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

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples


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?

Santorini
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?

Santorini
Ljubljana

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?

Santorini
Ljubljana

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
Ljubljana

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
Ljubljana

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
Ljubljana

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?

Santorini
Ljubljana

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
Ljubljana

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?

Santorini
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
Ljubljana

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
Ljubljana

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?

Santorini
Ljubljana

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?

Santorini
Ljubljana

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
Ljubljana

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?

Santorini
Ljubljana

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.

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.


  • How many days in Santorini or Ljubljana? Ideal Length of Stay
    Santorini 3-7 
    Ljubljana 1-3

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 stunning 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 stunning 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.

Which place is cheaper, Ljubljana or Santorini?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Santorini is €175, while the average daily cost in Ljubljana is €86. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Santorini and Ljubljana in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Santorini 93
    Ljubljana 54
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Santorini 186
    Ljubljana 108
Compare Hotels in Santorini and Ljubljana

Looking for a hotel in Santorini or Ljubljana? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Santorini


Hotels in Ljubljana


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Santorini Hotel Prices and Ljubljana Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Santorini 28
    Ljubljana 21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santorini

Also for Santorini, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Helicopter Transfer between Mykonos & Santorini: $3,767
  • Full Day Santorini Catamaran Private Cruise with meal and transfer: $3,611
  • Private Helicopter Transfer from Santorini to Amanzoe: $3,512
  • Santorini to Mykonos Helicopter Transfer: $3,271
  • Private Helicopter Transfer from Santorini to Spetses: $3,217
  • Private Helicopter Transfer from Santorini to Athens: $3,064
  • Private Helicopter Transfer from Santorini to Hydra: $2,998
  • Private Helicopter Transfer from Santorini to Chania: $2,637
  • Private Helicopter Transfer from Santorini to Crete: $2,199
  • Private Helicopter Transfer from Santorini to Heraklion: $2,199
  • Private Helicopter Transfer from Santorini to Elounda: $2,134
  • Private Helicopter Transfer from Santorini to Mykonos : $2,057

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ljubljana

Also for Ljubljana, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Ljubljana to Sarajevo Airport (SJJ): $1,203
  • Ljubljana - Vienna transfer: $622
  • Private transfer from Ljubljana city to Drei Zinnen Dolomiten (ski resorts): $502
  • Private transfer from Ljubljana city to Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE): $502
  • Private Transfer from Ljubljana, Slovenia to Venice Marco Polo Airport: $492
  • Private transfer from Ljubljana city to Treviso Airport (TSF): $480
  • Ljubljana- Verona. Private transfer. Price per car.: $437
  • Ljubljana- Venice. Price per car. Private transfer.: $436
  • Private transfer. Ljubljana- Vienna. Price per car.: $436
  • Ljubljana - Budapest Transfer: $429
  • Private Direct Transfer From Ljubljana To Bratislava: $377
  • Private Car For A Direct Transfer From Ljubljana To Bratislava: $377

Is it cheaper to fly into Santorini or Ljubljana?

Prices for flights to both Ljubljana and Santorini change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Santorini 48
    Ljubljana 17

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santorini

For Santorini, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Virtual Private Cooking Class Live from Santorini: $22
  • Live Virtual Cooking Class: $25
  • Traditional Greek Night live Music & Dinner Show in Santorini: $55
  • Romantic Sunset Caldera Cruise with Dinner: $70
  • Santorini Caldera: Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $70
  • Santorini Caldera Evening Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $74
  • Volcanic Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $81
  • Catamaran Tour with BBQ Dinner, Drinks, and Music: $91
  • Volcano and Hot Springs Sunset Dinner Cruise: $97
  • Santorini Sunset Dinner Cruise Including Nea Kameni Visit: $98
  • Greek Cuisine Cooking Class in Santorini: $104
  • Santorini Volcano Sunset Cruise Including Dinner on Board: $108

Typical Food prices in Ljubljana

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Ljubljana:


  • Horsemeat Hot Dog
    2.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ljubljana

For Ljubljana, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Traditional Slovenian Dinner and Show: $65
  • Lunch or Dinner trip to a typical Slovenian restaurant: $71
  • Flavour of Slovenia: Very Small Group Food Tour in Ljubljana: $82
  • Dinner in the Dark: $86
  • 3-Hour Food Tour: $91
  • Dinner in the Dark: $107
  • Šmarna Gora: Hiking and Food Tour from Ljubljana: $129
  • Medieval coast and romantic fish dinner in Piran from Ljubljana at 16:00: $131
  • The 10 Tastings of Ljubljana Private Food Tour : $210
  • Private Food Tour With Guide and 10 Tastings: $217
  • Velenje mine underground dinner experience - Private tour from Ljubljana: $946

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Santorini 36
    Ljubljana 14

Tours and Activities in Santorini

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Santorini.

