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

Should you visit Santorini or Nantes?

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

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

Nantes

Nantes is a friendly, historical, and beautiful city. 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 Nantes: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Santorini or Nantes?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Santorini than Nantes, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Santorini is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Nantes is known for its museums, food, nightlife, and historical sights. Santorini is more touristy than Nantes and is known for its beautiful volcanic beaches, stunning natural beauty, and breathtaking sunsets over the whitewashed villages. It is also home to The Caldera and Volcano of Santorini. Nantes is popular for its castles and historical landmarks, local wine, and beautiful parks and gardens.

How is Santorini different from Nantes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nantes 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 Nantes can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is filled with historical monuments, particularly in the Bouffay District. Highlights include Cathédrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul, Château des Ducs de Bretagne, and the Musée d'Arts de Nantes.

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 Nantes? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nantes 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, Nantes is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The region lends itself to unique flavors with a great mix of seafood from the Atlantic, freshwater fish from the Loire, and dairy from the surrounding countryside. The region is also famous for its wine. Local dishes that you should try include Filet de Sandre au Beurre Blanc (fresh fish in butter sauce), Crepes Bretonnes (breakfast crepes), and Le Canard Nantais (duck with Muscadet wine).

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 Nantes Better for Nightlife?

Nantes 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 Nantes has something for everybody. The large student population heavily influences the nightlife scene. You'll find a young vibe with a lot of bars and clubs to choose from, particularly around Île de Nantes.

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 Nantes Better for Resorts?

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

Nantes is not a resort destination.

Is Santorini or Nantes Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Nantes is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Santorini or Nantes Better for Beaches?

Santorini is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Nantes 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.

Nantes is not a beach destination.

Is Santorini or Nantes Better for its Old Town?

Nantes is a nice place to visit for its old town. However, Santorini does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Nantes. The city's old town is in the Bouffay District and it is filled with half-timbered houses and a maze of streets and shops.

Santorini does not have a historic old town.

Is Santorini or Nantes Better for Hiking?

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

Nantes is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Santorini or Nantes?

If you're looking to go shopping, Santorini and Nantes 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 Nantes. There are impressive shopping streets, boutique stores, and grand shopping malls. Make sure you check out Rue Crébillon, Passage Pommeraye, and the shops around the Bouffay District. Talensac Market is also a historical covered market that you can explore.

Is Santorini or Nantes Better for Families?

Nantes 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, Nantes is very family-friendly. It's filled with gardens, museums, and theme parks, making it a great combination of fascinating activities for adults and kids alike. Some of the top kid-friendly activities include a visit to Machine of the Isle of Nantes (both a theme park and a museum), seeing a show at Le Lieu Unique, or experiencing Naudières Park (a smaller theme park). Kids will also enjoy seeing Goulaine Castle or wandering around Jardin Extraordinaire or the Botanical Gardens.

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 Nantes Better for Couples?

Santorini is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Nantes 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 Nantes frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There is a mix of both natural and historical beauty. Couples can enjoy a nice meal, stroll through one of the many parks and gardens, or even spend the day at the spa.

Is Santorini or Nantes Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santorini is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Nantes is lacking in good options for backpackers.

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.

Nantes is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't as many hostels as you would expect in the area, so finding an affordable and social place to stay may be a bit challenging.

Is Santorini or Nantes Better for Students?

Nantes 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 Nantes. There's a decent sized student population and the city has a welcoming atmosphere. It's also easy to get around with public transportation.

Santorini is not popular with students.

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

Nantes 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 Nantes can get you around easily. There are both trams and buses throughout the city that are operated by TAN (Transport de l'Agglomeration Nantaise).

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 Nantes a more walkable city?

Nantes 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.

Nantes is a very walkable city. The city is very walkable. Both locals and tourists alike choose to walk in Nantes.

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 Nantes Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nantes or Santorini?

How long in Santorini or Nantes?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Santorini than Nantes. 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.

One day in Santorini or Nantes?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the quaint destination of Santorini. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Nantes. 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 Nantes?

Santorini is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the welcoming destination of Nantes. 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 Nantes?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Santorini. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the beautiful city of Nantes. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the food. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Santorini or Nantes?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic destination of Santorini. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Nantes is a popular choice for travelers. 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 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Santorini or Nantes?

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