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

Should you visit Santorini or Bellagio?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Santorini or Bellagio, 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 historic, romantic, and stunning island. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. And you can't forget about the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Bellagio

Bellagio is a impressive, glamorous, and opulent town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food and shopping.

Santorini and Bellagio: 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
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Santorini or Bellagio?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Santorini than Bellagio, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Santorini is better known for its museums, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Bellagio is more popular for its food and small town charm. Santorini is well known for its beautiful volcanic beaches, stunning natural beauty, and breathtaking sunsets over the whitewashed villages. Also, Santorini is famous for The Caldera and Volcano of Santorini. Bellagio is well known for its luxurious villas, stunning views, and charming boutique lined streets.

How is Santorini different from Bellagio?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Santorini
Bellagio

Santorini is a island with good options for its museums and landmarks. However, Bellagio is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

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.

While most people don't head to Bellagio specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The town's atmosphere and views are what attract the tourists, but if you're looking for historical sights, check out the Basilica of San Giacomo.


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

Santorini
Bellagio

Bellagio is a great town for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Bellagio has a huge number of terrific restaurants. You'll find many fine dining restaurants that offer a luxurious atmosphere and well crafted dishes. There are also Michelin starred restaurants in town which offer a unique, world-class experience.

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 Bellagio Better for Nightlife?

Santorini
Bellagio

Santorini is a island with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Bellagio is a town with minimal options for its evening party scene.

Santorini has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. It is one of the calmer, more romantic islands in Greece. For the best nightlife, you'll want to stay near Fira.

Bellagio doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. The town is filled with opulence and luxury, and the nightlife is no exception. Sip cocktails and fine wine while you listen to music or take in the atmosphere.

Is Santorini or Bellagio Better for Resorts?

Santorini
Bellagio

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

Santorini is a world class resort vacation destination. 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.

Bellagio is not a resort destination.


Is Santorini or Bellagio Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Santorini
Bellagio

Santorini is a island with good options for its diving and snorkeling. However, Bellagio is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life 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.

Bellagio is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Santorini or Bellagio Better for Beaches?

Santorini
Bellagio

Santorini is a island with good options for the beache. However, Bellagio is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Santorini. 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.

Bellagio is not a beach destination.

Is Santorini or Bellagio Better for Hiking?

Santorini
Bellagio

Santorini is a island with good options for its hiking experiences. However, Bellagio is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around 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.

Bellagio is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Santorini or Bellagio?

Santorini
Bellagio

Santorini is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Bellagio is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Santorini is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Towns around the island are filled with clothing and jewelry boutiques as well as many unique Greek shopping experiences.

Bellagio has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find traditional shops mixed in with modern stores. There are high end brands and more local specialty markets that are fun to peruse.

Is Santorini or Bellagio Better for Families?

Santorini
Bellagio

Santorini and Bellagio are both notable 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.

Bellagio is a family-friendly place to visit. The town has a playground, a small train, and a Museum of Navigational Instruments that kids may enjoy. There's also a beach where everyone can take a swim.

Is Santorini or Bellagio Better for Couples?

Santorini
Bellagio

Santorini is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Bellagio is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Santorini is a great island for couples, as it 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.

Bellagio is a great island if you're traveling as a couple. The town is a favorite on Lake Como, and couples will appreciate its charming atmosphere and beautiful lake front setting. In a few hours you can soak up the character and magic or this beautiful area.


Is Santorini or Bellagio Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santorini
Bellagio

Santorini is a island with good options for backpackers. However, Bellagio is a town with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Bellagio is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Many people visit the town as a day trip, as it can easily be explored in a few hours. Backpackers who don't want to pay the high hotel prices can still enjoy the setting without staying the night.

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

Santorini
Bellagio

Santorini and Bellagio both offer notable 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.

Bellagio has a few public transit options. There are buses and ferries to town, or you can take a taxi.

Is Santorini or Bellagio a more walkable city?

Santorini
Bellagio

Bellagio 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.

