A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Santorini vs. Marseille for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Beaches

Should you visit Santorini or Marseille?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Santorini or Marseille, 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 food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Marseille

Marseille is a energetic and vibrant city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. Visitors also love the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Santorini and Marseille: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • 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
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Known for Christmas markets
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Santorini or Marseille?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Marseille than Santorini, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Marseille is more popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, and christmas markets, while Santorini is known for its museums, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, hiking, and impressive beauty. Santorini is more touristy than Marseille and is known for its beautiful volcanic beaches, stunning natural beauty, and breathtaking sunsets over the whitewashed villages. Marseille is popular for its unique history, its diverse population, and its authenticity. It is also home to The Vieux Port.

How is Santorini different from Marseille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Santorini
Marseille

Santorini is a nice place to visit for its museums and history. However, Marseille does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Marseille does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Santorini
Marseille

Marseille 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, Marseille is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. It's famous for its bouillabaisse, which is a hearty seafood soup that was once affordable but is now quite pricey.

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 Marseille Better for Nightlife?

Santorini
Marseille

Marseille 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 Marseille is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. Much of the city's nightlife is centered around being outdoors. Whether you're on the beach or hanging out at a rooftop bar, Marseille is a magical place.

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 Marseille Better for Resorts?

Santorini
Marseille

Santorini is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. However, Marseille 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.

Marseille is not a resort destination.


Is Santorini or Marseille Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Santorini
Marseille

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

Marseille is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Santorini or Marseille Better for Beaches?

Santorini
Marseille

Both Santorini and Marseille 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 Marseille. The city has nice beaches that offer both culture and diversity, which may be lacking some other coastal parts of the French Riviera.

Is Santorini or Marseille Better for its Old Town?

Santorini
Marseille

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

With a famous historical old-town, Marseille offers plenty to see. The Old Port is filled with shops and boutiques, and is the most scenic part of the city. It dates back to the Middle Ages and is filled with history and character.

Santorini does not have a historic old town.


Is Santorini or Marseille Better for Hiking?

Santorini
Marseille

Santorini is a nice place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Marseille 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.

Marseille is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Santorini or Marseille?

Santorini
Marseille

If you're looking to go shopping, Santorini and Marseille 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 Marseille. The city has boutiques, farmers markets, and flea markets to explore, as well as any luxury brand you may want.

Is Santorini or Marseille Better for Christmas Markets?

Santorini
Marseille

Marseille is a nice place to visit for visiting Christmas markets. However, Santorini does not offer Christmas markets.

Marseille has Christmas markets worth visiting. The old town has a Christmas craft market where you can buy toys, Christmas treats, or decorations.

Santorini does not offer Christmas markets.


Is Santorini or Marseille Better for Families?

Santorini
Marseille

Santorini is a nice place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Marseille is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

Santorini is a family-friendly island. 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.

Marseille doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. Nearby beaches and an outdoor climbing area make it a diverse city to visit with kids.

Is Santorini or Marseille Better for Couples?

Santorini
Marseille

Santorini is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Marseille is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Couples visit Marseille frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Strolling the boulevards and exploring the history and culture of this city make it a top couples' destination.

Is Santorini or Marseille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santorini
Marseille

For backpackers, both Santorini and Marseille are good places to visit.

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.

Marseille is a good island to visit for backpackers. It has a decent number of hostels for a city of its size.


Is Santorini or Marseille Better for Students?

Santorini
Marseille

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

Marseille is a great city to visit as a student. It attracts international students because of its rich culture, unique atmosphere, and lively bar scene.

Santorini is not popular with students.

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

Santorini
Marseille

Santorini and Marseille 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.

Marseille has a few public transit options. The city has trams, a metro, and buses that you can use to explore.

Is Santorini or Marseille a more walkable city?

Santorini
Marseille

Marseille 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.

Marseille is a very walkable city. The Old Port (Vieux Port) is particularly walkable and is one of the best areas 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 Marseille Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Marseille or Santorini?

