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

Should you visit Santorini or Bamberg?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Santorini or Bamberg, 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 stunning, historic, and romantic island. You'll find world class beauty here as well. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and food.

Bamberg

Bamberg is a storybook, historic, and beautiful 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 Bamberg: Pros and Cons

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
Things to Consider
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Santorini or Bamberg?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Santorini than Bamberg. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Santorini is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Bamberg attracts visitors for its historical sights. Santorini is more touristy than Bamberg and is popular for its beautiful volcanic beaches, stunning natural beauty, and breathtaking sunsets over the whitewashed villages. It is also well known for The Caldera and Volcano of Santorini. Bamberg is famous for its medieval old town and its many beautiful bridges and buildings.

How is Santorini different from Bamberg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Santorini
Bamberg

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

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 Bamberg. At the heart of Bamberg is the old town, which is what attracts international tourists from around the world. Make sure you see the Cathedral & Diocesan Museum and the Historical Museum. There's also a brewery museum that is fascinating to wander through.


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

Santorini
Bamberg

Dining out at restaurants in both Santorini and Bamberg 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 Bamberg area. There are a number of charming and traditional restaurants in the old town. They have a cozy atmosphere and a small and quaint feel. Many of the local dishes include pork and potatoes and they're often flavored with local beer. Make sure you try the Schäuferla (roasted pork shoulder), Hörnla (a local pastry available at bakeries), and Zwiebeln (stuffed onions).

Is Santorini or Bamberg Better for Nightlife?

Santorini
Bamberg

Santorini is a nice place to visit for nightlife. However, Bamberg is not a good town for nightlife and partying.

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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Bamberg. While the town isn't known for its nightlife, there are some relaxing bars and pubs around town.

Is Santorini or Bamberg Better for Resorts?

Santorini
Bamberg

Santorini is an amazing island to visit for its resorts. However, Bamberg 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.

Bamberg is not a resort destination.


Is Santorini or Bamberg Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Santorini
Bamberg

Santorini is a nice place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Bamberg 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.

Bamberg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Santorini or Bamberg Better for Beaches?

Santorini
Bamberg

Santorini is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Bamberg 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.

Bamberg is not a beach destination.

Is Santorini or Bamberg Better for its Old Town?

Santorini
Bamberg

Bamberg is an unbeatable place for its old town. However, Santorini does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Bamberg offers plenty to see. With its cobblestone streets, impressive architecture, and beautiful riverside setting, the town's old town is a favorite for many travelers. The buildings have ornate and detailed designs and the bridges are beautiful.

Santorini does not have a historic old town.


Is Santorini or Bamberg Better for Hiking?

Santorini
Bamberg

Santorini is a nice place to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Bamberg 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.

Bamberg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Santorini or Bamberg?

Santorini
Bamberg

Santorini is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Bamberg is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Santorini is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Towns around the island are filled with clothing and jewelry boutiques as well as many unique Greek shopping experiences.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Bamberg. Head to the Gardeners' District, where you'll find vendors selling local produce, crafts, and other items. In the old town there are charming German shops that sell Christmas items or other local handicrafts.

Is Santorini or Bamberg Better for Families?

Santorini
Bamberg

Santorini and Bamberg are both nice 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.

Bamberg is a family-friendly place to visit. The history comes to life with reenactments and historical museums. There are also water activities, playgrounds, and many places where kids can run around and stretch their legs.


Is Santorini or Bamberg Better for Couples?

Santorini
Bamberg

Santorini and Bamberg are both amazing 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.

Bamberg is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Filled with scenic bridges, beautiful gardens, and historic architecture, this is a top destination for a couples getaway. You can enjoy gondola rides and fine dining on a romantic weekend away.

Is Santorini or Bamberg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santorini
Bamberg

For backpackers, both Santorini and Bamberg are nice 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.

Bamberg is a good island to visit for backpackers. There are hostels and a great tourist scene that makes it easy to meet other travelers.

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

Santorini
Bamberg

Santorini and Bamberg both offer nice 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.

Bamberg has a few public transit options. There are 28 buses that leave from the Central Bus Station and travel through the region.


Is Santorini or Bamberg a more walkable city?

Santorini
Bamberg

Bamberg 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.

Bamberg is a very easy town to get around on foot. The old town is compact enough to easily 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 Bamberg Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bamberg or Santorini?

How long in Santorini or Bamberg?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Santorini and Bamberg. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Santorini than in Bamberg. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Santorini, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bamberg.

Families should spend more time in Santorini than Bamberg. 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 Bamberg. 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 Bamberg 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 Bamberg? Ideal Length of Stay
    Santorini 3-7 
    Bamberg 1-3

One day in Santorini or Bamberg?

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 town of Bamberg. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bamberg has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Santorini or Bamberg?

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 scenic destination of Bamberg. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Bamberg?

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 shopping when visiting the historic town of Bamberg. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Santorini or Bamberg?

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.

Bamberg is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Adventure Tours to Germany, and The Best Cultural Tours in Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Bamberg 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 Bamberg is €127. 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 Bamberg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Santorini 93
    Bamberg 75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Santorini 186
    Bamberg 150
Compare Hotels in Santorini and Bamberg

Looking for a hotel in Santorini or Bamberg? 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 Bamberg


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 Bamberg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Santorini 28
    Bamberg 14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santorini

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

  • One-Way Transfer to/from the Port or Airport: $15
  • Economy Roundtrip Transfer Santorini Airport ( Max 4 stop ): $15
  • Santorini Private Transfer From or To Airport: $16
  • Shared Transfer From Airport and Port to Santorini: $17
  • Santorini Private Transfer Services: $20
  • Shuttle Transfers From or To Santorini Port: $21
  • Private Transfer Santorini: $22
  • Private Arrival Transfer From Santorini Airport To All Destinations: $22
  • Departure Shared Transfer in Santorini Island: $22
  • Santorini shared transfer: $22
  • Private Transfers To/From Airport, Port & Hotels: $22
  • Departure Private Transfer Santorini to Santorini Airport JTR by Sedan Car: $23

Is it cheaper to fly into Santorini or Bamberg?

Prices for flights to both Bamberg 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
    Bamberg 41

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
    Bamberg 17

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
  • Skip the Line Lost Atlantis Experience Ticket: $15
  • E-Ticket to Akrotiri with Audio Tour on your Phone: $15
  • Akrotiri Archaeological Site Entry Ticket: $16
  • Refundable Ticket for Akrotiri Archaeological Site : $20
  • 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

Tours and Activities in Bamberg

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bamberg are as follows:

  • Bamberg Countryside Breweries Beer Hike Food Experience (departs Bamberg): $281
  • Bamberg Crime-Trail: self-guided crime tour: $42
  • Bamberg Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $240
  • 1-Hour Theatrical Humor Tour with Costumed Guide: $19
  • Altenburg Burg Tour: $14
  • Bar & Club Tour with free drinks & VIP entry: $31
  • City Highlights Walking Tour: $13
  • Guided Beer History Tour with Optional Tasting: $16
  • Guided Historical Culinary Tour: $27
  • Guided Tour of the Gardeners' District: $17
  • Guided Walking Tour: $14
  • Historical Museum Entry Ticket: $8.56

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Santorini 26
    Bamberg 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: $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 Bamberg

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bamberg:

  • Historical City Tour in German with Brewery Visit: $17
  • Beer & Brewery Tour - 2 Hour: $37


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

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


Which is Bigger, Santorini or Bamberg?

Santorini has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Bamberg. When comparing the sizes of Santorini and Bamberg, 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.