A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Santorini vs. Dubrovnik for Food, Resorts, Couples, and Backpackers

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Should you visit Santorini or Dubrovnik?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Santorini or Dubrovnik, 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 romantic, stunning, and historic island. Many visitors also come here because of it's amazing beauty. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. It's also popular because of the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is a cultural, coastal, and historic coastal town. Many visitors also come here because of it's amazing beauty. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

How is Santorini different from Dubrovnik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Is Santorini or Dubrovnik better for Museums and Historical Sights?

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Santorini and Dubrovnik.

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.

Dubrovnik offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The old town is a living museum that is filled with historic landmarks like the old town walls, the Dubrovnik Cathedral and Treasury, and Loggia Square.


Is Santorini or Dubrovnik better for Food?

Foodies will appreciated the dining options available in Dubrovnik a bit more than Santorini.

Known for it's food scene, Dubrovnik is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Restaurants are usually locally-sourced with fresh produce and seafood. Traditional local dishes include black risotto (made with squid ink), pašticada (a beef dish), and various pasta dishes.

Santorini is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Popular foods on this island include fava, Greek salad, and kofta.

Is Santorini or Dubrovnik better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find comparable options between Santorini and Dubrovnik.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Dubrovnik has a few options to choose from. There are many bars around town that take advantage of the unique architecture of the city. There are far less clubs, but for a drink in a laid back setting, you'll find plenty of options.

Is Santorini or Dubrovnik better for Resorts?

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

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.

Dubrovnik is known as a popular and fun resort destination. The old town is the most famous and charming part of the city, but you'll find most of the resorts spanning the coastline outside of town. Inside the old town there are a few boutique hotels and a number of rooms available for rent, but make sure you book early during peak seasons. For a resort, look outside of the old town with popular options including Hotel Dubrovnik Palace, the Hilton Imperial, and Rixos Premium.

Is Santorini or Dubrovnik better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

You'll find snorkeling or scuba diving in both Santorini and Dubrovnik.

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.

There are few places where you can go snorkeling in Dubrovnik. On clear days, snorkeling can be a fun activity, but the weather and visibility can vary so conditions are unpredictable. Buža is a popular snorkeling spot in town, but you can also organize tours to other areas.


Is Santorini or Dubrovnik better for Beaches?

Both Santorini and Dubrovnik have beaches worth visiting.

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.

Dubrovnik is a good option for a beach vacation. The old town is the main appeal of the area, but there are several beaches that are nice for taking a swim or sunbathing. They are often pebbly, but the water is blue and the views are beautiful.

Is Santorini or Dubrovnik better for Hiking?

Santorini and Dubrovnik are both places where visitors can find hiking trails.

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.

Many visitors go to Dubrovnik for the hiking trails. There are a number of hikes outside of town that take you along the dramatic coastal. The paths offer spectacular views back towards town or along the water.

Is Santorini or Dubrovnik better for Shopping?

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

Dubrovnik has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The old town offers some nice boutique shops where you can buy designer clothes, jewelry, or trinkets.

Is Santorini or Dubrovnik better for Families?

Santorini and Dubrovnik are both fun 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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Dubrovnik. The city has nice beaches, beautiful hikes, and historic city walls that are fun to explore with kids. The food is also kid-friendly and the locals love meeting children.


Is Santorini or Dubrovnik better for Couples?

Santorini and Dubrovnik are both fun 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.

Dubrovnik makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. With its beautiful old town, nice beaches, and laid back atmosphere, this makes the perfect couple's getaway destination. Pop in a local restaurant and try the seafood before exploring the charming squares and historic buildings.

Is Santorini or Dubrovnik better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Travelers usually think of Dubrovnik as a better destination for backpackers than Santorini.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Dubrovnik. It's not hard to find a room in a local's home near old town at an affordable price. The food is delicious and affordable as well, and you'll find plenty of other backpackers in town to hang out with.

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.

Is Santorini or Dubrovnik better for Public Transit?

Santorini and Dubrovnik both offer 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.

While Dubrovnik offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are 12 bus lines that connect all parts of the city with the city center.

Is Santorini or Dubrovnik a more walkable city?

Dubrovnik is considered more walkable than Santorini.

Dubrovnik is a very easy coastal town to get around on foot. The old town is completely pedestrian-only and you can also explore the city's historic walls 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.


Santorini and Dubrovnik: Pros and Cons

Santorini
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Cons
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable
Dubrovnik
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Cons
  • Not as popular for scuba diving and snorkeling


Should I spend more time in Dubrovnik or Santorini?

How long in Santorini or Dubrovnik?

