Santorini is a romantic island known for its beautiful volcanic beaches, stunning natural beauty, and breathtaking sunsets over the whitewashed villages. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. Whether you're eating the delicious cuisine or taking in the beauty, we'll help you plan the ideal trip to Santorini that stays within your budget.
How much does it cost to travel to Santorini?
You should plan to spend around $272 (€250) per day on your vacation in Santorini. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $105 (€96) on meals
- $38 (€35) on local transportation
- $256 (€235) on hotels
A one week trip to Santorini for two people costs, on average, $3,814 (€3,500). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$1,907
€1,750
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$3,814
€3,500
-
One Month
Per person
$8,173
€7,500
-
One Week
For a couple
$3,814
€3,500
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$7,628
€7,000
-
One Month
For a couple
$16,346
€15,000
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Santorini cost?
A one week trip to Santorini usually costs around $1,907 (€1,750) for one person and $3,814 (€3,500) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Santorini on average costs around $3,814 (€3,500) for one person and $7,628 (€7,000) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Santorini will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Santorini on average costs around $8,173 (€7,500) for one person and $16,346 (€15,000) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Santorini expensive to visit?
Santorini is a popular island that attracts many visitors who have various travel styles and spending habits. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.
If you're not cautious, Santorini can become costly, but you can save with strategies like eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.
On average, budget travelers spend $112 (€102) per day, mid-range travelers spend $274 (€250) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $641 (€587) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Santorini.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Santorini is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Reykjavik or Lucerne.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Santorini Expensive?
Santorini, Greece
How much money do I need for a trip to Santorini?
The average Santorini trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Santorini travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Santorini cost?
Santorini on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$52
(€48)
|
$128
(€118)
|
$304
(€279)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$15
(€14)
|
$38
(€35)
|
$96
(€88)
|
|
Food 2
|
$43
(€40)
|
$105
(€96)
|
$234
(€215)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$15
(€14)
|
$38
(€35)
|
$95
(€87)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$6-17
(€5-15)
|
$13-40
(€12-37)
|
$30-91
(€28-83)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
When planning your trip to Santorini, it's important to have realistic expectations about your budget. Many believe they can travel on a shoestring, but that often leads to either uncomfortable travel experiences or some surprisingly high expenses. Consider your vacation style. Do you enjoy staying in hostels, resorts, regular hotels, or vacation rentals? Are attractions and dining experiences a priority? These factors will affect how much you spend and your itinerary.
What Does It Mean to Be a Budget Traveler?
While you might think you're a budget traveler, without giving up many of your usual comforts, you'll likely need to spend more than the $112 per day that backpackers often spend.
Backpackers often work within this tight budget by staying in hostel dorms, eating fast food or street food, using public transit, and mainly visiting free attractions.
Fortunately, there are plenty of hostels available in Santorini, such as Fira backpackers place, Youth Hostel Anna, and Caveland. In these hostels, you can discover cheap dorm accommodations and a great social atmosphere, though amenities may be few. Food also plays a significant role in a visitor's experience to Santorini, yet budget travelers might stick to street food or hostel meals, resulting in less exposure to the wonderful culinary scene.
What Makes You an Average Traveler?
Couples and families enjoying a vacation will probably want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at popular dining spots, and explore the key museums and attractions that have entry fees. Exploring the major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks is a must for most visitors to Santorini. Keep in mind that most activities cost money. Thus, it's reasonable to expect your daily budget to be around $274 per person, per day.
Santorini offers a diverse selection of hotels and vacation rentals. If you're traveling with companions, you can share a hotel room with a partner, friend, or your kids, making it easier on your wallet. Families should look for hotels and restaurants that are family-friendly. The Tsitouras Collection is an excellent option for kids, and Homeric Poems Santorini is another fantastic choice. For more family and couple-friendly accommodations, check out our hotel guide for Santorini here.
Want to Escape the Daily Grind in Style?
