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

Should you visit Santorini or Porto?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Santorini or Porto, 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. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Porto

Porto is a dynamic, historic, and cultural port city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. 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 Porto: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Santorini or Porto?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Porto than Santorini. While Santorini is larger than Porto, Porto has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Porto is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and big city activities, while Santorini attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Santorini is more touristy than Porto and is known for its beautiful volcanic beaches, stunning natural beauty, and breathtaking sunsets over the whitewashed villages. Porto is famous for its authentic old town and the local port wine. It is also well known for Cais da Ribeira.

How is Santorini different from Porto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Porto is a great port 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 Porto can be an interesting and educational experience. With such a long history, there are many landmarks and sights in the city. Popular attractions include the Clérigos Tower, Palácio da Bolsa, and Igreja de São Francisco.

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 Porto? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Porto 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, Porto is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The area's cuisine combines the ocean setting with the agriculture of the surrounding area, so you'll enjoy both seafood dishes as well as fresh meats and vegetables. The area is also famous for its Port wines and red wines. There are plenty of cellar tours as well was waterfront seafood restaurants to choose from.

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 Porto Better for Nightlife?

Porto is a great port 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 Porto has something for everybody. This city comes to life in the evening, particularly on weekends when locals and tourists alike flock to the many bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.

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 Porto Better for Resorts?

Santorini is very popular for its luxury resorts. However, Porto is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Santorini is a perfect 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.

Porto is not a resort destination.

Is Santorini or Porto Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Santorini is very good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Porto is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Santorini. 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.

Porto is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Santorini or Porto Better for Beaches?

Santorini is very good for its beaches. However, Porto is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Santorini to enjoy the beach. 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.

Porto is not a beach destination.

Is Santorini or Porto Better for its Old Town?

Porto is a great port city for its old town. However, Santorini does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Porto to see the historical old town. Known as Porto Ribeira, the city's historic district is the most visited part of the town. It begins on the banks of the River Douro and climbs into the hills behind it.

Santorini does not have a historic old town.

Is Santorini or Porto Better for Hiking?

Santorini is very good for hiking. However, Porto is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting 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.

Porto is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Santorini or Porto?

Santorini is a great island for shopping. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Santorini. Towns around the island are filled with clothing and jewelry boutiques as well as many unique Greek shopping experiences.

Porto offers some nice shopping areas. The city has both your standard shopping mall stores as well as local vendors and boutique shops.

Is Santorini or Porto Better for Families?

Porto is a great port 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, Porto is very family-friendly. The city has several cool museums including the interactive museum - The World of Discoveries. There are also parks, playgrounds, zoos, and aquariums that you can explore. For families that enjoy being outside, this is a great city. Kids will enjoy spotting street art, riding the funicular, and taking a cellar tour. If the kids need a break from the city, head to the beach for the day.

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 Porto Better for Couples?

Santorini is very popular for romance. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Santorini has plenty to offer. 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.

Porto is a very popular place to visit for couples. You can visit the palaces, enjoy shopping, or dine in a nice Portuguese restaurant. Take a cellar tour and sample port then catch a ride on the funicular. This city has plenty for couples to do on a romantic getaway.

Is Santorini or Porto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Porto is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Porto is extremely popular for backpackers. By combining world-class activities with affordability, this city has become a popular stop off for backpackers in the area.

Santorini is a good island to visit for backpackers. 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.

Is Santorini or Porto Better for Students?

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

Porto is a great port city to visit as a student. The city has a number of good research programs and study abroad opportunities that attract international students from around the world.

Santorini is not popular with students.

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

Porto is a great port 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 Porto can get you around easily. There is a metro system as well as a bus system. While the metro system does have six lines, most stations aren't close to the tourist attractions, so it likely won't be that helpful to visitors.

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 Porto a more walkable city?

Porto is a great port 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.

Porto is a very walkable port city. The city center is very compact with most of the sights within a short walk of each other. The area is also very hilly, so getting from place to place can require a bit of effort.

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 Porto Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Porto or Santorini?

How long in Santorini or Porto?

In either Santorini or Porto, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Santorini than Porto 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 Porto.

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

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

One day in Santorini or Porto?

In Santorini, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this historic destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

People visit Porto because there is so much to do. 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 Porto?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Santorini. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

People visit Porto because there is so much to do. 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 port city has to offer. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Santorini or Porto?

Santorini is a fun place to experience. In Santorini, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this quaint destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

People visit Porto because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this port city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the food. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this port city has to offer.

A week in Santorini or Porto?

In Santorini, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this stunning destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Porto 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Portugal, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Portugal.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Santorini or Porto?

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