Santorini vs Mykonos: which Greek island is right for you?
Santorini and Mykonos are the two most famous Greek islands. Santorini is the volcanic island with its iconic white cube houses above the caldera, ideal for couples and photographers. Mykonos is known for its lively nightlife, beautiful beaches and cosmopolitan atmosphere. Both are directly accessible from the Netherlands, but differ greatly in character and cost.
Plan your trip to Santorini: flight, hotel and total price in one go
Plan your Santorini trip: flight, hotel and total price at once
Updated: 19 October 2026
Choose Santorini for a romantic holiday, spectacular caldera views and a quieter atmosphere. Choose Mykonos for lively beach and nightlife, cosmopolitan shopping and more action. Santorini is slightly cheaper for hotels; flights from Amsterdam cost around 200 to 300 euros return for both islands in low season.
Santorini
Volcanic island with the world-famous caldera views from Oia and Fira. White cube houses above the blue-domed churches, black and red beaches and a quiet romantic atmosphere.
Flight from Amsterdam: from around 200 euros return (KLM, Transavia)
View Santorini →Mykonos
Cosmopolitan island with the iconic windmills, Paradise Beach and lively nightlife. More expensive than Santorini, but popular with everyone who combines nightlife and beach.
Flight from Amsterdam: from around 280 euros return (Transavia, KLM)
View Mykonos →Santorini vs Mykonos at a glance
| Santorini | Mykonos | |
|---|---|---|
| Airport (IATA) | JTR (Thira) | JMK (Mykonos) |
| Return flight from Amsterdam | from around 200 euros | from around 280 euros |
| Flight time from Amsterdam | approx. 3 hours 40 min | approx. 3 hours 30 min |
| Atmosphere | Romantic, quiet, photogenic | Lively, cosmopolitan, festive |
| Best for | Couples, honeymoons, relaxation seekers | Groups, singles, beach lovers |
| Beaches | Black beaches (Perissa, Kamari), Red Beach | Paradise Beach, Super Paradise, Elia |
| Nightlife | Quiet (cocktail bars with views) | Lively until the early hours |
| Hotel prices (low season) | From 80 euros per night | From 100 euros per night |
| Food and drinks | Taverna dinner 20 to 35 euros pp | Taverna dinner 25 to 45 euros pp |
| Local transport | ATV/car rental, bus (1.80 euros) | Bus (2 euros), ATV rental, taxi |
| Best months | May, June, September, October | May, June, September, October |
| Ideal duration | 5 to 7 days | 4 to 7 days |
Atmosphere and character compared
Santorini
Santorini is the island of the caldera: a large collapsed volcano around which the villages of Oia, Fira and Imerovigli are situated. The sunset from Oia is among the most beautiful in the world. The island is quiet and romantic, with an atmosphere more geared towards fine dining and wine tasting (local Assyrtiko wine) than nightlife. Cruise ships add crowds in July and August.
Mykonos
Mykonos combines beautiful beaches with cosmopolitan nightlife. The famous windmills near Chora are iconic, but the island also attracts famous DJs and international party visitors. Little Venice with its terraces above the water offers a quieter alternative. Mykonos is more expensive than Santorini but also more versatile.
Best time to visit compared
Santorini
May-June are ideal: pleasant 22 to 26 degrees, few cruise ships and affordable hotels. September-October are almost as good. July-August are the busiest and hottest (28 to 34 degrees); Oia and Fira fill up with day-trippers from cruise ships.
Mykonos
June-September is the real season for Mykonos: beach bars, parties and warm sea water. May is a great choice for those who prefer it quieter. April and October are beautiful but cool (16 to 20 degrees); many beach clubs are closed then.
Flights from the Netherlands compared
Santorini
KLM and Transavia fly direct from Amsterdam to Santorini (JTR) in about 3 hours 40 minutes. In low season (May, September-October) return tickets are available from around 200 euros. In August prices quickly rise to 350 euros or more.
Mykonos
Transavia and KLM fly direct from Amsterdam to Mykonos (JMK) in about 3 hours 30 minutes. The route has slightly fewer options than Santorini, with prices starting around 280 euros return in low season. In peak season this rises to 400 euros and more.
Costs compared: Santorini or Mykonos?
Santorini
A caldera hotel with iconic views can cost 150 to 400 euros per night. Outside the centres of Fira and Oia, hotels from 80 euros per night are also available. Food is comparable to mainland Greece: souvlaki for 4 to 6 euros, taverna dinner 20 to 35 euros per person. Local wine is cheap and excellent.
Mykonos
Mykonos is known as the most expensive Greek island. Hotels start at 100 euros per night outside the centre; in Chora or near the windmills this rises to 300 euros and more. Food and drink is also more expensive than Santorini: cocktails at beach bars 15 to 20 euros, taverna dinner 25 to 45 euros per person.
Who should go where?
Choose Santorini if you...
Are looking for a romantic holiday or honeymoon, enjoy photography (caldera views, white cube houses), prefer fine dining and wine over nightlife, or want to experience the sunset from Oia.
Choose Mykonos if you...
Want to enjoy lively beach bars and nightlife, are travelling with a group of friends, are willing to pay more for a more exclusive atmosphere, or find the mix of luxury shops and beautiful beaches appealing.
Our verdict
Santorini wins for couples, those seeking relaxation and anyone who wants to see the most beautiful sunset in Greece. Mykonos is better for groups, party-goers and those willing to pay more for a luxury beach experience.
Flights to Santorini are often slightly cheaper. For a first visit to the Greek islands, Santorini offers the most unique experience; for a more active holiday, Mykonos is unmatched. Compare current prices and book early.
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