What are the differences between Mykonos and Santorini?

Giota Detsi

Knows a lot about life in Greece2y

What are the differences between Mykonos and Santorini? Which island do you prefer and why?

Olala, this is the battle between the two giants of tourism of the Aegean!

Both islands are unbelievably picturesque with high touristic infrastructure. They both belong to the Cyclades, which means that both have the unique transparent light of the region, clear blue seawater, and the famous white houses. Differences do exist and make each one of them worth a visit.

Santorini’s relief is marked by the local active volcano; the caldera, the bizarre colorful cliff rocks, and the pit houses (that provide excellent protection from earthquakes and the summer heat) are not found on the other islands. And do, believe me, the sense of the volcano is unique (you’ll swim in it!) and so is the view from the cliffs around it.

A less-known fact about Santorini; the island has a unique micro-climate that results in the production of super tasty vegetables. If you ever find the (ugly-looking and small) Theran tomatoes, aubergines, etc., jump on them, they will be the most delicious vegetables you’ll ever taste.

Santorini

Pumice layers in Athinios port, Santorini

Island in the caldera – a large crater, about 10 kilometers in diameter now filled by the sea – which has formed during the major explosive eruptions of the volcano over the past few tens of thousands of years.

A view from above

The volcano in action, 1950.

Sunset at Santorini

Pit house in Santorini

Santorini’s vegetables. Don’t miss the local caper! The white “thing” in the basket is an aubergine, simply delicious.

The Kamari beach with black pebbles….

This is Santorini, an out-of-this-world, romantic island. And now, let’s head North to Mykonos. It’s not far, just 2.5 hours by boat.

Mykonos has no volcano or a unique microclimate but is called the island of winds for a reason… It is an island with low, smooth hills that end in gorgeous beaches….I mean a lot of gorgeous beaches (there are around 50). Sun, sea, traditional architecture, high-end nightlife, and a truly sensual atmosphere are all the island offers but does it close to perfection…

Both islands are top summer destinations and both are worth a visit. Which is my favorite?

This is a difficult dilemma….but I have a winner, it’s Mykonos!

Why? Because even though I’ve been several times there, I, an archeophile, never managed to make the 10′ trip to Delos. Mykonos has its way to keep you there…