A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Santorini vs. Nice for Food, Nightlife, Resorts, and Couples

Should you visit Santorini or Nice?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Santorini or Nice, 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. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. You'll find world class beauty in Santorini as well. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Santorini travel costs.

Nice

Nice is a trendy, chic, and glamourous seaside destination. Many visitors also come to Nice because of it's amazing beauty. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. Visitors also love the shopping, nightlife, and food. See Nice travel costs.

Santorini and Nice: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere


Is there more to do in Santorini or Nice?

You'll generally find more things to do in Santorini than Nice. Santorini is bigger than Nice, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Santorini is better known for its museums and attractions, hiking, and small town charm, while Nice is more popular for its food, nightlife, beaches, and historical sights. Santorini is well known for its beautiful volcanic beaches, stunning natural beauty, and breathtaking sunsets over the whitewashed villages. Also, Santorini is famous for The Caldera and Volcano of Santorini. Nice is well known for its beachfront setting in the French Riviera as well as its popularity with A-list celebrities.

How is Santorini different from Nice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Santorini
Nice

Santorini is a island with good options for its sights and museums. However, Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Nice does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Santorini
Nice

Nice 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, Nice is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The cuisine brings together fresh regional ingredients and mixes Provençal and Niçoise flavors. You'll find a lot of Italian influence as well. Fresh seafood is the thing to try while you're in town, but other local favorites include socca, Ratatouille, and Salade niçoise.

Dining out in Santorini is an experience not to be missed. Popular foods on this island include fava, Greek salad, and kofta.

Is Santorini or Nice Better for Nightlife?

Santorini
Nice

Nice 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 Nice is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The city has some of the best nightlife on the Cote d'Azur. You'll find a number of nightclubs along the seaside as well a bars and pubs in the Old Town. Some of the best clubs are along Promenade des Anglais.

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 Nice Better for Resorts?

Santorini
Nice

With a similar set of options, first-rate resorts can be found in both Santorini and Nice.

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.

Nice is a world class resort vacation destination. The city has boutique hotels as well high end luxury resorts. Popular options include Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée, Hôtel Suisse, and AC Hotel by Marriott.


Is Santorini or Nice Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Santorini
Nice

You'll find notable snorkeling or scuba diving in both Santorini and Nice.

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.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Nice. There are some places where you can arrange a snorkeling or dive trip to explore the underwater setting.

Is Santorini or Nice Better for Beaches?

Santorini
Nice

Nice is a great seaside destination for the beach. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for the beach.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Nice. The city has about 4 miles of beach along its coastline and there are both public and private beaches available. La Réserve is a public beach with a laid back and fun vibe. Plage Beau Rivage is a private beach with many amenities, making it a favorite for visitors. Blue Beach is another private beach that 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 Nice Better for its Old Town?

Santorini
Nice

Nice is a great seaside destination for its old town. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its historic old town charm.

Many visitors go to Nice to see the historical old town. Wandering around the charming old town is a quintessential part of visiting this city. There are many historic churches and squares, as well as great restaurants and shops that you can pop in.

Santorini offers a nice historic old town area. The historic towns of Fira and Oia are the two most popular with visitors, although they have become more built up and less historic over the past few decades. Historical areas are still found within these towns mixed in with restaurants, shops, and hotels set among the beautiful cliff-side views.


Is Santorini or Nice Better for Hiking?

Santorini
Nice

Santorini is a island with good options for the nearby hiking options. However, Nice is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Santorini. 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.

Nice is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Santorini or Nice?

Santorini
Nice

If you're looking to go shopping, Santorini and Nice both offer plenty of high quality 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 Nice. The city has long been a favorite for the rich and famous, so you'll find plenty of shopping opportunities around town. The boutique shops are chic, trendy, and fashionable, but for those on a budget, you can sometimes find a unique local purchase in your budget.

Is Santorini or Nice More Beautiful?

Santorini
Nice

Santorini and Nice are somewhat similar when it comes to the first-rate scenery.

Many visitors also come to Santorini because of it's amazing beauty. It has striking blue water and contrasting white buildings. It is the place many travelers dream of visiting for its picturesque setting.

You'll find world class beauty in Nice as well. A premiere destination in the French Riviera, this town is known for it's luxury, glitz, charm, and personality.


Is Santorini or Nice Better for Families?

Santorini
Nice

Santorini and Nice are both notable destinations for the whole family.

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.

Nice is a family-friendly place to visit. The town has many fun playgrounds, kid-friendly beaches, and unique cultural opportunities that kids can enjoy. It also makes a great base for exploring the French Riviera and everything that it has to offer.

Is Santorini or Nice Better for Couples?