Bellagio is a very easy town to get around on foot. The town is small and compact with many pedestrian streets that are best explored 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 Bellagio Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bellagio or Santorini?

How long in Santorini or Bellagio?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Santorini or Bellagio to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Santorini than Bellagio 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 Bellagio.

Families should spend more time in Santorini than Bellagio. 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 Bellagio. 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 Bellagio 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 Bellagio? Ideal Length of Stay
    Santorini 3-7 
    Bellagio 1-2

One day in Santorini or Bellagio?

The beautiful island of Santorini offers museums and nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Even though Bellagio is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bellagio has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Santorini or Bellagio?

Santorini is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Bellagio is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. 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 Bellagio?

Santorini is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Santorini, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Bellagio is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. 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 Bellagio?

Santorini is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Santorini has to offer. This island offers something for everyone.

Bellagio 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 G Adventures Tours to Italy, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rome.


Which place is cheaper, Bellagio 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 Bellagio is €222. 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 Bellagio in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Santorini 93
    Bellagio 166
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Santorini 186
    Bellagio 332
Compare Hotels in Santorini and Bellagio

Looking for a hotel in Santorini or Bellagio? 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 Bellagio


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 Bellagio Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Santorini 28
    Bellagio 9.02

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santorini

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

  • Skip Cable Car! Santorini Shore Excursion with Boat Transfer: $129
  • 24h Luxury Santorini Transfer.Arrival/Departure one way: $76
  • Arrival Private Transfer Santorini Airport JTR or Port to Santorini by Minibus: $46
  • Arrival Private Transfer Santorini Airport JTR or Port to Santorini by Sprinter: $32
  • Blue Dome And Oia Sunset Small Group Transfer: $37
  • Blue Dome and Oia Sunset Small Group Transfer: $38
  • Departure Private Transfer Santorini to Santorini Airport JTR by Sedan Car: $23
  • Departure Private Transfer Santorini to Santorini Airport JTR or Port by Van: $32
  • Departure Private Transfer Santorni to Santorini Airport JTR or Port by Sprinter: $46
  • Departure Shared Transfer in Santorini Island: $22
  • Departure Transfer To Santorini Port: $33
  • Economy Roundtrip Transfer Santorini Airport ( Max 4 stop ): $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bellagio

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bellagio:

  • From Bellagio : Private 1-Way Transfer to Malpensa airport: $382
  • From Milan center : Private 1-Way Transfer to Bellagio: $351

Is it cheaper to fly into Santorini or Bellagio?

Prices for flights to both Bellagio 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
    Bellagio 46

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bellagio

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bellagio.

  • Como Lake: cooking class Italian style in Bellagio: $191
  • Bellagio Food Tour + Villa Melzi: $209
  • Cooking Class with Lunch with the chef: $534

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Santorini 36
    Bellagio -

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 Bellagio

Here are a few actual costs in Bellagio for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Bellagio Walking Tour + Lunch + Villa Balbianello: $315
  • Lake Como Sunset Boat Tour with Prosecco: $118
  • Vintage Wooden Boat Rowing Experience on Lake Como: $187
  • Exclusive Lake Como Boat Tour From Bellagio: $428
  • From Milan: Bellagio & Lake Como Small Group Tour: $127
  • From Milan: Como & Bellagio Guided Tour & Lake Como Cruise: $106
  • Lake Como: Golden Hour Guided Kayak Tour: $123
  • Lake Como: Small-Group Kayak Tour: $93
  • Lake Como: Villa Carlotta Entry Tickets with Ferries: $78
  • Lake Como: Villa Melzi Garden Entry Ticket with Ferries: $71
  • Shared Boat Tour from Bellagio: $43

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Santorini 26
    Bellagio 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


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Santorini and Bellagio, we can see that Bellagio is more expensive. And not only is Santorini much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Santorini would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Santorini 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 Bellagio would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bellagio than you might in Santorini.

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


Which is Bigger, Santorini or Bellagio?

Santorini has a larger population, and is about 200 times larger than the population of Bellagio. When comparing the sizes of Santorini and Bellagio, 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.