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

Should you visit Santorini or Bath?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Santorini or Bath, 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. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. Other reasons to visit include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Bath

Bath is a charming, historical, and beautiful spa town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Santorini and Bath: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • 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 museums and historical sights
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Historic Roman Baths


Is there more to do in Santorini or Bath?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Santorini than Bath. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Santorini is very popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and quaint atmosphere, while Bath attracts visitors for its museums, historical sights, and small town charm. Santorini is more touristy than Bath and is known 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. Bath is famous for its world-renowned Roman built baths as well as its historical architecture and many museums.

How is Santorini different from Bath?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Santorini
Bath

Bath 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 Bath are world-renowned. The main draw to Bath is the rich history and most sights are focused on the area's spa city past. The Roman Baths are a highlight of a trip to the city, but other not to be missed places include Bath Abbey, the Royal Crescent, and Pulteney Bridge.

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 Bath? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Santorini
Bath

Dining out at restaurants in both Santorini and Bath 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 Bath area. Sample afternoon tea or try some local fish and chips. There are a diversity of restaurants to choose from so it's easy to find local favorites, vegetarian options, or international cuisine.

Is Santorini or Bath Better for Nightlife?

Santorini
Bath

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find nice options in both Santorini and Bath.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Bath. Head to George Street, which is the liveliest part of the city at night. You'll find a mix of high end restaurants, pubs, and cocktail bars that keep the energy high. One of the most popular nightlife venues in Bath is Bath Komedia, which is a popular music and comedy club.

Is Santorini or Bath Better for Resorts?

Santorini
Bath

Santorini is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Bath 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.

Bath is not a resort destination.


Is Santorini or Bath Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Santorini
Bath

Santorini is very good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Bath 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.

Bath is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Santorini or Bath Better for Beaches?

Santorini
Bath

Santorini is very good for its beaches. However, Bath 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.

Bath is not a beach destination.

Is Santorini or Bath Better for its Old Town?

Santorini
Bath

Bath is a great spa town for its old town. However, Santorini does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Bath to see the historical old town. The Roman old town has charming streets and a vibrant environment. On pleasant weekends you'll find tourists and locals alike filling the restaurants and town squares, giving the city an energy and lively atmosphere.

Santorini does not have a historic old town.


Is Santorini or Bath Better for Hiking?

Santorini
Bath

Santorini is very good for its hiking trails. However, Bath 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.

Bath is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Santorini or Bath?

Santorini
Bath

If you're looking to go shopping, Santorini and Bath both offer plenty of excellent spots.

Santorini is well-known for its shopping. Towns around the island are filled with clothing and jewelry boutiques as well as many unique Greek shopping experiences.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Bath. Head to Stall Street and Union Street for the most popular shopping streets in town. Many visitors pick up jewelry, glass, and fudge or other sweets while exploring the area.

Is Santorini or Bath Better for Families?

Santorini
Bath

Santorini and Bath 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.

Bath is a family-friendly place to visit. The city is all about history and architecture, so at times it can be challenging for the kids to stay entertained. For a change of pace, take a boat on the canal or explore one of the beautiful gardens.


Is Santorini or Bath Better for Couples?

Santorini
Bath

Santorini and Bath are both terrific 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.

Bath is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. With its beautiful architecture and fascinating history, this city is perfect for couples. Take a canal cruise or wander through the scenic areas to enjoy a romantic trip.

Is Santorini or Bath Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santorini
Bath

For backpackers, both Santorini and Bath 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.

Bath is a good island to visit for backpackers. You'll find a surprising number of hostels around town so it's not hard to meet other backpackers while you're in the area.

Is Santorini or Bath Better for Students?

Santorini
Bath

Bath is a great spa town for its student-friendly activities. However, Santorini is not popular with students.

Bath is a great spa town to visit as a student. The University of Bath offers a number of different programs so this is a popular city for local and international students.

Santorini is not popular with students.


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

Santorini
Bath

Santorini and Bath 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.

Bath has a few public transit options. You likely won't need public transit because it's easy to walk most places, but there are buses around town.

Is Santorini or Bath a more walkable city?

Santorini
Bath

Bath 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.

Bath is a very easy spa town to get around on foot. It is a very walkable city with most sights and activities packed into a very compact area. There are also many pedestrian areas that are easy to 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 Bath Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bath or Santorini?

How long in Santorini or Bath?

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

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


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

One day in Santorini or Bath?

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


A weekend in Santorini or Bath?

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 charming destination of Bath. 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 spa town has to offer. This spa town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Santorini or Bath?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the romantic 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 charming spa town of Bath. 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 museums. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Santorini or Bath?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the romantic 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.

Bath 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, and The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom.


Which place is cheaper, Bath 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 Bath is €165. 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 Bath in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Santorini 93
    Bath 92
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Santorini 186
    Bath 184
Compare Hotels in Santorini and Bath

Looking for a hotel in Santorini or Bath? 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 Bath


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 Bath Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Santorini 28
    Bath 31

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santorini

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

  • VIP Limo Transfers From & To Santorini Port: $82
  • VIP Limo Transfers From & To Santorini Airport: $33
  • Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Santorini HTL-APT(JTR): $32
  • Transfer to Akrotiri : $43
  • Transfer Perissa To Oia : $46
  • TRANSFERS Santorini PRIVATE Transfer: $31
  • Shuttle Transfers From or To Santorini Port: $21
  • Shared transfer to/from the airport/port : $74
  • Shared Transfer From Airport and Port to Santorini: $17
  • Shared Transfer : $33
  • Shared Departure Transfers to Airport or Port Santorini : $33
  • Shared Arrival Transfer: Santorini Airport to Hotel or Cruise Port: $27

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bath

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

  • Bath to Heathrow Airport private airport transfer: $291
  • "Private Transfer: London Heathrow Airport to Bath".: $161
  • Bus Transfer to/from Bristol Airport: $21

Is it cheaper to fly into Santorini or Bath?

Prices for flights to both Bath 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
    Bath 51

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
    Bath 19

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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Bath

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Bath's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Thermal Bath Spa
    41

Tours and Activities in Bath

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

  • Fully Guided Bath Ghost Tours: $20
  • Spa Experience with Massage Treatments: $153
  • 'Hidden Cotswolds & Dark Age England' tour for 2-8 from Bath: $331
  • 'Stonehenge & Secret England' from Bath for 2-8 curious adventurers: $286
  • "Luxury Royal Bath Tour: From London in Executive Class": $581
  • "Stonehenge & Secret England" Tour for 2-8 guests from Bath: $369
  • 2 Hour Historic Walking Tour in Bath with An App: $9.99
  • Awesome Bath – Family Walking Tour: $426
  • Awesome Family Walking Tour: $217
  • 2-Hour Bath Walking Tour of Bridgerton Filming Locations: $254
  • Private Walking Tour | Blue Badge Guide, 2h, £200 per group: $254
  • Bad of Bath fun Walking Tour of Bath: $23

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Santorini 26
    Bath 16

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 Bath

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bath:

  • Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $47


When comparing the travel costs between Santorini and Bath, we can see that Santorini is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Santorini or Bath?

Santorini has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Bath. When comparing the sizes of Santorini and Bath, 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.