A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Santorini vs. Palma de Mallorca for Nightlife, Resorts, Beaches, and Couples

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Should you visit Santorini or Palma de Mallorca?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Santorini or Palma de Mallorca, 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 stunning, historic, and romantic island. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Palma de Mallorca

Palma de Mallorca is a historic, beautiful, and stunning island. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

How is Santorini different from Palma de Mallorca?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Is Santorini or Palma de Mallorca better for Food?

Dining out in both Santorini and Palma de Mallorca can be an enjoyable experience.

Santorini has a delicious food scene that relies on local flavors. Popular foods on this island include fava, Greek salad, and kofta.

The food selection is excellent in Palma de Mallorca. Food here is centered around pork, fish, and vegetables. It is flavored with garlic and olive oil and it offers that feeling of comfort that comes with home cooking.


Is Santorini or Palma de Mallorca better for Nightlife?

For nightlife, head to Palma de Mallorca instead of Santorini.

The nightlife in Palma de Mallorca is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. Head to Magaluf and Palma for the most popular places.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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 Palma de Mallorca better for Resorts?

With a similar set of options, resorts can be found in both Santorini and Palma de Mallorca.

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.

Palma de Mallorca is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Top resorts on the island include The St Regis Mardavall, Viva Cala Mesquida Resort and Spa, and Nixe Palace Hotel.

Is Santorini or Palma de Mallorca better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

You'll find snorkeling or scuba diving in both Santorini and Palma de Mallorca.

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.

Palma de Mallorca has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. Head to Cala Santanyi on the south side of the island for the best snorkeling. For scuba diving, National Park of Cabrera is one of the most popular spots.

Is Santorini or Palma de Mallorca better for Beaches?

Palma de Mallorca is considered to be a more popular beach destination than Santorini.

The beaches in Palma de Mallorca are among the best in the world. The island is lined with sandy beaches and rocky coves, which have contributed to it becoming one of Europe's most popular beach destinations.

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.


Is Santorini or Palma de Mallorca better for Hiking?

Santorini and Palma de Mallorca are both places where visitors can find hiking trails.

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.

Palma de Mallorca has hiking trails worth exploring. There are many beautiful hikes along the water and through the countryside that offer beautiful views and pass by quaint towns.

Is Santorini or Palma de Mallorca better for Shopping?

If you're looking to go shopping, Santorini and Palma de Mallorca both offer plenty of 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Palma de Mallorca. Head to Palma for some of the areas best shopping.

Is Santorini or Palma de Mallorca better for Families?

Santorini and Palma de Mallorca are both fun 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.

Palma de Mallorca is a very family-friendly destination. The beaches are large and sandy with beautiful blue waters. There's also many activities that both adults and kids can enjoy around the island including waterparks, aquariums, and amusement areas.

Is Santorini or Palma de Mallorca better for Couples?

Couples will find a longer list of romantic activities in Santorini than Palma de Mallorca.

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.

Palma de Mallorca is a nice destination for couples. With beautiful beaches and a fun Spanish flare, Mallorca makes for a memorable honeymoon.


Is Santorini or Palma de Mallorca better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Santorini and Palma de Mallorca are fairly comparable 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.

Palma de Mallorca is a great island to visit for backpackers. There is no shortage of hostels in Mallorca so it's easy to find an affordable place to stay and a young crowd to hang out with.

Is Santorini or Palma de Mallorca better for Public Transit?

Santorini and Palma de Mallorca both offer 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.

Palma de Mallorca has some public transit options. There is an efficient bus system that can get you around the island, but trips are less frequent on weekends. Pick up the Intermodal Card which can get you from town to town.

Is Santorini or Palma de Mallorca a more walkable city?

Santorini and Palma de Mallorca are similar when it comes to walkability.

Santorini is a somewhat walkable place. Many towns on the island are walkable, including Fira, but the actual island is too large to explore on foot.

Palma de Mallorca is somewhat walkable. It is a larger island that is not walkable, but Palma is generally a walkable area. If you stay in the central area you should be fine to explore on foot but if you want to get out into more rural areas, you'll need access to some type of transportation.

