Santorini, Mykonos or Paros: which island should you choose?
The three most popular islands in the Cyclades are very different. The choice mostly depends on what you want from your holiday.
- Santorini is for views, sunsets and couples. Its beaches are volcanic and less impressive.
- Mykonos is for nightlife, beach clubs and good beaches, and it's the most expensive of the three.
- Paros is the most balanced: pretty villages, plenty of beaches, good for families and usually cheaper.
Honeymooning couple? Santorini. Friends out to party? Mykonos. A family, or anyone wanting a bit of everything? Paros. You can also combine two in one trip, as ferries run between them.
Santorini, Greece: no, it isn't in Crete
First, a question many people search for. Santorini is a Greek island in the Cyclades, just like Mykonos and Paros. It is not part of Crete. Crete is a separate, much larger island south of Santorini. Ferries link the two in season, so you can combine them in one trip. Our Crete guide.
Santorini, Mykonos or Paros: the comparison
| Santorini | Mykonos | Paros | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atmosphere | caldera views, sunsets, hotels with private pools | nightlife, beach clubs, fashion | white villages, fishing harbours, more relaxed |
| Beaches | volcanic (black and red); not its strong point | good, well-developed sandy beaches | lots of varied beaches |
| Best for | couples, honeymoons, photography | partying, young crowds, celebrations | families, couples, a bit of everything |
| Cost | expensive | the most expensive | usually cheaper than the other two |
For a price breakdown: how expensive is Greece, island by island.
A trip to Santorini: who is it for?
Santorini is a volcanic island. Its villages, Oia and Fira, sit on the edge of the caldera, which is where the famous sunsets are watched. It's an island for couples and for people who come for the views and the food, not the beaches. Our Santorini guide · Santorini with kids.
Santorini or Mykonos: what's the difference?
Mykonos is known for its nightlife, beach clubs and better beaches. Its main town, Chora, is pretty and full of shops and bars. Santorini is quieter at night, and the view is the main event. Our Mykonos guide · Mykonos with kids. For ferries between the two, see Santorini–Mykonos–Ios ferries.
Santorini or Paros: why Paros?
Paros sits in the middle of the Cyclades. It has lovely villages such as Naoussa and Parikia, plenty of beaches, and nightlife without Mykonos's extremes. It works well for families and makes a good base for hopping to other islands. Our Paros guide · Mykonos–Paros–Naxos ferries.
Weather: is there a difference?
| Santorini | Mykonos | Paros (Naxos data) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| June, max / sea | 28° / 22° | 27° / 22° | 28° / 21.5° |
| September, max / sea | 27° / 24° | 26° / 23° | 27° / 23.5° |
Source: Climates to Travel. There's no table for Paros, so we use neighbouring Naxos. The differences are small. All three islands get the summer north wind, the meltemi, and it is felt most on Mykonos.
Getting there
All three islands have an airport and ferries from Athens. Santorini is the furthest of the three from Piraeus.
Kosher food
According to Chabad of Greece, there is a Chabad house on Mykonos. Chabad houses in Greece · Shabbat in Greece.
FAQ
Is Santorini in Crete? No. Santorini is an island in the Cyclades, separate from Crete. Ferries link them in season.
Santorini or Mykonos for a couple? For romance and views, Santorini. For going out at night, Mykonos.
Which island is best for families? Paros. It has plenty of easy beaches, pleasant villages and usually lower prices.
Can I combine two islands in one trip? Yes. In season there are direct ferries between all three. Allow at least three nights per island.
