A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Santorini vs. Auxerre for Couples, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Santorini or Auxerre?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Santorini or Auxerre, 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. 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 museums, nightlife, and food.

Auxerre

Auxerre is a under-rated, undiscovered, and authentic town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Visitors also love the food and museums.

Santorini and Auxerre: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Santorini or Auxerre?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Santorini. Although Santorini and Auxerre are both popular with visitors, Santorini has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Santorini is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Auxerre is known for its small town charm. Santorini is more touristy than Auxerre and is known 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. Auxerre is popular for its food, wine, and art history.

How is Santorini different from Auxerre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Santorini
Auxerre

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Santorini and Auxerre.

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 Auxerre. Although the town is often overlooked by tourists, there are many nice cathedrals and churches around town.


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

Santorini
Auxerre

Dining out at restaurants in both Santorini and Auxerre can be an enjoyable experience.

Santorini has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Popular foods on this island include fava, Greek salad, and kofta.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Auxerre area. The town is a the heart of the wine industry, so you'll find many great restaurants where you can enjoy local food and wine.

Is Santorini or Auxerre Better for Nightlife?

Santorini
Auxerre

Santorini is very good for its evening party scene. However, Auxerre is not a good destination for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Santorini has a few options to choose from. It is one of the calmer, more romantic islands in Greece. For the best nightlife, you'll want to stay near Fira.

Most people don't head to Auxerre specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It has a quiet nightlife with some nice bars and pubs.

Is Santorini or Auxerre Better for Resorts?

Santorini
Auxerre

Santorini is an amazing island to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Auxerre is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Santorini is a perfect choice. 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.

Auxerre is not a resort destination.


Is Santorini or Auxerre Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Santorini
Auxerre

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

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving 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.

Auxerre is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Santorini or Auxerre Better for Beaches?

Santorini
Auxerre

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

Many people head to Santorini to enjoy the beach. 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.

Auxerre is not a beach destination.

Is Santorini or Auxerre Better for Hiking?

Santorini
Auxerre

Santorini is very good for hiking. However, Auxerre is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting 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.

Auxerre is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Santorini or Auxerre?

Santorini
Auxerre

Santorini is great for its shopping areas. However, Auxerre is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Auxerre is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Santorini or Auxerre Better for Families?

Santorini
Auxerre

Santorini and Auxerre are both good 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.

Auxerre is a family-friendly place to visit. There's the Zoo de La Fleche and the Aquarium de Touraine. You can also wander through Musee de l'Avallon or des Plantes.

Is Santorini or Auxerre Better for Couples?

Santorini
Auxerre

Santorini is an amazing island to visit for couples. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Santorini has plenty to offer. 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.

Auxerre is a nice destination for couples. There are many great eateries as well nice architecture and, of course, excellent wine.


Is Santorini or Auxerre Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santorini
Auxerre

Santorini is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Auxerre is not a good destination for backpackers.

Santorini is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Auxerre is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not a popular stop off on the backpacker circuit, but you will find some affordable accommodation options.

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

Santorini
Auxerre

Santorini and Auxerre 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.

Auxerre has a few public transit options. There are buses around town.

Is Santorini or Auxerre a more walkable city?

Santorini
Auxerre

Santorini and Auxerre 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.

Auxerre is a somewhat walkable island. The center is walkable but it is a bit more difficult to navigate than some nearby towns.


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

Should I spend more time in Auxerre or Santorini?

How long in Santorini or Auxerre?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Santorini or Auxerre to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Santorini than Auxerre because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Santorini, and 1-2 days is enough time in Auxerre.

Families should spend more time in Santorini than Auxerre. 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 Auxerre. 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 Santorini than Auxerre 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 Santorini.


  • How many days in Santorini or Auxerre? Ideal Length of Stay
    Santorini 3-7 
    Auxerre 1-2

One day in Santorini or Auxerre?

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 food and museums around the town of Auxerre. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Auxerre has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Santorini or Auxerre?

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 food around the under-rated destination of Auxerre. 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 Auxerre?

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.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the undiscovered town of Auxerre. 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 Auxerre?

