Is Santorini Expensive To Visit In 2025? Cost Breakdown & Tips
Are you going to Greece and are curious about whether Santorini is expensive?
Well, then, you’ve come to the right place! I’ve visited Santorini multiple times and can help you decide whether it’s expensive to visit.
Santorini is Greece’s picture-perfect destination and one of its most widely visited destinations. Located in the Cyclades island region, this island is sought after for its stunning sunset views, white-washed houses, blue-domed churches, and unique beaches.
With all the dreamy experiences in Santorini, you may question the cost of a visit. Despite the island’s notoriety of being an expensive destination, you can uncover the island’s charm without straining your finances.
This post will explain the various costs you may incur on a Santorini trip and provide tips for saving money. While Santorini can be pricey, exploring the island without an outrageous budget is still possible, ensuring it remains an accessible destination.
If you’re planning a Santorini getaway, here’s some valuable information that might prove helpful.
Going On A Trip To Santorini? Check Out These Resources!
🛌 Accommodations: I always use Booking.com for my lodging.
🚘 Car Rentals: To find the best prices, I use Discover Cars!
✈️ Flights: To find great flight prices, I check on Skyscanner.
📍Tours: I use Viator to find memorable experiences.
Is Santorini Expensive To Vacation In 2025?
To be straightforward, yes, Santorini is an expensive place to visit.
In the Cycladic region, Santorini is near the popular and expensive Mykonos island. Prices in Santorini will be considerably higher than those in other Greek islands, such as Syros, Naxos, and Corfu. This applies to various expenses, from dining out to accommodation costs.
Due to the high number of tourists, the power of supply and demand greatly influences Santorini prices, particularly during the peak months of July and August.
The influx of tourists dramatically increases prices for accommodation, excursions, rental vehicles, and more.
If you intend to indulge in everything Santorini offers, prepare yourself for higher expenses, as the complete Santorini experience can be pretty costly.
Nevertheless, experiencing Santorini on a tighter budget is feasible.
Strategies to lower the costs of your trip include opting for the shoulder season and eating at reasonably priced tavernas instead of high-end restaurants. Booking accommodation outside of the central tourist hubs is another way to stay within budget.
For a straightforward answer, yes, Santorini tends to be expensive. However, you don’t need to worry—I’ll provide tips to help make your Santorini vacation more budget-friendly despite the island’s overall higher costs.
Why Is Santorini So Expensive?
Santorini is a pricey destination for various reasons. It’s one of Greece’s top tourist spots, seeing around two million visitors annually, which drives up demand for lodging, activities, and dining.
The high amount of tourists causes the island to face several constraints due to its limited space and resources.
Given this, there are scenarios where hotels, transportation, and excursion providers can bill premium rates to capitalize on the overwhelming demand.
To give you an idea, my friend and I had to pay a taxi for €30 ($31) to get from one hotel to the next within Fira! Inflated prices such as that scenario have contributed to a decline in tourism expectations.
From July to August, the peak season witnesses the highest demand levels in Santorini.
Consequently, this period represents the priciest time to visit, with costs soaring dramatically higher than off-peak times. Opting for a visit outside peak months can save you a ton!
Santorini’s many affluent travelers and celebrities also contribute to its high price tags. These visitors flock to indulge in the island’s luxurious accommodations, activities, and fine dining options, further driving up the cost of various amenities and services.
It’s no surprise that Santorini has various elite, luxurious accommodation options. Hotels with infinity pools and cave suites primarily cater to these influential travelers in villages such as Oia.
For example, one look at Canaves Oia may leave you quite impressed! This hotel is a favorite among celebrities that visit the island.
How Much Does the Average Trip to Santorini Cost? Full Breakdown
Now that you understand that a Santorini trip can come with a substantial price tag let’s delve into a comprehensive breakdown of the average expenses associated with a trip to this unique island.
How Much Are Flights to Santorini?
Thankfully, a few Greek islands, including Santorini, benefit from direct flights from several European cities and other international destinations.
If you come from most other global destinations outside Europe, you’ll likely require a layover in Athens or another major European airport like Frankfurt or Amsterdam.
Your starting point may largely determine if the flight becomes one of your most expensive costs while visiting Santorini. Additionally, costs tend to rise during July and August compared to the other months.