In either Santorini or Dubrovnik, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Santorini than Dubrovnik because of the overall number of sights and activities.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Santorini is 3-7 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Dubrovnik is 1-5 days.


  • How many days in Santorini or Dubrovnik? Ideal Length of Stay
    Santorini 3-7 
    Dubrovnik 1-5

One day in Santorini or Dubrovnik?

You'll find nightlife and food around the quaint island of Santorini. 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the quaint coastal town of Dubrovnik. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Dubrovnik has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Santorini or Dubrovnik?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the historic destination of Santorini. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the coastal destination of Dubrovnik. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal town has to offer. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Santorini or Dubrovnik?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the stunning island of Santorini. 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.

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

A week in Santorini or Dubrovnik?

Santorini 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 Santorini, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Dubrovnik is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

Which city is cheaper, Dubrovnik or Santorini?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Santorini is €131, while the average daily cost in Dubrovnik is €76. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Santorini and Dubrovnik in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Santorini €66
    Dubrovnik €40
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Santorini €132
    Dubrovnik €80

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Santorini €23
    Dubrovnik €9.91

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santorini

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

  • Helicopter Transfer between Mykonos & Santorini: $2,839
  • Premium Santorini Private Day Tour Lagoon 450, BBQ, drinks, transfer: $933
  • Tour of Caldera on Sailing Boat & Bus Transfer:Volcano-Hot springs-Thirassia-Oia: $75
  • Santorini Taxi Service & Airport, Hotel and Port Transfers: $62
  • Private Transfer to/from Santorini Airport (JTR): $50
  • Santorini Airport to Hotel: Private Arrival Transfer: $45
  • Transfer from Santorini Airport&Port all destination except OIA up to 4 customer: $37
  • Santorini Airport Hotels Transfer Shuttle Bus Service: $27
  • Private Airport Transfer: $25
  • Oia Sunset: Evening Shuttle Transfer and Free Time: $23
  • Santorini transfer service: $17
  • Shared Transfer Service: $17

Typical Local Transportation prices in Dubrovnik

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Dubrovnik:


  • Bus Around Town
    €1.43

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dubrovnik

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

  • Private transfer Dubrovnik Hvar with boat: $2,256
  • Private transfer Dubrovnik - Zagreb and explore sights along the way: $1,680
  • Transfer from Dubrovnik to Plitvice Lakes: $1,173
  • Luxury Private Transfer from Dubrovnik/Dubrovnik airport to Sarajevo: $1,020
  • Private Transfer from Dubrovnik to Tuzla Airport (TZL): $885
  • Luxury Private Transfer from Sarajevo to Dubrovnik/Dubrovnik airport: $846
  • Private transfer Dubrovnik - Zadar and explore sights along the way: $834
  • Luxury Private Transfer from Dubrovnik/Dubrovnik airport to Hvar: $765
  • Split Private Transfer From Dubrovnik: $690
  • Dubrovnik - Hvar : Private One-Way Transfer with Mercedes Vehicles: $639
  • Transfer from Dubrovnik airport to Kolašin (Montenegro) ski resorts: $597
  • Private Transfer from Dubrovnik to Plitvice Lakes: $585

Is it cheaper to fly into Santorini or Dubrovnik?

Prices for flights to both Dubrovnik 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 €38
    Dubrovnik €25

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: $26
  • A taste of Mediterranean Cuisine Dinner: $90
  • Hands on Cooking Class with a Chef: $90
  • Fira: 4-Hour Walking Food Tour With Tastings: $108
  • Sunset Sea Kayak and Snorkel with Dinner: $108
  • Santorini : Sunset Sea Kayak & Snorkel with Dinner: $118
  • Santorini : Cooking Class, Easy Hike, and Snorkeling: $131
  • Cooking Class with Santorini’s Aroma: $506
  • Full-Day Royalty Private Cooking Class and Tour in Santorini: $506
  • Cooking Class with Santorini’s Aroma: $546
  • Santorini Private Sunset Sailing Cruise with Dinner, Drinks &Transfer included: $1,350

Typical Food prices in Dubrovnik

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Dubrovnik:


  • Seafood Dinner (for 2)
    €29

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dubrovnik

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

  • 2-Hour Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $73
  • Unique Sunset and Dinner Cruise in the Magnificent Traditional Karaka boat: $96
  • Dubrovnik Traditional Food Tour: $108
  • Old Town Food Tour: $130
  • Flavours of Dubrovnik - Food Tour: $131
  • Traditional Dalmatian Cooking Class from Dubrovnik: $147
  • Croatian Traditional Cuisine: Peka Cooking Lesson: $149
  • Traditional Cooking Class in Dubrovnik Countryside: $164
  • Cooking Classes Traditional Meals of Konavle region: $166
  • Dubrovnik Food Tour with Friendly Local Guide: $167
  • E-Bike Tour + Farm To Table Cooking Class: $184
  • Dubrovnik Food Tour by Vidokrug: $192

