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. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Many visitors also come to Santorini 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. See Santorini travel costs.

Corfu

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

Santorini and Corfu: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Santorini or Corfu?

Both Corfu and Santorini have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Santorini is better known for its museums and attractions, historical sights, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Corfu is more popular for its food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. 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.

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 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?

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).

Dining out in Santorini is an experience not to be missed. Popular foods on this island include fava, Greek salad, and kofta.

Is Santorini or Corfu Better for Nightlife?

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?

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?

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?

Corfu is an unbeatable place for the beach. 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 its Old Town?

Santorini is a nice place to visit for its old town. However, Corfu does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Santorini. The historic towns of Fira and Oia are the two most popular with visitors, although they have become more built up and less historic over the past few decades. Historical areas are still found within these towns mixed in with restaurants, shops, and hotels set among the beautiful cliff-side views.

Corfu does not have a historic old town.

Is Santorini or Corfu Better for Hiking?

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?

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 More Beautiful?

Santorini and Corfu are somewhat similar when it comes to the amazing scenery.

Many visitors also come to Santorini because of it's amazing beauty. It has striking blue water and contrasting white buildings. It is the place many travelers dream of visiting for its picturesque setting.

You'll find world class beauty in Corfu as well. The island is known for its natural beauty. There are idyllic rolling green hills on the southern side and dramatic limestone rocks towards the north.

Is Santorini or Corfu Better for Families?

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 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?

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?

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?

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.

One day in Santorini or Corfu?

Even though Santorini is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. 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 breathtaking 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. Santorini is a small town with plenty to do. 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 relaxing 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?

Santorini might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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.

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.