expect soft sandy beaches.
- They visit only during the busiest cruise-ship hours.
- They attempt a rushed day trip.
- They book a hotel with difficult stairs without understanding the layout.
Mykonos disappoints travelers when:
- They underestimate the cost.
- They expect extensive sightseeing.
- They visit outside beach season expecting the full summer atmosphere.
- They choose a hotel far from both Mykonos Town and the beaches.
- They assume every beach is a loud party beach.
Which Island Surprises Visitors?
Santorini surprises people because it is larger and more varied than the famous photographs suggest. It has wineries, villages, hiking, archaeological sites, beach towns, and quiet areas well beyond Oia.
Mykonos surprises people because it is much prettier and more relaxed than its party reputation suggests. Mykonos Town is beautiful, the beaches are genuinely excellent, and it is easy to have a wonderful trip without visiting a single club.
Should You Visit Both?
Yes, whenever you have at least six or seven nights.
Santorini gives you the postcard Greece most first-time visitors dream about. Mykonos gives you the polished beach vacation many travelers return for.
They are connected by seasonal ferries, and the trip works best when you fly into one island, take the ferry between them, and fly home from the other rather than backtracking through Athens.
A good seven-night itinerary is:
- 3 nights in Mykonos.
- 4 nights in Santorini.
I prefer starting in Mykonos and finishing in Santorini. Mykonos delivers beaches and energy at the beginning of the trip, while Santorini provides the more dramatic ending.
Do not visit either as a day trip from the other. Port transfers, ferry boarding, sailing time, and local transportation consume too much of the day. Spend at least two nights on the second island.
My Recommendation
If I could visit only one on my first trip to Greece: Santorini.
If I wanted the best beach vacation: Mykonos.
If I had one week: Mykonos and Santorini.
If I were returning to Greece after already seeing Santorini: Mykonos.
Santorini gives you one of the world’s great landscapes and a hotel experience that cannot be duplicated elsewhere.
Mykonos gives you better beaches, more nightlife, stronger shopping, and a more social vacation.
With enough time, visit both. They are different enough that neither feels like a repeat of the other.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mykonos or Santorini better for a first visit?
Santorini. Its caldera, cliffside villages, cave hotels, and volcanic scenery make it more unique and memorable for most first-time visitors.
Is Mykonos or Santorini better for beaches?
Mykonos. It has better sand, clearer and easier swimming, more beach restaurants, and a wider choice of organized and quiet beaches.
Is Mykonos or Santorini better for a honeymoon?
Santorini. The caldera views, romantic cave hotels, private plunge pools, sunset dinners, and boat cruises are difficult to beat.
Is Mykonos only for nightlife?
No. Mykonos is also excellent for beaches, hotels, restaurants, shopping, and boat trips. Many visitors never go to a nightclub.
Which island is more expensive?
Both are expensive, but Mykonos costs more once beach clubs, restaurants, cocktails, taxis, and nightlife are included.
Can I visit Mykonos and Santorini on the same trip?
Yes. They are easy to combine by seasonal ferry, and three nights in Mykonos with four nights in Santorini makes an excellent one-week itinerary.
Should I take a day trip between Mykonos and Santorini?
No. The travel time and port logistics leave too little time on the island. Stay at least two nights instead.
Do I need a car in Mykonos or Santorini?
No, provided you choose the right hotel location. Santorini is easier without a car, while Mykonos works best without one when you stay in Mykonos Town or at a beach with good bus service.
Which island is better outside summer?
Santorini. Its views, villages, wineries, hiking, and archaeological sites remain worthwhile when the weather is too cool for a traditional beach trip.
Santorini Dave was started in 2011 when I posted a short guide to visiting Santorini with kids. Now, my site publishes regularly updated guides to 
Hey Dave,
Very helpful information.
I am planning to visit Greece in mid-December for my honeymoon. I like to party & stay in a lively place. Which Island will you suggest?
There are no big parties or open clubs in December on any of the Greek islands. But while Mykonos is very quiet in December, I like Santorini in December as it still has a little life and plenty to see and do.
Hi
My husband and I are thinking about going to Greece for a 5-day break in late August/ early September. We are thinking of Santorini or Mykonos. I would ideally like somewhere that has a beach and my husband would Like somewhere where we can eat out and shop. Please can you advise the best place for us?
