A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Santorini vs. Saint-Tropez for Nightlife, Resorts, Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, and Families

Should you visit Santorini or Saint-Tropez?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Santorini or Saint-Tropez, 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. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and food.

Saint-Tropez

Saint-Tropez is a opulent, ritzy, and celebrity-filled resort town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Santorini and Saint-Tropez: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Not as popular for scuba diving and snorkeling
  • Less family-friendly
  • 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


Is there more to do in Santorini or Saint-Tropez?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Santorini than Saint-Tropez, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Santorini is better known for its museums, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Saint-Tropez is more popular for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. Santorini is more touristy than Saint-Tropez and is popular 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. Saint-Tropez is well known for its trendy beach clubs around the Bay of Pampelonne, as well as its popularity with celebrities and the extravagantly wealthy.

How is Santorini different from Saint-Tropez?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Saint-Tropez 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 Saint-Tropez?

Santorini
Saint-Tropez

Santorini is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Saint-Tropez 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.

Saint-Tropez does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Santorini or Saint-Tropez? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Santorini
Saint-Tropez

Dining out at restaurants in both Santorini and Saint-Tropez can be an enjoyable experience.

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

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Saint-Tropez area. The food is all about the local flavors. You'll find plenty of local seafood as well as local organic meats, fruits, vegetables, olive oil, garlic, and truffles. Cheese is a common ingredient as well. There are many different soups and stews, and bouillabaisse is a common fish soup found in the restaurants around town. Daube is another popular stew that is made with beef. Ratatouille is a vegetable casserole that has made a name for itself both inside and outside of France. And, of course, you have to try the local salads and pastries. Because it's such a touristy area, there are many restaurants geared specifically to the tourists, many of which are overpriced.

Is Santorini or Saint-Tropez Better for Nightlife?

Santorini
Saint-Tropez

Saint-Tropez 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 Saint-Tropez is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. It is a place to see and be seen, so if you're looking for A-list celebrities, glamourous yacht parties, and ritzy dance clubs, then this is your place. While the nightlife scene is filled with extravagance, there are still laid back clubs where you can sip a cocktail in style. The best season to come and party is during the summer months, but you'll still find plenty to do throughout the year.

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 Saint-Tropez Better for Resorts?

Santorini
Saint-Tropez

With a similar set of options, fantastic resorts can be found in both Santorini and Saint-Tropez.

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.

Saint-Tropez is a world class resort vacation destination. Luxury and extravagance is what this resort town is all about. If you have the money to spend, you'll have no trouble finding a glamourous villa or luxury hotel where you can relax, party, or soak up the French Riviera sun.


Is Santorini or Saint-Tropez Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Santorini
Saint-Tropez

Saint-Tropez is an unbeatable place for its diving and snorkeling. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for snorkeling and scuba diving.

People travel to Saint-Tropez specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. The Gulf of Saint Tropez is one of the best places to snorkel and scuba dive along the French Riviera. There are wreck dives including the most famous, The Rubis, a submarine that is surrounded by marine life. Although you're not allowed to enter the vessel, there is still plenty to see. There are also plenty of dive spots that feature rock formations, schools of fish, and lobsters.

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.

Is Santorini or Saint-Tropez Better for Beaches?

Santorini
Saint-Tropez

Saint-Tropez is a great resort town for the beache. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for the beach.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Saint-Tropez. The beaches are frequented by celebrities, so you'll find plenty of glitz and glamour by the water. For some of the best beaches, you'll want to head a little out of town. The most famous beach in the area is Pampelonne Beach which is popular with Hollywood celebrities during the summer months. Bouillabaisse Beach is the place to go if you want to look at the yachts, but for a more natural setting head to Graniers Beach.

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 Saint-Tropez Better for Hiking?

Santorini
Saint-Tropez

Santorini is a popular place for its hiking experiences. However, Saint-Tropez is not a hiking destination.

Santorini is a good destination for hiking. 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.

Saint-Tropez is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Santorini or Saint-Tropez?

Santorini
Saint-Tropez

Saint-Tropez 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, Saint-Tropez draws large crowds to its stores. Surrounded by luxury, shopping is a must in this glamourous resort town. There are international luxury brands as well as local designer boutiques. Whether you're looking for yachting clothes, cigars, jewelry, or perfume, this is one of the best shopping destinations along the Cote d'Azur. Art is a particularly popular item to purchase while you're in town.

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 Saint-Tropez Better for Families?

Santorini
Saint-Tropez

Saint-Tropez is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its family-friendly activities.

