A Travel Price Comparison for Greece Santorini vs. Corfu for Food, Resorts, Beaches, and Hiking

Should you visit Santorini or Corfu?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Santorini or Corfu, 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. 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. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Corfu

Corfu is a relaxing, stunning, and natural island. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Santorini and Corfu: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less attractive beach
  • Less hiking options
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • 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


Is there more to do in Santorini or Corfu?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Corfu than Santorini, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Corfu is better known for its food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Santorini is more popular for its museums and quaint atmosphere. Santorini is more touristy than Corfu and is known for its beautiful volcanic beaches, stunning natural beauty, and breathtaking sunsets over the whitewashed villages. Corfu is well known for its charming villages, gorgeous beaches, and pristine landscape. Also, Corfu is famous for Canal d'Amour.

How is Santorini different from Corfu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Santorini
Corfu

Santorini is a nice place to visit for its historical sights. However, Corfu does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Corfu does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Santorini
Corfu

Corfu 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, Corfu is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The island's local dishes are heavily influenced by the surrounding areas. You'll find similarities to Greek and Venetian dishes as well France and Mediterranean flavors. Common ingredients include wine, garlic, cloves, cinnamon, and allspice and several traditional dishes that you should try include pastitsado (red wine stew), sofrito (garlic seasoned beef), and veal fricando (roasted veal).

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 Corfu Better for Nightlife?

Santorini
Corfu

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

The nightlife in Corfu has something for everybody. It's a large island that attracts a number of students, so you can expect a party during the summer months. The most popular areas for nightlife are Kavos, Ipsos, Kontokali, and Sidari. You'll also find clubs in many of the resorts and there are often all night parties even during the off seasons.

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 Corfu Better for Resorts?

Santorini
Corfu

With a similar set of options, amazing resorts can be found in both Santorini and Corfu.

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.

Corfu is a world class resort vacation destination. The diversity of resorts, from family-friendly to romantic or all-inclusive, means there really is something for everyone. There are also a number of villages so you can find a location that perfectly lines up with your needs.


Is Santorini or Corfu Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Santorini
Corfu

Corfu is a great island for its diving and snorkeling. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Many visitors go to Corfu to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. The island is large enough that it has a number of spots to choose from. One of the most beautiful is Afionas, in Port Timone. It's only accessible by boat or a 45 minute hike. Paleokastritsa is a more accessible snorkeling and dive area with facilities and luxury villas where you can stay. For scuba diving, you can also head to Agni, but the busy boat traffic means it's not the best place for snorkeling.

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.

Is Santorini or Corfu Better for Beaches?

Santorini
Corfu

Corfu is an unbeatable place for the beache. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for the beach.

The beaches in Corfu are among the best in the world. The island is known for its stunning beaches which offer a diversity of settings ranging from family-friendly to natural or party-focused. The most famous beach resort area is Paleokastritsa but other nice places include Pelekas, Agios Gordis, and Glyfada. On the western side of the island you'll find mostly long sandy beaches and on the eastern side you'll find more pebble beaches.

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.

Is Santorini or Corfu Better for Hiking?

Santorini
Corfu

Corfu is an unbeatable place for hiking. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for the nearby hiking options.

Known for its hiking, Corfu draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The stunning natural beauty of the island means you'll find some of the most breathtaking hikes in the Greek Isles. From the lush green rolling hills to the striking blue waters, there are many places to soak up this island's idyllic setting. The island is also rich in plant life and you'll find more than 30 species of orchids here. Popular hiking trails include Vlacherna Trail (good for beginners and families), Mount Pantokrator Trail (the most challenging on the island), and Old Town Hiking Trail which takes you through the history of the area.

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.


Is the Shopping Better in Santorini or Corfu?

Santorini
Corfu

If you're looking to go shopping, Santorini and Corfu both offer plenty of superb 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 Corfu. You'll find most of the shops concentrated in Corfu Town. Popular items to purchase include leather goods, jewelry, ceramics, and items made from olive wood.

Is Santorini or Corfu Better for Families?

Santorini
Corfu

Corfu is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its family-friendly activities.

Corfu is an amazing family-friendly island to visit. Because it is so beautiful with amazing beaches, it makes an ideal destination for kids and adults. There are many places where kids can swim as well as a number of great activities for everyone. The whole family will enjoy glass bottom boat rides, horseback riding, and even a visit to the popular Hydropolis Waterpark. There are also a huge number of kid-friendly resorts around the island.

