A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Santorini vs. Korcula for Couples, Food, Beaches, and Hiking

Should you visit Santorini or Korcula?

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

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

Korcula

Korcula is a scenic, laid back, and historic island. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Santorini and Korcula: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Santorini or Korcula?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Korcula than Santorini, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Korcula is better known for its food, beaches, historical sights, and hiking, while Santorini is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Santorini is more touristy than Korcula and is popular for its beautiful volcanic beaches, stunning natural beauty, and breathtaking sunsets over the whitewashed villages. Korcula is well known for its small old town and its beautiful natural setting. Also, Korcula is famous for St Mark's Cathedral.

How is Santorini different from Korcula?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Korcula. Most of the sights are concentrated in Korcula Town, which has a charming old town that is filled with stone houses. In the center of the old town is St Mark's Cathedral. Other points of interest include Abbey Treasury and Marco Polo's House.

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

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

Korcula has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Food is a way of life on the island, and you'll likely enjoy bread, salad, soup, and grilled meat or seafood at most meals. The ingredients are locally produced and fresh.

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 Korcula Better for Nightlife?

Santorini is a island with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Korcula is a island with minimal options for its evening party scene.

Santorini has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. It is one of the calmer, more romantic islands in Greece. For the best nightlife, you'll want to stay near Fira.

Korcula doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. The party scene is lacking in the old town, so this isn't the place to visit for nightlife. Many of the restaurants become cocktail bars at night, and there is a club or two that has opened in recent years.

Is Santorini or Korcula Better for Resorts?

Santorini is renowned for its resorts. However, Korcula is not a resort destination.

Santorini is a world class resort vacation destination. 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.

Korcula is not a resort destination.

Is Santorini or Korcula Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

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.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Korcula. There are a few snorkeling tours that leave from the island.

Is Santorini or Korcula Better for Beaches?

Korcula is a great island for the beache. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for the beach.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Korcula. There are a number of beautiful beaches around the island. Head south for the sandier beaches and north for the pebbly, shallower beaches. Many people think that Lumbarda has the best beaches on the island.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Santorini. 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.

Is Santorini or Korcula Better for its Old Town?

Korcula is a great island for its old town. However, Santorini does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Korcula to see the historical old town. The charming old town is filled with interesting buildings and historic streets that you can explore.

Santorini does not have a historic old town.

Is Santorini or Korcula Better for Hiking?

Korcula is a great island for hiking. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for the nearby hiking options.

Many visitors go to Korcula for the hiking trails. There are many natural and hiking areas on the island so you can enjoy a full day hike or a shorter stroll through the area.

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 Korcula?

Santorini is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Korcula is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Santorini is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Towns around the island are filled with clothing and jewelry boutiques as well as many unique Greek shopping experiences.

Korcula has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find boutiques, small retail shops, or stores selling knick knacks around town.

Is Santorini or Korcula Better for Families?

Korcula is a great island 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, Korcula is very family-friendly. The island has many great hikes that are appropriate for all ages. There are also pebbly beaches where the kids can play in the water and explore.

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 Korcula Better for Couples?

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

Santorini is a great island for couples, as it 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.

Korcula is a great island if you're traveling as a couple. The beautiful old town, striking coastline, and wonderful natural beauty make for a great honeymoon or romantic escape. There are many nice hikes in the area and the beaches are nice for cooling off.

Is Santorini or Korcula Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Santorini and Korcula are notable places to visit.

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.

Korcula is a good island to visit for backpackers. You'll find enough hostels around the island to choose from and there are usually plenty of backpackers hanging out.

Is Santorini or Korcula Better for Students?

Korcula 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 Korcula. More students have been moving to the island, and you'll find a growing student population.

Santorini is not popular with students.

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

Santorini and Korcula 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.

Korcula has a few public transit options. There are buses around the island but not all routes are very frequent.

Is Santorini or Korcula a more walkable city?

Santorini and Korcula are notable when it comes to walkability.

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.

Korcula is a somewhat walkable island. There are foot paths and trails all over the island but you'll want to rent a bike if you're going long distances.

For even more information, also check out Is Santorini Worth Visiting? and Is Korcula Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Korcula or Santorini?

How long in Santorini or Korcula?

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

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

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

One day in Santorini or Korcula?

In Santorini, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find shopping and museums around the island of Korcula. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Korcula?

In Santorini, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. People often spend their time relaxing 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.

You'll find museums and food around the scenic destination of Korcula. 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 island has to offer. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Santorini or Korcula?

Santorini is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Santorini has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the laid back island of Korcula. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Santorini or Korcula?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Santorini. In Santorini, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Korcula is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 2-Week Tours from Dubrovnik, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Split.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Santorini or Korcula?

Santorini has a larger population, and is about 190 times larger than the population of Korcula. When comparing the sizes of Santorini and Korcula, 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.