I’d stay in Mykonos Town (great restaurants and the best shopping in the Greek islands) and take the bus through the day to Ornos, Platis Gialos, Paradise, or Elia Beaches.
Hi! We are planning our honeymoon and our flight flying into Athens from the US is September 21-28. We arrive in Athens on the 22nd. I’m trying to decide between Santorini and Mykonos. We envision spending 2 days in Athens but not sure about the rest of the time. Typical vacations that we have been sans kids we have spent the day drinking, bar hopping during the day, having some cocktails on the beach or in the pool, my fiancé loves water sports, scuba diving, and snorkeling and exploring islands with ATVs or dune buggies. Also, love great food. Wondering what would be the best way to spend our time ….thanks!
Mykonos is better for beaches and day drinking clubs. Santorini is better for exploring, cool day trips, and scuba diving. I’d recommend 3 nights in both. Any less and I’d choose one and stick with it.
Hi Dave!
I have a question regarding ferries from Mykonos to Athens. I’ve read on your site that you should take a longer ferry if you’re prone to sea sickness, but I’m super torn. A few years ago we took a high speed ferry from Mykonos to Santorini (took about 3 hours with all the stops) and were miserable. We later took a really long ferry on the Blue Star Naxos from Naxos to Athens and were equally as miserable (if not worse) than we were on the high speed ferry. Any advice on which ferry to take from Mykonos to Athens in early August (1st week)? There’s a high speed jet that takes less than 3 hours that looks rather tempting.
I really appreciate your help! Thank you so much.
As long as it’s a large high-speed ferry, I think you’ll be fine. Just don’t take the smaller ferries, like the SeaJet2.
Hi Dave!
We have two weeks in May and visiting Greek islands for the first time.
We like beautiful nature, hiking, swimming, and uncrowded places.
At the same time, we would like to see some iconic sites like the caldera in Santorini.
We re happy to self-cater as well as eat out.
Please help out.
In my opinion, Naxos is closest to your requirements.
Hi Dave,
My husband and I are planning an 11 day Greece trip in September. We know we want to do Athens and a couple islands. Santorini is a must, but can’t decide on a second island. Right now this is what we are thinking for an itinerary:
2 Days in Athens
4 days in an island (Mykonos or Crete?) – open to other ideas
4 days in Santorini
1 day Athens to fly back to NY
Does that seem like enough time in each place? We just want to see the main attractions in Athens. When it comes to the islands, we would like a mix of nature, history, and beaches. We love going out for nice dinners, but aren’t big on partying. Would love any thoughts you have on a second island and the itinerary.
For nature, history, and beaches I recommend Crete and Naxos. But with just 4 days, Naxos is manageable, while Crete is too big.
Wonderful site Dave. Best information I have come across as I plan a trip. My husband and I are planning a trip for us and our 3 daughters (ages 18,19,21) May 21st-31st. We are wanting to do Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini. I have read several of your responses to others and understand that in your opinion it makes little difference in which order. Originally, I wanted to do one night in Athens on the front end and one on the tail end, go to Mykonos for 3 nights, and then Santorini for 4 nights. Now I am thinking about just doing Athens on the tail end for 2 consecutive nights. Our Delta flight gets to Athens at 9:40AM (May 22nd) and the flight on Olympic is at 10:45AM and 4:30PM is the next flight. Is it possible to make that connecting flight in 1 hour so we could go ahead and get to Mykonos earlier rather than later? Thanks for any advice!
I would go straight to Santorini from Athens. Given your plans this has two advantages. First, there are more flights to Santorini than Mykonos in May so now you’ll have 11:55am, 1:30pm, and 2:00pm options which are better than the Mykonos choices. (I’d personally do the 11:55 flight). Second, you have 2 shortish ferry trips to get back to Athens (Santorini to Mykonos, Mykonos to Athens) rather than a short one and a long one (Santorini to Athens is pretty far). Doing the Athens visit all-together at the end of your trip is best regardless of the islands.
