Compare
Ios vs Santorini
Which Greek island should you actually pick?
Pick Ios for
nightlife, beaches, value for money
Pick Santorini for
relaxation, culture, a romantic trip, food
At a glance
| Ios | Santorini | |
|---|---|---|
| Region | Cyclades | Cyclades |
| Cost | €€€ | €€€ |
| Crowds in August | Busy in peak | Busy in peak |
| Best months | Jun – Aug | May, Jun, Sep, Oct |
| Getting there from Athens | 7h ferry | Flight or ferry |
Scored side by side
| Ios | Santorini | |
|---|---|---|
| Beaches | ||
| Nightlife | ||
| Food | ||
| Culture | ||
| Nature | ||
| Family | ||
| Accessibility | ||
| Value for money |
Ios
The catch
Almost exclusively a party destination. There is very little else going on and the scene can feel relentless.
Hidden gem
Homer's Tomb at the north end of the island — a quiet windswept ruin most party-island visitors never bother with.
Santorini
The catch
Extremely expensive and overwhelmingly crowded from June to August. Cruise ships dump thousands of day-trippers into Oia daily.
Hidden gem
Skip Oia at sunset and watch it from a wine tasting at Santo Wines instead — same caldera view, glass in hand, half the elbows.
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