A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mykonos vs. Porto for Food, Nightlife, Old Town, and Couples

Should you visit Mykonos or Porto?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Mykonos and Porto. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Mykonos

Mykonos is a opulent, picturesque, and postcard perfect Greek island. Many visitors also come to Mykonos because of it's amazing beauty. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums. See Mykonos travel costs.

Porto

Porto is a historic, cultural, and cosmopolitan port city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. The beauty of Porto is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping. See Porto travel costs.

Mykonos and Porto: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for shopping


Is there more to do in Mykonos or Porto?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Mykonos than Porto. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Mykonos is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Porto attracts visitors for its museums and attractions and big city activities. Mykonos is more touristy than Porto and is popular for its active party scene, luxury accommodation, and picturesque villages. It is also well known for the traditional windmills near Chora. Porto is famous for its authentic old town and the local port wine.

How is Mykonos different from Porto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Porto and Mykonos. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Mykonos or Porto?

Mykonos
Porto

Porto is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Mykonos is not as famous, but is still a good Greek island to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Porto. With such a long history, there are many landmarks and sights in the city. Popular attractions include the Clérigos Tower, Palácio da Bolsa, and Igreja de São Francisco.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Mykonos. Visitors enjoy checking out the windmills and churches around the island. You can also hop over to Delos to see its archeological sites.


Is the Food Better in Mykonos or Porto? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Mykonos
Porto

Dining out at restaurants in both Mykonos and Porto can be an enjoyable experience.

Eat your way through Mykonos, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Like most things on the island, food is expensive, but its also very good. Make sure you try the louza sausage, kopanisti cheese, and melopita pie.

For foodies, Porto is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The area's cuisine combines the ocean setting with the agriculture of the surrounding area, so you'll enjoy both seafood dishes as well as fresh meats and vegetables. The area is also famous for its Port wines and red wines. There are plenty of cellar tours as well was waterfront seafood restaurants to choose from.

Is Mykonos or Porto Better for Nightlife?

Mykonos
Porto

Mykonos is very popular for nightlife. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for nightlife and partying.

Mykonos is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. With many exclusive clubs and bars, this island is among the best for nightlife in Greece. Popular options include Tropicana Club, Scarpa, and Super Paradise Beach Club.

Porto offers plenty to do in the evening. This city comes to life in the evening, particularly on weekends when locals and tourists alike flock to the many bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.

Is Mykonos or Porto Better for Resorts?

Mykonos
Porto

Mykonos is very popular for its luxury resorts. However, Porto is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Mykonos is a perfect choice. There are many world class luxury resorts on the island that offer a variety of amenities including pools, restaurants, and spas. Popular options include Myconian Avaton Resort, Myconian Imperial Resort and Villas, and Myconian Utopia Resort.

Porto is not a resort destination.


Is Mykonos or Porto Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Mykonos
Porto

Mykonos is a great Greek island for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Porto is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in Mykonos. There are many good diving and snorkeling spots around the island include shipwrecks and reefs with good visibility.

Porto is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mykonos or Porto Better for Beaches?

Mykonos
Porto

Mykonos is a great Greek island for its beaches. However, Porto is not a beach destination.

Mykonos is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. This island has become popular for its sandy beaches, but these days they come with a high price. Many are lined with umbrellas and sunbeds that you can rent. They often have bars that bring high energy and loud music. The water is often calm enough to enjoy swimming or water sports. Most of the best beaches are on the southern side of the island, but there are less crowds on the northern side, although the weather may not be as good.

Porto is not a beach destination.

Is Mykonos or Porto Better for its Old Town?

Mykonos
Porto

Mykonos is very popular for its historic old town. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its old town.

Mykonos has a world-famous historical area. Chora, the old town and largest town on the island, is filled with windmills, cafes, churches, and charming streets. It's a scenic area that has long been popular for its beautiful setting.

Many visitors go to Porto to see the historical old town. Known as Porto Ribeira, the city's historic district is the most visited part of the town. It begins on the banks of the River Douro and climbs into the hills behind it.


Is Mykonos or Porto Better for Hiking?

Mykonos
Porto

Mykonos is mediocre for hiking. However, Porto is not a hiking destination.