Saint-Tropez is an amazing family-friendly resort town to visit. With great beaches, several amusement parks, waterparks, and even Marineland, there are an endless supply of activities for kids. There's also a zoo and nature reserve for wildlife enthusiasts. For adventure lovers, there are a number of different watersports to try and if the weather isn't cooperating, there are a few good museums and other indoor activities as well.

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 Saint-Tropez Better for Couples?

Santorini
Saint-Tropez

Santorini and Saint-Tropez are both fantastic 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.

Saint-Tropez is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Whether you're honeymooning or taking a short getaway to the French Riviera, this is a great option for couples. You can take a stroll at sunset, relax on one of the beautiful beaches, dine on local seafood, and soak up the rich local culture. The romance and beauty of this French Riviera city make it a world class romantic destination.


Is Santorini or Saint-Tropez Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santorini
Saint-Tropez

For backpackers, both Santorini and Saint-Tropez 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.

Saint-Tropez is a good island to visit for backpackers. For many backpackers it may seem cost prohibitive to visit the French Riviera, but for those with the money, it is well worth the splurge. You can save some money by staying outside of town or finding a vacation rental where you can cook meals. There are also hostels and rooms in local homes that come at a more reasonable price.

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

Santorini
Saint-Tropez

Santorini and Saint-Tropez 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.

Saint-Tropez has a few public transit options. There is a bus system that connects many parts of the area.

Is Santorini or Saint-Tropez a more walkable city?

Santorini
Saint-Tropez

Saint-Tropez 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.

Saint-Tropez is a very easy resort town to get around on foot. It's easy to explore many places on foot, passing by beautiful beaches, stunning views, impressive yachts, and glamourous villas.

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 Saint-Tropez Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Saint-Tropez or Santorini?

How long in Santorini or Saint-Tropez?

It's fun to spend time in either Santorini or Saint-Tropez. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Santorini due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Santorini, and 2-4 days is enough time in Saint-Tropez.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Saint-Tropez 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 Saint-Tropez.


  • How many days in Santorini or Saint-Tropez? Ideal Length of Stay
    Santorini 3-7 
    Saint-Tropez 2-4

One day in Santorini or Saint-Tropez?

In Santorini, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this romantic island offers. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. 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 resort town of Saint-Tropez. 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 Saint-Tropez?

Santorini is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the celebrity-filled destination of Saint-Tropez. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this resort town has to offer. This resort town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Santorini or Saint-Tropez?

In Santorini, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this historic destination offers. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the glamourous resort town of Saint-Tropez. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Santorini or Saint-Tropez?

Santorini is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. It's also a relaxing resort destination. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Saint-Tropez 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 Luxury Tours to Greece, The Best Budget Tours to Greece, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in France.


Which place is cheaper, Saint-Tropez or Santorini?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Santorini is €175, while the average daily cost in Saint-Tropez is €148. 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 Saint-Tropez in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Santorini 93
    Saint-Tropez 86
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Santorini 186
    Saint-Tropez 172
Compare Hotels in Santorini and Saint-Tropez

Looking for a hotel in Santorini or Saint-Tropez? 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 Saint-Tropez


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 Saint-Tropez Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Santorini 28
    Saint-Tropez 34

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santorini

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

  • Private Round-trip Transfer from Santorini Thira Airport (JTR) to Kamari,Greece: $50
  • 24h Luxury Santorini Transfer.Arrival/Departure one way: $76
  • Airport, Port and Hotel Private Transfer in Santorini: $20
  • Arrival Private Transfer Santorini Airport JTR or Port to Santorini by Sprinter: $32
  • Blue Dome And Oia Sunset Small Group Transfer: $37
  • Departure Private Transfer Santorini to Santorini Airport JTR by Sedan Car: $23
  • Departure Private Transfer Santorini to Santorini Airport JTR or Port by Van: $32
  • Departure Private Transfer Santorni to Santorini Airport JTR or Port by Sprinter: $46
  • Departure Transfer To Santorini Airport: $17
  • Economy Departure Transfers To Santorini Airport: $15
  • Economy Roundtrip Transfer Santorini Airport ( Max 4 stop ): $15
  • Helicopter Transfer between Mykonos & Santorini: $3,725

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Saint-Tropez

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Saint-Tropez:

  • Private Direct Transfer From Saint Tropez to Nice: $268
  • Private Transfer From Saint Tropez To Nice, 2 Hour Stop in Cannes: $220
  • Private Direct Transfer From Saint Tropez to Marseille: $183
  • Santorini Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Santorini: $60

Is it cheaper to fly into Santorini or Saint-Tropez?