Hi Dave,
Thank you for this wonderful site, hands down The BEST!! Me and my wife (both late 40s) are visiting Greece for the first time from April 21 to May 1. Initially we only plan to visit only Santorini but was encouraged by our friends to visit Mykonos as well. We have already bought our return flight from Athens to Santorini but are willing to let go the Athens to Santorini flight to go to Mykonos by ferry instead.
After reading your site, I’m wondering is it worth to go to Mykonos since it’s mid April? Will it be “happening” at the beaches and clubs? We plan to stay 2 nights in Mykonos. I’ve yet to book any hotels so your advise will be truly appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
Jino
No, it won’t be “happening” at the beaches and clubs in April. They won’t be open at all. There will be some low key nightlife in Mykonos Town in April but that’s it.
Hi Dave,
After reading your blog – I feel even more stuck!! You have really shown the best of both places. I am going to Greece next May and have from Saturday 19th 10:00am until Thursday 24th 6am (5 nights).
I am going with my boyfriend and we are both 21. We do love to party every now and then but also love dinners with nice views (especially sunsets), swimming, lying on the beach, exploring on motorbikes, hiking etc. We also do not have a lot of money (I know the islands are expensive).
I would love your opinion on whether you think we should do one or both? I have noticed you can get really cheap flights with RyanAir in between the islands which means we could do 2.5 in each.
Thanks for your help.
Sophie
Since you’re keen on both islands I would do both. Though Mykonos and Santorini can be expensive it’s easy to find cheap hotels on both, especially in May. Just don’t stay directly on the beach (in Mykonos) or directly on the caldera (in Santorini).
We are looking to go to Greece in mid August for 2 weeks. It will be my wife, me, our 14 and 11 year old boys and my mother in law. We love the beach, fun authentic villages with good restaurants, some shopping, ice cream, and atmosphere. We would like to rent a house with pool close to a village if possible. My wife is from Brazil and we love interesting culture and people. We were thinking of going to Naxos or Paros and then a friend who went said we should really do a few nights in Athens and then 5 or 6 nights each on Mykonos and Santorini. I told him I was worried that they are too touristy in August and he said they are heavily trafficked because they are incredible and that for a first trip we should go to these and consider Naxos/Paris next time. I would greatly appreciate your thoughts. Thanks.
All are great islands and all will be busy in August. It comes down to what you’re looking for.
Santorini: Great views, more activities and tours than the other islands. Swimming is great but beaches are (mainly) pebbley.
Mykonos: Nightlife and beaches.
Naxos: Interesting inland villages and great beaches.
Paros: A mix of Naxos and Mykonos. Good beaches and relaxed nightlife.
Thanks for this great article! My husband and I will be traveling to Mykonos the second week of May this year. I was reading some other places that the main tourist season (and party time) for Mykonos starts late May. Do you think we’ll miss out on the party scene completely by going so early? We’re just hoping at least some of the bars/clubs will be open. K.P.
Plenty of bars will be open in Mykonos Town by mid May but the big clubs and d.j. parties don’t start until June.
Dear Dave, thank you so much for this site! It really helped us to decide where we want to go. My Friend and I are not exactly beach goers. We just love to explore. So based on your website recommendations, we have chosen:
Santorini
– explore the paths, alleys & stairwells of Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli and Oia
– take the cable car from Old Port to FIFA
– check out the outdoor cinema at Kamari
– walk the volcano
– watch the sunset at Oia and have dinner with a view of the Caldera
– visit ancient Akrotiri
– visit Pyrogos Old Town
– dinner at Amoudi Bay
Mykonos
– stroll around Mykonos town
– visit Little Venice
– visit Armenistis Lighthouse
– visit Super Paradise Beach
– visit Elia beach
Given our places to go for Santorini and Mykonos, how many days do you advise that we need for each place and if we would need a car to travel around? We are intending to visit on 20 May
With that itinerary, I’d recommend 5 days on Santorini and 3 days on Mykonos.
Hi Dave,
I thought I posted a couple of days ago but can’t seem to find it, so I apologize if this is a duplicate.
My husband and I (28 years old) are planning a trip to Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, Venice and Rome in September of next year. We have to travel after the 14th due to work schedules. We’re planning 3 nights in each location. Currently, the flights we are looking at arrive in Athens at 9am and we found a flight to Santorini (arriving around 11am) on the 4th day of vacation.