Mykonos has hiking trails for those that seek them out. This island doesn't have any real hiking but you can walk to the beach along the road. The island is mostly flat.

Porto is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Mykonos or Porto?

Mykonos
Porto

Mykonos is very popular for shopping. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Mykonos. This island has become the playground for celebrities and the wealthy, so there are plenty of shopping opportunities in town.

Porto offers some nice shopping areas. The city has both your standard shopping mall stores as well as local vendors and boutique shops.

Is Mykonos or Porto More Beautiful?

Mykonos
Porto

Mykonos is very popular for its scenery and beauty. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its scenery and beauty.

Many visitors also come to Mykonos because of it's amazing beauty. With its stunning blue waters and postcard perfect towns, this island is filled with beauty.

The beauty of Porto is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The city sits beautifully on the water and it has a charming atmosphere.


Is Mykonos or Porto Better for Families?

Mykonos
Porto

Porto is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. However, Mykonos is not a good Greek island for its kid-friendly activities.

Porto is a very kid-friendly port city. The city has several cool museums including the interactive museum - The World of Discoveries. There are also parks, playgrounds, zoos, and aquariums that you can explore. For families that enjoy being outside, this is a great city. Kids will enjoy spotting street art, riding the funicular, and taking a cellar tour. If the kids need a break from the city, head to the beach for the day.

Mykonos is not always a place people visit with their families. This island is a bit of a party destination, so many people choose alternative islands when visiting Greece with their kids. If you do head to Mykonos, you'll find nice beaches and some good museums.

Is Mykonos or Porto Better for Couples?

Mykonos
Porto

Mykonos is very popular for romance. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Mykonos has plenty to offer. Couples who enjoy beautiful coastal settings with a great party scene will love a vacation or honeymoon to this Greek island.

Porto is a very popular place to visit for couples. You can visit the palaces, enjoy shopping, or dine in a nice Portuguese restaurant. Take a cellar tour and sample port then catch a ride on the funicular. This city has plenty for couples to do on a romantic getaway.

Is Mykonos or Porto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mykonos
Porto

Porto is an unbeatable place for backpackers. However, Mykonos is not a good Greek island for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Porto. By combining world-class activities with affordability, this city has become a popular stop off for backpackers in the area.

Mykonos is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The island appeals to the wealthy and glamourous, but for backpackers and budget travelers, there are a few budget-friendly hotels. It'll be a bit harder to find affordable food though, as restaurants can be quite expensive.


Is Mykonos or Porto Better for Students?

Mykonos
Porto

Porto is a well-known place for students. However, Mykonos is not popular with students.

Many students visit Porto. The city has a number of good research programs and study abroad opportunities that attract international students from around the world.

Mykonos is not popular with students.

Is Mykonos or Porto Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Mykonos
Porto

Porto is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Mykonos is not as famous, but is still a good Greek island to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Porto has some very good public transit options. There is a metro system as well as a bus system. While the metro system does have six lines, most stations aren't close to the tourist attractions, so it likely won't be that helpful to visitors.

Mykonos has some public transit options. There is a bus system that connects the towns and beaches on the island. Both major bus stations are on the western side of the island.

Is Mykonos or Porto a more walkable city?

Mykonos
Porto

Mykonos is very popular for its walkability. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its high level of walkability.

Mykonos is a very easy Greek island to get around on foot. Walking is actually one of the only ways to get around town.

Porto is a very walkable Greek island. The city center is very compact with most of the sights within a short walk of each other. The area is also very hilly, so getting from place to place can require a bit of effort.


For even more information, also check out Is Mykonos Worth Visiting? and Is Porto Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Porto or Mykonos?

How long in Mykonos or Porto?

In either Mykonos or Porto, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Mykonos has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Mykonos than Porto. In general, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Mykonos, and 2-5 days is enough time in Porto.

Couples should spend more time in Mykonos than Porto. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Mykonos that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.


  • How many days in Mykonos or Porto? Ideal Length of Stay
    Mykonos 3-5 
    Porto 2-5

One day in Mykonos or Porto?

In Mykonos, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this glamourous destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This Greek island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Because Porto is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This port city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Mykonos or Porto?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mykonos. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Because Porto is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Porto has to offer.