If you want an all encompassing getaway with top-notch amenities and exceptional service, get ready for a daily cost around $641. Staying in upscale hotels, dining at acclaimed restaurants, indulging in lavish activities, and using taxis or private drivers to navigate the island will require a more luxurious budget. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Around Santorini - Semi Private Tour - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Santorini
Santorini offers a broad range of hotel prices, from budget to luxury. Higher-end hotels come with more amenities and higher prices, particularly during peak season. Off-season, you'll find average rates around $152, but during peak summer season, they can average $284. Prices range from $69 to $621, and hostels tend to be much cheaper. Save money by visiting during the low season or by taking advantage of early booking and special promotions.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Santorini for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $256 (€235). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $128 (€118) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Santorini? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Santorini include:
- The Tsitouras Collection starting at $278
- Angel Luxury Suites starting at $195
- Homeric Poems Santorini starting at $290
- Aura Caves starting at $222
- Hotel Villa Renos starting at $151
Santorini's great public transit offers the flexibility to stay farther from the island, but be mindful that your transportation costs may increase, and it could be a time drain.
This island features a range of resorts. You might find a place that offers meals, or at least breakfast, and many resorts have their own restaurants.
With many visitors spending a week in Santorini, it could be useful to book a vacation rental with a kitchen if you're staying longer, so you can cook your meals.
If you travel during the low or shoulder season (and skip summer), you'll enjoy lower accommodation prices and fewer tourists.
Though Santorini is a popular tourist spot, its small size means hotels can sell out fast. To avoid any issues during summer, make your reservations well in advance.
The island's famous old town is a significant draw for tourists. Hotels in this area may be more expensive, but they often offer a lot of charm and easy access to all the main attractions.
Transportation Budget in Santorini
Santorini has a public transit system that connects to several key locations. 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. Public transport is an affordable and quick choice if it's near where you're going, with taxis and rideshares also available for added convenience.
Santorini is easy to navigate on foot in some locations, which can help you enjoy the sights. Many towns on the island are walkable, including Fira, but the actual island is too large to explore on foot.
Public Transit: 
(good)
Walkability: (good)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $38 (€35) per person, per day, on local transportation in Santorini. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Santorini is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$38
€35
Check that your hotel has convenient parking if you're planning on driving.
Some of the standard transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Santorini, Private Transfer with Luxury Airconditioned Vehicle for $97 details
- Private Transfers To or From the Airport for $24 details
How much does it cost to go to Santorini? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Santorini will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Santorini
Food in Santorini is outstanding, and it's essential to make time to indulge in all the unique local flavors. Popular foods on this island include fava, Greek salad, and kofta.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Santorini can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Santorini is $105 (€96) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$105
€96
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Santorini is around $105 (€96) per person, with previous travelers spending from $44 to $235. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Santorini are as follows:
- Breakfast: $10 to $31
- Lunch: $16 to $42
- Dinner: $31 to $73
- Coffee: $8
- Fast Food or Street Food: $16
As for food, Santorini has some wonderful specialties, including white aubergin, fava caper, and tomato keftedes. You can also find some delicious dolmades, which are vine leaves stuffed with rice or meat. Seafood is ubiquitous as well, given your close proximity to the ocean. There are some reasonably priced restaurants down the side streets, but if you choose a place right on the water with a view, expect to pay a markup. The views may be worth it though. If you're on a particularly tight budget, gyros are available all over the island and are quite cheap.
Several hotels include breakfast with your stay, while others charge separately for it. The cost and quality can vary significantly depending on the hotel. Knowing this in advance can guide your budget decisions. It could be worth it for the tasty buffet available at the hotel, or you may wish to find a cheaper option at a local bakery or cafe.
Make a picnic to enjoy the scenery and save money. Find a local grocery store or market, grab some fresh food, and head to a nice park or beautiful location for your meal.
Bring a water bottle instead of buying beverages everywhere. It helps the environment, too.
If you're considering a tour, double-check which meals are included in the package. There may be instances where you'll have to pay for your own meals, potentially stretching your budget.
Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Santorini. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Santorini Family Farm Food & Wine Tour with Cooking Class for $161 details
- Santorini Private 8 Wine Tastings with Dinner & Oia Sunset for $242 details
- Cooking Class and Wine Tasting in Santorini for $156 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Santorini
People come to Santorini in droves for resorts, romance, food, and museums and attractions.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Santorini typically cost an average of $38 (€35) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$38
€35
Most people visit Santorini because of its breathtaking natural beauty, impressive landscape, and the picturesque setting. The island is also famous for its stunning sunsets. If you want to see the sun set below the sea, instead of the volcano, head to Ia. This is one of the few places on the island with this view.
