A Travel Price Comparison for Greece Santorini vs. Kalampaka (Meteora) for Attractions, Couples, Food, and Families

Should you visit Santorini or Kalampaka (Meteora)?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Santorini or Kalampaka (Meteora), 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. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Kalampaka (Meteora)

Kalampaka (Meteora) is a spiritual, dramatic, and historic destination. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food and museums.

Santorini and Kalampaka (Meteora): Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Santorini or Kalampaka (Meteora)?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Santorini than Kalampaka (Meteora), as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Santorini is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Kalampaka (Meteora) is more popular for its museums. Santorini is more touristy than Kalampaka (Meteora) and is known for its beautiful volcanic beaches, stunning natural beauty, and breathtaking sunsets over the whitewashed villages. Also, Santorini is famous for The Caldera and Volcano of Santorini. Kalampaka (Meteora) is well known for its striking beauty, spiritual setting, and other-worldly rock formations.

How is Santorini different from Kalampaka (Meteora)?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Kalampaka (Meteora) 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 Kalampaka (Meteora)?

Kalampaka (Meteora) is an unbeatable place for its historical sights. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its sights and museums.

The museums and tourist attractions in Kalampaka (Meteora) are world-renowned. The Meteora monasteries are an impressive spiritual site that are set against a dramatic rock formation. They date back centuries, and, of the original 24 monasteries, there are 6 that are currently open to the public. Several have museums and many people prefer to visit as a guided tour.

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 Kalampaka (Meteora)? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Santorini and Kalampaka (Meteora) 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 Kalampaka (Meteora) area. In town you'll find some authentic Greek restaurants. The dishes are local, and very different from the seafood based cuisine that is found along the coast. Instead, many dishes involve meatballs or stew and are slow cooked with rich flavors.

Is Santorini or Kalampaka (Meteora) Better for Nightlife?

Santorini is a good destination for nightlife and partying. However, Kalampaka (Meteora) is lacking in good options for its evening party scene.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Santorini. It is one of the calmer, more romantic islands in Greece. For the best nightlife, you'll want to stay near Fira.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Kalampaka (Meteora). This is a spiritual destination where nightlife is not encouraged. There are some cafes in town that turn into bars at night and play relaxing music in a mellow setting. These can be found near the central square.

Is Santorini or Kalampaka (Meteora) Better for Resorts?

Santorini is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, Kalampaka (Meteora) is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Santorini for its luxury resorts. 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.

Kalampaka (Meteora) is not a resort destination.

Is Santorini or Kalampaka (Meteora) Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Santorini is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Kalampaka (Meteora) is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery 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.

Kalampaka (Meteora) is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Santorini or Kalampaka (Meteora) Better for Beaches?

Santorini is a good destination for the beache. However, Kalampaka (Meteora) is not a beach destination.

Santorini offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Kalampaka (Meteora) is not a beach destination.

Is Santorini or Kalampaka (Meteora) Better for its Old Town?

Santorini is a good destination for its old town. However, Kalampaka (Meteora) 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.

Kalampaka (Meteora) does not have a historic old town.

Is Santorini or Kalampaka (Meteora) Better for Hiking?

Santorini is a good destination for its hiking trails. However, Kalampaka (Meteora) is not a hiking destination.

Santorini offers some nice hiking trails. 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.

Kalampaka (Meteora) is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Santorini or Kalampaka (Meteora)?

Santorini is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Kalampaka (Meteora) is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Kalampaka (Meteora) is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Santorini or Kalampaka (Meteora) Better for Families?

Santorini and Kalampaka (Meteora) are both notable 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.

Kalampaka (Meteora) is a family-friendly place to visit. There are six monasteries of Meteora that will fascinate older children. There are also several museums affiliated with the monasteries including a Folklore Museum as well as spectacular views over the oddly shaped rock mountains.

Is Santorini or Kalampaka (Meteora) Better for Couples?

Santorini is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Kalampaka (Meteora) is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Santorini is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Kalampaka (Meteora) is a good island for couples to visit. The setting is beautiful and unique, and its an interesting and fascinating place to visit as a couple.

Is Santorini or Kalampaka (Meteora) Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santorini is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Kalampaka (Meteora) is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers 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.

Kalampaka (Meteora) is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Unless you're willing to rent a car or scooter, or take an organized tour, this is a very difficult area to explore independently. Some visitors hire a taxi after they arrive to take them to the monasteries.

Is Santorini or Kalampaka (Meteora) Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Santorini is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Kalampaka (Meteora) is lacking in good 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 Kalampaka (Meteora). While there is a bus service, many people prefer to explore the six monasteries with their own car or scooter. You could also hire a taxi to take you to and from. Alternatively, there are organized tours that will provide transportation as part of the package.

Is Santorini or Kalampaka (Meteora) a more walkable city?

Santorini is a good destination for its high level of walkability. However, Kalampaka (Meteora) is lacking in good options for its ease of walking around.

Santorini is a somewhat walkable place. Many towns on the island are walkable, including Fira, but the actual island is too large to explore on foot.

Kalampaka (Meteora) is generally not very walkable. There are walking trails in the area but most people need access to a vehicle, whether its a rental car, scooter, taxi, or bus.

For even more information, also check out Is Santorini Worth Visiting? and Is Kalampaka (Meteora) Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kalampaka (Meteora) or Santorini?

How long in Santorini or Kalampaka (Meteora)?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Santorini and Kalampaka (Meteora). With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Santorini than in Kalampaka (Meteora). Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Santorini, and 2-3 days is enough time in Kalampaka (Meteora).

Families should spend more time in Santorini than Kalampaka (Meteora). 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 Kalampaka (Meteora). 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 Kalampaka (Meteora) 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.

One day in Santorini or Kalampaka (Meteora)?

Santorini is a small town with plenty to do. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find food and museums around the destination of Kalampaka (Meteora). 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 Kalampaka (Meteora)?

Many people visit Santorini for a weekend. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

You'll find museums and food around the spiritual destination of Kalampaka (Meteora). This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this destination has to offer. This destination offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Santorini or Kalampaka (Meteora)?

Even though Santorini is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Many people spend five days here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Santorini, five days is sufficent for most.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the dramatic destination of Kalampaka (Meteora). The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the museums. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Santorini or Kalampaka (Meteora)?

Santorini is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and museums. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This is a popular place to visit for one week. This island offers something for everyone. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Santorini has to offer.

Kalampaka (Meteora) 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 Contiki Tours to Greece, The Best G Adventures Tours to Greece, The Best 3-Day Tours from Athens, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Athens.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Santorini or Kalampaka (Meteora)?

Santorini has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Kalampaka (Meteora). When comparing the sizes of Santorini and Kalampaka (Meteora), 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.