Five days in Mykonos or Porto?

Mykonos is a fun place to experience. In Mykonos, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this quaint destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Porto is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Porto has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.


A week in Mykonos or Porto?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the glamourous destination of Mykonos. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Porto. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Porto. One reason most visitors come is for the food. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Greece, The Best G Adventures Tours to Greece, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Portugal, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Portugal.


Which place is cheaper, Porto or Mykonos?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Mykonos is €272, while the average daily cost in Porto is €160. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Mykonos and Porto in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mykonos 74
    Porto 72
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mykonos 148
    Porto 144
Compare Hotels in Mykonos and Porto

Looking for a hotel in Mykonos or Porto? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Mykonos


Hotels in Porto


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Mykonos Hotel Prices and Porto Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mykonos 24
    Porto 21
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Mykonos

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Mykonos:


  • Bus to Paradise Beach (for 2)
    5.60
  • Taxi to Kalafatis
    13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mykonos

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Mykonos:

  • From Helicopter Transfer to Athens or Greek Island: $2,955
  • Private Catamaran Cruise w/ Food, Drinks & Transfer: $880
  • Private Chauffeured Transfer in Mykonos: $239
  • ❖ Private Island Tour with Transfers and Greek Meal: $235
  • Mykonos Airport or Port from/to Point to Point Private Transfers: $233
  • Private Transfer: From Scorpios to your hotel with mini bus: $223
  • Transfer in Mykonos : $215
  • Private Transfer: From Scorpios to your Villa with mini bus: $211
  • Private Transfer: Mykonos Town to your Villa with mini bus: $211
  • Mykonos Private Short Distance Transfer Up To 12 Persons: $207
  • Private Transfer: Mykonos Windmills to your hotel-mini bus: $188
  • Private Transfer: Mykonos Windmills to Airport with mini bus: $188

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Porto

Also for Porto, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Porto Airport: Transfer to/from Valenca Do Minho Station: $12
  • Porto Airport Transfer from/to Porto Center : $12
  • Oporto Shared Departure Transfer: From Hotels to Airport: $14
  • Oporto Airport Private Transfer to Gaia: $17
  • Gaia Private Transfer to Oporto Airport: $17
  • Oporto Airport: Private Arrival Transfer to Porto city hotels: $18
  • Porto Private Transfer to/from Matosinhos: $20
  • Gaia Private Transfer to Porto: $20
  • Porto Private Airport Arrival Transfer: $20
  • Oporto Airport Private Arrival Transfer: $20
  • Matosinhos Private Transfer to Oporto Airport: $20
  • Oporto Airport Private Transfer to Matosinhos: $20

Is it cheaper to fly into Mykonos or Porto?

Prices for flights to both Porto and Mykonos change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Mykonos 83
    Porto 63
Typical Food Prices in Mykonos

Some typical examples of dining costs in Mykonos are as follows:


  • Two Ice cream Cones
    4.50

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mykonos

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Mykonos.

  • Food Tour: Aperitivo In Mykonos Town: $76
  • Traditional Lunch or Dinner at the Mykonian Spiti: $76
  • Sunset Boat Cruise with Light Dinner & Drinks: $101
  • Sunset Sail Cruise to Rhenia, Beach Hopping, Dinner: $111
  • Food Tour of Mykonos - Flavors and local tastes: $114
  • Group Cooking Class at the Home of a Local Family: $117
  • Food Tour in Mykonos - Famous Tastings : $118
  • Private Cooking Class at the Home of a Mykonian Family : $119
  • Greek Cooking Class with Meal and Wine: $141
  • Hands-On Cooking Class with a Professional Chef: $141
  • Mykonos Cooking Class Experience for Cruise Travelers: $141
  • Small Group Mykonian Cooking Class Experience: $143

