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

Should you visit Santorini or Marrakech?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Santorini or Marrakech, 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.

Marrakech

Marrakech is a fascinating, ancient, and cultural city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Santorini and Marrakech: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Santorini or Marrakech?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Marrakech than Santorini, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Marrakech is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Santorini is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Santorini is popular for its beautiful volcanic beaches, stunning natural beauty, and breathtaking sunsets over the whitewashed villages. Marrakech is popular for its colorful medina, festive night market, and beautiful palaces. It is also home to Jemaa el-Fnaa Square.

How is Santorini different from Marrakech?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Marrakech is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its sights and museums.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Marrakech can be an interesting and educational experience. While wandering the medina is an attraction in and of itself, there are also several sights that you should specifically check out. The iconic Djemaa el-Fnaa, or the city's main square, is best visited as the sun goes down. Other notable landmarks include Koutoubia Mosque, Majorelle Gardens, and Medersa Ben Youssef.

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 Marrakech? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Marrakech 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.

Marrakech has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Moroccan food is amazing and you'll enjoy grilled meats, tagines, couscous, and more. The city is more touristy than some parts of Morocco so you'll find the quality of the food can vary a bit, but it's still a culinary delight. Marrakesh is also a great city for taking a cooking class.

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 Marrakech Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Marrakech. Although alcohol is hard to come by, you'll find it in most western style restaurants and high end hotel chains. The city has more bars and nightclubs than you'd expect. There's also a great nighttime energy with many locals heading outside in the evening. Jemaa el-Fnaa, the main square, comes to life with street vendors, performers, and people during the nighttime hours.

Is Santorini or Marrakech Better for Resorts?

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

Marrakech is not a resort destination.

Is Santorini or Marrakech Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Marrakech is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Santorini or Marrakech Better for Beaches?

Santorini is a popular place for the beach. However, Marrakech is not a beach destination.

Santorini is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Marrakech is not a beach destination.

Is Santorini or Marrakech Better for its Old Town?

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

With a famous historical old-town, Marrakech offers plenty to see. The historic medina is filled with spices, antiques, art, and pottery. The culture and experience of wandering the medina will have you feeling like you stepped back in time.

Santorini does not have a historic old town.

Is Santorini or Marrakech Better for Hiking?

Santorini is a popular place for its hiking trails. However, Marrakech 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.

Marrakech is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Santorini or Marrakech?

Marrakech 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, Marrakech draws large crowds to its stores. Shop your way through the street stalls and sample perfumes, spices, produce, and more. You'll find everything from souvenir trinkets to local items and authentic antiques.

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 Marrakech Better for Families?

Marrakech 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, Marrakech is very family-friendly. Kids will enjoy exploring a new culture and wandering through the medina. The food is very kid-friendly and during the evening the main square, Jemaa el-Fnaa, comes to life with street performers, vendors, and entertainment. Families can also take cooking classes or head into the desert for a camel trek.

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 Marrakech Better for Couples?

Santorini and Marrakech are both fantastic to visit as a couple.

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.

Marrakech is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. There are many wonderful restaurants and fascinating places for couples to explores. Wandering the medina or visiting the gardens make for a romantic and adventurous getaway.

Is Santorini or Marrakech Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Marrakech 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, Marrakech is extremely popular for backpackers. The city is very affordable and there are countless riads that are budget-friendly. There are enough backpackers around town that it's not hard to meet fellow 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 Marrakech Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Santorini is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Marrakech is lacking in options for its public transit.

Santorini has some 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.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Marrakech. While there are local buses, most people take taxis around town when they can't walk. Taxis are affordable and convenient.

Is Santorini or Marrakech a more walkable city?

Marrakech is a great 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.

Marrakech is a very walkable city. The medina is the best area to walk around but it's very easy to get lost. Outside of the medina you'll want to keep your eyes open for motorbikes and the occasional donkey.

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 Marrakech Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Marrakech or Santorini?

How long in Santorini or Marrakech?

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

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

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

One day in Santorini or Marrakech?

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.

People visit Marrakech 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 Marrakech?

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.

People visit Marrakech 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 Marrakech?

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.

People visit Marrakech 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. Most people head to the area for the shopping. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Santorini or Marrakech?

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.

Marrakech 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 Marrakech, one week is sufficent for most. 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 10-Day Tours in Morocco, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Morocco.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Santorini and Marrakech, we can see that Santorini is more expensive. And not only is Marrakech much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Santorini is in Europe and Marrakech is in Africa, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Marrakech would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Marrakech 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 Marrakech.

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

Which is Bigger, Santorini or Marrakech?

Marrakech has a larger population, and is about 40% larger than the population of Santorini. When comparing the sizes of Santorini and Marrakech, 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.