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

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Should you visit Santorini or Venice?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Santorini or Venice, 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. 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. It's also popular because of the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Venice

Venice is a magical, historic, and beautiful city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and food.

Santorini and Venice: Pros and Cons

Santorini
Pros
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Cons
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Venice
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere


How is Santorini different from Venice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Venice and Santorini. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Santorini or Venice Better for Museums and Historical Sights?

Santorini
Venice

Head to Venice if you're looking for good museums or notable landmarks, as it has more to offer than Santorini.

The museums and tourist attractions in Venice are world-renowned. The many historic and famous landmarks in town include St. Mark's Basilica, St. Mark's Square, Doge's Palace, and the Rialto Bridge.

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 Santorini or Venice Better for Food?

Santorini
Venice

Dining out at restaurants in both Santorini and Venice 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 Venice area. For the best dining experience, you should try to avoid the touristy restaurants that serve the typical pizza and pasta. Instead, find a local eatery that specializes in the region's traditional flavors like fish and vegetables.

Is Santorini or Venice Better for Nightlife?

Santorini
Venice

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find comparable options between Santorini and Venice.

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.

Most people don't head to Venice specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. If you want to party, your best option is to head to the Lido area where you'll find night clubs and bars. A better alternative for enjoying your evening is to order a late night meal and a glass of wine at a local restaurant in Venice.

Is Santorini or Venice Better for Shopping?

Santorini
Venice

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

Venice is a world class destination for shoppers. There are many unique items that people purchase in town. Some of the most popular include Murano glass, Burano lace, Venetian masks, and local fabrics.

Is Santorini or Venice Better for Families?

Santorini
Venice

Santorini and Venice are both fun destinations for the whole family.

Santorini offers lots of family activities. 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.

Venice is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Even for kids, visiting this city is all about soaking up the atmosphere and sense of place. It is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, historic buildings, gondolas, and plazas offer a special environment, even for kids who may be burned out from exploring cities. Attractions that appeal to kids include visiting the prisons at Doge's Palace, shopping for masks, and taking a ride on a gondola.


Is Santorini or Venice Better for Couples?

Santorini
Venice

Santorini and Venice are both fun 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.

Venice is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. With its many truly unique romantic experiences, this city makes for a truly memorable honeymoon or romantic getaway. Ride a gondola, get lost in the city, and enjoy pasta and music around town to make the experience unlike any other.

Is Santorini or Venice Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santorini
Venice

For backpackers, both Santorini and Venice are fairly comparable 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.

Venice is a very popular island for backpackers and budget travelers. Many backpackers stay just out of town to save a bit of money, but, even though it's not cheap, this city is well-established on the backpacker trail.

Is Santorini or Venice Better for Public Transit?

Santorini
Venice

Venice has better public transit to get you around.

Visitors in Venice can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. There is a comprehensive boat and ferry system that includes aporettos, alilagunas, private water taxis, gondolas, and traghettos.

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 Venice a more walkable city?

Santorini
Venice

Venice is considered more walkable than Santorini.

Venice is a very easy city to get around on foot. Because it is small, it's easy to walk to all of the major tourist attractions.

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.


Should I spend more time in Venice or Santorini?

How long in Santorini or Venice?

Both Santorini and Venice have a number of activities to choose from. You can spend a similar amount of time exploring either.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Santorini is 3-7 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Venice is 2-7 days.


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

One day in Santorini or Venice?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the quaint destination of Santorini. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find shopping and museums around the quaint city of Venice. 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 Venice?

Santorini is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find museums and food around the beautiful destination of Venice. 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 city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Santorini or Venice?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Santorini. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural city of Venice. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Santorini or Venice?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the romantic destination of Santorini. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Venice is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Venice, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Which city is cheaper, Venice or Santorini?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Santorini is €131, while the average daily cost in Venice is €181. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Santorini and Venice in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Santorini €66
    Venice €93
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Santorini €132
    Venice €186
Compare Hotels in Santorini and Venice

Looking for a hotel in Santorini or Venice? 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 Venice


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 Venice Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Santorini €23
    Venice €22

