Comparison · Athens vs Mykonos · Greece
Athens vs Mykonos
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Andrew Parlette, CC BY 4.0
Quick answer
Choose Athens for Acropolis and Parthenon, Ancient Greek history and lower day-to-day costs; choose Mykonos for Little Venice and Windmills of Kato Mili. Athens is generally less expensive, and the two are about 153 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 153 km
- Less expensive
- Athens
- Best time for Athens
- April–June and September–October
- Best time for Mykonos
- June and September
Side by side
| Athens | Mykonos | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Greece | Greece |
| Known for | Acropolis and Parthenon, Ancient Greek history and Acropolis Museum | Little Venice, Windmills of Kato Mili and Beach clubs |
| Best time to visit | April–June and September–October | June and September |
| Ideal stay | 3 days | 4 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $140–$260 | $250–$450 |
| Cost level | Moderately priced | Very expensive |
| Warmest month | July, 33°C (91°F) | July, 28°C (82°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 13°C (55°F) | January, 14°C (57°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 9 | 8 |
| Day trips in our guide | 6 | 5 |
| Beaches | Edem Beach, Palaio Faliro | Ornos |
| Airports | ATH | JMK |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Athens for…
Acropolis and Parthenon, Ancient Greek history and lower day-to-day costs. Athens wraps a sprawling modern capital around the Acropolis, whose Parthenon is visible from rooftops all over the centre. Most visitors stay in the walkable historic core of Plaka, Monastiraki, Koukaki and Syntagma, where the Acropolis Museum, the Ancient…
Choose Mykonos for…
Little Venice and Windmills of Kato Mili. Mykonos is a small, dry Cycladic island whose main town, Chora, is a maze of whitewashed lanes, blue-shuttered houses and chapels around an old harbour. Its row of windmills and the balconied seafront of Little Venice are among the most photographed sights…
Top sights compared
| # | Athens | Mykonos |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Acropolis and Parthenon | Little Venice |
| 2 | Acropolis Museum | Kato Mili windmills |
| 3 | Ancient Agora and Temple of Hephaestus | Panagia Paraportiani |
| 4 | Plaka and Anafiotika | Delos |
| 5 | Temple of Olympian Zeus and Hadrian's Arch | Archaeological Museum of Mykonos |
Food compared
| Athens | Mykonos |
|---|---|
| Souvlaki and gyros | Kopanisti |
| Greek salad | Louza |
| Moussaka | Mostra |
| Koulouri | Mykonian onion pie |
Which is cheaper?
Athens is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $140–$260 per person there, against $250–$450 in Mykonos (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Athens on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Athens and Mykonos are about 153 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 3 days in Athens and 4 in Mykonos.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Athens or Mykonos cheaper?
Athens is usually less expensive: about $140–$260 a day mid-range against $250–$450 (estimates).
+Is Athens or Mykonos better for a first trip?
Pick Athens for Acropolis and Parthenon, Ancient Greek history and lower day-to-day costs, or Mykonos for Little Venice and Windmills of Kato Mili.
+How far is Athens from Mykonos?
About 153 km in a straight line.