A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Santorini vs. Antalya for Resorts, Beaches, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Santorini or Antalya?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Santorini or Antalya, 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. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Antalya

Antalya is a luxurious, historic, and cultural vacation spot. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Santorini and Antalya: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less attractive beach
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Santorini or Antalya?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Antalya than Santorini, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Antalya is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, beaches, historical sights, hiking, and shopping, while Santorini is known for its impressive beauty and quaint atmosphere. Santorini is popular for its beautiful volcanic beaches, stunning natural beauty, and breathtaking sunsets over the whitewashed villages. Antalya is popular for its turquoise waters, hotel lined beaches, and nearby archeological sights. It is also home to Hadrian's Gate.

How is Santorini different from Antalya?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Antalya 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 Antalya?

Santorini
Antalya

Antalya is a great vacation spot for its historical sights. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its sights and museums.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Antalya can be an interesting and educational experience. The city combines history with a relaxing resort vacation. Sights in the area include the Antalya Museum and the Yivli Minare.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Santorini. 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.


Is the Food Better in Santorini or Antalya? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Santorini
Antalya

Antalya is a great vacation spot for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Antalya has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Food is excellent throughout Turkey and this city is no exception. The local cuisine offers a combination of fresh caught seafood as well as various grilled meats. Local specialties include meatball skewers, kulakli soup, and even lentil ice cream. The traditional Turkish breakfast is also popular, which usually includes hard boiled eggs, cheese, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and Turkish breads or pastries. It's almost always served with Turkish tea.

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 Antalya Better for Nightlife?

Santorini
Antalya

Antalya is a great vacation spot for nightlife and partying. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Antalya has something for everybody. The city has an insane nightlife scene with huge glamorous dance clubs that fill to the brink as well as low key bars and pubs that everyone can enjoy.

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 Antalya Better for Music?

Santorini
Antalya

Antalya is a nice place to visit for its live music scene. However, Santorini is not a live music destination.

The music scene helps keep Antalya active and fun. Live music ranges from rock concerts to symphonies as well as a number of local music venues.

Santorini is not a live music destination.


Is Santorini or Antalya Better for Resorts?

Santorini
Antalya

With a similar set of options, fantastic resorts can be found in both Santorini and Antalya.

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.

Antalya is a world class resort vacation destination. The city is famous for its resorts that range from luxury to family-friendly. Some of the most popular resorts in the area include Xanadu Resort Hotel, Susesi, and Lara Barut, but there are many more.

Is Santorini or Antalya Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Santorini
Antalya

You'll find good snorkeling or scuba diving in both Santorini and Antalya.

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 Antalya. Outside of town, in the region of Antalya, you'll find some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in Turkey.

Is Santorini or Antalya Better for Beaches?

Santorini
Antalya

Antalya is an unbeatable place for the beache. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for the beach.

The beaches in Antalya are among the best in the world. Beaches in Antalya are among the best in Turkey. They are sandy with warm water and a number of resorts nearby.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Santorini. 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.


Is Santorini or Antalya Better for its Old Town?

Santorini
Antalya

Antalya is a great vacation spot for its old town. However, Santorini does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Antalya to see the historical old town. The city has a beautiful old town area, Kaleiçi, that is known for its narrow streets and historic buildings. The area has many sights including Hadrian's Gate.

Santorini does not have a historic old town.

Is Santorini or Antalya Better for Hiking?

Santorini
Antalya

Antalya is a great vacation spot for hiking. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for the nearby hiking options.

Many visitors go to Antalya for the hiking trails. Outside of town you'll find coastal hikes with scenic views as well as trails that wander through historic ruins.

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 Antalya?

Santorini
Antalya

Antalya 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, Antalya draws large crowds to its stores. Antalya combines modern high end malls with more traditional bazaars. From luxury fashion brands to souvenirs and local trinkets, the area has everything.

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 Antalya Better for Families?

Santorini
Antalya

Antalya is a great vacation spot for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Antalya is very family-friendly. The city has beautiful beaches, historic ruins, and resorts that cater specifically to families. It's a popular family-friendly destination in Turkey.

Santorini is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Is Santorini or Antalya Better for Couples?