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Santorini €29
    Dubrovnik €15

Tours and Activities in Santorini

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

  • 3 Hour Santorini Walking Tour with Hotel Pickup: $50
  • 5-Hour Santorini Photography Day Tour: $606
  • Discover Prehistoric Akrotiri & Winery Tour: $182
  • Explore Akrotiri GroupTour: $583
  • Exploring the Myth of Santorini - Full Day Tour: $133
  • From Athens: Overnight Tour to Santorini: $373
  • From Folegandros Private Rib Boat Tour: $2,725
  • Full-Day Royalty Private Wine Walking Tour in Santorini: $428
  • Full-Day Santorini Southeastern Side Tour with Drink Tasting: $127
  • Half-Day Private Santorini Tour with Hidden Beaches: $323
  • Half-Day Walking Tour in Santorini with Canava Ouzo Visit: $413
  • Highlits Of Santorini Private Tour: $560

Typical Entertainment prices in Dubrovnik

For Dubrovnik, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Boat to Lokrum Island (for 2)
    €13
  • Dubrovnik City Wall Tour (for 2)
    €53
  • Dubrovnik Cable Car (for 2)
    €45

Tours and Activities in Dubrovnik

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

  • 'Up with the Chickens' or "Sunset chasing" Old Town Tour: $16
  • 2 hours Elafiti Islands Private Tour by Barracuda 545: $284
  • 4 Days Montenegro-Albania-Kosovo Tour from Dubrovnik or Kotor: $918
  • 4 days hiking tour Valbona Valley National Park from Dubrovnik: $762
  • 4 hours Private Speedboat Tour to Elaphite Islands by RANIERI SUN CRUISER 23: $477
  • 4-Hours Dubrovnik Elaphiti Islands & Blue Cave Snorkeling Tour: $75
  • 4-Night Three Countries Tour from Croatia, Montenegro and Bosnia-Herzegovina: $954
  • 5 Days Deluxe Cruise from Dubrovnik to Split All Inclusive: $1,534
  • 6-Night Independent Tour of Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast: Dubrovnik, Hvar, Korcula and Split: $952
  • 7 Days Small-Group Tour from Dubrovnik to Athens via Albania: $1,757
  • 8 h Private Speedboat Tour to Elaphite Islands by QUICKSILVER activ 675 open: $584
  • 8 hours Dubrovnik Blue Cave Private Tour with boat: $498

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Santorini €21
    Dubrovnik €11

Sample the Local Flavors in Santorini

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

  • 4-Hours Santorini Vothonas Village Tour with Wine Tasting: $89
  • Authentic Santorinian Tour at Vothonas Village with Wine Tasting: $93
  • Half-Day Santorini Tour Vothonas Village with Wine Tasting: $93
  • Santorini-Wine Tour Αround Megalochori Village: $111
  • Sunset and Wine Tasting Tour by Electric Bike: $114
  • Santorini-Wine Tour Around Megalochori Village: $117
  • Santorini-Wine Tour Around Megalochori Village: $124
  • Santorini-Sunset Caldera’s View from Megalochori with Wine Tasting: $134
  • Santorini-Sunset Caldera’s View from Megalochori with Wine Tasting: $140
  • Half-Day Sunset Wine Tasting Tour in Santorini with Pick Up: $141
  • Santorini Wine Tasting and History Small Group Tour: $153
  • 4-Hour Sunset Wine Tour: $159

Sample the Local Flavors in Dubrovnik

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dubrovnik:

  • Sunset Sea Kayaking and Wine Tasting Tour Dubrovnik: $44
  • Wine tasting and visit to Ston- Group Tour: $60
  • Peljesac Peninsula Wine Tour from Dubrovnik: $61
  • Day Tour of Korcula Island from Dubrovnik with Wine Tasting: $63
  • FAMOUS LEGENDS OF PELJESAC and KORCULA with WINE TASTING: $65
  • Island of Korcula with Wine Tasting Day Trip from Dubrovnik: $69
  • Korčula tour with wine tasting from Dubrovnik: $69
  • Wine tasting and visit to Ston: $72
  • Wine Tasting Pelješac and a visit to Ston: $72
  • Konavle Valley Wine Tour from Dubrovnik with Train Ride and Wine Tasting: $75
  • Smiley wine tasting on peninsula Peljesac: $76
  • Smiley Hercegovina wine tour: $77

About these numbers

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

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Santorini vs. Dubrovnik Travel Comparison

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