A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Santorini vs. Kitzbuhel for Hiking, Couples, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Santorini or Kitzbuhel?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Santorini or Kitzbuhel, 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. Many visitors also come 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 scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Kitzbuhel

Kitzbuhel is a breathtaking, outdoorsy, and adventure-filled ski resort. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the shopping, skiing, and nightlife.

Santorini and Kitzbuhel: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less hiking options
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights


Is there more to do in Santorini or Kitzbuhel?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kitzbuhel than Santorini, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kitzbuhel is better known for its skiing, food, nightlife, historical sights, hiking, and small town charm, while Santorini is more popular for its museums, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and quaint atmosphere. Santorini is more touristy than Kitzbuhel and is known for its beautiful volcanic beaches, stunning natural beauty, and breathtaking sunsets over the whitewashed villages. Kitzbuhel is well known for its world renowned skiing, scenic natural beauty, and summer hiking opportunities. Also, Kitzbuhel is famous for The Kitzbüheler Horn.

How is Santorini different from Kitzbuhel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Kitzbuhel and Santorini. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Santorini or Kitzbuhel Better for Skiing?

Santorini
Kitzbuhel

Kitzbuhel is an unbeatable place for skiing. However, Santorini is not a skiing destination.

The snow ski experience you'll have in Kitzbuhel is among the best in the world. There are four ski resorts near the village and 145 miles of slopes. Hahnenkamm Streif racecourse is world famous, but there are also 57 lifts that offer access to skiing for everyone from beginners to professionals. This is a world class ski area that is considered to be one of the best in the world. It attracts international skiers who come for the well maintained slopes and world class skiing.

Santorini is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Santorini or Kitzbuhel?

Santorini
Kitzbuhel

Santorini is a popular place for its historical sights. However, Kitzbuhel is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

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.

Kitzbuhel offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Visitors come for the skiing and outdoor adventures, not the museums and historical sights. But you can visit the St. Andreas Parish Church, Museum Kitzbühel, or the Liebfrauenkirche while you're in town.

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

Santorini
Kitzbuhel

Kitzbuhel is a great ski resort for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Kitzbuhel has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There's a diverse food scene with everything from rustic inns to award-winning fine dining experiences. You'll find both local dishes and international flavors around town as well.

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 Kitzbuhel Better for Nightlife?

Santorini
Kitzbuhel

Kitzbuhel is a great ski resort for nightlife and partying. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Kitzbuhel has something for everybody. The nightlife scene offers everything from wine bars to high end cocktail bars or local pubs with beer on tap. There are also dance clubs and other party areas where visitors dance until the early morning hours.

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 Kitzbuhel Better for Resorts?

Santorini
Kitzbuhel

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

For the ultimate resort vacation, Santorini is a great 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.

Kitzbuhel is not a resort destination.

Is Santorini or Kitzbuhel Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Santorini
Kitzbuhel

Santorini is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Kitzbuhel is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Santorini has a few good snorkeling spots. 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.

Kitzbuhel is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Santorini or Kitzbuhel Better for Beaches?

Santorini
Kitzbuhel

Santorini is a popular place for the beache. However, Kitzbuhel is not a beach destination.

Santorini is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Kitzbuhel is not a beach destination.


Is Santorini or Kitzbuhel Better for its Old Town?

Santorini
Kitzbuhel

Kitzbuhel is a great ski resort for its old town. However, Santorini does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Kitzbuhel to see the historical old town. The town center is compact and charming with restaurants, churches, and shopping. It's the perfect place to unwind after a day on the slopes.

Santorini does not have a historic old town.

Is Santorini or Kitzbuhel Better for Hiking?

Santorini
Kitzbuhel

Kitzbuhel 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, Kitzbuhel draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. During the summer months the area is filled with miles of stunning hikes. There's the famous Kitzbüheler Horn, as well as more relaxing mountain strolls. You'll enjoy breathtaking views and serene mountain pastures.

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 Kitzbuhel?

Santorini
Kitzbuhel

Santorini is great for its shopping opportunities. Also, Kitzbuhel is not as popular, but is still a nice ski resort for its shopping areas.

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.

