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

Should you visit Santorini or Bari?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Santorini or Bari, 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 hiking, shopping, and museums.

Bari

Bari is a local, cultural, and authentic port city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Santorini and Bari: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Santorini or Bari?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Bari than Santorini. While Santorini is larger than Bari, Bari has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Bari is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and big city activities, while Santorini is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, hiking, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Santorini is more touristy than Bari and is known for its beautiful volcanic beaches, stunning natural beauty, and breathtaking sunsets over the whitewashed villages. Bari is popular for its authentic old town and its role as a ferry port for travelers headed across the Adriatic. It is also home to San Nicola.

How is Santorini different from Bari?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bari is a great port city 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 Bari can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is filled with historical sights and archeological ruins. San Nicola is the main basilica in town and a popular tourist sight. The Castello is also a highlight, as is San Sabino.

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 Bari? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bari 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, Bari is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. It's off-the-beaten-path vibe means that you won't find the overpriced tourist restaurants that have taken over more touristy cities. Instead you'll find locally owned pasta shops that cater to the town's residents. You can taste authentic Pugliese cuisine, which is centered around wheat and olive oil. Orecchiette is the local pasta and seafood is one of the most common staples.

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 Bari Better for Nightlife?

Bari is a great port city for nightlife and partying. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Bari has something for everybody. The city really comes to life at night with many dance clubs, bars, and other fun venues. There's plenty of live music as well as jazz clubs and other local bars.

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 Bari Better for Resorts?

Santorini is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, Bari 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.

Bari is not a resort destination.

Is Santorini or Bari Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Santorini is a good destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Bari 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.

Bari is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Santorini or Bari Better for Beaches?

Both Santorini and Bari have good 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 Bari. There's a sandy beach that you can reach by bus outside of the city center. There are also many great beaches around Puglia if you're willing to take a day trip or travel a bit farther.

Is Santorini or Bari Better for its Old Town?

Bari is a great port city for its old town. However, Santorini does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Bari to see the historical old town. The old town is filled with historic sights, mazelike streets, and great food. It's pedestrian-only and, because Bari is not as popular with tourists, it holds on to its authentic charm.

Santorini does not have a historic old town.

Is Santorini or Bari Better for Hiking?

Santorini is a good destination for hiking. However, Bari 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.

Bari is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Santorini or Bari?

Santorini is a great island for its shopping areas. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port 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.

Bari is a great destination for shopping. You won't find the souvenir shops that you find in more touristy cities, so if you take the time to do some shopping while you're in town, you can enjoy a truly authentic and cultural experience.

Is Santorini or Bari Better for Families?

Bari is a great port 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, Bari is very family-friendly. There are historical sites and castles to explore as well as the fun-filled Miragica amusement park. There's also an impressive underground city that will spark the kid's imagination. Other fun activities include visiting the nearby beaches, taking a kayak tour, or wandering around the old town.

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 Bari Better for Couples?

Santorini is terrific for couples. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port 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.

Bari is a nice destination for couples. The old town is filled with mazelike streets and the city has many unique activities that appeal to history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Is Santorini or Bari Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bari is a great port city for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Bari. There's plenty of hostels around town and the prices are usually very reasonable. Many backpackers pass through this port city on their way to Greece or other Adriatic destinations.

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 Bari Better for Students?

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

Bari is a great port city to visit as a student. It's a great student city that offers access to many nearby Mediterranean destinations. There are also a number of historical sights within town that students can visit.

Santorini is not popular with students.

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

Santorini and Bari 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.

Bari has a few public transit options. There are buses around town that are operated by the AMTAB.

Is Santorini or Bari a more walkable city?

Bari is a great port 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.

Bari is a very walkable port city. The old town is pedestrian-only and best explored on foot. It's also about a 20 minute walk from the central train station.

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 Bari Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bari or Santorini?

How long in Santorini or Bari?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Santorini than Bari. 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 Bari 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 Bari.

One day in Santorini or Bari?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Santorini. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find shopping and museums around the port city of Bari. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bari has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Santorini or Bari?

Santorini is a fun place to experience. 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 a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Bari. 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 port city has to offer. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Santorini or Bari?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the stunning destination of Santorini. This island offers something for everyone. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural port city of Bari. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the food. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Santorini or Bari?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic island of Santorini. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Bari 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 Historical Tours in Italy, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Santorini or Bari?

Santorini has a larger population, and is about 90% larger than the population of Bari. When comparing the sizes of Santorini and Bari, 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.