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.

Auxerre 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, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, and The Best 2-Week Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Auxerre 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 Auxerre is €113. 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 Auxerre in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Santorini or Auxerre? 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 Auxerre


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 Auxerre Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Santorini 28
    Auxerre 46

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santorini

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

  • Helicopter Transfer between Mykonos & Santorini: $3,743
  • Santorini Airport Transfer For Group: $297
  • Santorini Group Transfer from Airport/Port up to 17 people: $180
  • Santorini Airport(JTR) to Santorini - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $142
  • Caldera Cruise with Greek Meal and Transfer: $139
  • Skip Cable Car! Santorini Shore Excursion with Boat Transfer: $129
  • Private Sunset Tour with Picnic & Transfer: $128
  • Santorini to Heraklion Crete: Ferry Ticket & Hotel Transfer: $125
  • Santorini to Mykonos: Ferry Ticket & Hotel Transfer: $125
  • Santorini Private transfer up to 8 persons: $120
  • Santorini Luxury Sailing Catamaran Cruise with BBQ, Drinks and Transfer: $120
  • Santorini Sunset Luxury Sailing Catamaran Cruise with BBQ, drinks, transfer: $120

Is it cheaper to fly into Santorini or Auxerre?

Prices for flights to both Auxerre 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
    Auxerre 34

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santorini

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

  • Romantic Sunset Caldera Cruise with Dinner: $70
  • Santorini Caldera: Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $70
  • Volcanic Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $80
  • Catamaran Tour with BBQ Dinner, Drinks, and Music: $91
  • Volcano and Hot Springs Sunset Dinner Cruise: $96
  • 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
  • Half-Day Sunset Wine Tasting Tour in Santorini with dinner: $123
  • Luxury Sunset Cruise with Dinner & Open Bar: $128
  • Sunset Sea Kayak with Light Dinner: $128
  • Hands on Cooking Class with a Chef: $134

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Santorini 36
    Auxerre 18

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: $62
  • Santorini Private Half Day Tour : $218
  • Santorini Secrets & Gems for Cruise Passengers: $96
  • 3 Hour Sightseeing Tour in the Magical Santorini: $74
  • 3 Hour Tour in Oia: $120
  • 3 Hours Private Santorini Tour: $136
  • 3-Hour Santorini Highlights Tour: $71
  • 4 Hour Eat and Drink Private Tour in Santorini: $296
  • 4 Hours Private Tour in Santorini with Pick up: $87
  • 4 hrs island tour and photoshooting, Oia Blue domes, Red beach : $196
  • 4-Hour Private Custom Santorini Tour: $161
  • 5 Hour Santorini Shore Excursion for Cruise Passengers: $71

Tours and Activities in Auxerre

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

  • Chocolate Tour with Tasting: $16
  • Touristic highlights of Auxerre a Private half day tour (4 Hours) with a local: $112
  • e-Mehari Tour et dégustation Chablis Clotilde Davenne: $92

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Santorini 26
    Auxerre 6.14

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: $63
  • Fira Town Walking Tour with Wine Tasting: $75
  • Top Sights of Santorini with Wine Tasting and Sunset in Oia: $75
  • Notos Day Tour through History & Wine Tasting: $98
  • Santorini 4 Hour Private Oia Tour & Wine Tasting : $105
  • Wine Tour with Sunset in Oia: $106
  • Santorini Highlights Small-Group Tour with Wine Tasting from Fira: $109
  • 5 towns in 5 hours: Santorini Most Popular Tour with Wine tasting: $117
  • Wine Tour Santorini: $118
  • Wine tasting and Carving lesson in Santorini: $131
  • Santorini 4-Hour Private Tour including Wine Tasting, Shore Excursion: $136

Sample the Local Flavors in Auxerre

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Auxerre:

  • From Dutch Barge Full-Day Cruise with Wine Tasting: $85
  • Chablis & Northern Burgundy Wine Tour: $273


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

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


Which is Bigger, Santorini or Auxerre?

Santorini has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Auxerre. When comparing the sizes of Santorini and Auxerre, 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.