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

Should you visit Santorini or Lillehammer?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Santorini or Lillehammer, 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. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. It's also known for food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Lillehammer

Lillehammer is a natural, adventure-filled, and sporty city. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and hiking.

Santorini and Lillehammer: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Santorini or Lillehammer?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Santorini. Although Santorini and Lillehammer are popular destinations, Santorini has more sights and attractions for tourists. Santorini is very popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Lillehammer attracts visitors for its skiing, food, hiking, and small town charm. Santorini is more touristy than Lillehammer and is popular 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. Lillehammer is famous for its winter sports and role as host for the 1994 Winter Olympics.

How is Santorini different from Lillehammer?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Santorini or Lillehammer Better for Skiing?

Lillehammer is a great city for skiing. However, Santorini is not a skiing destination.

Visitors travel far to experience snow skiing in Lillehammer. There is both downhill skiing and cross country skiing in the area. There are five alpine centers that offer skiing for everyone from beginners to the world's elite. There are also 2,300 kilometers of cross country ski trails. The region is known for its long and reliable winter with great ski conditions.

Santorini is not a skiing destination.

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

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

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 Lillehammer. There are a number of sights that are related to the city's role as host of the 1994 Olympics. Check out the Norwegian Olympic Museum, Lysgårdsbakkene Ski Jumping Arena, and the Lillehammer Olympic Bobsleigh and Luge Track. Also make sure you visit the Maihaugen Open-Air Museum.

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

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

Lillehammer has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Local food traditions date back centuries and you'll find a combination of simple recipes and elaborate menus. Dishes often include fish or local meat such as elk. There are also soups such as kål, which are made with bacon, meat, potatoes, and barley.

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 Lillehammer Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Lillehammer. There is a lively atmosphere with many bars, clubs, and pubs around town.

Is Santorini or Lillehammer Better for Resorts?

Santorini is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Lillehammer is not a resort destination.

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.

Lillehammer is not a resort destination.

Is Santorini or Lillehammer Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Santorini is a nice place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Lillehammer is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

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.

Lillehammer is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Santorini or Lillehammer Better for Beaches?

Santorini is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Lillehammer is not a beach destination.

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.

Lillehammer is not a beach destination.

Is Santorini or Lillehammer Better for Hiking?

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

Many visitors go to Lillehammer for the hiking trails. You'll find many hikes that take you through the alpine setting and the pristine landscapes. You can enjoy breathtaking views and strolls through nearby national parks.

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 Lillehammer?

Santorini is well known for shopping. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Santorini is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Towns around the island are filled with clothing and jewelry boutiques as well as many unique Greek shopping experiences.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Lillehammer. You'll find a number of shopping centers that have retail stores selling clothing, jewelry, sporting goods, and more.

Is Santorini or Lillehammer Better for Families?

Lillehammer is a great city 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, Lillehammer is very family-friendly. The town has many winter and adventure sports that are great for the whole family. You can visit the Olympic Park, or spend the day at Hunderfossen Familiepark, which is one of the original amusement parks in the country. You can also visit Jorekstad Waterpark, go hiking in the summer, or skiing in the winter.

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 Lillehammer Better for Couples?

Santorini is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

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.

Lillehammer is a great island if you're traveling as a couple. The skiing and other winter activities are great for winter sport enthusiasts. During the summer months there's hiking and other outdoor fun.

Is Santorini or Lillehammer Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Santorini and Lillehammer are nice 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.

Lillehammer is a good island to visit for backpackers. There's some camping and other affordable accommodation for backpackers in the area.

Is Santorini or Lillehammer Better for Students?

Lillehammer 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 Lillehammer. The city has a number of students and offers some great entertainment activities. The cost of living can be high though.

Santorini is not popular with students.

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

Santorini and Lillehammer both offer nice 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.

Lillehammer has a few public transit options. There are trains and buses throughout the region.

Is Santorini or Lillehammer a more walkable city?

Santorini and Lillehammer are nice 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.

Lillehammer is a somewhat walkable island. There are some pedestrian streets and pedestrian-friendly areas in town.

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

Should I spend more time in Lillehammer or Santorini?

How long in Santorini or Lillehammer?

It's fun to spend time in either Santorini or Lillehammer. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Santorini due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Santorini, and 2-4 days is enough time in Lillehammer.

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

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

One day in Santorini or Lillehammer?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the romantic island of Santorini. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find skiing and nightlife around the city of Lillehammer. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Lillehammer?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Santorini. It's also a relaxing resort destination. This island offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find nightlife and food around the sporty destination of Lillehammer. 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 city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Santorini or Lillehammer?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the stunning island of Santorini. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the adventure-filled city of Lillehammer. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Santorini or Lillehammer?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the quaint destination of Santorini. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this island.

Lillehammer is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Polar Tours & Cruises in Norway, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Norway.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Santorini or Lillehammer?

Santorini has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Lillehammer. When comparing the sizes of Santorini and Lillehammer, 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.