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

Should you visit Santorini or Honfleur?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Santorini or Honfleur, 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 stunning, historic, and romantic island. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. Other reasons to visit include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Honfleur

Honfleur is a historic, peaceful, and serene city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, museums, and nightlife.

Santorini and Honfleur: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Santorini or Honfleur?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Santorini. Although Santorini and Honfleur are popular destinations, Santorini has more sights and attractions for tourists. Santorini is very popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Honfleur attracts visitors for its food. Santorini is more touristy than Honfleur and is known for its beautiful volcanic beaches, stunning natural beauty, and breathtaking sunsets over the whitewashed villages. It is also well known for The Caldera and Volcano of Santorini. Honfleur is famous for its influence over Impressionist art, its stunning harbor, and its beautiful buildings.

How is Santorini different from Honfleur?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Santorini
Honfleur

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

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Honfleur. Some of the most notable sights around the town include Saint Catherine's Church, Le Vieux Bassin, Notre-Dame de Grace, and the Normandy Bridge.


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

Santorini
Honfleur

Honfleur 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, Honfleur is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Located on the coast of Normandy along the English Channel, seafood is a defining element for most dishes here. Foodies flock to this town for its Michelin starred restaurants as well as its local cafes and quaint eateries. For land-lovers, there's a popular local cider-braised pork that you must-try. And for dessert make sure you try the Tarte Tatin.

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 Honfleur Better for Nightlife?

Santorini
Honfleur

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find nice options in both Santorini and Honfleur.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Honfleur. Restaurants come to life at night when music flows out onto the streets. The town is not known for its partying, but that doesn't mean that it's a sleepy place that shuts down when the sun sets.

Is Santorini or Honfleur Better for Resorts?

Santorini
Honfleur

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

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Santorini is a perfect choice. 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.

Honfleur is not a resort destination.


Is Santorini or Honfleur Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Santorini
Honfleur

Santorini is very good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Honfleur is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving 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.

Honfleur is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Santorini or Honfleur Better for Beaches?

Santorini
Honfleur

Santorini is very good for its beaches. However, Honfleur is lacking in options for the beache.

Many people head to Santorini to enjoy the beach. 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.

You can check out the beach in Honfleur. The town sits by the estuary of the Seine and there are two beaches not far from town. Butin Beach is the closest to town and the most popular, but Vasouy Beach is more relaxed and natural.

Is Santorini or Honfleur Better for Hiking?

Santorini
Honfleur

Santorini is very good for its hiking trails. However, Honfleur is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting 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.

Honfleur is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Santorini or Honfleur?

Santorini
Honfleur

Santorini is an excellent place to visit for shopping. However, Honfleur is lacking in options for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Santorini. Towns around the island are filled with clothing and jewelry boutiques as well as many unique Greek shopping experiences.

If you're looking to go shopping, Honfleur has some nice offerings. It's a charming town with boutique shops, chocolate shops, and the standard tourist places that sell souvenirs and t-shirts.

Is Santorini or Honfleur Better for Families?

Santorini
Honfleur

Santorini and Honfleur are both nice 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.

Honfleur is a family-friendly place to visit. Located on the coast of Normandy, the town has boat rides, quirky museums, and Vieux Bassin, which is a beautiful and lively harbor. For kids who need to stretch their legs, there are many parks and outdoor spaces to enjoy.

Is Santorini or Honfleur Better for Couples?

Santorini
Honfleur

Santorini is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Honfleur is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Santorini 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.

Couples visit Honfleur frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It has, arguably, one of the area's most beautiful harbors. There are also many great seafood restaurants, relaxing gardens, and spas that are perfect for couples.


Is Santorini or Honfleur Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santorini
Honfleur

Santorini is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Honfleur is lacking in options for backpackers.

Santorini is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Honfleur is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. You'll likely have more luck looking for an apartment than a hostel, so if you're looking for a place to stay with a social setting, you may be out of luck.

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

Santorini
Honfleur

Santorini is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Honfleur is lacking in options for its public transit.

Santorini has some 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.

Public transit is generally limited in Honfleur. HO Buses travel from the outskirts or town into the center and are used mainly by locals. If you plan to head into Normandy to see the countryside, you'll want to have a car.