Many visitors go to Kitzbuhel to go shopping. The village offers a mix of international and local brands. There's everything from fashion and jewelry to sporting goods and local foods.


Is Santorini or Kitzbuhel Better for Families?

Santorini
Kitzbuhel

Kitzbuhel is a great ski resort 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, Kitzbuhel is very family-friendly. This is a family-friendly ski area that has child care available in several places as well as kids slopes and other family friendly things to do. During the summer months there's hiking, biking, and other outdoor adventure activities.

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 Kitzbuhel Better for Couples?

Santorini
Kitzbuhel

Santorini is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Kitzbuhel is not as popular, but is still a nice ski resort for couples.

Santorini makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Kitzbuhel is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy skiing, winter sports, and other outdoor adventures will truly appreciate a visit. It makes for an adrenaline filled holiday that is both romantic and fun.

Is Santorini or Kitzbuhel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santorini
Kitzbuhel

Kitzbuhel is a great ski resort for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Kitzbuhel. There are several hostels near town that cater to the budget crowd. There's also a large number of skiing and sport enthusiasts so its not hard to meet other likeminded travelers.

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 Kitzbuhel Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Santorini
Kitzbuhel

Santorini and Kitzbuhel 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.

Kitzbuhel has a few public transit options. There are trains and buses that connect the town to other nearby villages. During the winter months are are ski buses that take skiers to the ski areas.

Is Santorini or Kitzbuhel a more walkable city?

Santorini
Kitzbuhel

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

Kitzbuhel is a very walkable ski resort. The town is small and compact enough to explore 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 Kitzbuhel Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kitzbuhel or Santorini?

How long in Santorini or Kitzbuhel?

Both Santorini and Kitzbuhel have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Kitzbuhel has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Kitzbuhel than Santorini. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Santorini, and 4-7 days is enough time in Kitzbuhel.

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

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


  • How many days in Santorini or Kitzbuhel? Ideal Length of Stay
    Santorini 3-7 
    Kitzbuhel 4-7

One day in Santorini or Kitzbuhel?

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.

Even though Kitzbuhel is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. 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 Kitzbuhel?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the stunning 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.

Kitzbuhel is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and skiing. 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 ski resort offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Santorini or Kitzbuhel?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the romantic 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.

Kitzbuhel is a small town with plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this ski resort makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this ski resort has to offer.

A week in Santorini or Kitzbuhel?

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.

Kitzbuhel is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Kitzbuhel, 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 Budget Tours to Austria, and The Best Luxury Tours to Austria.


Which place is cheaper, Kitzbuhel 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 Kitzbuhel is €179. 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 Kitzbuhel in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Santorini 93
    Kitzbuhel 89
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Santorini 186
    Kitzbuhel 178
Compare Hotels in Santorini and Kitzbuhel

Looking for a hotel in Santorini or Kitzbuhel? 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 Kitzbuhel


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 Kitzbuhel Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Santorini 28
    Kitzbuhel 69

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santorini

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

  • Helicopter Transfer between Mykonos & Santorini: $3,743
  • Santorini Airport Transfer For Group: $297
  • Santorini Group Transfer from Airport/Port up to 17 people: $180
  • Santorini Airport(JTR) to Santorini - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $142
  • Caldera Cruise with Greek Meal and Transfer: $139
  • Skip Cable Car! Santorini Shore Excursion with Boat Transfer: $129
  • Private Sunset Tour with Picnic & Transfer: $128
  • Santorini to Heraklion Crete: Ferry Ticket & Hotel Transfer: $125
  • Santorini to Mykonos: Ferry Ticket & Hotel Transfer: $125
  • Santorini Private transfer up to 8 persons: $120
  • Santorini Luxury Sailing Catamaran Cruise with BBQ, Drinks and Transfer: $120
  • Santorini Sunset Luxury Sailing Catamaran Cruise with BBQ, drinks, transfer: $120

Is it cheaper to fly into Santorini or Kitzbuhel?

Prices for flights to both Kitzbuhel 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
    Kitzbuhel 48

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
    Kitzbuhel 34

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Santorini 26
    Kitzbuhel 11

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 comparing the travel costs between Santorini and Kitzbuhel, we can see that Kitzbuhel is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Santorini or Kitzbuhel?

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