Prices for flights to both Saint-Tropez 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 48
    Saint-Tropez 38

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santorini

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

  • Santorini Caldera: Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $69
  • Romantic Sunset Caldera Cruise with Dinner: $69
  • Volcanic Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $80
  • Catamaran Tour with BBQ Dinner, Drinks, and Music: $90
  • Volcano and Hot Springs Sunset Dinner Cruise: $96
  • Santorini Cooking Class with Wine Tasting: $108
  • The Aegean Cooking Class: $109
  • Santorini Sunset Sailing Cruise: Dinner, BBQ, Open Bar, Transfers: $118
  • Sunset Cruise with Swim Stops, Dinner, and Drinks: $120
  • Cooking Class in Traditional cave house in Santorini!: $120
  • Fira: 4-Hour Walking Food Tour With Tastings: $122
  • Half-Day Sunset Wine Tasting Tour in Santorini with dinner: $123

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Saint-Tropez

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Saint-Tropez.

  • Saint Tropez : Food tour and highlights: $117
  • Saint Tropez unical food tour !: $120

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Santorini 36
    Saint-Tropez 26

Tours and Activities in Santorini

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

  • Megalochori: Lost Atlantis 9D Experience Museum Entry Ticket: $15
  • E-Ticket to Akrotiri with Audio Tour on your Phone: $15
  • Skip the Line Lost Atlantis Experience Ticket: $15
  • Akrotiri Archaeological Site Entry Ticket: $16
  • Santorini Volcano and Hot Springs Cruise Tour from Fira Old Port: $27
  • The Beer Tasting and Pairing Experience: $27
  • Volcanic Islands Cruise with Hot Springs Visit: $28
  • Santorini Caldera Cruise Tour (Volcano, Hot Springs, Thirassia): $33
  • Santorini Volcano Tour: $37
  • Mesa Gonia, Pyrgos and Oia Tour: $44
  • Ferry Ticket to Paros or Naxos with Hotel Pickup: $45
  • Sunset In Oia & Traditional Villages Bus Tour: $45

Tours and Activities in Saint-Tropez

Here are a few actual costs in Saint-Tropez for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 2 hours - Private tour of Saint Tropez with a local guide!: $240
  • FREJUS - ACTIVITY and ADVENTURE in Survival Techniques KATALANTA: $49
  • From BB to Emily in Paris: the beauties' tour of Saint Tropez: $104
  • From Cannes: Saint-Tropez Private Full-Day Tour by Van: $793
  • From Cannes: St Tropez & Port Grimaud Sightseeing Tour: $133
  • From Nice: St Tropez & Port Grimaud Full Day Tour: $133
  • Guided walking tour of Saint Tropez: $26
  • Ramatuelle: Tracks & Tasting Winery Tour by Mountain E-Bike: $80
  • Saint Tropez : Highlights Tour Shore Excursion: $293
  • Saint Tropez : Netflix Emily in Paris Tour: $101
  • Saint Tropez : Private Walking tour with a Tropezienne guide: $128
  • Saint Tropez : tour and sweet tasting: $160

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Santorini 26
    Saint-Tropez 19

Sample the Local Flavors in Santorini

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

  • Half Day Simply Santorini Tour with Wine Tasting: $60
  • Top Sights Day Trip, Wine Tasting, & Oia Sunset: $62
  • Fira Town Walking Tour with Wine Tasting: $74
  • Top Sights of Santorini with Wine Tasting and Sunset in Oia: $75
  • Notos Day Tour through History & Wine Tasting: $98
  • Santorini 4 Hour Private Oia Tour & Wine Tasting : $105
  • Wine Tour with Sunset in Oia: $105
  • Santorini Highlights Small-Group Tour with Wine Tasting from Fira: $109
  • 3-Hour Wine Tasting in Santorini : $126
  • Wine tasting and Carving lesson in Santorini: $131
  • Santorini Wine Adventure with 12 Wine Tastings, Tapas and Sunset: $131
  • Small Group Local Wine Tasting Tour In Santorini : $131

Sample the Local Flavors in Saint-Tropez

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

  • Horse riding in the vineyards of Grimaud + wine tasting: $86
  • Horse back riding + wine tasting in Ramatuelle: $95
  • Small group wine tour from Saint-Tropez: $116
  • Provence Day, Saint Tropez Grimaud village Wine tasting: $117
  • Small group wine tour in the vineyards of the Gulf of St-Tropez: $119
  • Private 1/2 day wine tour St-Tropez: $141
  • Vintage wine tour in Saint-Tropez: $628


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

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


Which is Bigger, Santorini or Saint-Tropez?

Santorini has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Saint-Tropez. When comparing the sizes of Santorini and Saint-Tropez, 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.