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

Should you visit Santorini or Livorno?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Santorini or Livorno, 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. 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. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Livorno

Livorno is a waterfront, friendly, and down-to-earth port city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and nightlife.

Santorini and Livorno: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Santorini or Livorno?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Santorini than Livorno, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Santorini is more popular for its museums, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Livorno is known for its big city activities. Santorini is more touristy than Livorno and is known for its beautiful volcanic beaches, stunning natural beauty, and breathtaking sunsets over the whitewashed villages. It is also home to The Caldera and Volcano of Santorini. Livorno is popular for its large port and its great seafood.

How is Santorini different from Livorno?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Santorini is a nice place to visit for its historical sights. However, Livorno is not a good destination for its sights and 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.

Livorno offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. The waterfront promenade and New Venice are nice to explore. There's an aquarium in town as well as a fun central market.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Santorini and Livorno 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 Livorno area. As a port city, this is the place to try seafood. Many dishes include calamari, shrimp, or freshly caught fish. The city is less touristy than most in Italy, so even the food has an authentic and down-to-earth vibe.

Is Santorini or Livorno Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Livorno. Most visitors arrive by cruise ship, and depart in the evening, but the city is large and for those that stay the night, there are a number of bars and clubs around town.

Is Santorini or Livorno Better for Resorts?

Santorini is renowned for its luxury resorts. However, Livorno 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.

Livorno is not a resort destination.

Is Santorini or Livorno Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Santorini is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Livorno 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.

Livorno is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Santorini or Livorno Better for Beaches?

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

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.

Livorno is a good spot to see the beach. The beaches are pebbly or rocky, so you won't really find a long stretch of sandy beach where you can relax. They can also stay very crowded.

Is Santorini or Livorno Better for Hiking?

Santorini is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Livorno is not a hiking destination.

Santorini has hiking trails worth exploring. 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.

Livorno is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Santorini or Livorno?

Santorini is great for its shopping areas. Also, Livorno is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Santorini. Towns around the island are filled with clothing and jewelry boutiques as well as many unique Greek shopping experiences.

Livorno is a great destination for shopping. The main shopping street in town is Via Grande. It's generally filled with major chain stores and familiar brands.

Is Santorini or Livorno Better for Families?

Santorini and Livorno are both good 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.

Livorno is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a nice aquarium as well as outdoor recreational activities like cycling and boating. There's a beach and parks where kids can stretch their legs and run around as well.

Is Santorini or Livorno Better for Couples?

Santorini is renowned for couples. Also, Livorno is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for romance.

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.

Livorno is a nice destination for couples. There are some nice museums as well as parks and boat rides that couples can enjoy. There's also an aquarium and a beach.

Is Santorini or Livorno Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santorini is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Livorno is not a good destination for backpackers.

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.

Livorno is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most backpackers skip this city, so you won't find many hostels around town. It's a relatively affordable place to stay with some fun entertainment options if you do pass through.

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

Santorini and Livorno both offer good 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.

Livorno has a few public transit options. There are buses around town including lines that run from the central train station to the port.

Is Santorini or Livorno a more walkable city?

Santorini and Livorno are good 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.

Livorno is a somewhat walkable island. Parts of the city are walkable, but if you're arriving by cruise ship, you'll want to take a shuttle bus from the port.

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

Should I spend more time in Livorno or Santorini?

How long in Santorini or Livorno?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Santorini or Livorno to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Santorini than Livorno because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Santorini, and 1-2 days is enough time in Livorno.

Families should spend more time in Santorini than Livorno. 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 Livorno. 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 Livorno 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 Livorno?

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 food and shopping around the port city of Livorno. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Livorno has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Santorini or Livorno?

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 shopping and nightlife around the down-to-earth destination of Livorno. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this port city has to offer. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Santorini or Livorno?

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 nightlife and food when visiting the down-to-earth port city of Livorno. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Santorini or Livorno?

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.

Livorno 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 Luxury Tours to Greece, The Best Budget Tours to Greece, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Santorini or Livorno?

Santorini has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Livorno. When comparing the sizes of Santorini and Livorno, 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.