Which place is cheaper, Amalfi or Santorini?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Santorini or Amalfi?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Santorini or Amalfi, 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 historic, romantic, and stunning island. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and food.
Amalfi
Amalfi is a picturesque, stunning, and dramatic town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.
Santorini and Amalfi: Pros and Cons
Santorini
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Nice resorts
- Good scuba and snorkeling destination
- Popular beach
- Good for hiking
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Impressive beauty
- Quaint atmosphere
- Less popular for food
- Less walkable
Amalfi
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Popular for food and cuisine
- Active nightlife
- Good scuba and snorkeling destination
- Popular beach
- Scenic old town
- Good for hiking
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Very walkable
- Impressive beauty
- Home to the dramatic coastline
- Less popular with backpackers
Is there more to do in Santorini or Amalfi?
Visitors will usually find more to do in Amalfi than Santorini, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Amalfi is better known for its food, nightlife, historical sights, and hiking, while Santorini is more popular for its resorts, shopping, and quaint atmosphere. Santorini is well known for its beautiful volcanic beaches, stunning natural beauty, and breathtaking sunsets over the whitewashed villages. Amalfi is well known for its dramatic views, charming character, and excellent limoncello. Also, Amalfi is famous for the dramatic coastline.
How is Santorini different from Amalfi?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Amalfi 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 Amalfi?
Santorini
Amalfi
Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Santorini and Amalfi.
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 Amalfi. The town is an attraction in and off itself. It's filled with charm and character and visitors spend much of their time simply walking around and soaking up the atmosphere.
Is the Food Better in Santorini or Amalfi? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Santorini
Amalfi
Amalfi 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, Amalfi is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The town's access to the beautiful sea means that many dishes use a variety of seafood. Eggplant is also a common ingredient and you'll find everything from pastas to elegant desserts around 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 Amalfi Better for Nightlife?
Santorini
Amalfi
Amalfi is a great town for nightlife and partying. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its evening party scene.
The nightlife in Amalfi has something for everybody. There's a good number of bars and clubs in town that often have live music or DJs. Alternatively, there are also clubs that dot the entire coastline.
There's a variety of activities in the evening in Santorini. It is one of the calmer, more romantic islands in Greece. For the best nightlife, you'll want to stay near Fira.
Is Santorini or Amalfi Better for Resorts?
Santorini
Amalfi
Santorini is an amazing island to visit for its resorts. However, Amalfi is not a resort destination.
Santorini is a world class resort vacation destination. 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.
Amalfi is not a resort destination.
Is Santorini or Amalfi Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?
Santorini
Amalfi
You'll find notable snorkeling or scuba diving in both Santorini and Amalfi.
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.
It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Amalfi. You'll find snorkeling trips that take you along the coastline and stop at several places so you can take a peak at the underwater world.
Is Santorini or Amalfi Better for Beaches?
Santorini
Amalfi
Both Santorini and Amalfi have notable beaches worth visiting.
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.
Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Amalfi. The beaches tend to be pebbly and rocky. During the summer months they can get very crowded, but taking a swim is a great way to escape the heat for a bit.
Is Santorini or Amalfi Better for its Old Town?
Santorini
Amalfi
Amalfi is a great town for its old town. However, Santorini does not have a historic old town.
Many visitors go to Amalfi to see the historical old town. The town is charming and filled with great shops and restaurants. It's the perfect place to soak up the atmosphere of the Amalfi Coast.
Santorini does not have a historic old town.
Is Santorini or Amalfi Better for Hiking?
Santorini
Amalfi
Amalfi is a great town for hiking. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for the nearby hiking options.
Many visitors go to Amalfi for the hiking trails. The coastline is filled with great trails that offer stunning views. Hiking is a top way to see the natural beauty of the Amalfi Coast and catch a glimpse at some of the best beaches.
Plenty of visitors go hiking around Santorini. 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.
Is the Shopping Better in Santorini or Amalfi?
Santorini
Amalfi
Santorini is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Amalfi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.
Santorini is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Towns around the island are filled with clothing and jewelry boutiques as well as many unique Greek shopping experiences.
Amalfi has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find many great shops that sell everything from clothing to fine wine, local foods, or limoncello.
Is Santorini or Amalfi Better for Families?
Santorini
Amalfi
Santorini and Amalfi are both notable destinations for the whole family.
Santorini offers lots of family activities. 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.
Amalfi is a family-friendly place to visit. The town is positioned in the middle of the Amalfi Coast, making it a great base for exploring the area. It's also one of the larger towns so you'll find more energy and things to do with kids, including the Museum of Paper.
Is Santorini or Amalfi Better for Couples?
Santorini
Amalfi
Santorini and Amalfi are both first-rate to visit as a couple.
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.
Amalfi is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The Amalfi Coast is a world class honeymoon destination and couples will enjoy staying in the lively town of Amalfi. It's a quaint and beautiful town in the middle of everything, so you'll have access to all that the area has to offer.
Is Santorini or Amalfi Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Santorini
Amalfi
Santorini is a island with good options for backpackers. However, Amalfi is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.