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santorini

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

  • Helicopter Transfer between Mykonos & Santorini: $2,839
  • Premium Santorini Private Day Tour Lagoon 450, BBQ, drinks, transfer: $933
  • Tour of Caldera on Sailing Boat & Bus Transfer:Volcano-Hot springs-Thirassia-Oia: $75
  • Santorini Taxi Service & Airport, Hotel and Port Transfers: $62
  • Private Transfer to/from Santorini Airport (JTR): $50
  • Santorini Airport to Hotel: Private Arrival Transfer: $45
  • Transfer from Santorini Airport&Port all destination except OIA up to 4 customer: $37
  • Santorini Airport Hotels Transfer Shuttle Bus Service: $27
  • Private Airport Transfer: $25
  • Oia Sunset: Evening Shuttle Transfer and Free Time: $23
  • Santorini transfer service: $17
  • Shared Transfer Service: $17

Typical Local Transportation prices in Venice

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Venice:


  • Venice 12 Hour Transport Pass
    €16
  • Vaporetto Ride
    €6.50
  • 1 Day Travel Card
    €18
  • 7 Day Transport Card (for Two)
    €101

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Venice

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

  • Venice - Milan / Private Transfer + Water Taxi (up to 8 pass.): $1,359
  • Venice - Milan / Private Transfer + Water Taxi (up to 3 pass.): $1,214
  • Luxury / vip transfer Venice to Zagreb: $1,158
  • Venice - Florence / Private Transfer + Water Taxi (up to 8 pass.): $1,105
  • Private Transfer from Venezia to Firenze (FLR) Airport: $1,091
  • Venice - Florence / Private Transfer + Water Taxi (up to 3 pass.): $1,033
  • Transfer from Airport to Trieste Cruise Terminal: $908
  • Private Transfer: Civitavecchia Port to Venice or vice versa: $845
  • Private Transfer: Ciampino Airport (CIA) to Venice or vice versa: $839
  • Gardaland full Day private transfers from Mestre area and viceversa up8pax: $746
  • Venice - Verona / Private Transfer + Water Taxi (up to 8 pass.): $707
  • Exclusive Private Transfer VCE M Polo Airport to Venice City Center 4Pax: $691

Is it cheaper to fly into Santorini or Venice?

Prices for flights to both Venice 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 €38
    Venice €52

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santorini

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

  • Live Virtual Cooking Class: $26
  • A taste of Mediterranean Cuisine Dinner: $90
  • Hands on Cooking Class with a Chef: $90
  • Fira: 4-Hour Walking Food Tour With Tastings: $108
  • Sunset Sea Kayak and Snorkel with Dinner: $108
  • Santorini : Sunset Sea Kayak & Snorkel with Dinner: $118
  • Santorini : Cooking Class, Easy Hike, and Snorkeling: $131
  • Cooking Class with Santorini’s Aroma: $506
  • Full-Day Royalty Private Cooking Class and Tour in Santorini: $506
  • Cooking Class with Santorini’s Aroma: $546
  • Santorini Private Sunset Sailing Cruise with Dinner, Drinks &Transfer included: $1,350

Typical Food prices in Venice

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Venice:


  • Panini Sandwich
    €4.00
  • Gelato
    €6.00
  • Artichoke & Mushroom Pizza
    €7.90
  • Expresso
    €1.95
  • Slice of Pizza
    €2.23
  • Three Course Dinner (for Two)
    €79

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Venice

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

  • 1 Hour Online Live Carbonara Cooking Class With Italian Chef: $37
  • Online Tiramisu Cooking Class With Italian Chef At Home: $37
  • 2.5-Hour Street Food Tour with a Local Guide: $48
  • 2-Course Dinner in a Typical Venetian Restaurant: $74
  • Venice Food Tour: Rialto Market and Cicchetti Tasting: $84
  • Traditional Home Dinner in Venice with a Chef: $87
  • Cooking Show with a Famous Local Chef: $90
  • Venice Carnival 4-Hour Grand Ball Gala Dinner and Show: $102
  • Private Food Tour – 10 Tastings with Locals: $103
  • Private Food Tour: Cicheti & Wine: $106
  • Private Market Tour and Cooking Class in Central Venice with a Fun Loving Local: $106
  • Interpreti Veneziani Ensemble Baroque Concert with Dinner: $109

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Santorini €29
    Venice €80

