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

Should you visit Santorini or Versailles?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Santorini or Versailles, 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 stunning, historic, and romantic 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. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Versailles

Versailles is a ornate, opulent, and historic palace. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the museums.

Santorini and Versailles: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Santorini or Versailles?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Santorini than Versailles. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Santorini is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Versailles attracts visitors for its museums. Santorini is famous for its beautiful volcanic beaches, stunning natural beauty, and breathtaking sunsets over the whitewashed villages. It is also well known for The Caldera and Volcano of Santorini. Versailles is famous for its long running history and its grand architecture.

How is Santorini different from Versailles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Santorini
Versailles

Versailles 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 Versailles are world-renowned. The palace is filled with history and impressive items relating to the royal family. Within and near the palace you should make sure you see the Gardens of Versailles, Grand Trianon, the Hall of Mirrors, and the Royal Opera of Versailles.

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 Versailles? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Santorini
Versailles

Santorini is a nice place to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Versailles is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Santorini. Popular foods on this island include fava, Greek salad, and kofta.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Versailles. There are a couple of restaurants and cafes on the grounds.

Is Santorini or Versailles Better for Nightlife?

Santorini
Versailles

Santorini is a nice place to visit for nightlife. However, Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Santorini or Versailles Better for Resorts?

Santorini
Versailles

Santorini is an amazing island to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Versailles is not a resort destination.

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.

Versailles is not a resort destination.


Is Santorini or Versailles Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Santorini
Versailles

Santorini is a nice place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Versailles is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Santorini has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. 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.

Versailles is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Santorini or Versailles Better for Beaches?

Santorini
Versailles

Santorini is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Versailles is not a beach destination.

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.

Versailles is not a beach destination.

Is Santorini or Versailles Better for Hiking?

Santorini
Versailles

Santorini is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Versailles is not a hiking destination.

Santorini has hiking trails worth exploring. 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.

Versailles is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Santorini or Versailles?

Santorini
Versailles

Santorini is a great island for shopping. However, Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Santorini. Towns around the island are filled with clothing and jewelry boutiques as well as many unique Greek shopping experiences.

Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Santorini or Versailles Better for Families?

Santorini
Versailles

Santorini is a nice place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Versailles is not known for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Versailles does not offer many kid-friendly activities. While there are those unicorn children who fall in love with the grand setting, for most kids, a visit to Versailles can make for make for a long and draining day.

Is Santorini or Versailles Better for Couples?

Santorini
Versailles

Santorini is an amazing island to visit for romance. Also, Versailles is not as popular, but is still a nice palace for its romantic activities.

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.

Versailles is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's opulence, grandeur, and history make this a wonderful place to explore as a couple. There are gardens and other unique settings that make Versailles very romantic.


Is Santorini or Versailles Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santorini
Versailles

Santorini is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Versailles is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Versailles is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Santorini
Versailles

Versailles is a great palace 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 Versailles can get you around easily. There are SNCF trains that travel from Gare Montparnasse to Versailles Chantiers train station and additional trains that travel between Gare Saint Lazare and Versailles Rive Droite.

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 Versailles a more walkable city?

Santorini
Versailles

Versailles is a great palace for its high level of walkability. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its ease of walking around.

Versailles is a very walkable palace. It's approximately a 20 minute walk from the Versailles Chantiers train station to the entrance to the palace. Versailles Rive Droite is slightly closer.

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 Versailles Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Versailles or Santorini?

How long in Santorini or Versailles?

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

Families should spend more time in Santorini than Versailles. 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 Versailles. 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 Versailles 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.


  • How many days in Santorini or Versailles? Ideal Length of Stay
    Santorini 3-7 
    Versailles 1-2

One day in Santorini or Versailles?

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the romantic island of Santorini, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People enjoy relaxing 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 museums around the palace of Versailles. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Versailles has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Santorini or Versailles?

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Santorini, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find museums around the opulent destination of Versailles. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this palace has to offer. This palace offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Santorini or Versailles?

Santorini, a popular island, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this island. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the grand palace of Versailles. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the museums. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Santorini or Versailles?