Is Santorini or Honfleur a more walkable city?

Santorini
Honfleur

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

Honfleur is a very walkable city. The city center is compact and easy to explore on foot. There are also many coastal walks leading out of town.

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 Honfleur Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Honfleur or Santorini?

How long in Santorini or Honfleur?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Santorini and Honfleur. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Santorini than in Honfleur. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Santorini, and 1-3 days is enough time in Honfleur.

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

One day in Santorini or Honfleur?

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.

You'll find food and museums around the city of Honfleur. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Honfleur has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Santorini or Honfleur?

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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Honfleur. 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 Honfleur?

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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the peaceful city of Honfleur. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the food. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Santorini or Honfleur?

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.

Honfleur 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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Honfleur 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 Honfleur is €148. 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 Honfleur in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Santorini 93
    Honfleur 70
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Santorini 186
    Honfleur 140
Compare Hotels in Santorini and Honfleur

Looking for a hotel in Santorini or Honfleur? 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 Honfleur


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 Honfleur Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Santorini 28
    Honfleur 30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santorini

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

  • VIP Limo Transfers From & To Santorini Port: $82
  • VIP Limo Transfers From & To Santorini Airport: $33
  • Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Santorini HTL-APT(JTR): $32
  • Transfer to Akrotiri : $43
  • Transfer Perissa To Oia : $46
  • TRANSFERS Santorini PRIVATE Transfer: $31
  • Shuttle Transfers From or To Santorini Port: $21
  • Shared transfer to/from the airport/port : $74
  • Shared Transfer From Airport and Port to Santorini: $17
  • Shared Transfer : $33
  • Shared Departure Transfers to Airport or Port Santorini : $33
  • Shared Arrival Transfer: Santorini Airport to Hotel or Cruise Port: $27

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Honfleur

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

  • Paris On Your Own: Round Trip Transfer from Le Havre Cruise Port: $134

Is it cheaper to fly into Santorini or Honfleur?

Prices for flights to both Honfleur 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
    Honfleur 58

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Santorini 36
    Honfleur 19

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: $62
  • Santorini Private Half Day Tour : $218
  • Santorini Secrets & Gems for Cruise Passengers: $96
  • 3 Hour Sightseeing Tour in the Magical Santorini: $74
  • 3 Hour Tour in Oia: $120
  • 3 Hours Private Santorini Tour: $136
  • 3-Hour Santorini Highlights Tour: $71
  • 4 Hour Eat and Drink Private Tour in Santorini: $296
  • 4 Hours Private Tour in Santorini with Pick up: $87
  • 4 hrs island tour and photoshooting, Oia Blue domes, Red beach : $196
  • 4-Hour Private Custom Santorini Tour: $161
  • 5 Hour Santorini Shore Excursion for Cruise Passengers: $71

Tours and Activities in Honfleur

For Honfleur, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Paris Deluxe Shore Excursion from Le Havre Cruise Port: $75
  • A Full-Day Paris Tour from Le Havre for Cruise Passengers : $99
  • Cruise into Paris?! A Paris Full-Day Discovery from Le Havre: $82
  • Deauville and Honfleur Flower Coast Private Half-Day Sidecar Tour: $199
  • Etretat Gardens entrance ticket: $14
  • Flower Coast: Honfleur & Deauville Private Half-Day Sidecar Tour: $199
  • From Le Havre to Heroism: Private D-Day Normandy Experience: $96
  • From Le Havre: Paris Seine River Cruise and Highlights Shore Trip: $196
  • Guided walking tour of Honfleur: $24
  • Half Day tour in Vintage Sidecar Motorcycle from le Havre or Honfleur: $267
  • Honfleur & Deauville Private Half-Day Sidecar Tour (3H30): $202
  • Honfleur Private Guided Walking Tour: $307

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Santorini 26
    Honfleur 23

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 Honfleur, we can see that Santorini is more expensive. And not only is Honfleur much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Honfleur would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Honfleur 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 Honfleur.

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


Which is Bigger, Santorini or Honfleur?

Santorini has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Honfleur. When comparing the sizes of Santorini and Honfleur, 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.