Santorini and Palma de Mallorca: Pros and Cons

Santorini
Pros
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Cons
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less attractive beach
Palma de Mallorca
Pros
  • Good nightlife
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Cons
  • Less popular with couples


Should I spend more time in Palma de Mallorca or Santorini?

How long in Santorini or Palma de Mallorca?

In either Santorini or Palma de Mallorca, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Santorini than Palma de Mallorca because of the overall number of sights and activities.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Santorini is 3-7 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Palma de Mallorca is 3-5 days.


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

One day in Santorini or Palma de Mallorca?

With shopping and museums around the destination of Santorini, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

You'll find nightlife and live music around the island of Palma de Mallorca. 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 Palma de Mallorca?

With museums and nightlife around the historic island of Santorini, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find live music and food around the cultural destination of Palma de Mallorca. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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.

Five days in Santorini or Palma de Mallorca?

With nightlife and food around the historic destination of Santorini, there's plenty to do. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. If you have five days, this island makes for a great vacation. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the beautiful island of Palma de Mallorca. 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.

A week in Santorini or Palma de Mallorca?

Santorini is a popular choice for travelers. It's also a relaxing resort destination. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week here is typical. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Palma de Mallorca 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.

Which city is cheaper, Palma de Mallorca or Santorini?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Santorini is €131, while the average daily cost in Palma de Mallorca is €111. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Santorini and Palma de Mallorca in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Santorini €66
    Palma de Mallorca €56
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Santorini €132
    Palma de Mallorca €112

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Santorini €23
    Palma de Mallorca €20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santorini

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

  • Transfer from Santorini Airport&Port all destination except OIA up to 4 customer: $37
  • Tour of Caldera on Sailing Boat & Bus Transfer:Volcano-Hot springs-Thirassia-Oia: $75
  • Shared Transfer Service: $17
  • Private Transfer to/from Santorini Airport (JTR): $50
  • Private Airport Transfer: $25
  • Santorini transfer service: $17
  • Santorini Taxi Service & Airport, Hotel and Port Transfers: $62
  • Santorini Airport to Hotel: Private Arrival Transfer: $45
  • Santorini Airport Hotels Transfer Shuttle Bus Service: $27
  • Premium Santorini Private Day Tour Lagoon 450, BBQ, drinks, transfer: $933
  • Oia Sunset: Evening Shuttle Transfer and Free Time: $23
  • Helicopter Transfer between Mykonos & Santorini: $2,839

Typical Local Transportation prices in Palma de Mallorca

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Palma de Mallorca are as follows:


  • Taxi Ride
    €6.80
  • Bus Ride
    €1.25

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Palma de Mallorca

Also for Palma de Mallorca, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Majorca Airport (PMI) Arrival Transfer (Airport to Cala Ratjada): $161
  • Arrival Private Transfers : Mallorca Airport PMI to Palma in Luxury Car: $160
  • Mallorca Airport Transfers to Formentor: $149
  • Mallorca Airport Transfers to or from Cala Lliteras: $149
  • Mallorca Airport Transfers to or from Cala Mesquida: $149
  • Palma de Mallorca Airport PMI Round-Trip Transfer in Private Van: $147
  • Palma de Mallorca Airport PMI Round-Trip Transfer in Private Car: $144
  • Private Transfers from Palma de Mallorca Airport PMI to Palma in Luxury Van: $141
  • Arrival Private Transfers : Mallorca Airport PMI to Palma in Luxury Van: $141
  • Private Departure Transfer from Palma de Mallorca City Center to Port d'Alcudia: $133
  • Private Transfer From Mallorca airport to Alcúdia: $133
  • Majorca Airport (PMI) Arrival Transfer (Airport to Pollensa Hotel or Address): $132

Is it cheaper to fly into Santorini or Palma de Mallorca?