Santorini
Antalya

Santorini is an amazing island to visit for couples. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Santorini makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Couples visit Antalya frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Antalya is a top-rated honeymoon destination in Turkey. It's beautiful beaches, romantic resorts, and great shopping put it at the top of many couples' list.

Is Santorini or Antalya Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santorini
Antalya

Antalya is a great vacation spot for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Antalya. Despite the many resorts in town, there are also budget accommodation options available including hostels. Backpackers appreciate Antalya's impressive old town as well as the area's stunning beaches.

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.


Is Santorini or Antalya Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Santorini
Antalya

Antalya is a great vacation spot for times when you don't have a car. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its public transit.

The public transit in Antalya can get you around easily. Buses and minibuses will help you get around town.

Santorini has a few public transit options. 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.

Is Santorini or Antalya a more walkable city?

Santorini
Antalya

Santorini and Antalya are good when it comes to walkability.

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

Antalya is a somewhat walkable island. The historic area in particular is compact, filled with historic sights, and easy to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Santorini Worth Visiting? and Is Antalya Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Antalya or Santorini?

How long in Santorini or Antalya?

In either Santorini or Antalya, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Santorini than Antalya because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Santorini, and 2-5 days is enough time in Antalya.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Antalya than Santorini if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Antalya.


  • How many days in Santorini or Antalya? Ideal Length of Stay
    Santorini 3-7 
    Antalya 2-5

One day in Santorini or Antalya?

In Santorini, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers something for everyone. 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 vacation spot of Antalya. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Antalya?

In Santorini, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 nightlife around the luxurious destination of Antalya. 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 vacation spot has to offer. This vacation spot offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Santorini or Antalya?

Santorini is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Santorini has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

You'll find nightlife and live music around the luxurious vacation spot of Antalya. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this vacation spot makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this vacation spot has to offer.

A week in Santorini or Antalya?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Santorini. In Santorini, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Antalya is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Turkey, and The Best Anzac Day Tours in Turkey.


Which place is cheaper, Antalya or Santorini?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Santorini is €175, while the average daily cost in Antalya is €137. 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 Antalya in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Santorini 93
    Antalya 51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Santorini 186
    Antalya 102
Compare Hotels in Santorini and Antalya

Looking for a hotel in Santorini or Antalya? 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 Santorini


Hotels in Antalya


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 Antalya Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Santorini 28
    Antalya 102

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santorini

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

  • Wedding Transfer for Guests: $25
  • Transfer to Akrotiri : $43
  • Transfer Perissa To Oia : $46
  • Transfer From & To Santorini Port Designed By You: $28
  • Transfer From & To Santorini Airport Designed By You: $15
  • Transfer & Tours: $18
  • TRANSFERS Santorini PRIVATE Transfer: $31
  • Shared Departure Transfers to Airport or Port Santorini : $33
  • Shared Departure Transfer: Santorini Hotel to Airport or Cruise Port: $22
  • Shared Arrival Transfers in Santorini from Airport or Port: $44
  • Wine Tasting Tour to 3 Wineries with Transfer: $117
  • Transfer from Santorini Port to Oia (IA): $33

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Antalya

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

  • Antalya Airport (AYT) to Kundu Transfer - Limousine: $296
  • Antalya Airport (AYT) to Akdeniz Port Transfer - Bus/Coach: $296
  • Antalya Airport (AYT) to Antalya City Center Transfer - Limousine: $296
  • Antalya Airport (AYT) to Konyaalti Transfer - Bus/Coach: $296
  • Antalya Airport (AYT) to Kundu Transfer - Bus/Coach: $296
  • Antalya Airport (AYT) to Antalya City Center Transfer - SUV: $296
  • Antalya Airport (AYT) to Konyaalti Transfer - Limousine: $295
  • Antalya Airport (AYT) to Beldibi Transfer - Bus/Coach: $295
  • Antalya Airport (AYT) to Antalya City Center Transfer - Bus/Coach: $295
  • Antalya Airport (AYT) to Lara Transfer - Limousine: $295
  • Antalya Airport (AYT) to Kaleici Transfer - SUV: $295
  • Antalya Airport (AYT) to Kundu Transfer - SUV: $295

Is it cheaper to fly into Santorini or Antalya?

