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

Should you visit Santorini or Ljubljana?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Santorini or Ljubljana, 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. 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. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Ljubljana

Ljubljana is a under-rated, authentic, and historic capital city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Santorini and Ljubljana: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Santorini or Ljubljana?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Ljubljana than Santorini. While Santorini is larger than Ljubljana, Ljubljana has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Ljubljana is very popular for its historical sights and big city activities, while Santorini attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Santorini is more touristy than Ljubljana and is known for its beautiful volcanic beaches, stunning natural beauty, and breathtaking sunsets over the whitewashed villages. Ljubljana is famous for its small town atmosphere in a big city setting that's filled with culture, architecture, and natural beauty. It is also well known for The Ljubljana Castle.

How is Santorini different from Ljubljana?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Ljubljana. Because the city is so compact, it's easy to see the notable landmarks with an easy walk. Famous landmarks include Ljubljana Castle, the Dragon Bridge, and the Franciscan Church.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Santorini and Ljubljana 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 Ljubljana area. The city is surrounded by nature, so there's easy access to wild fruits and vegetables. It also has a lot of locally made honey and traditional, family run restaurants. Popular dishes include local sausage, pražen krompir (a potato side dish) and Slovenian style fried chicken.

Is Santorini or Ljubljana Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Ljubljana. Given its small size, there are a surprising number of clubs and bars in town. The city has a vibrant energy in the evening, and it's easy to travel from venue to venue on foot.

Is Santorini or Ljubljana Better for Resorts?

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

Ljubljana is not a resort destination.

Is Santorini or Ljubljana Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Santorini is a nice place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Ljubljana 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.

Ljubljana is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Santorini or Ljubljana Better for Beaches?

Santorini is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Ljubljana 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.

Ljubljana is not a beach destination.

Is Santorini or Ljubljana Better for its Old Town?

Ljubljana is a great capital city for its old town. However, Santorini does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Ljubljana to see the historical old town. The old town is compact with wondering cobblestone streets and historic landmarks. At the heart of the city is Prešernov trg Square, which is where you'll find several notable buildings and nearby Central Market.

Santorini does not have a historic old town.

Is Santorini or Ljubljana Better for Hiking?

Santorini is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Ljubljana 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.

Ljubljana is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Santorini or Ljubljana?

If you're looking to go shopping, Santorini and Ljubljana both offer plenty of superb spots.

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.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Ljubljana. The city has several shopping streets where you can find local and international fashion brands. Many people enjoy shopping for crystal and glass products in the city. Also check out the Central Market which has fresh local food products.

Is Santorini or Ljubljana Better for Families?

Santorini is a nice place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Ljubljana is not known for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Ljubljana is not the most family-friendly destination. The city has several good museums including the House of Experiments, which is only open on weekends. There are parks you can explore and it's fun to take the funicular to the castle. You can also take a boat ride which is fun for the whole family.

Is Santorini or Ljubljana Better for Couples?

Santorini is renowned for romance. Also, Ljubljana is not as popular, but is still a nice capital city 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.

Ljubljana makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's one of the more under-rated cities in Europe, but there are a number of romantic activities that you can enjoy here. Explore the old town, wander through the botanical gardens, or take a boat ride along the river. All make for a nice couple's weekend.

Is Santorini or Ljubljana Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ljubljana is a great capital city for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Ljubljana. Although its not as popular as many of the more well known cities, this is an affordable option that is great for backpackers and budget 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 Ljubljana Better for Students?

Ljubljana 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 Ljubljana. If you're looking for a unique study abroad opportunity, the University of Ljubljana offers an excellent academic experience in a a lively small city with easy access to nature.

Santorini is not popular with students.

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

Santorini and Ljubljana 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.

Ljubljana has a few public transit options. There is a city bus system.

Is Santorini or Ljubljana a more walkable city?

Ljubljana is a great capital city for its high level of walkability. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its ease of walking around.

Ljubljana is a very walkable capital city. It is compact and easy 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 Ljubljana Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Ljubljana or Santorini?

How long in Santorini or Ljubljana?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Santorini and Ljubljana. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Santorini than in Ljubljana. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Santorini, and 1-3 days is enough time in Ljubljana.

Families should spend more time in Santorini than Ljubljana. 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 Ljubljana. 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 Ljubljana 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 Ljubljana.

One day in Santorini or Ljubljana?

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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the capital city of Ljubljana. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ljubljana has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Santorini or Ljubljana?

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

You'll find museums and nightlife around the under-rated destination of Ljubljana. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this capital city has to offer. This capital city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Santorini or Ljubljana?

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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the under-rated capital city of Ljubljana. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Santorini or Ljubljana?

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.

Ljubljana is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Ljubljana, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Ljubljana.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Santorini or Ljubljana?

Santorini has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Ljubljana. When comparing the sizes of Santorini and Ljubljana, 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.