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

Should you visit Santorini or Dublin?

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

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

Dublin

Dublin is a laid-back, friendly, and welcoming city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Santorini and Dublin: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • 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 popular for nightlife
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable


Is there more to do in Santorini or Dublin?

You'll generally find more things to do in Dublin than Santorini. Dublin is bigger than Santorini, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Dublin is better known for its museums, nightlife, music, historical sights, and big city activities, while Santorini is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Santorini is more touristy than Dublin and is popular for its beautiful volcanic beaches, stunning natural beauty, and breathtaking sunsets over the whitewashed villages. Dublin is well known for its friendly and social nightlife, its local pubs, and its role as the birthplace of Guinness. Also, Dublin is famous for The Guinness Storehouse.

How is Santorini different from Dublin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Santorini
Dublin

Dublin is a great 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 Dublin can be an interesting and educational experience. There are a number of museums around town including the National Museum of Ireland, the Little Museum of Dublin, and the National Gallery of Ireland.

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 Dublin? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Santorini
Dublin

Dining out at restaurants in both Santorini and Dublin 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 Dublin area. Seafood has become popular around town, but you can also try traditional favorites like stew, pancakes, or coddle.

Is Santorini or Dublin Better for Nightlife?

Santorini
Dublin

Dublin is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Dublin is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. Temple Bar is where you'll find the greatest concentration of pubs and nightlife. The city is among the friendliest and most welcoming, and this is seen even in the vibe around town at night.

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 Dublin Better for Music?

Santorini
Dublin

Dublin is a great city for its live music scene. However, Santorini is not a live music destination.

Dublin has a thriving music scene. The best places to hear live music around town are the back street pubs that feature local groups.

Santorini is not a live music destination.


Is Santorini or Dublin Better for Resorts?

Santorini
Dublin

Santorini is terrific for its resorts. However, Dublin is not a resort destination.

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.

Dublin is not a resort destination.

Is Santorini or Dublin Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Santorini
Dublin

Santorini is a nice place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Dublin is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Santorini has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. 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.

Dublin is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Santorini or Dublin Better for Beaches?

Santorini
Dublin

Santorini is a nice place to visit for the beache. However, Dublin is not a beach destination.

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.

Dublin is not a beach destination.


Is Santorini or Dublin Better for its Old Town?

Santorini
Dublin

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

Many visitors go to Dublin to see the historical old town. On the south side of the River Liffey are three different historic parts to the city. The Medieval Quarter is the oldest. To the east is Temple Bar, and further east is the Georgian Quarter.

Santorini does not have a historic old town.

Is Santorini or Dublin Better for Hiking?

Santorini
Dublin

Santorini is a nice place to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Dublin is not a hiking destination.

Santorini has hiking trails worth exploring. 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.

Dublin is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Santorini or Dublin?

Santorini
Dublin

If you're looking to go shopping, Santorini and Dublin 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 Dublin. Head to Grafton Street to see a number of brand name and local shops. It's a pedestrian street that is fun to wander around.


Is Santorini or Dublin Better for Families?

Santorini
Dublin

Dublin is a great 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, Dublin is very family-friendly. Explore the waterways with the viking splash, learn about the vikings at the museum Dublina, or visit any of the other kid-friendly museums around town, or see a show at The Gaiety.

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 Dublin Better for Couples?

Santorini
Dublin

Santorini is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

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.

Dublin is a great island if you're traveling as a couple. It's laid-back vibe and countless pubs make it a fun weekend getaway for couples.

Is Santorini or Dublin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santorini
Dublin

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

Many backpackers visit Dublin. There are a number of popular backpacker hostels around town. The pub scene is also popular with the young crowd.

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 Dublin Better for Students?

Santorini
Dublin

Dublin is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Santorini is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Dublin. While student accommodation can be a bit expensive in town, the nightlife and social aspect of living in the city center makes it well worth it.

Santorini is not popular with students.

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

Santorini
Dublin

Santorini and Dublin 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.

Dublin has a few public transit options. There is a comprehensive bus system around town.

Is Santorini or Dublin a more walkable city?

Santorini
Dublin

Dublin 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.

Dublin is a very easy city to get around on foot. Because it is so compact and flat, it is easy to explore the city center 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 Dublin Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dublin or Santorini?

How long in Santorini or Dublin?

In either Santorini or Dublin, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Santorini than Dublin because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Santorini, and 2-5 days is enough time in Dublin.

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

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


  • How many days in Santorini or Dublin? Ideal Length of Stay
    Santorini 3-7 
    Dublin 2-5

One day in Santorini or Dublin?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the quaint destination of Santorini. 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 one day exploring.

You'll find nightlife and live music around the city of Dublin. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Dublin?

Santorini is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find live music and food around the welcoming destination of Dublin. 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 city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Santorini or Dublin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Santorini. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find food and shopping around the friendly city of Dublin. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.


A week in Santorini or Dublin?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic destination of Santorini. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Dublin 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 Walking Tours in Ireland, and The Best Luxury Tours to Ireland.