Although many of the towns are attractions in and of themselves, also make sure you get into the countryside. There are many cave houses, gardens, vineyards, and small churches that dot the landscape.
Another interesting place to visit is Thirassia, which is a small island near Santorini that can be reached as part of a boat excursion and, of course, there are many beaches spread throughout the island.
There are many outdoor activities that you can enjoy around Santorini. You can climb to see the Ancient Thira or the monastery, which offers an incredible view of the ocean. There is horseback riding in Exo Gonia. Scuba diving and snorkeling is also available and there are sunset boat cruises. Santorini is also a very popular place to get married. Weddings during the peak season are very common.
Shopping:
Don't pass up the chance to shop here, as it's fun and enjoyable. Towns around the island are filled with clothing and jewelry boutiques as well as many unique Greek shopping experiences.
A nice way to explore destinations in Santorini is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Private Tailormade Tour in Santorini Island with Local Driver for $129 details
- 6-hour Best of Santorini Sightseeing Guided Tour for $129 details
- Private Overview of Full-Day Customizable Experience! For $215 details
Nightlife Budget in Santorini
For nightlife seekers, Santorini has some activities, but it lacks the vibrancy of other more favored destinations. It is one of the calmer, more romantic islands in Greece. For the best nightlife, you'll want to stay near Fira.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $27 (€25) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Santorini per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$27
€25
While nightlife is a key part of many trips, scaling back on drinks can help free up some extra cash in your budget.
Nighttime outings can be fun, but make sure to stay aware of your environment, especially if you've been drinking. Pickpockets or worse could take advantage, so stick to trusted company.
Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in Santorini. A few favorites from other travelers include:
- Santorini Private Highlights Tour & Wine Tasting with local guide for $172 details
- Private Wine Tasting Tour of Santorini for $225 details
- Santorini Private Wine Tasting Experience for $215 details
Travel cost data last updated: May 14, 2024
Traveling in Santorini
The village of Oia in Santorini, Greece
Santorini is a volcanic island that is part of the Cyclades group of the Greek Islands. It has some spectacular views, beautiful sunsets, and excellent beaches. As one of the most popular of the Greek Islands to visit, Santorini sees many tourists every year. However, it's for a good reason, as the famous white-washed buildings that spill down the hill, some with blue domes that match the gorgeous color of the water, are set against the beautiful mountainous backdrop of one of the most scenic areas of the Mediterranean. Home to several of these small and scenic towns such as Oia, Kamari, Perissa, and Fira, visitors can explore the large island, enjoy delicious food, swim at the beaches, hike the hills, and sail the blue waters.
Santorini's peak tourist season starts in early April when the weather starts to warm up. The summer months are quite hot but remain dry with little rain between May and September. The spring and fall months, between April and June and September and October are the best times to visit as the crowds are less, the temperature is more pleasant and the prices are lower. The winter months are the off season and many of the hotels and restaurants may close. The temperature is rarely that cold but there is often wind and rain.
Neighborhoods & Around
There are several places to visit around the island of Santorini. Perhaps the best beach on the island is Perissa, but there are also black pebble beaches in Kamari. There are also many spectacular towns around the island. Some of them, such as Fira, are brilliantly situated on the cliffs overlooking the water. The buildings are whitewashed, offering a striking contrast to the rich blue water below. Karterados is two kilometers south of Fira and has traditional Santorini architecture. Firostefani is high on the cliff and offers a great view for sunset. Imerovigli is a small resort town and Oia is a charming place to visit. The highest point on the island is Pyrgos. Megalochori is a traditional village with many churches. Akrotiri is an archeological site and Monolithos has a decent beach.
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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
I found some cheaper hotel options in Fira away from the cliffside. The place we stayed ended up being fantastic and really cute, it just didn't have the views. But we were only a few blocks away from all of the views so it was worth it. Plenty of amazing restaurants with good prices are also just a few blocks back from the cliffs, too.