Santorini is a good island to visit for backpackers. 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.
Amalfi is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The area has a couple of hostels around, but in general this is a difficult place to visit as a backpacker. There are SITA buses that offer transportation, and because the town is in the middle of the coastline, it offers decent access to everything.
Is Santorini or Amalfi Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Santorini
Amalfi
Santorini and Amalfi both offer notable 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.
Amalfi has a few public transit options. The SITA buses offer transit between many of the towns along the Amalfi Coast.
Is Santorini or Amalfi a more walkable city?
Santorini
Amalfi
Amalfi is an unbeatable place for its high level of walkability. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its ease of walking around.
Amalfi is a very easy town to get around on foot. It's a compact and charming town that is a bit flatter than some nearby villages so it's easy 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 Amalfi Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Amalfi or Santorini?
How long in Santorini or Amalfi?
Both Santorini and Amalfi have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Amalfi has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Amalfi than Santorini. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Santorini, and 2-7 days is enough time in Amalfi.
Families should spend more time in Amalfi than Santorini. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Amalfi, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Amalfi than Santorini. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Amalfi that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
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How many days in Santorini or Amalfi? Ideal Length of StaySantorini 3-7Amalfi 2-7
One day in Santorini or Amalfi?
Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the quaint destination of Santorini. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
You'll find nightlife and food around the town of Amalfi. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Amalfi?
Santorini is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.
You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the charming destination of Amalfi. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Amalfi?
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Santorini. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the charming town of Amalfi. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this town makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the food. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer.
A week in Santorini or Amalfi?
Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the stunning destination of Santorini. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.
Amalfi is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Amalfi, one week is sufficent for most. 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, The Best 2-Week Tours from Rome, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Italy.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySantorini €175Amalfi €201
The average daily cost (per person) in Santorini is €175, while the average daily cost in Amalfi is €201. 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 Santorini and Amalfi in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSantorini €93Amalfi €98
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSantorini €186Amalfi €196
Compare Hotels in Santorini and Amalfi
Looking for a hotel in Santorini or Amalfi? 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.
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: Santorini Hotel Prices and Amalfi Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Santorini €28Amalfi €67
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santorini
Also for Santorini, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Round-trip Transfer from Santorini Thira Airport (JTR) to Kamari,Greece: $50
- 24h Luxury Santorini Transfer.Arrival/Departure one way: $76
- Arrival Private Transfer Santorini Airport JTR or Port to Santorini by Sprinter: $32
- Blue Dome And Oia Sunset Small Group Transfer: $37
- Blue Dome and Oia Sunset Small Group Transfer: $38
- Departure Private Transfer Santorini to Santorini Airport JTR by Sedan Car: $23
- Departure Private Transfer Santorini to Santorini Airport JTR or Port by Van: $32
- Departure Private Transfer Santorni to Santorini Airport JTR or Port by Sprinter: $45
- Departure Transfer To Santorini Airport: $17
- Economy Roundtrip Transfer Santorini Airport ( Max 4 stop ): $15
- Helicopter Transfer between Mykonos & Santorini: $3,729
- Private Arrival Transfer From Santorini Airport To All Destinations: $22
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Amalfi
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Amalfi:
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Bus€4.00
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Train to Naples€14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Amalfi
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Amalfi:
- From Amalfi Coast: Transfer to Naples with Pompeii Tour: $386
- Transfer da Amalfi a Napoli Stazione: $260
- Private Transfer from Amalfi to Naples Airport ,Naples station: $250
- Mount Vesuvio Organic Wine Tasting & Lunch with Transfer from Amalfi Coast: $239
- Departure Private Transfer Amalfi to Fiumucino Rome Airport (FCO): $223
- Private transfer from Salerno to Amalfi: $217
- Transfer from Amalfi Caost everywhere to Naples area: $215
- Transfer from Amalfi Coast to Sorrento or back: $185
- Transfer from Praiano to Naples and/or vice versa: $184
- Amalfi to Naples airport/station Private departure transfer: $175
- Private Transfer - Praiano to Naples with 2h of Sightseeing: Vesuvius or Pompeii: $174
- Private Transfer from Salerno to Ravello: $173
Is it cheaper to fly into Santorini or Amalfi?
Prices for flights to both Amalfi and Santorini 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
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Food Meals for one daySantorini €48Amalfi €62
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santorini
For Santorini, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Santorini Caldera: Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $69
- Romantic Sunset Caldera Cruise with Dinner: $69
- Volcanic Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $80
- Catamaran Tour with BBQ Dinner, Drinks, and Music: $91
- Volcano and Hot Springs Sunset Dinner Cruise: $96
- Santorini Sunset Dinner Cruise Including Nea Kameni Visit: $98
- Santorini Cooking Class with Wine Tasting: $107
- Santorini Volcano Sunset Cruise Including Dinner on Board: $108
- The Aegean Cooking Class: $109
- Cooking Class in Traditional cave house in Santorini!: $120
- Sunset Cruise with Swim Stops, Dinner, and Drinks: $120
- Fira: 4-Hour Walking Food Tour With Tastings: $123
Typical Food Prices in Amalfi
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Amalfi:
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Dinner€35
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Snacks€4.00
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Bread€1.00
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Dinner€41
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Amalfi
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Amalfi.
