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

Should you visit Santorini or Lisbon?

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

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

Lisbon

Lisbon is a picturesque, colorful, and vibrant city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the live music, food, and beaches.

Santorini and Lisbon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Santorini or Lisbon?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Lisbon. Although Santorini and Lisbon are both popular with visitors, Lisbon has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Lisbon is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Santorini is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, hiking, and quaint atmosphere. Santorini is more touristy than Lisbon and is known for its beautiful volcanic beaches, stunning natural beauty, and breathtaking sunsets over the whitewashed villages. Lisbon is popular for its hilltop vistos, beautiful old town, and lively Fado music. It is also home to Castelo de São Jorge.

How is Santorini different from Lisbon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Lisbon 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 Lisbon are world-renowned. World renowned landmarks include St. George's Castle, Jerónimos monastery, the Belém Tower, Santa Justa Lift, and countless world class museums.

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 Lisbon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lisbon 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, Lisbon is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. There are many local restaurants as well as food tours and cooking classes that you can enjoy. Make sure you try the local favorites like bacalhau à brás, frango no churrasco, and pastel de nata. Given the beautiful climate, outdoor seating is also popular. Head into the less touristy neighborhoods to try some local dishes or hit up a seafood market. There are also many cafes that offer great breakfasts with fresh ingredients.

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 Lisbon Better for Nightlife?

Lisbon is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Lisbon is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. It is a bustling city with a lot of energy late into the night. There are countless bars, clubs, and music venues that cater to every personality type and style. Whether you want a more relaxed vibe or a raging party, there is likely an place for you.

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 Lisbon Better for Music?

Lisbon is an unbeatable place for its live music scene. However, Santorini is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Lisbon. The local folk music, fado, is popular here, but there are also venues that host almost any other style of music as well. You'll also find several fado museums around town.

Santorini is not a live music destination.

Is Santorini or Lisbon Better for Resorts?

Santorini is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Lisbon 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.

Lisbon is not a resort destination.

Is Santorini or Lisbon Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Santorini is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Lisbon 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.

Lisbon is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Santorini or Lisbon Better for Beaches?

Both Santorini and Lisbon have good beaches worth visiting.

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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Lisbon. The beaches are often overlooked by visitors, but the coastline near the city is lined with beautiful sandy beaches that are arguably among the best in the area. If you want to get away from city life, head for the water.

Is Santorini or Lisbon Better for its Old Town?

Lisbon is an unbeatable place for its old town. However, Santorini does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Lisbon offers plenty to see. The city is famous for the Alfama area, which is where you find the traditional buildings, cobblestoned streets, wandering alleyways, and steep hills. Make sure you take in the stunning view from various parts of town.

Santorini does not have a historic old town.

Is Santorini or Lisbon Better for Hiking?

Santorini is a popular place for its hiking trails. However, Lisbon is not a hiking destination.

Santorini is a good destination for hiking. 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.

Lisbon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Santorini or Lisbon?

Lisbon is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Lisbon draws large crowds to its stores. For high end shopping, head to The Avenida da Liberdade. It's lined with designer brands and luxury boutiques.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Santorini. Towns around the island are filled with clothing and jewelry boutiques as well as many unique Greek shopping experiences.

Is Santorini or Lisbon Better for Families?

Lisbon 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, Lisbon is very family-friendly. Popular family-friendly activities include exploring Castelo Sao Jorge, visiting the aquarium, hanging out on the beach, and of course, taking the funiculars. Kids of all ages will appreciate the intricate maze of streets and lively atmosphere that this city offers. There's also the famous Livraria Lello & Irmão, which is a beautiful bookshop that is said to be an inspiration for Harry Potter. Don't expect to simply walk in, as there is often a long line to enter.

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 Lisbon Better for Couples?

Santorini is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Lisbon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Couples visit Lisbon frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With it's colorful buildings and dramatic hills, this city offers a truly romantic setting for couples. There are many romantic viewpoints as well as world class restaurants that couples will enjoy.

Is Santorini or Lisbon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lisbon is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Lisbon is extremely popular for backpackers. Hostels are abundant, and you'll have no trouble finding other backpackers to hang out with. Many hostels even organize activities and group meals for travelers. Prices are also reasonable for a large and vibrant city.

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 Lisbon Better for Students?

Lisbon is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Santorini is not popular with students.

Lisbon is a great city to visit as a student. It's a lively city with a lot to see and do for international students.

Santorini is not popular with students.

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

Lisbon is an unbeatable place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its public transit.

Visitors in Lisbon can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The metro has four lines that go around the city. There are also trams, buses, and the funiculars.

Santorini has a few 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.

Is Santorini or Lisbon a more walkable city?

Lisbon is an unbeatable place for its high level of walkability. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its ease of walking around.

Lisbon is a very easy city to get around on foot. There are many walkable areas that aren't too hilly like Baixa, a stretch along the Tagus River, and Belém.

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.

Should I spend more time in Lisbon or Santorini?

How long in Santorini or Lisbon?

Both Santorini and Lisbon have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Lisbon has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Lisbon than Santorini. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Lisbon than Santorini. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Lisbon that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lisbon 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 Lisbon.

One day in Santorini or Lisbon?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the quaint destination of Santorini. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

People visit Lisbon because there is so much to do. 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 Lisbon?

Santorini is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

People visit Lisbon because there is so much to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Santorini or Lisbon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Santorini. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

People visit Lisbon because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Santorini or Lisbon?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the romantic destination of Santorini. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Lisbon 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 Lisbon, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Which is Bigger, Santorini or Lisbon?

Santorini is bigger, and its population is about 16% larger than the population of Lisbon. When comparing the population of Santorini vs. Lisbon, 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 and the activities that interest you.