A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Santorini vs. Aix-en-Provence for Food, Couples, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Santorini or Aix-en-Provence?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Santorini or Aix-en-Provence, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Santorini

Santorini is a romantic, stunning, and historic island. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence is a relaxing, historic, and vibrant town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and food.

Santorini and Aix-en-Provence: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Santorini or Aix-en-Provence?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Santorini than Aix-en-Provence, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Santorini is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Aix-en-Provence is known for its food and shopping. Santorini is more touristy than Aix-en-Provence and is popular for its beautiful volcanic beaches, stunning natural beauty, and breathtaking sunsets over the whitewashed villages. It is also home to The Caldera and Volcano of Santorini. Aix-en-Provence is popular for its Provençal cuisine made with local produce, its many art galleries, and its beautiful fountains and square.

How is Santorini different from Aix-en-Provence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Aix-en-Provence and Santorini. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Santorini or Aix-en-Provence?

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Santorini and Aix-en-Provence.

Santorini offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. One of the most impressive historical sights is Akrotiri Archaeological Site. The island has many archeological sites as well as the Archeological Museum in Fira.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Aix-en-Provence. In addition to its many squares and fountains, there is also Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur, Musée Granet, and Musée des Tapisseries.

Is the Food Better in Santorini or Aix-en-Provence? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Aix-en-Provence is an unbeatable place for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Aix-en-Provence is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The range of restaurants includes everything from modern and trendy to traditional and casual. The town is surrounded by a region that is known for its local produce. There are also many markets worth checking out in town.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Santorini area. Popular foods on this island include fava, Greek salad, and kofta.

Is Santorini or Aix-en-Provence Better for Nightlife?

Santorini is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Aix-en-Provence is not particularly known for nightlife.

Santorini has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. It is one of the calmer, more romantic islands in Greece. For the best nightlife, you'll want to stay near Fira.

Aix-en-Provence doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. The nightlife scene that does exist is mostly influenced by the town's large student population.

Is Santorini or Aix-en-Provence Better for Resorts?

Santorini is terrific for its resorts. However, Aix-en-Provence is not a resort destination.

Santorini offers an unforgettable resort vacation. The resorts range from all-inclusive options to resorts with a more local feel. The island is one of the most romantic of the Greek Islands, and the resorts are no exception.

Aix-en-Provence is not a resort destination.

Is Santorini or Aix-en-Provence Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Santorini is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Aix-en-Provence is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Santorini has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. Some of the best snorkeling places are found at Red Beach, White Beach, and the less accessible Kambia. One of the island's best diving spots is Caldera Beach.

Aix-en-Provence is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Santorini or Aix-en-Provence Better for Beaches?

Santorini is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Aix-en-Provence is not a beach destination.

Santorini has a beach worth visiting. The island has many beaches, most of which are made of black pebbly sand that are a result of the island's volcanic history. Popular beaches include Perissa Beach, Kamari Beach, and Perivolos Beach.

Aix-en-Provence is not a beach destination.

Is Santorini or Aix-en-Provence Better for Hiking?

Santorini is a nice place to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Aix-en-Provence is not a hiking destination.

Santorini has hiking trails worth exploring. The best hiking trails on the island pass by quaint villages and offers stunning ocean views. You can also hike along the edge of a volcano.

Aix-en-Provence is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Santorini or Aix-en-Provence?

Aix-en-Provence is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Aix-en-Provence draws large crowds to its stores. It has some of the best shopping in France outside of Paris. There are many shopping streets where you can pick up trendy fashions or boutique local finds. Head to Rue Marius Reynard, Les Allées Provençales, or Rue Clemenceau for some of the best shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Santorini. Towns around the island are filled with clothing and jewelry boutiques as well as many unique Greek shopping experiences.

Is Santorini or Aix-en-Provence Better for Families?

Santorini is a nice place to visit for its family-friendly activities. However, Aix-en-Provence is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Santorini. It is a calmer destination than many of the Greek Islands. While it's a great place to relax with kids, the beaches aren't as good as they are on some of the other islands. Most families hang out in Kamari and Perissa Beach.

For families, Aix-en-Provence is not always the best place to visit. Many kids enjoy checking out the town's many fountains or taking a bike for a ride outside of town.

Is Santorini or Aix-en-Provence Better for Couples?

Santorini is terrific for couples. Also, Aix-en-Provence is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Santorini has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It is a dream honeymoon destination that is famous for its picturesque setting and luxury resorts. For many couples, this is a top pick for a romantic trip to the Greek Isles.

Aix-en-Provence is a great island if you're traveling as a couple. It's among the most charming towns in southern France and couples will enjoy the romantic buildings, beautiful fountains, and relaxing countryside. Whether you're on a honeymoon or a couple's getaway, this is a great town.

Is Santorini or Aix-en-Provence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Santorini and Aix-en-Provence are good places to visit.

It's common for backpackers to visit Santorini. The island has its share of 5 star resorts, but if you head a few streets in you'll find some surprisingly affordable accommodation. Backpackers are welcomed on the island and beaches are free, so it's possible to get by on a relatively low budget.

Aix-en-Provence is a good island to visit for backpackers. There are a couple of hostels and cheap hotels that are good options for backpackers.

Is Santorini or Aix-en-Provence Better for Students?

Aix-en-Provence is a great town for its student-friendly activities. However, Santorini is not popular with students.

Aix-en-Provence is a great town to visit as a student. It's a university town with a lively but laid-back atmosphere. It's also a popular study abroad destination for American university students.

Santorini is not popular with students.

Is Santorini or Aix-en-Provence Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Santorini and Aix-en-Provence both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Santorini offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a bus system, KTEL Santorini Buses, that runs 23 buses during the summer months but only a small fraction of that operate during the winter months.

Aix-en-Provence has a few public transit options. For the places you can't reach on foot, there is a bus network.

Is Santorini or Aix-en-Provence a more walkable city?

Aix-en-Provence is a great town for its high level of walkability. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its ease of walking around.

Aix-en-Provence is a very walkable town. It's walkable, particularly in the heart of the city, so it's fun to explore on foot.

Santorini is a somewhat walkable island. Many towns on the island are walkable, including Fira, but the actual island is too large to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Santorini Worth Visiting? and Is Aix-en-Provence Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Aix-en-Provence or Santorini?

How long in Santorini or Aix-en-Provence?

It's fun to spend time in either Santorini or Aix-en-Provence. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Santorini due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Santorini, and 2-4 days is enough time in Aix-en-Provence.

Families should spend more time in Santorini than Aix-en-Provence. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Santorini, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

One day in Santorini or Aix-en-Provence?

The romantic destination of Santorini offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Aix-en-Provence. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Santorini or Aix-en-Provence?

The quaint island of Santorini offers scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find museums and food around the vibrant destination of Aix-en-Provence. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Santorini or Aix-en-Provence?

Santorini is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This island offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the relaxing town of Aix-en-Provence. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Santorini or Aix-en-Provence?

The romantic island of Santorini offers museums and nightlife. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. For many, it makes a great getaway for one week. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Aix-en-Provence is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Greece, The Best Budget Tours to Greece, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in France, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Santorini and Aix-en-Provence, we can see that Santorini is more expensive. And not only is Aix-en-Provence much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Aix-en-Provence would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Aix-en-Provence 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 Santorini would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Santorini than you might in Aix-en-Provence.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Santorini Expensive? and Is Aix-en-Provence Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Santorini or Aix-en-Provence?

Santorini has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Aix-en-Provence. When comparing the sizes of Santorini and Aix-en-Provence, 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.