My struggles are… in the research I have found, I’m confused about ferries, timing and the time of year. Will we be able to take a ferry from Santorini to Mykonos at the end of September? Who would we book through? I’m not a huge fan of the flight options considering we have to go back to Athens and then to Mykonos. Would the ferry be best if available? Do we need to purchase ahead of time?
If ferries are not an option, do you know of any nonstop flight options that time of year between Santorini and Mykonos? I read that there was 1 airline that does this during certain dates but I couldn’t figure out the dates. (Too early I’m guessing)
Is it worth spending 3 nights in each location or do we just skip Mykonos and spend more time in our other locations? I really like the differences of the island and Santorini is nonnegotiable. We aren’t party goers but the beaches, windmills, old town, and streets interest my in Mykonos.
Any thoughts, order of the trip, islands vs Athens first and order, type of travel, time there- please let me know.
Thank you!
Carina
In September there is a daily ferry from Santorini to Mykonos that departs at 11am and arrives in Mykonos at 1:30pm. It’s on the Highspeed 7 which is a larger and very nice ferry. Book in advance on the Ferryhopper site. I would also recommend flying directly from Mykonos to Venice instead of going via Athens (since you’ll already have been there). Volotea has daily direct flights that depart Mykonos at 11:35 and land in Venice at 1pm. There are flights every day between September 20 and 29 (except the 25th and 26th).
Dave,
This is the best guide that I have found.
So we are looking to fly into Milan for a few days, and then Milan to Santorini for 4 days, then Ferry over to Mykonos for 4 days. Do you think this will be enough time to spend in each place. I am big beach person so I definitely want to spend adequate time on the beaches.
Kia
4 days in each is great. I usually recommend a day to or two more in Santorini (than Mykonos) but since beaches are a priority then 4/4 is perfect.
We are planning our honeymoon for October 2nd through approximately the 12th and so far we have Santorini on the list. I was wondering if it would be worth going to Mykonos around that time as well or if everything mostly shuts down?
Colby
Mykonos will be much quieter in early October (than the summer months) but still have plenty open – no parties, few clubs, but almost all restaurants and hotels will be open until mid/late October. With a little luck weather should still be warm enough to enjoy the beaches.
Traveling as two couples in late April for 7 full days. Flying into Athens in the evening and then leave for home in the early morning. We would like to see the history in Athens and Santorini but not opposed to a second island. We are all active late 20s-early 30s with no kids.
1. Would you recommend putting sightseeing in Athens at the beginning or the end of our trip?
2. Would you suggest:
2 days in Athens/5 in Santorini, or
1 full day in Athens/2.5 Mykonos/3.5 Santorini (.5 would be the ferry day between island), or
something else?
3. I looked into going straight to Santorini off our flight into Athens, but it would require a 2 hour layover with an unconnected itinerary and that seems a bit risky being the last flight of the night. Do you have any other creative ideas?
Thanks! Amanda
I would leave the sightseeing in Athens until the end (this also gives you a safety day should any ferries be canceled so you won’t miss your flight home). I like staying the night at the Sofitel at Athens Airport (an easy walk from the terminal) and catch the first flight in the morning to Santorini. If you wanted to see another island I would see Naxos, as Mykonos will be very quiet in April and there’s more to see in Naxos. Most ferries from Santorini to Athens stop in Naxos so it’s easy to make a 1 or 2 night stopover.
Hey Dave,
Fabulous website this!
We’re getting married around mid April and are planning our honey moon in Greece from 22nd April (landing in Athens) to 6th May. We’d like to do Athens, Mykonos, Santorini, Crete. Would this be a good time to enjoy the beaches? Or is it wiser to do Spain during this time period and come back to Greece when the weather is more agreeable? We were looking forward to leisure by the beaches during the day and partying/romantic dinners through the evenings.
Ajay Deoskar
The weather will be nice but beach weather is uncertain until about mid-May. Crete is warmer than the others so with a bit of luck you could get some warm/hot days at the end of your trip. Southern Spain is a little warmer than Greece but not by much. You won’t be finding any true hot summer days anywhere in Europe that early in the season.