- OnLine Genuine Cooking Class: $74
- Amalfi Coast: Mozzarella, Pasta, and Tiramisu Cooking Class: $80
- Cooking Class on the Amalfi Coast with Tasting Included: $87
- Cooking class ........ and tasting of Italian wines typical regional dishes: $89
- Lunch or dinner and cooking demo at a local home in Cava de' Tirreni: $92
- Dining Experience at a local's Home in Castellabate with Show Cooking: $92
- Small-group Street food tour in Cava de' Tirreni: $96
- Italian cooking class and lunch near the Pompeii excavations: $113
- Amalfi Coast Home Cooking Class with Meal & Drinks Included: $133
- Genuine Home Cooking Class + Olive Oil Tasting: $138
- Small Group Market tour and Cooking class in Cava dei Tirreni: $141
- Pizza Course: $141
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Santorini €36Amalfi €27
Tours and Activities in Santorini
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Santorini.
- Authentic A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Oia: $6.99
- Megalochori: Lost Atlantis 9D Experience Museum Entry Ticket: $15
- Akrotiri Archaeological Site Entry Ticket: $16
- Oia Sunset Daily Tour: $16
- Santorini Volcano and Hot Springs Cruise Tour from Fira Old Port: $27
- Volcanic Islands Cruise with Hot Springs Visit: $28
- Santorini Caldera Cruise Tour (Volcano, Hot Springs, Thirassia): $33
- Santorini Volcano Tour: $37
- Santorini Volcano & Hot Springs Tour : $40
- Santorini Volcano Half Day Tour: $44
- Mesa Gonia, Pyrgos and Oia Tour: $44
- Ferry Ticket to Paros or Naxos with Hotel Pickup: $45
Tours and Activities in Amalfi
Here are a few actual costs in Amalfi for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2-Hour Tour to Amalfi and Atrani, Among the Labyrinths In Fuga dai Pirati: $64
- 4 Hour Cruise Tour of the Amalfi Coast with Aperitif: $49
- 6 Hours Amalfi Coast Kayak Experience: $130
- Amalfi & Atrani: 2-Hour Private Walking Tour: $157
- Amalfi Coast Boat Tour small group with Aperitif: $271
- Amalfi Coast Boat tour Small Group: $168
- Amalfi Coast Kayak & Snorkeling Tour to the Pandora's Cave : $71
- Amalfi Coast Kayak Tour along Arches, Beaches and Sea Caves: $75
- Amalfi Coast Path of the Lemon private walking tour: $127
- Amalfi Coast Sailing Tour: $298
- Amalfi Coast Sunset Boat Tour in Small Group: $97
- Amalfi Coast Swim Experience with Lifeguard: $92
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySantorini €26Amalfi €20
Sample the Local Flavors in Santorini
Also in Santorini, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Half Day Simply Santorini Tour with Wine Tasting: $60
- Top Sights Day Trip, Wine Tasting, & Oia Sunset: $62
- Fira Town Walking Tour with Wine Tasting: $75
- Visit to a Wine Museum and Wine Tasting in Santorini : $76
- Notos Day Tour through History & Wine Tasting: $98
- Santorini 4 Hour Private Oia Tour & Wine Tasting : $104
- Wine Tour with Sunset in Oia: $105
- Santorini Highlights Small-Group Tour with Wine Tasting from Fira: $109
- Wine Tour Santorini: $118
- 3-Hour Wine Tasting in Santorini : $125
- Small Group Local Wine Tasting Tour In Santorini : $131
- Wine tasting and Carving lesson in Santorini: $131
Typical Alcohol Prices in Amalfi
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Amalfi from other travelers:
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Wine€6.00
Sample the Local Flavors in Amalfi
Also in Amalfi, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Wine Tasting Cantina Basileo: $65
- Wine tasting at the Apicella winery: $71
- Wine Tasting and excursion to the Mt. Vesuvius from Pompeii: $92
- Positano: Small-Group Wine Tasting Tour with a Sommelier: $100
- Wine Tour (lunch included): $196
- Exploring a Cilento village by e-bike with wine tasting: $209
- Mount Vesuvius & Wine Tasting with Lunch Private Tour: $250
- Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius Wine Tasting Private Tour from Amalfi: $272
- From Positano: Pompeii, Vesuvius, & Wine Tasting with Lunch: $274
- Amalfi Coast: Pompeii, Vesuvius, & Wine Tasting with Lunch: $284
- Mount Vesuvius & Wine Tasting with Lunch Private Tour from Amalfi Coast: $293
When comparing the travel costs between Santorini and Amalfi, we can see that Amalfi is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Santorini Expensive? and Is Amalfi Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Santorini or Amalfi?
Santorini has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Amalfi. When comparing the sizes of Santorini and Amalfi, 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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.