  • Full-Day Private Tour in Santorini by Luxury Catamaran: $3,611
  • Luxury Private Power Catamaran Tour in Santorini: $1,751
  • Majestic Shore Adventure for the First-Time Cruisers: $74
  • Motor Yacht Day Cruise with Delicious Homemade Buffet Lunch: $170
  • Private Fishing Tour - Morning (transportation included): $383
  • Santorini private tour : $383
  • Santorini's Panoramic Blue Shade Tour : $63
  • 'Insta photo tour' Santorini Island: $82
  • 1 Hour Private Archaeological Tour in Akrotiri: $191
  • 2-Day Santorini Bus Tour with Volcanic Cruise: $109
  • 2-Hour Private Romantic Horse Riding Experience in Santorini: $197
  • 2-Hours Picnic Experience at Santorini: $536

Typical Entertainment prices in Ljubljana

For Ljubljana, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Castle Tower Entrance (for 2)
    8.00

Tours and Activities in Ljubljana

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ljubljana.

  • 3-Day Private Trekking Adventure from Bohinj to Soča Valley: $974
  • 4 Hours Private Ljubljana Walking Tour: $164
  • 4-hour Bike Tour Ljubljana: $86
  • 5 Days Private Tour to the Scenic Slovenia: $1,687
  • 8-Day Private Mountain Bike Tour from Arnoldstein to Piran: $1,586
  • 8-Day Self Guided Cycling Tour in Slovenia from Kamnik : $808
  • 8-Hour Lake Bled, Lake Bohinj and Waterfall Savica Tour: $88
  • Axe Throwing Experience in Ljubljana: $36
  • BEER WAY Alpine Beer Tasting & Outdoors Tour: $135
  • Beer tour of Slovenia - The Ultimate Beer Experience: $2,073
  • Beery Slovenia Tour: $162
  • Best of Ljubljana, Classical walking tour of Capital city: $55

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Santorini 26
    Ljubljana 11

Sample the Local Flavors in Santorini

Also in Santorini, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Private Ftelos Brewery Santorini Beer tastings: $27
  • Santorini Brewery Tour and Craft Beer Tastings: $38
  • Visit to a Wine Museum and Wine Tasting in Santorini : $71
  • Top Sights Day Trip, Wine Tasting, & Oia Sunset: $74
  • Fira Town Walking Tour with Wine Tasting: $75
  • 2 Hours Private Wine Tasting Tour in Santorini With Pick Up: $88
  • Wine tasting and Carving lesson in Santorini: $98
  • Santorini 4 Hour Private Oia Tour & Wine Tasting : $109
  • 5 towns in 5 hours: Santorini Most Popular Tour with Wine tasting: $117
  • Wine Tour Santorini: $118
  • Wine Tour with Sunset in Oia: $118
  • Santorini Wine Tour with sunset in Oia: $120

Typical Alcohol prices in Ljubljana

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Ljubljana are as follows:


  • Drinks at a Sidewalk Cafe (for 2)
    6.00

Sample the Local Flavors in Ljubljana

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Ljubljana:

  • Pub Crawl Ljubljana: $24
  • BEER WAY Craft Brewery Visit & Tastings: $27
  • Wine Tasting with Pairing Snacks in Vipava Valley: $27
  • Craft brewery tour and beer tasting, Tour the Brew, Tekotnik : $28
  • Wine Tasting, Slovenian Wine Story: $54
  • 2-Hour Interactive Wine Tasting Experience in Ljubljana: $63
  • BEER WAY Kamnik Beer Tasting & Brewery Tour: $83
  • 3.5-Hour Ljubljana Food & Wine Tour: $84
  • Food & Wine Tour Ljubljana - Local Foodie Adventure in Slovenia: $93
  • Food and Wine Tasting with a Local Sommelier: $105
  • Private Family-Owned Vineyard Wine Tasting Trip: $145
  • From Ljubjana: Slovenian Wine Tour: $193


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.

Which is Bigger, Santorini or Ljubljana?

Santorini is bigger, and its population is about 2.4 times larger than the population of Ljubljana. When comparing the population of Santorini vs. 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 and the activities that interest you.

Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
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Santorini vs. Ljubljana Travel Comparison

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