Prices for flights to both Palma de Mallorca 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 €38
    Palma de Mallorca €36

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: $26
  • A taste of Mediterranean Cuisine Dinner: $90
  • Hands on Cooking Class with a Chef: $90
  • Fira: 4-Hour Walking Food Tour With Tastings: $108
  • Sunset Sea Kayak and Snorkel with Dinner: $108
  • Santorini : Sunset Sea Kayak & Snorkel with Dinner: $118
  • Santorini : Cooking Class, Easy Hike, and Snorkeling: $131
  • Cooking Class with Santorini’s Aroma: $506
  • Full-Day Royalty Private Cooking Class and Tour in Santorini: $506
  • Cooking Class with Santorini’s Aroma: $546
  • Santorini Private Sunset Sailing Cruise with Dinner, Drinks &Transfer included: $1,350

Typical Food prices in Palma de Mallorca

For Palma de Mallorca, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Soda
    €2.50

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Palma de Mallorca

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

  • Palma: Walking Food Tour: $97
  • Show Cooking Paella: $124

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Santorini €29
    Palma de Mallorca €27

Tours and Activities in Santorini

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

  • 3 Hour Santorini Walking Tour with Hotel Pickup: $50
  • 5-Hour Santorini Photography Day Tour: $606
  • Discover Prehistoric Akrotiri & Winery Tour: $182
  • Explore Akrotiri GroupTour: $583
  • Exploring the Myth of Santorini - Full Day Tour: $133
  • From Athens: Overnight Tour to Santorini: $373
  • From Folegandros Private Rib Boat Tour: $2,725
  • Full-Day Royalty Private Wine Walking Tour in Santorini: $428
  • Full-Day Santorini Southeastern Side Tour with Drink Tasting: $127
  • Half-Day Private Santorini Tour with Hidden Beaches: $323
  • Half-Day Walking Tour in Santorini with Canava Ouzo Visit: $413
  • Highlits Of Santorini Private Tour: $560

Tours and Activities in Palma de Mallorca

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

  • Alcudia Open Bus City Tour in Mallorca: $21
  • Bellver Castle Private Tour and Surrounding Highlights: $158
  • Classic Mallorca, Self drive tour: $932
  • Classic Tour of Mallorca on Convertible Car: $118
  • Discover the major cultural attractions of Palma De Mallorca on a Private Tour: $574
  • El Arenal, Mallorca: Bay of Palma Boat Tour: $27
  • Express Tour to Drach Caves and Portocristo: $60
  • From 5-Hour Catamaran Cruise: $64
  • Majorca Winery Tour: $181
  • Mallorca Coasteering Adventure: $79
  • Mallorca: 2.5 or 4.5-Hour Formula Car Tour: $90
  • Mallorca: Bike Tour Off-the-Beaten-Track: $43

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Santorini €21
    Palma de Mallorca €24

Sample the Local Flavors in Santorini

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

  • 4-Hours Santorini Vothonas Village Tour with Wine Tasting: $89
  • Authentic Santorinian Tour at Vothonas Village with Wine Tasting: $93
  • Half-Day Santorini Tour Vothonas Village with Wine Tasting: $93
  • Santorini-Wine Tour Αround Megalochori Village: $111
  • Sunset and Wine Tasting Tour by Electric Bike: $114
  • Santorini-Wine Tour Around Megalochori Village: $117
  • Santorini-Wine Tour Around Megalochori Village: $124
  • Santorini-Sunset Caldera’s View from Megalochori with Wine Tasting: $134
  • Santorini-Sunset Caldera’s View from Megalochori with Wine Tasting: $140
  • Half-Day Sunset Wine Tasting Tour in Santorini with Pick Up: $141
  • Santorini Wine Tasting and History Small Group Tour: $153
  • 4-Hour Sunset Wine Tour: $159

Typical Alcohol prices in Palma de Mallorca

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Palma de Mallorca are as follows:


  • Coffee
    €3.10

Sample the Local Flavors in Palma de Mallorca

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Palma de Mallorca:

  • Wine Tasting Tour: $111

About these numbers

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

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Santorini vs. Palma de Mallorca Travel Comparison

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