Which place is cheaper, Dublin 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 Dublin is €143. 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 Dublin in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Santorini 93
    Dublin 68
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Santorini 186
    Dublin 136
Compare Hotels in Santorini and Dublin

Looking for a hotel in Santorini or Dublin? 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 Dublin


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 Dublin Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Santorini 28
    Dublin 19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santorini

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

  • Arrival Private Transfer Santorini Airport JTR or Port to Santorini by Minibus: $46
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Santorini Airport JTR to Santorini by Sedan Car: $23
  • Arrival or Departure Shared Transfer in Santorini: $15
  • Blue Dome And Oia Sunset Small Group Transfer: $38
  • Blue Dome and Oia Sunset Small Group Transfer: $39
  • Departure Private Transfer Santorni to Santorini Airport JTR or Port by Sprinter: $46
  • Departure Transfer To Santorini Airport: $18
  • Departure Transfer To Santorini Port: $33
  • Economy Departure Transfers To Santorini Airport: $15
  • Helicopter Transfer between Mykonos & Santorini: $3,800
  • Private Arrival Transfer From Santorini Port To All Destinations: $110
  • Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Santorini Airport: $55

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Dublin

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Dublin:


  • Rental Car for a Day
    15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dublin

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dublin:

  • One-Way Private Transfer to Killarney: $787
  • One-Way Private Transfer to Galway: $679
  • One-Way Private Transfer to Cork City: $646
  • Shannon: Private Airport Arrival Transfer to Dublin: $624
  • One-Way Private Transfer to Shannon Airport: $624
  • One-Way Private Transfer to Limerick: $592
  • Dublin Airport:, Executive/chauffeur transfer to Belfast: $567
  • Dublin Glasnevin National Cemetery Audio Tour with Transfers: $344
  • Dublin Zoo Skip-the-line Tickets and Private Transfers: $309
  • Private Transfer from Dublin Airport to Belfast City Airport (BHD): $296
  • Dublin Airport Or Dublin City To Bellinter House Private Chauffeur Transfer: $296
  • Private Max 5 Luxury Electric Limousine Transfer, Dublin Airport to Dublin City: $294

Is it cheaper to fly into Santorini or Dublin?

Prices for flights to both Dublin 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
    Dublin 49

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

Typical Food Prices in Dublin

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Dublin:


  • Lunch Lynam's Pub
    3.95

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dublin

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

  • Walking Street Food Tour with Local Guide: $30
  • Dublin 3-Course Dinner and Live Shows at The Irish House Party: $31
  • No Diet Club - Best Food Tour in Dublin !: $60
  • Dublin Irish Night Show, Dance and Traditional 3-Course Dinner: $61
  • Grand Canal Cruise with Dinner: $62
  • NO DIET CLUB - Best Food Tour in Dublin !: $63
  • Dublin Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $65
  • Dublin Holiday Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $65
  • Delicious Walking Food Tour: $81
  • Skip the Line: Irish Night Show Including 4-Course Dinner Ticket: $94
  • Howth Coastal Craft Beer and Seafood Tour: $97
  • Dublin Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $105

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Santorini 36
    Dublin 25

Tours and Activities in Santorini

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

  • Akrotiri Archaeological Site Entry Ticket: $8.58
  • Megalochori: Lost Atlantis 9D Experience Museum Entry Ticket: $15
  • Oia Sunset Daily Tour: $17
  • Santorini Volcano and Hot Springs Cruise Tour from Fira Old Port: $28
  • The Beer Tasting and Pairing Experience: $28
  • Volcanic Islands Cruise with Hot Springs Visit: $28
  • Kayak Rental Adventure in Watersports Santorini: $33
  • Santorini Caldera Cruise Tour (Volcano, Hot Springs, Thirassia): $33
  • The Beer And The History semi private Experience: $39
  • Mesa Gonia, Pyrgos and Oia Tour: $45
  • Ferry Ticket to Paros or Naxos with Hotel Pickup: $46
  • Discover Best Of Santorini with Locals Small Group Half Day Tour : $50

Typical Entertainment Prices in Dublin

Here are a few typical costs in Dublin for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Wild Wicklow Tour
    26
  • Guinness Brewery for Two
    27
  • St Pauls Cathedral
    4.50
  • Dublin Writer's Museum
    6.30

Tours and Activities in Dublin

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

  • VIP Irish Food and Drinks Tour with Jamesons Cocktail Class : $105
  • (Nearly!) All of Dublin in 5 hours (Walking Tour): $293
  • (Small Group) Cliffs of Moher and Castle Tour from Dublin: $142
  • 1 Hour Private Insta Photography Tour in Dublin: $76
  • 1-Hour Cocktail Masterclass Experience in Dublin: $50
  • 2-Day Wild Atlantic Way Tour From Dublin: $220
  • 2-Hour Historical Walking Tour from Dublin : $21
  • 3 Hour Tour Freemasons and Templars Secret Societies: $20
  • 3-Hour Drinks on Foot Dublin Walking Guided Tour: $30
  • 4-Day Grand Atlantic Rail Tour from Dublin: $1,191
  • 5-Day Tour of West Ireland: Blarney Stone & Cliffs of Moher: $1,473
  • 6 Hour Private Tour of Dublin: $21

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Santorini 26
    Dublin 17

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 Dublin

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

  • Authentic Brewery Tour: $11
  • Dublin Traditional Irish Pub Crawl: $15
  • Generation Pub Crawl: $15
  • Dublin Epic Pub Crawl: Experience Dublin's pubs and nightlife: $15
  • "Dublin Delight Pub Expedition" Pub Crawl: $16
  • The Dublin Liberties Distillery: Tour with Whiskey Tasting: $18
  • City Pub Crawl Experience: $20
  • Teeling Whiskey Distillery Tour & Tasting: $22
  • Skip the Line: Teeling Whiskey Distillery Tour and Tasting in Dublin Ticket: $22
  • Pearse Lyons Whiskey Distillery Experience: $24
  • Roe and Co Distillery Cocktail Workshop Experience: $27
  • Dublin Jameson Distillery Tour with Whiskey and Cocktail Tastings: $33


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

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


Which is Bigger, Santorini or Dublin?

Dublin has a larger population, and is about 71% larger than the population of Santorini. When comparing the sizes of Santorini and Dublin, 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.