Santorini is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this island makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Versailles is a popular choice for travelers. 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 Sightseeing Tours in France, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Versailles 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 Versailles is €234. 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 Versailles in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Santorini 93
    Versailles 128
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Santorini 186
    Versailles 256
Compare Hotels in Santorini and Versailles

Looking for a hotel in Santorini or Versailles? 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 Versailles


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 Versailles Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Santorini 28
    Versailles 53

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santorini

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

  • Helicopter Transfer between Mykonos & Santorini: $3,743
  • Santorini Airport Transfer For Group: $297
  • Santorini Group Transfer from Airport/Port up to 17 people: $180
  • Santorini Airport(JTR) to Santorini - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $142
  • Caldera Cruise with Greek Meal and Transfer: $139
  • Skip Cable Car! Santorini Shore Excursion with Boat Transfer: $129
  • Private Sunset Tour with Picnic & Transfer: $128
  • Santorini to Heraklion Crete: Ferry Ticket & Hotel Transfer: $125
  • Santorini to Mykonos: Ferry Ticket & Hotel Transfer: $125
  • Santorini Private transfer up to 8 persons: $120
  • Santorini Luxury Sailing Catamaran Cruise with BBQ, Drinks and Transfer: $120
  • Santorini Sunset Luxury Sailing Catamaran Cruise with BBQ, drinks, transfer: $120

Is it cheaper to fly into Santorini or Versailles?

Prices for flights to both Versailles 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
    Versailles 67

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santorini

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

  • Romantic Sunset Caldera Cruise with Dinner: $70
  • Santorini Caldera: Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $70
  • Volcanic Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $80
  • Catamaran Tour with BBQ Dinner, Drinks, and Music: $91
  • Volcano and Hot Springs Sunset Dinner Cruise: $96
  • Cooking Class in Traditional cave house in Santorini!: $120
  • Sunset Cruise with Swim Stops, Dinner, and Drinks: $120
  • Fira: 4-Hour Walking Food Tour With Tastings: $123
  • Half-Day Sunset Wine Tasting Tour in Santorini with dinner: $123
  • Luxury Sunset Cruise with Dinner & Open Bar: $128
  • Sunset Sea Kayak with Light Dinner: $128
  • Hands on Cooking Class with a Chef: $134

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Santorini 36
    Versailles 45

Tours and Activities in Santorini

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

  • Santorini Panoramic Blue Shade Tour-Firostefani, Imerovigli, Oia: $62
  • Santorini Private Half Day Tour : $218
  • Santorini Secrets & Gems for Cruise Passengers: $96
  • 3 Hour Sightseeing Tour in the Magical Santorini: $74
  • 3 Hour Tour in Oia: $120
  • 3 Hours Private Santorini Tour: $136
  • 3-Hour Santorini Highlights Tour: $71
  • 4 Hour Eat and Drink Private Tour in Santorini: $296
  • 4 Hours Private Tour in Santorini with Pick up: $87
  • 4 hrs island tour and photoshooting, Oia Blue domes, Red beach : $196
  • 4-Hour Private Custom Santorini Tour: $161
  • 5 Hour Santorini Shore Excursion for Cruise Passengers: $71

Tours and Activities in Versailles

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

  • Versailles Palace Private Family Tour Designed for Kids: $261
  • Palace Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Ticket: $67
  • Private Guided Tour of the Palace: $261

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Santorini 26
    Versailles 18

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: $63
  • Fira Town Walking Tour with Wine Tasting: $75
  • 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: $106
  • Santorini Highlights Small-Group Tour with Wine Tasting from Fira: $109
  • 5 towns in 5 hours: Santorini Most Popular Tour with Wine tasting: $117
  • Wine Tour Santorini: $118
  • Wine tasting and Carving lesson in Santorini: $131
  • Santorini 4-Hour Private Tour including Wine Tasting, Shore Excursion: $136


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Santorini and Versailles, we can see that Versailles 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 Versailles would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Versailles than you might in Santorini.

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


Which is Bigger, Santorini or Versailles?

Santorini has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Versailles. When comparing the sizes of Santorini and Versailles, 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.