Comparison · Athens vs Santorini · Greece
Athens vs Santorini
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Andrew Parlette, CC BY 4.0
Quick answer
Choose Athens for Acropolis and Parthenon, Ancient Greek history and lower day-to-day costs; choose Santorini for Caldera views and Oia sunsets. Athens is generally less expensive, and the two are about 231 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 231 km
- Less expensive
- Athens
- Best time for Athens
- April–June and September–October
- Best time for Santorini
- May–June and September–October
Side by side
| Athens | Santorini | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Greece | Greece |
| Known for | Acropolis and Parthenon, Ancient Greek history and Acropolis Museum | Caldera views, Oia sunsets and Blue-domed churches |
| Best time to visit | April–June and September–October | May–June and September–October |
| Ideal stay | 3 days | 4 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $140–$260 | $200–$380 |
| Cost level | Moderately priced | Expensive |
| Warmest month | July, 33°C (91°F) | July, 29°C (84°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 13°C (55°F) | January, 14°C (57°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 9 | 10 |
| Day trips in our guide | 6 | 4 |
| Beaches | Edem Beach, Palaio Faliro | Kamari |
| Airports | ATH | JTR |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Athens for…
Acropolis and Parthenon, Ancient Greek history and lower day-to-day costs. Athens wraps a sprawling modern capital around the Acropolis, whose Parthenon is visible from rooftops all over the centre. Most visitors stay in the walkable historic core of Plaka, Monastiraki, Koukaki and Syntagma, where the Acropolis Museum, the Ancient…
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Choose Santorini for…
Caldera views and Oia sunsets. Santorini is a crescent of volcanic cliffs around a flooded caldera in the southern Cyclades, left by one of the largest eruptions in human history about 3,600 years ago. Whitewashed villages — Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli and Oia — line the caldera rim up…
Top sights compared
| # | Athens | Santorini |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Acropolis and Parthenon | Oia village and sunset |
| 2 | Acropolis Museum | Fira to Oia caldera hike |
| 3 | Ancient Agora and Temple of Hephaestus | Akrotiri archaeological site |
| 4 | Plaka and Anafiotika | Museum of Prehistoric Thera |
| 5 | Temple of Olympian Zeus and Hadrian's Arch | Fira caldera promenade |
Food compared
| Athens | Santorini |
|---|---|
| Souvlaki and gyros | Santorini fava |
| Greek salad | Tomato fritters |
| Moussaka | Greek salad with Santorini capers |
| Koulouri | Grilled octopus and fresh fish |
Which is cheaper?
Athens is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $140–$260 per person there, against $200–$380 in Santorini (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Athens on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Athens and Santorini are about 231 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 3 days in Athens and 4 in Santorini.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Athens or Santorini cheaper?
Athens is usually less expensive: about $140–$260 a day mid-range against $200–$380 (estimates).
+Is Athens or Santorini better for a first trip?
Pick Athens for Acropolis and Parthenon, Ancient Greek history and lower day-to-day costs, or Santorini for Caldera views and Oia sunsets.
+How far is Athens from Santorini?
About 231 km in a straight line.