Prices for flights to both Antalya 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Santorini 48
    Antalya 24

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santorini

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

  • Live Virtual Cooking Class: $25
  • Traditional Greek Night live Music & Dinner Show in Santorini: $55
  • Romantic Sunset Caldera Cruise with Dinner: $71
  • Santorini Caldera: Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $71
  • Virtual Private Cooking Class Live from Santorini: $72
  • Volcanic Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $81
  • Santorini Caldera Sunset Sailing Cruise with Dinner and Wine: $88
  • Catamaran Tour with BBQ Dinner, Drinks, and Music: $92
  • Volcano and Hot Springs Sunset Dinner Cruise: $98
  • Santorini Volcano Sunset Cruise Including Dinner on Board: $109
  • Cooking Class in Traditional cave house in Santorini!: $121
  • Sunset Cruise with Swim Stops, Dinner, and Drinks: $122

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Antalya

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

  • Pamukkalea and Salda Lake Tour with Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner: $40
  • Traditional Turkish Tastes at Antalya Food Tour: $47
  • Full day trip to Pamukkale from Side with dinner: $88
  • Pamukkale tour w. Entrance, Lunch, Dinner & Transfer from Antalya: $96

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Santorini 36
    Antalya 43

Tours and Activities in Santorini

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

  • Santorini Panoramic Blue Shade Tour-Firostefani, Imerovigli, Oia: $63
  • Santorini Secrets & Gems for Cruise Passengers: $97
  • Oia Sunset- Cultural Walking Tour : $66
  • 3-Hour Santorini Highlights Tour: $72
  • 4 Hour Private Guided Tour in Santorini: $221
  • 4 Hours Private Custom Tour in Santorini: $188
  • 4 Hours Santorini Private Tour: $150
  • 4 hours Private Half Day Tour in Santorini Island: $177
  • 4 hrs island tour and photoshooting, Oia Blue domes, Red beach : $199
  • 5 Hour Sightseeing Tour in the Magical Santorini: $113
  • 5-Hour Private Tour of Southern Santorini: $407
  • 6 Hours Land Tour Ideal for Cruise Ship Passengers: $287

Tours and Activities in Antalya

For Antalya, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Antalya City Tour: $77
  • Full Day Green Canyon Boat Tour with Lunch Included: $61
  • Full-Day Adventure 3 in 1 activity from Antalya to Köprülü Canyon National Park: $53
  • !!!All inclusive Antalya city tour: $66
  • 2 Days Cappadocia Tour From Antalya /w Cave Hotel & Balloon Ride: $48
  • 2 Days Cappadocia Tour from Antalya: $50
  • 2 in 1 Tour in Antalya Rafting and Buggy Safari Tour with Lunch : $40
  • 3 in 1 Rafting Buggy Safari and Zipline Adventure in Antalya: $38
  • 4-Hour Antalya Short Shopping Tour: $15
  • 4-Hour Guided Antalya Aquarium Tour : $68
  • 6-Hour Kemer Pirate Boat Tour with Open-Buffet Lunch from Antalya: $25
  • 7 Hour Adventure on The Land of Legends Theme Park (Antalya): $121

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Santorini 26
    Antalya 19

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: $61
  • Top Sights of Santorini with Wine Tasting and Sunset in Oia: $61
  • Top Sights Day Trip, Wine Tasting, & Oia Sunset: $70
  • Fira Town Walking Tour with Wine Tasting: $76
  • Santorini 4-Hour Private Tour including Wine Tasting, Shore Excursion: $105
  • Santorini 4 Hour Private Oia Tour & Wine Tasting : $106
  • Santorini Highlights Small-Group Tour with Wine Tasting from Fira: $110
  • Wine Tour with Sunset in Oia: $119
  • Santorini Wine Adventure in 3 Wineries with Wine Tastings, Sunset: $133
  • Wine Adventure in 3 Wineries and 12 Wine Tastings: $157
  • Three Wineries and One Brewery Tour with Tastings: $163
  • Wine Tasting Tour & Sunset Viewing: $163


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Santorini and Antalya, we can see that Santorini is more expensive. And not only is Antalya much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Antalya would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Antalya 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 Antalya.

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


Which is Bigger, Santorini or Antalya?

Antalya has a larger population, and is about 26% larger than the population of Santorini. When comparing the sizes of Santorini and Antalya, 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.