Santorini
Nice

Santorini and Nice are both first-rate 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.

Nice is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The old town is filled with romance and charm. You can also take a walk along the Promenade Des Anglais or soak up the romantic countryside that surrounds the town.

Is Santorini or Nice Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santorini
Nice

For backpackers, both Santorini and Nice 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.

Nice is a good island to visit for backpackers. Because it's one of the most popular tourist destinations in France, many backpackers make their way here. Nice is known for its high end vibe, so it can be challenging to find affordable options, but if you know where to look, they are around.


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

Santorini
Nice

Nice is a great seaside destination 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 Nice can get you around easily. There are both buses and trams.

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 Nice a more walkable city?

Santorini
Nice

Nice is an unbeatable place for its high level of walkability. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its ease of walking around.

Nice is a very easy seaside destination to get around on foot. You should definitely spend some time exploring the 7 kilometer long Promenade des Anglais.

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 Nice Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nice or Santorini?

How long in Santorini or Nice?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Nice than Santorini. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Nice that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

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


  • How many days in Santorini or Nice? Ideal Length of Stay
    Santorini 3-7 
    Nice 3-5

One day in Santorini or Nice?

Santorini is a small town where visitors enjoy the nightlife and food. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the quaint seaside destination of Nice. 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.


A weekend in Santorini or Nice?

Santorini is a fun place to experience. 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 a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the glamourous destination of Nice. 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 seaside destination offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Santorini or Nice?

Santorini might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. This island offers something for everyone. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

You'll find nightlife and food around the chic seaside destination of Nice. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this seaside destination makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this seaside destination has to offer.

A week in Santorini or Nice?

Even though Santorini is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Nice is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Contiki Tours to Greece, The Best G Adventures Tours to Greece, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Nice or Santorini?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Santorini is €250, while the average daily cost in Nice is €166. 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 Nice in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Santorini 118
    Nice 59
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Santorini 236
    Nice 118
Compare Hotels in Santorini and Nice

Looking for a hotel in Santorini or Nice? 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 Nice


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 Nice Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Santorini 35
    Nice 23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santorini

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

  • Economy Arrival Transfers From Santorini Airport To All Destinations: $14
  • Economy Departure Transfers To Santorini Airport: $14
  • One-Way Transfer to/from the Port or Airport: $14
  • Executive VIP Transfer in Mercedes Van: $15
  • Shared Transfer From Airport and Port to Santorini: $17
  • Santorini, Private Transfer with Luxury Airconditioned Vehicle: $20
  • Transfer Perissa To Oia : $21
  • Private Transfer Santorini: $21
  • Private Transfer from Port or Airport to Santorini : $21
  • Private Transfer from Airport/Port: $21
  • Transfer from Oia to Fira and Airport: $21
  • Santorini private mini van transfers: $21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nice

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nice:

  • Nice Intl Airport (NCE): Private Transfer to Cannes hotels: $499
  • Private Transfer to Isola: $361
  • From Nice Airport Private Transfer to Saint-Tropez: $310
  • Private Direct Transfer From Monaco to Antibes: $296
  • Port Hercule (Monte Carlo Monaco Port) to Nice - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $295
  • Private Direct Transfer From Antibes to Monaco: $295
  • Nice Intl Airport(NCE)to Monaco hotels-RoundTrip Private Transfer: $295
  • Private Transfer From Nice To Marseille, 2 Hour Stop in Cannes: $289
  • Private Transfer Nice City or Nice Airport (NCE) to Draguignan: $263
  • Villefranche Port to Cannes Airport (CEQ) - Departure Transfer: $249
  • Private Direct Transfer From Monaco to Saint Tropez: $249
  • Nice Intl Airport (NCE) to Cannes - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $242

Is it cheaper to fly into Santorini or Nice?

Prices for flights to both Nice 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 96
    Nice 85

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santorini

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

  • Traditional Greek Night live Music & Dinner Show in Santorini: $53
  • Santorini Caldera: Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $74
  • Romantic Sunset Caldera Cruise with Dinner: $74
  • Catamaran Tour with BBQ Dinner, Drinks, and Music: $82
  • Cooking Class with Lunch and Wine Tasting: $82
  • Santorini Cooking Class with Wine Tasting: $83
  • Volcanic Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $93
  • Volcano and Hot Springs Sunset Dinner Cruise: $93
  • Santorini Sunset Dinner Cruise Including Nea Kameni Visit: $95
  • The Aegean Cooking Class: $105
  • Santorini Volcano Sunset Cruise Including Dinner on Board: $109
  • Cooking Class with Private Chef - prepare & enjoy local menu: $116

Typical Food Prices in Nice

Some typical examples of dining costs in Nice are as follows:


  • Slushee
    2.50
  • Strawberries
    4.00
  • Loaf of Bread
    3.20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nice

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Nice.