✈️Book your flight to Santorini on Skyscanner to find deals!
Accommodation Costs in Santorini
In addition to the flight, your choice of accommodation in Santorini can heavily influence the total cost of your trip.
Santorini presents a range of lodging options, from upscale hotels and villas to mid-range hotels and short-term rentals. Luckily, if you’re a budget backpacker, the island also has several hostels.
Various factors can influence the price of lodging in Santorini, including the area you stay in and the timing of your visit.
As for where you stay on the island, Oia is the most expensive village for accommodation, with Fira coming in second but offering more affordable options.
To save even more, you can stay in Kamari or Perissa. While they don’t have the caldera views, they are around several beaches and can save you a lot on lodging expenses.
Typically, accommodation choices have the following ranges:
Next are some excellent accommodation options to consider for your trip:
📍Andronis Boutique Hotel ($$$)
9.7/10 (75+ reviews)
Located in the beautiful town of Oia, Andronis Boutique Hotel stands out as one of Santorini’s premier properties. This 5-star hotel is the ideal destination for those seeking an unforgettable lodging experience.
Andronis offers a range of amenities, including an outdoor pool, cutting-edge spa facilities, a bar, and exceptional dining choices. Some accommodations even feature private pools!
With a location in Oia, you’ll be within easy walking distance of its restaurants, attractions, and incredible sunset views.
➡️Book your luxury stay at Andronis Boutique Hotel today!⬅️
📍 White Concept Caves ($$)
9.2/10 (520+ reviews)
White Concept Caves is a superb 4-star hotel in Fira. Its location provides easy access to Fira’s entertainment and dining options.
This hotel offers numerous amenities, such as two outdoor pools and a delicious breakfast spread. Some rooms even have private outdoor jacuzzis!
Something else that sets White Concept Caves apart is the incredible service from its staff. This hotel is an incredible way to enjoy your time in Santorini.
➡️Book your memorable time at White Concept Caves today!⬅️
📍Anemomilos Suites ($)
8.9/10 (670+ reviews)
Anemomilos Suites proves that comfortable, quality Santorini accommodations can be found at affordable prices during peak and off-season periods.
Located within Fira, these suites provide comfort and attentive service, making it a prime option for travelers seeking value without compromising quality.
Anemomilos Suites also offers guests amenities and services, including a swimming pool, Wi-Fi, and daily housekeeping. All suites have private bathrooms, TVs, and refrigerators.
➡️Book your accommodation at Anemomilos Suites today!⬅️
How Much Does a Meal Cost in Santorini?
Food in Santorini is more expensive than on an island like Syros. The costs will vary depending on several factors, including the restaurant type, location, and meal selections.
Some upscale Santorini restaurants even charge a minimum spend per person, as influential travelers are open to splurge on the experience.
Before I get into food costs, let me just say that Greek food is delicious. Some tasty Greek cuisine to try on a first visit is moussaka (an eggplant layered dish), souvlaki (meat skewers), fava (split pea dip), and Loukoumades (fried dough balls).
Alright, let’s jump back in—anticipate the cost of food in Santorini to fall between €20-€40 ($21-$42) per meal. In addition to the meal, cocktails can be €13-€20 ($14-$22) if you’re at a touristy spot.
Alongside tasty Greek restaurants, the island has a diverse culinary scene. You can also indulge in Italian, Asian, and other worldwide cuisines.
Nevertheless, budget-friendly dining options exist in Santorini, and the food is excellent. Below are two ways you can save on dining on the island:
👉 Opt for local establishments like authentic Greek tavernas to reduce dining costs during your Santorini vacation.
These spots are typically more affordable than tourist-centric venues. They charge around €12-€15 ($13-$16) per dish. Additionally, going to a quality gyro joint is a way to save, with prices often at €3-€6.
Some great affordable dining options include Lucky’s Souvlaki, Pentozali, and Ta Postalia Tou Aigaiou.
👉If you’ve chosen a short-term rental or aparthotel for your accommodations, you can purchase local ingredients and prepare meals yourself.
Grocery stores across the island offer affordable prices. This approach can reduce dining expenses and maintain lower prices throughout your stay.
