A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Santorini vs. Ventimiglia for Couples, Food, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Santorini or Ventimiglia?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Santorini or Ventimiglia, 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. The famous beauty of this place 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.

Ventimiglia

Ventimiglia is a classic, authentic, and elegant seaside town. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the beaches, shopping, and food.

Santorini and Ventimiglia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Santorini or Ventimiglia?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Santorini. Although Santorini and Ventimiglia are both popular with visitors, Santorini has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Santorini is more popular for its museums, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, hiking, and quaint atmosphere, while Ventimiglia is known for its food, historical sights, and small town charm. Santorini is more touristy than Ventimiglia and is popular for its beautiful volcanic beaches, stunning natural beauty, and breathtaking sunsets over the whitewashed villages. It is also home to The Caldera and Volcano of Santorini. Ventimiglia is popular for its weekly market, colorful old town, and nice beaches.

How is Santorini different from Ventimiglia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Santorini is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Ventimiglia does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Ventimiglia does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Santorini or Ventimiglia? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ventimiglia is a great seaside 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.

Ventimiglia has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Italian classics are abundant including tiramisus, Italian pizzas, risotto alla milanese, and traditional lasagna. If you're in town on a Friday you should visit the local market which has stalls selling local produce and foods.

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 Ventimiglia Better for Nightlife?

Santorini is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Ventimiglia is a seaside town with minimal options for nightlife.

Santorini has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. It is one of the calmer, more romantic islands in Greece. For the best nightlife, you'll want to stay near Fira.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Ventimiglia Most people don't head to town for the nightlife, but there are some bars where you can grab a drink or sip a glass of wine.

Is Santorini or Ventimiglia Better for Resorts?

Santorini is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Ventimiglia is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Santorini is a great choice. 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.

Ventimiglia is not a resort destination.

Is Santorini or Ventimiglia Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Santorini is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Ventimiglia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Santorini has a few good snorkeling spots. 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.

Ventimiglia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Santorini or Ventimiglia Better for Beaches?

Both Santorini and Ventimiglia have good beaches worth visiting.

Santorini has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Ventimiglia. The lungomare is a promenade along the sea that allows visitors to wander and take in waterfront views. Most of the beaches are free to access and have been influenced by the coastal erosion efforts which have led to a series of scalloped bays. If you reach the end of the lungomare you'll find a natural area where the Roya and Nervia rivers meet the ocean. This is also a popular spot for breeding birds.

Is Santorini or Ventimiglia Better for its Old Town?

Ventimiglia is a great seaside town for its old town. However, Santorini does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Ventimiglia to see the historical old town. The old town is filled with cobblestone streets and charming pastel buildings. There are also a number of historic buildings and monuments that give the town a special atmosphere.

Santorini does not have a historic old town.

Is Santorini or Ventimiglia Better for Hiking?

Santorini is a popular place for its hiking experiences. However, Ventimiglia 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.

Ventimiglia is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Santorini or Ventimiglia?

If you're looking to go shopping, Santorini and Ventimiglia both offer plenty of very good 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 Ventimiglia. Most people head in town on Friday for the market, which has stalls selling crafts and local products.

Is Santorini or Ventimiglia Better for Families?

Santorini and Ventimiglia are both good 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.

Ventimiglia is a family-friendly place to visit. The charming town is a great place for kids to explore. There is a botanical garden and hiking trails that the whole family can enjoy as well as quiet beaches where they can play. The Italian food is also perfect for young palates.

Is Santorini or Ventimiglia Better for Couples?

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

Santorini makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Ventimiglia is a great island if you're traveling as a couple. This quintessential Italian town offers a romantic setting with cobblestone streets and pastel buildings. There are many culinary delights and romantic settings that are perfect for couples. The hiking trails and botanical gardens are also fun places to explore.

Is Santorini or Ventimiglia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santorini is a popular place for backpackers. However, Ventimiglia is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Plenty of budget travelers 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.

Ventimiglia is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Santorini and Ventimiglia both offer good 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.

Ventimiglia has a few public transit options. There are trains and buses to town. Once you're in town it's easy to explore on foot.

Is Santorini or Ventimiglia a more walkable city?

Ventimiglia is a great seaside 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.

Ventimiglia is a very walkable seaside town. It's small size and charming atmosphere make it a great town to explore 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 Ventimiglia Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Ventimiglia or Santorini?

How long in Santorini or Ventimiglia?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Santorini or Ventimiglia to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Santorini than Ventimiglia 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 Ventimiglia.

Couples should spend more time in Santorini than Ventimiglia. 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 Ventimiglia 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 Ventimiglia?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the stunning island of Santorini. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

A weekend in Santorini or Ventimiglia?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the romantic destination of Santorini. It's also a relaxing resort destination. This island offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Ventimiglia is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. 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 seaside town has to offer. This seaside town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Santorini or Ventimiglia?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the romantic island of Santorini. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Ventimiglia 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. 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 Ventimiglia?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the quaint destination of Santorini. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this island.

Ventimiglia 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 Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Santorini or Ventimiglia?

Santorini has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Ventimiglia. When comparing the sizes of Santorini and Ventimiglia, 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.