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

Should you visit Santorini or Melbourne?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Santorini or Melbourne, 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 historic, romantic, and stunning island. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Melbourne

Melbourne is a progressive, livable, and friendly city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Santorini and Melbourne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Santorini or Melbourne?

You'll generally find more things to do in Melbourne than Santorini. Melbourne is bigger than Santorini, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Melbourne is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Santorini is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Santorini is more touristy than Melbourne and is known for its beautiful volcanic beaches, stunning natural beauty, and breathtaking sunsets over the whitewashed villages. Melbourne is well known for its art and cultural scene, its sports history, and its friendly and welcoming population. Also, Melbourne is famous for the Royal Botanic Gardens.

How is Santorini different from Melbourne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Melbourne 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 Melbourne can be an interesting and educational experience. Many of the city's sights center around the art and cultural scene. There's the the National Gallery of Victoria and the Performing Arts Centre Melbourne. There's also Federation Square. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the National Sports Museum and for great views, check out Melbourne Skydeck at Eureka Tower.

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 Melbourne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Melbourne 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.

Melbourne has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There's an eclectic mix of international restaurants that offer everything from Szechuan dishes to Spanish tapas. You'll find bistros and bars that have a fun and relaxed vibe and locals and tourists alike enjoy dining out.

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 Melbourne Better for Nightlife?

Melbourne is a great city for nightlife and partying. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Melbourne has something for everybody. There are bars and clubs that have a laid back and relaxed atmosphere as well as more party focused nightclubs that stay open late into the night. Whether you're interested in dancing and listening to live music, or chatting with friends at a local brewery, there really is something for everyone.

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 Melbourne Better for Resorts?

Santorini is very popular for its luxury resorts. However, Melbourne 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.

Melbourne is not a resort destination.

Is Santorini or Melbourne Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Santorini is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Melbourne 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.

Melbourne is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Santorini or Melbourne Better for Beaches?

Melbourne is a great city for the beache. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for the beach.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Melbourne. There are laid back beaches near town that attract locals and tourists alike. You can enjoy coastal trails and great natural beauty. St Kilda Beach and Elwood Beach are among the most popular beaches near the city. Brighton Beach is known for its colorful bathing boxes and Williamstown Beach is very family-friendly.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Santorini. 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.

Is Santorini or Melbourne Better for Hiking?

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

Melbourne is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Santorini or Melbourne?

If you're looking to go shopping, Santorini and Melbourne both offer plenty of very good 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 Melbourne. The city has tons of retail options that range from trendy fashion boutiques to outdoor markets. There are local venders that highlight the city's art and cultural scene, but there are also suburban malls with all of the major brands.

Is Santorini or Melbourne Better for Families?

Melbourne 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, Melbourne is very family-friendly. The city has kids museums like the Museum of Play and Art or the Polly Woodside Tall Ship and Museum. There's also the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium and the Scienceworks Museums. If you like quirky, check out the ArtVo 3D Immersive Art Gallery. There's also Legoland, which has a lot for younger children.

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 Melbourne Better for Couples?

Santorini is very popular for its romantic activities. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Santorini makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Melbourne is a good island for couples to visit. It's a very livable city with romantic viewpoints like SkyHigh Mount Dandenong. There are also nice gardens to explore such as the Carlton Gardens and the Rippon Lea House and Gardens. Or you could go for a ride on the Melbourne Star or dine at one of the many great restaurants.

Is Santorini or Melbourne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Santorini and Melbourne are notable 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.

Melbourne is a good island to visit for backpackers. Many backpackers breeze through the city, but there is a great music and art scene as well as a number of good restaurants. You'll also find a couple of good hostels in town.

Is Santorini or Melbourne Better for Students?

Melbourne is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. However, Santorini is not popular with students.

Melbourne is a great destination for students. Many students think this is among the best student cities in Australia. There's a great creative culture with a good music and art scene. The population is diverse and the restaurants a great.

Santorini is not popular with students.

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

Melbourne is a great city for times when you don't have a car. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its public transit.

The public transit in Melbourne can get you around easily. The public transit system is among the best in Australia. There are public buses, trains, and trams (also called trolleys or streetcars).

Santorini has a few 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.

Is Santorini or Melbourne a more walkable city?

Melbourne 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.

Melbourne is a very walkable city. The city center is very walkable with a compact and grid-like layout.

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 Melbourne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Melbourne or Santorini?

How long in Santorini or Melbourne?

In either Santorini or Melbourne, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Santorini than Melbourne because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Santorini, and 2-5 days is enough time in Melbourne.

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

Couples should spend more time in Santorini than Melbourne. 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 Melbourne 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 Melbourne.

One day in Santorini or Melbourne?

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 Melbourne because there is so much to do. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Melbourne?

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.

People visit Melbourne because there is so much to do. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Melbourne?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the historic 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 Melbourne 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. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Santorini or Melbourne?

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.

Melbourne is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Water Sports Tour Packages in Australia, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Australia.

When comparing the travel costs between Santorini and Melbourne, we can see that Santorini is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Santorini is in Europe and Melbourne is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Santorini or Melbourne?

Melbourne has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Santorini. When comparing the sizes of Santorini and Melbourne, 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.