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

Should you visit Santorini or Ravenna?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Santorini or Ravenna, 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 beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Ravenna

Ravenna is a authentic, historic, and off-the-beaten-path town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Santorini and Ravenna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Santorini or Ravenna?

You'll generally find more things to do in Santorini than Ravenna. Santorini is bigger than Ravenna, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Santorini is better known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Ravenna is more popular for its museums, food, and small town charm. Santorini is more touristy than Ravenna and is 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. Ravenna is well known for its many stunning mosaics which date back to the early Christian and Byzantine empires.

How is Santorini different from Ravenna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Ravenna is a great town 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 Ravenna can be an interesting and educational experience. Most sights in town are centered around the the beautiful mosaics. Neonian Baptistery is a good place to begin your visit. Other highlights include San Vitale, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, and Sant'Apollinare Nuovo.

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 Ravenna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ravenna is a great town for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Ravenna has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The region is most known for its first course dishes, so pasta lovers will enjoy dining on homemade egg pasta dishes that are served with meat or cheese sauces. You'll also find lots of grilled meats and many great desserts.

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 Ravenna Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find notable options in both Santorini and Ravenna.

If you're looking for night time activities Santorini has a few options to choose from. It is one of the calmer, more romantic islands in Greece. For the best nightlife, you'll want to stay near Fira.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Ravenna. You'll find most of the pubs and clubs in town around Marina di Ravenna. There are a couple of places that attract a crowd, but many are open only during the summer months.

Is Santorini or Ravenna Better for Resorts?

Santorini is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. However, Ravenna is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Santorini for its luxury resorts. 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.

Ravenna is not a resort destination.

Is Santorini or Ravenna Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Santorini is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Ravenna is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery 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.

Ravenna is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Santorini or Ravenna Better for Beaches?

Santorini is a good destination for the beache. However, Ravenna is not a beach destination.

Santorini offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Ravenna is not a beach destination.

Is Santorini or Ravenna Better for Hiking?

Santorini is a good destination for its hiking trails. However, Ravenna is not a hiking destination.

Santorini offers some nice hiking trails. 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.

Ravenna is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Santorini or Ravenna?

Santorini is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Ravenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

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.

Many visitors go to Ravenna to go shopping. There are some nice shopping streets in town where you can buy locally made mosaics. You'll also find art studios and artisan shops, as well as your typical souvenir shops and clothing stores. Via Cavour, via Diaz, and via Cairoli are some of the most popular shopping streets.

Is Santorini or Ravenna Better for Families?

Ravenna is a great town 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, Ravenna is very family-friendly. In town you'll find mosaics, museums, and a charming town, and ten kilometers outside of town you'll find Italy's largest amusement park - Mirabilandia. The city is also filled with parks where kids can explore and learn, and the food, like any Italian city, is very kid-friendly.

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 Ravenna Better for Couples?

Santorini is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Ravenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Santorini is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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 Ravenna frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Many visitors to Italy don't add this charming town to their itinerary, but for couples who want to experience a small town setting with beautiful art and architecture, then Ravenna is a great option. There are parks to explore and great restaurants to experience as well.

Is Santorini or Ravenna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Santorini and Ravenna 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.

Ravenna is a good island to visit for backpackers. It's a bit off-the-beaten path, so you won't find a large number of hostels or a lot of backpackers to hang out with. That doesn't mean it won't make a great addition to your itinerary though.

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

Santorini and Ravenna both offer notable 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.

Ravenna has a few public transit options. Buses in and around town are managed by START ROMAGNA and offer access to many nearby towns.

Is Santorini or Ravenna a more walkable city?

Ravenna is a great town for its high level of walkability. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its ease of walking around.

Ravenna is a very walkable town. There are care-free areas to the town that can only be explored on foot.

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 Ravenna Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Ravenna or Santorini?

How long in Santorini or Ravenna?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Santorini or Ravenna to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Santorini than Ravenna because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Santorini, and 1-2 days is enough time in Ravenna.

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

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

One day in Santorini or Ravenna?

In Santorini, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Even though Ravenna is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ravenna has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Santorini or Ravenna?

In Santorini, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Ravenna is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Santorini or Ravenna?

Santorini is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Santorini has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Ravenna is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Santorini or Ravenna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Santorini. In Santorini, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Ravenna 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Italy, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Santorini or Ravenna?

Santorini has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Ravenna. When comparing the sizes of Santorini and Ravenna, 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.