A Travel Price Comparison for Greece Santorini vs. Athens for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Old Town

Should you visit Santorini or Athens?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Santorini or Athens, 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. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Athens

Athens is a energetic, historic, and ancient city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Santorini and Athens: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Santorini or Athens?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Athens than Santorini, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Athens is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and big city activities, while Santorini is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Santorini is more touristy than Athens and is known for its beautiful volcanic beaches, stunning natural beauty, and breathtaking sunsets over the whitewashed villages. Athens is popular for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy. It is also home to The Acropolis.

The Acropolis

How is Santorini different from Athens?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Athens is an unbeatable place for its historical sights. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its sights and museums.

The museums and tourist attractions in Athens are world-renowned. As a historical capital of the world, this city has countless museums and archeological sites including the famous Acropolis, the National Archaeology Museum, and the Ancient Agora.

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 Athens? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Athens 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, Athens is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Make sure you try the souvlaki, moussaka, and dolmades at any of the many local restaurants throughout the city.

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 Athens Better for Nightlife?

Athens is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Athens is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. There are all-night dance clubs as well as local bars and chill live music venues.

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 Athens Better for Resorts?

Santorini is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Athens is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Santorini for its luxury resorts. 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.

Athens is not a resort destination.

Is Santorini or Athens Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Santorini is a good destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Athens is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Santorini. 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.

Athens is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Santorini or Athens Better for Beaches?

Santorini is a good destination for the beach. However, Athens is not a beach destination.

Santorini offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Athens is not a beach destination.

Is Santorini or Athens Better for its Old Town?

Athens is an unbeatable place for its old town. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its historic old town charm.

With a famous historical old-town, Athens offers plenty to see. The city's "historic triangle" is between Syntagma, Omonia, and Monastiraki Squares. This area is also at the political and financial heart of the city.

Santorini offers a nice historic old town area. The historic towns of Fira and Oia are the two most popular with visitors, although they have become more built up and less historic over the past few decades. Historical areas are still found within these towns mixed in with restaurants, shops, and hotels set among the beautiful cliff-side views.

Is Santorini or Athens Better for Hiking?

Santorini is a good destination for hiking. However, Athens is not a hiking destination.

Santorini offers some nice hiking trails. 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.

Athens is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Santorini or Athens?

Santorini is great for its shopping areas. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Santorini. Towns around the island are filled with clothing and jewelry boutiques as well as many unique Greek shopping experiences.

Athens is a great destination for shopping. Most neighborhoods have a shopping street but head to Ermou Street for some of the city's best shopping.

Is Santorini or Athens Better for Families?

Athens is a great city 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, Athens is very family-friendly. With its rich history, beautiful outdoor activities, and kid-friendly food, Athens is a fun place to explore with the whole family.

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 Athens Better for Couples?

Santorini is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Santorini is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Athens is a nice destination for couples. The city is historical, fascinating, and romantic, making it a beautiful place to explore as a couple.

Is Santorini or Athens Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Athens is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Athens is extremely popular for backpackers. The city has long been established as a backpackers destination with budget friendly food and plenty of hostels around town.

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 Athens Better for Students?

Athens is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Santorini is not popular with students.

Athens is a great city to visit as a student. International students will appreciate the rich history, archaeological ruins, and unique opportunities that are available here.

Santorini is not popular with students.

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

Athens is a great city 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 Athens can get you around easily. The city's metro system has 3 lines that connect to bus, tram and commuter rail lines.

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 Athens a more walkable city?

Athens is a great city for its high level of walkability. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its ease of walking around.

Athens is a very walkable city. You'll find the city's most walkable area's in the historical heart, where there are many pedestrian only streets and shopping areas.

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 Athens Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Athens or Santorini?

How long in Santorini or Athens?

Both Santorini and Athens have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Athens has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Athens than Santorini. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Santorini than Athens. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Athens 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 Athens.

One day in Santorini or Athens?

Santorini might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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.

People visit Athens because there is so much to do. 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 Athens?

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.

People visit Athens because there is so much to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Santorini or Athens?

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.

People visit Athens because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Santorini or Athens?

Santorini is a small town with plenty to do. 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.

Athens 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 Athens, 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 Contiki Tours to Greece, The Best G Adventures Tours to Greece, The Best 3-Day Tours from Athens, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Athens.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Santorini or Athens?

Athens has a larger population, and is about 22% larger than the population of Santorini. When comparing the sizes of Santorini and Athens, 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.