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

Should you visit Santorini or Sarajevo?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Santorini or Sarajevo, 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 scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Sarajevo

Sarajevo is a quaint, historical, and cultural city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. 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 Sarajevo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Santorini or Sarajevo?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Sarajevo. Although Santorini and Sarajevo are about the same size, Sarajevo has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Sarajevo is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, hiking, and big city activities, while Santorini is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Santorini is more touristy than Sarajevo and is known for its beautiful volcanic beaches, stunning natural beauty, and breathtaking sunsets over the whitewashed villages. Sarajevo is well known for its worn torn past, but today it is a city that is filled with culture, natural beauty, and incredible food. Also, Sarajevo is famous for The Old Town.

How is Santorini different from Sarajevo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Sarajevo is a great 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 Sarajevo can be an interesting and educational experience. The sights in the city reflect its history and culture. Famous places to visit include Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, the Latin Bridge, Kovači Memorial Cemetery, and the Sarajevo Tunnel Museum.

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 Sarajevo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Sarajevo 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, Sarajevo is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Bosnia isn't the first place that comes to mind when you think of food, but it is actually among the best. The dishes are heavy on meat and pastry, with the perfect amount of seasoning. Favorite dishes include Bosnian burek and cevapi. And it's easy to dine your way through this beautiful city as restaurants are very affordable.

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 Sarajevo Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Sarajevo. After immersing yourself in history for the day, the nighttime offers the perfect opportunity to unwind. Locals and tourists come together at the city's many bars and nightclubs where you can listen to music, dance, or chat with locals over a cold beer.

Is Santorini or Sarajevo Better for Resorts?

Santorini is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Sarajevo 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.

Sarajevo is not a resort destination.

Is Santorini or Sarajevo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Santorini is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Sarajevo 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.

Sarajevo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Santorini or Sarajevo Better for Beaches?

Santorini is a good destination for the beache. However, Sarajevo 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.

Sarajevo is not a beach destination.

Is Santorini or Sarajevo Better for its Old Town?

Sarajevo is an unbeatable place for its old town. However, Santorini does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Sarajevo offers plenty to see. The city's old town, which is known as Baščaršija, is filled with a history charm that is unlike any other European city. The wooden shops, wandering lanes, and striking minarets highlight the area's beautiful culture and long-running history.

Santorini does not have a historic old town.

Is Santorini or Sarajevo Better for Hiking?

Sarajevo 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, Sarajevo draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. If you have a way to get out of town, you'll be rewarded with a natural beauty that is untouched and pristine - a rare find in Europe. There are a number of popular trails that are popular with locals and tourists alike. While landmines remain a concern in off-the-beaten-path areas, if you stay on marked trails, they pose no real threat.

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 Sarajevo?

If you're looking to go shopping, Santorini and Sarajevo both offer plenty of great 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.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Sarajevo. This city offers a unique opportunity to shop for traditional hand-crafted good in the old town. The goods are handmade and reflect the city's long running history as a center for trade. Popular items for purchase include coffee sets, jewelry, and handmade carpets.

Is Santorini or Sarajevo Better for Families?

Santorini is a good destination for its kid-friendly activities. However, Sarajevo is lacking in good options for its family-friendly activities.

Santorini is a family-friendly island. 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.

Sarajevo doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. Older kids will really benefit from the history and cultural lessons that coincide with a visit to this beautiful city. There are also some fun activities that they can enjoy including a zoo, an indoor play area, and an amusement park not far outside of town.

Is Santorini or Sarajevo Better for Couples?

Santorini is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. However, Sarajevo is lacking in good options 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.

Sarajevo is not always the best place to visit for a couple. Romance isn't the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Sarajevo, but the city has amazing food and world class cultural sights that will make for a truly rewarding trip.

Is Santorini or Sarajevo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sarajevo is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Sarajevo. This city is among the most culturally captivating places in Europe. Although it's often overlooked by tourists and backpackers, the affordability, stunning beauty, and unique personality make it a truly amazing place to visit.

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 Sarajevo Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo can get you around easily. It includes a tram, trolleybus, bus and minibus network.

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 Sarajevo a more walkable city?

Santorini and Sarajevo are notable 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.

Sarajevo is a somewhat walkable island. Most of the touristy areas in the central part of the city are walkable, but there are also some sights outside of town that you will need a taxi to visit.

For even more information, also check out Is Santorini Worth Visiting? and Is Sarajevo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sarajevo or Santorini?

How long in Santorini or Sarajevo?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Santorini and Sarajevo. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Santorini than in Sarajevo. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Santorini, and 1-3 days is enough time in Sarajevo.

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

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

One day in Santorini or Sarajevo?

The beautiful island of Santorini offers museums and nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Sarajevo. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Sarajevo has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Santorini or Sarajevo?

Santorini is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the quaint destination of Sarajevo. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Santorini or Sarajevo?

Santorini is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Santorini, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historical city of Sarajevo. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Santorini or Sarajevo?

Santorini is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Santorini has to offer. This island offers something for everyone.

Sarajevo 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 Cultural Tours in Bosnia and Herzegowina, and The Best Budget Tours to Bosnia and Herzegowina.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Santorini or Sarajevo?

Sarajevo has a larger population, and is about 16% larger than the population of Santorini. When comparing the sizes of Santorini and Sarajevo, 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.