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 Corfu Better for Couples?

Santorini
Corfu

Santorini and Corfu 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.

Corfu is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. It's idyllic natural setting and stunning beaches make this a truly romantic island. It's a favorite honeymoon destination for newlyweds from around the world. There are luxury hotels and resorts that have spas, pools, and fine dining options. Whether you're looking for a place to relax or a more adventurous experience, you'll find it all here.


Is Santorini or Corfu Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santorini
Corfu

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

Many backpackers visit Corfu. The island is a favorite, particularly during the crowded summer months. There are a number of hostels where backpackers can stay and an active nightlife if that's your style. There are also quiet and more peaceful settings if you want to escape the crowds.

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 Corfu Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Santorini
Corfu

Corfu is a great island for times when you don't have a car. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its public transit.

The public transit in Corfu can get you around easily. There's a decent public bus system on the island. The blue buses stay near Corfu Town while the green buses go further around the island.

Santorini has a few public transit options. 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.

Is Santorini or Corfu a more walkable city?

Santorini
Corfu

Corfu is a great island for its high level of walkability. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its ease of walking around.

Corfu is a very walkable island. It's easy to walk around Corfu Town, and if you plan to spend most of your time at the beach there's really no need for a car.

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 Corfu Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Corfu or Santorini?

How long in Santorini or Corfu?

Both Santorini and Corfu have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Corfu has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Corfu than Santorini. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Santorini, and 5-7 days is enough time in Corfu.

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

Couples should spend more time in Corfu than Santorini. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Corfu that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Corfu 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 Corfu.


  • How many days in Santorini or Corfu? Ideal Length of Stay
    Santorini 3-7 
    Corfu 5-7

One day in Santorini or Corfu?

In Santorini, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this historic destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the island of Corfu. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Santorini or Corfu?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Santorini. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the natural destination of Corfu. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Santorini or Corfu?

Santorini is a fun place to experience. In Santorini, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this quaint destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

You'll find nightlife and food around the breathtaking island of Corfu. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this island makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer.


A week in Santorini or Corfu?

In Santorini, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this stunning destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Corfu is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Corfu, one week is sufficent for most. 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 Tours for Seniors to Greece, and The Best Contiki Tours to Greece.


Which place is cheaper, Corfu 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 Corfu 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 Corfu in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Santorini 93
    Corfu 49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Santorini 186
    Corfu 98
Compare Hotels in Santorini and Corfu

Looking for a hotel in Santorini or Corfu? 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 Corfu


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 Corfu Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Santorini 28
    Corfu 55

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santorini

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

  • Helicopter Transfer between Mykonos & Santorini: $3,800
  • Private Sunset Tour with Picnic & Transfer: $163
  • Santorini Luxury Catamaran Day Cruise with BBQ,drinks,transfer: $144
  • Santorini Airport(JTR) to Santorini - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $144
  • Caldera Cruise with Greek Meal and Transfer: $141
  • Santorini to Heraklion Crete: Ferry Ticket & Hotel Transfer: $127
  • Santorini to Mykonos: Ferry Ticket & Hotel Transfer: $127
  • Santorini Luxury Sailing Catamaran Cruise with BBQ, Drinks and Transfer: $121
  • Santorini Private transfer up to 8 persons: $121
  • Santorini Sunset Luxury Sailing Catamaran Cruise with BBQ, drinks, transfer: $121
  • Wine Tasting Tour to 3 Wineries with Transfer: $117
  • Private Arrival Transfer From Santorini Port To All Destinations: $110

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Corfu

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

  • Private Highlights Tour with Transfer: $326
  • From Private Group Transfer to Barbati Beach: $292
  • Private Transfer from Parga to Preveza Aktion Airport (PVK): $267
  • Private Transfer from Ksamil to Syvota: $257
  • Corfu Airport (CFU): Private Transfer to Corfu Island hotels: $242
  • Private Transfer from Syvota to Preveza: $212
  • Private Transfer from Syvota to Parga: $166
  • Private Shore Excursion Visit in Corfu with Transfer Included: $144
  • Transfer Preveza/Lefkas Airport to/from Parga Area: $138
  • Private Transfer from Sivota to Igoumenitsa Port: $138
  • Transfer from Corfu Airport or Port to Kanoni, up to 16 customers: $136
  • Corfu International Airport (CFU): One-way Hotel Transfer: $130

Is it cheaper to fly into Santorini or Corfu?