  • Nice : gourmet food Tour: Enjoy Mediterranean delicacies: $36
  • Food Tour Nice : $65
  • 3-Course Organic Dinner in Garden with Views of French Riviera: $92
  • Secret Food Tours Nice Market and Old Town Food Tour: $99
  • Old Nice Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $100
  • Nice Evening Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $100
  • Secret Food Tour: Nice: $101
  • Viator Exclusive: Local Cooking Class & Dinner with View of Nice: $103
  • Exclusive Food Tour in Menton - 3 hours - small groups: $105
  • Half-Day Walking Food Tour in Nice with Lunch: $111
  • Private French Cooking Class with a Fun Local Noel: $130
  • Half Day Afternoon Walking Food Tour with Dinner: $142

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Santorini 35
    Nice 12

Tours and Activities in Santorini

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

  • Private Self-Guided Audio Tour in Santorini: $8.42
  • Akrotiri Ticket with Optional Self-Guided Audios: $9.29
  • Megalochori: Lost Atlantis 9D Experience Museum Entry Ticket: $14
  • Santorini Old Port: 3 Hour Cruise to Volcano and Hot Springs: $27
  • Tour Of Caldera Glass Bottom Boat: $34
  • Santorini Volcano Tour: $36
  • Santorini Volcano and Hot Springs Tour: $37
  • Tour of Caldera with Glass bottom Boat: $39
  • Santorini Volcano Half Day Tour: $42
  • Santorini Private Half Day Tour : $42
  • Ferry Ticket to Paros or Naxos with Hotel Pickup: $43
  • Guided Walking Tour in Santorini: $46

Tours and Activities in Nice

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Nice are as follows:

  • Half Day Shared Tour in Eze, Monaco and Monte Carlo: $68
  • Monaco, Monte-Carlo and Eze Village Small Group Half-Day Tour: $62
  • Premium Experience in Dining, Paddles, and Beer Tasting: $237
  • guided tour of the Russian Cemetery in a small group: $105
  • 1/2 day tour; Monaco and Eze guided tour, sightseeing: $79
  • 2 Hour Walking Tour in the Old Town of Antibes: $26
  • 2-Hour Guided Tour of Monaco: $48
  • A Guided Walking Tour through the Charming Streets of Nice: $46
  • A Self-Guided Tour Of Nice The UNESCO Heritage City: $6.99
  • All-Inclusive Culinary and History Tour of Old Nice with a Local: $137
  • Antibes Private Walking Tour: $132
  • Antibes Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Santorini 25
    Nice 17

Sample the Local Flavors in Santorini

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

  • Top Sights Day Trip, Wine Tasting, & Oia Sunset: $51
  • Fira Town Walking Tour with Wine Tasting: $72
  • Top Sights of Santorini with Wine Tasting and Sunset in Oia: $73
  • Wine tasting and Carving lesson in Santorini: $79
  • Premium Wine Tasting with Caldera Views: $95
  • Santorini Wine Adventure with 12 Wine Tastings, Tapas and Sunset: $100
  • Wine Tour with Sunset in Oia: $114
  • Santorini Wine Tour with sunset in Oia: $116
  • Wine Tasting and Cave Settlement Tour: $129
  • 3-Hour Wine Tasting in Santorini : $132
  • Santorini wine tasting and Traditional Cave Settlement Tour: $137
  • Santorini Wine Tour with 10 Wine Tastings and Oia Sunset: $147

Sample the Local Flavors in Nice

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

  • Private Distillery Day Tour: $9.53
  • Pub/Bar Crawl with Free Shots and VIP access: $19
  • Riviera Bar Crawl Party, Free Shots & Vip Club Entry: $19
  • Bar Crawl in Nice the Ultimate Experience with night club: $21
  • Private Pub / Bar Crawl Group Size 6-20 people: $24
  • Nice Bar/Pub Crawl | 3 BEST Bars & 1 Club With Free Drinks!: $26
  • Halloween Party : Pub Crawl Nice with 5 free shots and Masks: $31
  • Vineyard Tour with Wine Tasting: $34
  • Vineyard Tour with Wine Tasting within Nice city borders: $35
  • New Year’s Eve Bar Crawl: $41
  • The Art of Apéro: Food and Wine Tour with a Picnic at Sunset: $45
  • Organic Wine Tasting with Saint paul Half Day Tour from Nice: $57


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

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


Which is Bigger, Santorini or Nice?

Santorini has a larger population, and is about 77% larger than the population of Nice. When comparing the sizes of Santorini and Nice, 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.