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Porto

For Porto, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Pastel de Nata Cooking Class Antero de Quental: $42
  • Porto Walking Food Tour: $66
  • Bolhão Market Guided Food Tour: $78
  • Semi - Private Oporto Food Tour : $83
  • Craft Beer & Food Tour in Porto: $83
  • Traditional Portuguese Cooking Class in Porto with Chef Maria: $89
  • Semi Private Oporto Fado Show with Dinner: $90
  • Porto Heritage Night Tour With Fado Show And Dinner Included: $94
  • Porto Food & Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch or Dinner Option: $94
  • Porto Food Tour of 8 Tastings: Custard Tart, Bifana & Hidden Gems: $95
  • Private Walking Food Tour with Tastings: $96
  • Fado Show with Dinner in a Traditional Fado House: $102

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mykonos 23
    Porto 25

Tours and Activities in Mykonos

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Mykonos are as follows:

  • All Inclusive Tour to Delos and Rhenia Islands with S/Y Olga M: $149
  • Μykonos Private 360 Photo and Video Tour Perfect for Social Media: $90
  • 2 Hours Private Mykonos Island Tour: $119
  • 2 Hours private tour of Mykonos Island : $114
  • 2 Hours walking tour in Mykonos Town: $141
  • 3 Hour Mykonos Tour: $179
  • 3 Hours Private Sunset Tour in Greece with Free Drinks & Snacks: $287
  • 3-Hours Private Mykonos Explorer Tour : $173
  • 4 Hour Mykonos Tour Explorer : $179
  • 5 Hour Mykonos Beach-Club-Crawl Experience: $103
  • 6 Hours Mykonos Private Island Tour With Full Authentic Lunch: $269
  • 6 Hours Tour to Delos and Rhenia Islands with Sailing Yacht: $149

Tours and Activities in Porto

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Porto.

  • Self-Guided Tour Adventure Discovering Porto: $1.17
  • Porto Walking Tour - The Perfect Introduction to the City: $1.20
  • Self Guided Tour in Porto with 100 Captivating Audio Stories: $3.58
  • Porto - Origin & Present - Guided Tour: $3.59
  • Tour of Vila Nova de Gaia : $3.59
  • Porto's Old Town Tour & Ribeira: $3.59
  • Porto Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $3.59
  • Porto Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $4.49
  • Porto Highlights the Original Walking Tour: $4.78
  • Porto by the Ocean: Self-Guided Puzzle Adventure: $7.16
  • Amazing Secrets of Self-Guided Puzzle Adventure: $7.16
  • Love in Romantic Exploration Game and Tour: $7.16

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mykonos 20
    Porto 19

Sample the Local Flavors in Mykonos

Also in Mykonos, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Mykonos Town & Brewery:2-Hour Walking Tour with Beer Tasting: $76
  • Mykonos Bar Crawl with a Local: $76
  • Mykonos Town & Visit a local Brewery : Walking Tour with Tasting: $78
  • Winery Vineyard Experience with Food & Wine Tasting: $80
  • Tour and Wine Tasting in Mykonian Land : $81
  • Wine Tasting at a Mykonian Farm: $88
  • Wine Tasting Tour at a traditional farm in Mykonos: $90
  • Half-Day Wine Tasting and Snack at a Local House: $164
  • Mykonos Highlights Private Tour with Optional Wine Tasting: $186

Sample the Local Flavors in Porto

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Porto:

  • Wine Experience Museum with 3 Wine Tastings: $24
  • Private visit with wine tasting in Alijó Douro: $24
  • Pub Crawl Porto: $26
  • Flavours of Portugal – Wine Tastings at WOW Wine School: $30
  • Taylor's Port Cellars Visit & Port Wine Tasting: $30
  • Halloween Pub Crawl 4 bars, 1 club, Scary Games & 7 Drinks: $30
  • Authentic Oporto Walking Tour with Wine Tasting: $33
  • Porto Wine Tasting with GUIDED TOUR: $36
  • Porto City Tour with Wine Tasting: $41
  • 5 Port Wine Tasting with pairings: $42
  • Luxury Yacht Cruise with Wine Tasting & Snacks: $54
  • Port and Douro Wine Walking Tour With 10 Wine Tastings: $54


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mykonos and Porto, we can see that Mykonos is more expensive. And not only is Porto much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Porto would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Porto and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Mykonos would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Mykonos than you might in Porto.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Mykonos Expensive? and Is Porto Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Mykonos or Porto?

Mykonos has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Porto. When comparing the sizes of Mykonos and Porto, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.