A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Santorini vs. Rio de Janeiro for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Beaches

Should you visit Santorini or Rio de Janeiro?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Santorini or Rio de Janeiro, 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. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. The famous beauty of Santorini is one of the main draws. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. Other popular activities here include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Santorini travel costs.

Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro is a high energy, colorful, and multicultural city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Many visitors also come to Rio de Janeiro because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking. See Rio de Janeiro travel costs.

Santorini and Rio de Janeiro: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Santorini or Rio de Janeiro?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Rio de Janeiro than Santorini, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Rio de Janeiro is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, beaches, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Santorini is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Santorini is popular for its beautiful volcanic beaches, stunning natural beauty, and breathtaking sunsets over the whitewashed villages. Rio de Janeiro is popular for its samba dancing, sandy beaches, and Carnival. It is also home to Christ the Redeemer.

How is Santorini different from Rio de Janeiro?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro?

Rio de Janeiro is an unbeatable place for its historical sights. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its sights and museums.

The museums and tourist attractions in Rio de Janeiro are world-renowned. Looking out over the city is the world famous landmark of Christ the Redeemer. It sits on top of Corcovado Mountain and it is a must-see destination for visitors to the city. Other sights around town include the church and monastery of São Bento, the stunning church of São Francisco da Penitência, the imperial palaces of São Cristóvão, and the baroque church of Nossa Senhora do Carmo.

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 Rio de Janeiro? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Rio de Janeiro 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, Rio de Janeiro is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The cuisine around town mixes African and European cooking styles to give it a unique taste. The city is a mix of cultures and flavors and you'll find restaurants that integrate traditional Brazilian dishes with international influences. You'll find a wonderful street food scene, but also fine dining, and everything in between. Some of the most popular dishes include feijoada (beef and bean stew), churrasco (Brazilian barbecue), and pão de queijo (baked dough and cheese).

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 Rio de Janeiro Better for Nightlife?

Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. It has a world famous nightlife scene, and the most popular party neighborhood is Lapa. While the biggest crowds are on the weekends, weeknights stay busy as well. Every weekend in Lapa there's a huge street party, but there are also bars and dance clubs nearby. A more local neighborhood is Botafogo, which is a great area to grab a beer and enjoy a relaxed night out. If you want a beachside bar, check out the touristy neighborhoods of Ipanema and Copacabana.

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 Rio de Janeiro Better for Resorts?

Santorini is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Rio de Janeiro is not a resort destination.

Santorini is a world class resort vacation destination. 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.

Rio de Janeiro is not a resort destination.

Is Santorini or Rio de Janeiro Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Santorini is a island with good options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Rio de Janeiro is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life 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.

Rio de Janeiro is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Santorini or Rio de Janeiro Better for Beaches?

Rio de Janeiro is an unbeatable place for the beach. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for the beach.

The beaches in Rio de Janeiro are among the best in the world. The beaches have long been written about and made iconic by songs and literary works. Copacabana and Ipanema are world renowned, and the sandy stretches and vibrant waterfront promenades will not disappoint. There are plenty of recreational activities as well as a striking blue water backdrop. You'll find beach parties, waterside bars, and pickup games of football or volleyball. In addition to these iconic beaches, there are several lesser known places to visit like Joatinga and Barra da Tijuca.

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 Rio de Janeiro Better for its Old Town?

Santorini is a island with good options for its historic old town charm. However, Rio de Janeiro does not have a historic old town.

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.

Rio de Janeiro does not have a historic old town.

Is Santorini or Rio de Janeiro Better for Hiking?

Rio de Janeiro is an unbeatable place for hiking. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for the nearby hiking options.

Known for its hiking, Rio de Janeiro draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. Although it is a bustling megacity, it also offers access to world class hikes. The city is filled with mountains and dramatic peaks, so many hikes take you to spectacular views of the city. There are also jungle hikes and even opportunities to see local wildlife. There's a combination of iconic trails and lesser known strolls that will let you truly absorb what this city has to offer. Some of the best hikes include Pedra Bonita, Dois Irmaos, and Pedra da Gávea.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Santorini or Rio de Janeiro?

Rio de Janeiro is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Rio de Janeiro draws large crowds to its stores. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. Whatever your budget, there are options for you. There are wonderful street markets for those on a budget and grand shopping malls if you're looking for something a bit higher end. Some of the best places for shopping include Rio Sul, Barra Shopping, and SAARA Market.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Santorini. Towns around the island are filled with clothing and jewelry boutiques as well as many unique Greek shopping experiences.

Is Santorini or Rio de Janeiro More Beautiful?

Santorini and Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro as well. The city's mountainous landscapes and striking beaches make it, arguably, one of the most beautiful cities in the world. There are many mountaintop views of the city as well as city hikes and iconic neighborhoods.

Is Santorini or Rio de Janeiro Better for Families?

Rio de Janeiro 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, Rio de Janeiro is very family-friendly. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the beaches. It's easy to spend days by the water soaking up the sun. Another must-do is a trip up Sugarloaf Mountain. The cable cars are fun and there are jungle walks and spectacular views. If you need to escape the rain or heat, spend the day at the Museum of Tomorrow.

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 Rio de Janeiro Better for Couples?

Santorini is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Rio de Janeiro is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Santorini is a great island for couples, as it 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.

Rio de Janeiro is a great island if you're traveling as a couple. There are many parks and gardens around town that are perfect for a stroll. Nature lovers will enjoy the many hikes in the area, many which go through the jungle, visit waterfalls, or offer spectacular views. And, of course, Sugarloaf Mountain is a must-see destination, as are the many beaches in the area.

Is Santorini or Rio de Janeiro Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rio de Janeiro 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, Rio de Janeiro is extremely popular for backpackers. Backpackers flock to the city for its wild nightlife scene and beautiful beaches. There's a huge backpacker culture here and many hostels around town that offer a social setting and plenty of activities for guests.

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 Rio de Janeiro Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro can get you around easily. The city has a subway system, MetroRio, that is relatively reliable and convenient. There are also city buses, trams, and commuter trains.

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 Rio de Janeiro a more walkable city?

Rio de Janeiro 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.

Rio de Janeiro is a very walkable city. Most of the areas where tourists spend their time are relatively walkable. Centro is compact and many tourists choose to explore areas on foot. As always, remember to take the appropriate safety precautions and always be aware of your surroundings.

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 Rio de Janeiro Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rio de Janeiro or Santorini?

How long in Santorini or Rio de Janeiro?

Santorini and Rio de Janeiro both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Santorini than Rio de Janeiro 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 4-6 days is enough time in Rio de Janeiro.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro.

One day in Santorini or Rio de Janeiro?

Santorini might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

People visit Rio de Janeiro because there is so much to do. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Rio de Janeiro?

Santorini is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Anyone can find something fun to do here. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

People visit Rio de Janeiro because there is so much to do. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Santorini or Rio de Janeiro?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Santorini. It's also a relaxing resort destination. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

People visit Rio de Janeiro because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Santorini or Rio de Janeiro?

Santorini is a small town with plenty to do. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Rio de Janeiro is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 G Adventures Tours to Brazil, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rio de Janeiro.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Santorini and Rio de Janeiro, we can see that Santorini is more expensive. And not only is Rio de Janeiro much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Santorini is in Europe and Rio de Janeiro is in South America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Rio de Janeiro would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro.

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

Which is Bigger, Santorini or Rio de Janeiro?

Rio de Janeiro has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Santorini. When comparing the sizes of Santorini and Rio de Janeiro, 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.