Prices for flights to both Corfu 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
    Corfu 31

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santorini

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

  • Live Virtual Cooking Class: $25
  • Traditional Greek Night live Music & Dinner Show in Santorini: $55
  • Romantic Sunset Caldera Cruise with Dinner: $71
  • Santorini Caldera: Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $71
  • Virtual Private Cooking Class Live from Santorini: $72
  • Volcanic Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $81
  • Santorini Caldera Sunset Sailing Cruise with Dinner and Wine: $88
  • Catamaran Tour with BBQ Dinner, Drinks, and Music: $92
  • Volcano and Hot Springs Sunset Dinner Cruise: $98
  • Santorini Volcano Sunset Cruise Including Dinner on Board: $109
  • Cooking Class in Traditional cave house in Santorini!: $121
  • Sunset Cruise with Swim Stops, Dinner, and Drinks: $122

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Corfu

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

  • Private Traditional Albanian Lakror Cooking Class in Ksamil: $41
  • Traditional Dinner with a Magnificent View: $97
  • Greek Cooking Class & Olive Oil Tasting: $98
  • Corfood bites - Cooking classes by Christos: $99
  • Private Corfu Food Tour Taste Corfu Culinary Treasures with Guide: $193

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Santorini 36
    Corfu 15

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: $63
  • Santorini Secrets & Gems for Cruise Passengers: $97
  • Oia Sunset- Cultural Walking Tour : $66
  • 3-Hour Santorini Highlights Tour: $72
  • 4 Hour Private Guided Tour in Santorini: $221
  • 4 Hours Private Custom Tour in Santorini: $188
  • 4 Hours Santorini Private Tour: $150
  • 4 hours Private Half Day Tour in Santorini Island: $177
  • 4 hrs island tour and photoshooting, Oia Blue domes, Red beach : $199
  • 5 Hour Sightseeing Tour in the Magical Santorini: $113
  • 5-Hour Private Tour of Southern Santorini: $407
  • 6 Hours Land Tour Ideal for Cruise Ship Passengers: $287

Tours and Activities in Corfu

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

  • 1 hour Tour in Corfu Town with Dark Stories: $33
  • 2023 Top-Rated Private Custom Corfu Tour: $326
  • 2024 Top Rated Private Custom Corfu Tour: $166
  • 4-hours Small Group Tour - Palaiokastritsa & Corfu Town: $133
  • 8-day/7-night Corfu cruise: $737
  • A Cultural tour in the Historical centrer of Corfu Old Town: $217
  • ATV Quad Guided Tour & food tasting/lunch @The Pink Palace Corfu: $76
  • Acheron River Springs, Necromanteion and Souli Jeep tour: $243
  • Achilleion Palace, Kanoni & Corfu Old Town Private Tour: $379
  • Achillion Palace and Corfu town, Half day private tour: $166
  • Albania Cruise from Corfu : $49
  • All Day Cruise - Paxos and Antipaxos Islands with Blue Caves: $64

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Santorini 26
    Corfu 8.57

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: $61
  • Top Sights of Santorini with Wine Tasting and Sunset in Oia: $61
  • Top Sights Day Trip, Wine Tasting, & Oia Sunset: $70
  • Fira Town Walking Tour with Wine Tasting: $76
  • Santorini 4-Hour Private Tour including Wine Tasting, Shore Excursion: $105
  • Santorini 4 Hour Private Oia Tour & Wine Tasting : $106
  • Santorini Highlights Small-Group Tour with Wine Tasting from Fira: $110
  • Wine Tour with Sunset in Oia: $119
  • Santorini Wine Adventure in 3 Wineries with Wine Tastings, Sunset: $133
  • Wine Adventure in 3 Wineries and 12 Wine Tastings: $157
  • Three Wineries and One Brewery Tour with Tastings: $163
  • Wine Tasting Tour & Sunset Viewing: $163

Sample the Local Flavors in Corfu

Also in Corfu, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Private Corfu Wine Tasting Shore Excursion: $456
  • Private Shore Excursion: Corfu's Highlights & Wine Tasting: $467


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

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


Which is Bigger, Santorini or Corfu?

Santorini has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Corfu. When comparing the sizes of Santorini and Corfu, 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.