Tours and Activities in Santorini

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

  • 3 Hour Santorini Walking Tour with Hotel Pickup: $50
  • 5-Hour Santorini Photography Day Tour: $606
  • Discover Prehistoric Akrotiri & Winery Tour: $182
  • Explore Akrotiri GroupTour: $583
  • Exploring the Myth of Santorini - Full Day Tour: $133
  • From Athens: Overnight Tour to Santorini: $373
  • From Folegandros Private Rib Boat Tour: $2,725
  • Full-Day Royalty Private Wine Walking Tour in Santorini: $428
  • Full-Day Santorini Southeastern Side Tour with Drink Tasting: $127
  • Half-Day Private Santorini Tour with Hidden Beaches: $323
  • Half-Day Walking Tour in Santorini with Canava Ouzo Visit: $413
  • Highlits Of Santorini Private Tour: $560

Typical Entertainment prices in Venice

For Venice, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Venice Boat Ride
    €15
  • Bell tower of St. Mark Entrance Fee
    €8.00
  • Gondola Ride (for Group)
    €80
  • Secret Itinerary Tour- Doge's Palace
    €16
  • The Jewish Museum Admission
    €3.00
  • The Glass Museum in Murano
    €8.00

Tours and Activities in Venice

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

  • 'More, 'ndemo a bacari? - A food and wine experience (tour to Murano included): $305
  • 3 hour Venice walking tour: $711
  • 3-Days Private tour among Venice, Verona and Treviso with a Top Guide: $1,493
  • 3hours Venice walking tour: $93
  • 8-Hour Prosecco Wine and Tastings Tour from Venice or Padua: $453
  • A bit of Venetian art and architecture (free tour to Murano included): $330
  • A day in the life of Venice - Private tour with a local: $249
  • A full taste of Venice - the very best in one day (free tour to Murano included): $1,400
  • Accessible a barrier free private tour: $71
  • An Architectural insight of Venice on a Private Tour with a local: $124
  • Best Price: Book Doge's Palace skip the line ticket with audio-guide: $9.95
  • Best of Venice Half Day Tour: $265

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Santorini €21
    Venice €19

Sample the Local Flavors in Santorini

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

  • 4-Hours Santorini Vothonas Village Tour with Wine Tasting: $89
  • Authentic Santorinian Tour at Vothonas Village with Wine Tasting: $93
  • Half-Day Santorini Tour Vothonas Village with Wine Tasting: $93
  • Santorini-Wine Tour Αround Megalochori Village: $111
  • Sunset and Wine Tasting Tour by Electric Bike: $114
  • Santorini-Wine Tour Around Megalochori Village: $117
  • Santorini-Wine Tour Around Megalochori Village: $124
  • Santorini-Sunset Caldera’s View from Megalochori with Wine Tasting: $134
  • Santorini-Sunset Caldera’s View from Megalochori with Wine Tasting: $140
  • Half-Day Sunset Wine Tasting Tour in Santorini with Pick Up: $141
  • Santorini Wine Tasting and History Small Group Tour: $153
  • 4-Hour Sunset Wine Tour: $159

Typical Alcohol prices in Venice

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Venice:


  • 1/2 Liter Wine
    €5.20
  • Beer
    €4.90

Sample the Local Flavors in Venice

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Venice:

  • Venice Wine Tasting Tour: $30
  • Online Live Wine Tasting from Venice: $37
  • Wine Tasting in Venice: $40
  • Venetian Style Carnival Pub Crawl: $62
  • Venetian Style Carnival Pub Crawl: $67
  • A Relaxing Evening at The Hot Springs (with wine tastings): $75
  • Natural wine tasting with a Bacaro owner in Venice: $76
  • Venice in 3 Wines: Exclusive Wine Tasting with an Expert & Food Pairing: $136
  • Taste Food and Wine Tour of the Rialto Markets: $147
  • Full-Day Prosecco Wine Tour and Tasting: $204
  • Amarone Wine Tasting from Venice by Train: $210
  • Amarone-Soave wine tour. Visit Verona. From Venice: $291

About these numbers

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Santorini and Venice, we can see that Venice is more expensive. And not only is Santorini much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Santorini would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Santorini 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 Venice would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Venice than you might in Santorini.

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Santorini vs. Venice Travel Comparison

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