How long in Santorini or Marseille?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Santorini and Marseille. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Santorini than in Marseille. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Santorini, and 2-3 days is enough time in Marseille.

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


  • How many days in Santorini or Marseille? Ideal Length of Stay
    Santorini 3-7 
    Marseille 2-3

One day in Santorini or Marseille?

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 food and shopping around the quaint city of Marseille. 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 Marseille?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the historic 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 shopping and nightlife around the energetic destination of Marseille. 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 city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Santorini or Marseille?

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 vibrant city of Marseille. 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 Marseille?

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.

Marseille 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 Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.


Which place is cheaper, Marseille 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 Marseille is €148. 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 Marseille in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Santorini 93
    Marseille 71
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Santorini 186
    Marseille 142
Compare Hotels in Santorini and Marseille

Looking for a hotel in Santorini or Marseille? 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 Marseille


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 Marseille Hotel Prices.

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santorini

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

  • Wedding Transfer for Guests: $25
  • Transfer to Akrotiri : $43
  • Transfer Perissa To Oia : $46
  • Transfer From & To Santorini Port Designed By You: $28
  • Transfer From & To Santorini Airport Designed By You: $15
  • Transfer & Tours: $18
  • TRANSFERS Santorini PRIVATE Transfer: $31
  • Shared Departure Transfers to Airport or Port Santorini : $33
  • Shared Departure Transfer: Santorini Hotel to Airport or Cruise Port: $22
  • Shared Arrival Transfers in Santorini from Airport or Port: $44
  • Wine Tasting Tour to 3 Wineries with Transfer: $117
  • Transfer from Santorini Port to Oia (IA): $33

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Marseille

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Marseille:


  • Metro Pass
    3.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Marseille

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

  • Private Transfer Between Marseille Airport and Nice Airport: $1,194
  • Marseille or Aix ⟷Transfer to Nice 7 pax: $671
  • Cannes Private Transfer to Marseille Airport: $619
  • Marseille Airport private Transfer to Cannes: $619
  • Marseille Airport Transfer From/to Avignon: $361
  • Marseille or Aix en Pce Transfer From/to Arles: $351
  • Marseille or Aix en Pce Transfer From/to Avignon: $351
  • Marseille Airport Transfer From/to Arles: $330
  • Private transfer from Marseille Airport to Cavaillon: $281
  • Private Transfer from Marseille Airport to Avignon: $276
  • Marseille Provence Airport transfer ↔ Avignon: $270
  • Marseille Airport: VIP transfer to Baumaniere: $255

Is it cheaper to fly into Santorini or Marseille?

Prices for flights to both Marseille 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
    Marseille 42

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santorini

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

  • Live Virtual Cooking Class: $25
  • Traditional Greek Night live Music & Dinner Show in Santorini: $55
  • Romantic Sunset Caldera Cruise with Dinner: $71
  • Santorini Caldera: Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $71
  • Virtual Private Cooking Class Live from Santorini: $72
  • Volcanic Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $81
  • Santorini Caldera Sunset Sailing Cruise with Dinner and Wine: $88
  • Catamaran Tour with BBQ Dinner, Drinks, and Music: $92
  • Volcano and Hot Springs Sunset Dinner Cruise: $98
  • Santorini Volcano Sunset Cruise Including Dinner on Board: $109
  • Cooking Class in Traditional cave house in Santorini!: $121
  • Sunset Cruise with Swim Stops, Dinner, and Drinks: $122

Typical Food Prices in Marseille

For Marseille, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Orangina
    2.50

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Marseille

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

  • Bakeries,Chocolate & Patisseries Food Tour: $67
  • Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $75
  • Sunset Boat Cruise with Dinner and Drinks: $87
  • Sunset Sailing Cruise with Dinner and Drinks: $87
  • E-Bike and Food Tour: $92
  • Sunset Apéro Food tour: $97
  • Marseille Food Tour - Bakeries, Chocolate and Patisseries: $99
  • Sunset Sailing Dinner in the Frioul Archipelago: $103
  • Evening Food Tour with Tastings: $103
  • Walking Food Tour with Tastings: $103
  • Marseille Miam Miam Food tour: $105
  • Marseille Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $109

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Santorini 36
    Marseille 38

Tours and Activities in Santorini

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

  • Santorini Panoramic Blue Shade Tour-Firostefani, Imerovigli, Oia: $63
  • Santorini Secrets & Gems for Cruise Passengers: $97
  • Oia Sunset- Cultural Walking Tour : $66
  • 3-Hour Santorini Highlights Tour: $72
  • 4 Hour Private Guided Tour in Santorini: $221
  • 4 Hours Private Custom Tour in Santorini: $188
  • 4 Hours Santorini Private Tour: $150
  • 4 hours Private Half Day Tour in Santorini Island: $177
  • 4 hrs island tour and photoshooting, Oia Blue domes, Red beach : $199
  • 5 Hour Sightseeing Tour in the Magical Santorini: $113
  • 5-Hour Private Tour of Southern Santorini: $407
  • 6 Hours Land Tour Ideal for Cruise Ship Passengers: $287

Tours and Activities in Marseille

For Marseille, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Marseille French Pastries and Chocolate Tour: $98
  • "Old Marseille" district tour and treasure hunt: $29
  • 2H: City-Tour Marseille: $277
  • 3h Kayak Tour at Calanques National Park: $68
  • A Day in Provence Small Group Tour from Marseille: $169
  • Aix-en-Provence: Half-Day Shore Excursion Tour: $652
  • All Inclusive Food & History Tour of Marseille with Local Guide: $142
  • Beer tasting experience in Marseille: $43
  • Calanques National Park Kayak Day Tour: $114
  • Calanques Trilogy Electric Bike Tour from Marseille: $66
  • Canyoning Half Day Tour from La Ciotat : $68
  • Cassis National Park E-Mountain Bike Experience with Virtual Guide: $50

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Santorini 26
    Marseille 27

Sample the Local Flavors in Santorini

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

  • Half Day Simply Santorini Tour with Wine Tasting: $61
  • Top Sights of Santorini with Wine Tasting and Sunset in Oia: $61
  • Top Sights Day Trip, Wine Tasting, & Oia Sunset: $70
  • Fira Town Walking Tour with Wine Tasting: $76
  • Santorini 4-Hour Private Tour including Wine Tasting, Shore Excursion: $105
  • Santorini 4 Hour Private Oia Tour & Wine Tasting : $106
  • Santorini Highlights Small-Group Tour with Wine Tasting from Fira: $110
  • Wine Tour with Sunset in Oia: $119
  • Santorini Wine Adventure in 3 Wineries with Wine Tastings, Sunset: $133
  • Wine Adventure in 3 Wineries and 12 Wine Tastings: $157
  • Three Wineries and One Brewery Tour with Tastings: $163
  • Wine Tasting Tour & Sunset Viewing: $163

Sample the Local Flavors in Marseille

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Marseille:

  • Marseille Riviera Bar Crawl Party with Free Shots and VIP Entry: $28
  • Marseille Bar Crawl Party with Free Shots and VIP Entry: $36
  • Delicious Food and Wine Tour: $97
  • New Year's Eve Bar Crawl Marseille France: $98
  • Bandol and Cassis: Full Day Wine Tour from Marseille: $146
  • Luberon: Full-Day Wine Tour from Marseille: $146
  • Full-day Wine Tour around Bandol & Cassis from Marseille: $148
  • Small Group Marseille Shore Excursion : Avignon & Chateauneuf du Pape Wine Tour: $151
  • From Provence Sightseeing Tour and Wine Tasting: $163
  • Côtes du Rhône Wine tour: Avignon, Palace of the Popes: $165
  • Marseille Shore Excursion - Full Day Wine Tour in Provence: $166
  • From Bandol and Cassis Wine Tasting Tour: $179


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

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


Which is Bigger, Santorini or Marseille?

Marseille has a larger population, and is about 32% larger than the population of Santorini. When comparing the sizes of Santorini and Marseille, 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.