Are Excursions in Santorini Expensive?
Excursions in Santorini tend to be relatively expensive. To reduce costs, consider doing activities like the Fira to Oia hike, unwinding on the beaches, and exploring unique villages like Megalochori.
Tours typically cost €67-€289 ($70-$300)+ per person. I highly recommend taking at least a catamaran cruise or ATV tour during your time in Santorini.
How to Do Santorini on a Budget
While Santorini is known as being one of the most costly islands to visit in Greece, that doesn’t imply that you need to spend a fortune. Numerous budget-friendly options allow you to enjoy the island’s beauty without overspending.
Next are some money-saving tips for your Santorini trip:
✔️ Plan Your Visit During the Shoulder Season Months
Like numerous European destinations, Santorini experiences its peak season from July to August.
This period holds the hottest temperatures of the year and draws large crowds to various attractions and entertainment venues.
Oia and Fira, with their picturesque white-washed buildings adorned with vibrant flowers, are exceptionally bustling during this time.
If you’re looking for the cheapest time to visit Santorini, I recommend visiting during the shoulder seasons. A visit from May through June or September through early October will help you avoid the crowds and high prices.
These periods offer more affordable prices, fewer tourists, and milder weather than the hot summer months.
✔️Choose Less Costly Dining and Accommodation
Dining in Santorini can quickly become a costly expense. With its appeal to high-profile visitors, the island’s tourist-oriented restaurants, beach bars, and lodging often have steep price tags.
For instance, Lycabettus is one of Santorini’s most expensive restaurants, with a minimum price of €175 ($189)!
Instead of splurging on those options, consider seeking local tavernas serving delectable Greek cuisine at more budget-friendly prices. You can also cut food costs by purchasing groceries from the local market and preparing meals.
As mentioned, accommodation costs can also be reduced by staying in areas such as Perissa or choosing a short-term vacation rental.
✔️Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute to Book Your Trip
Securing affordable arrangements for your Santorini trip is mainly about timing, which typically requires early booking.
Given the island’s popularity among tourists, reserving accommodations and excursions in advance provides a broader set of options, guaranteeing you can tailor your choices to fit your budget.
You can find more flight deals by looking for discounted airfares, which will help you stay within your budget. Furthermore, considering the high demand for accommodations in Santorini, it’s advisable to book lodgings for peak months two to three months ahead at minimum.
Planning and booking flights, accommodations, and other logistics in advance enables you to craft a well-thought-out itinerary. Ultimately, this approach leads to a smoother and more cost-effective trip.
✔️ Make Use of the Public Transportation
The Santorini bus system stands out for its efficiency and user-friendliness. It offers a cost-effective alternative to renting a car or other modes of transportation for exploration.
The KTEL company operates the Santorini public buses, and fares do not exceed €3.1 ($3)! Just beware that Fira is the central bus station hub. All bus routes originate or end in Fira.
It’s important to note that there is no direct connection to any village or beach without stopping in Fira. That said, Fira may be the best option to stay if you cannot spend on other transportation options.
While some travelers choose rental quad bikes or cars for added flexibility, you should be mindful of the driving conditions. Many roads feature winding and narrow passages, requiring heightened awareness, as everyone does not follow the road rules in Greece.
One question you may have is whether you can use Uber in Santorini. While you can, the traditional UberX service is unavailable and charges a high, fixed rate. The same applies if you’re wondering about Uber’s availability in Mykonos.
Is Santorini Expensive FAQs
Now that you know what to expect regarding various prices in Santorini, here are some frequently asked questions about the subject.
Is Santorini Worth It or Too Touristy?
Yes, Santorini is worth a visit at least once in your lifetime! Despite its reputation for being expensive and non-authentic, the island has a unique beauty you cannot find anywhere else in the world!
The caldera view is easily the best in Santorini. Sunsets against a backdrop of the volcano and calm waters make many regard it as the best sunset view in the world!
If you want to splurge on some of the upscale accommodations and other experiences on the island, prepare yourself for a treat! The standard of quality service in Santorini is next-level!
Santorini offers at least one experience that any traveler can enjoy. It is particularly romantic if you’re looking for a honeymoon vacation.
Additionally, you can take ferries to other islands in the Cyclades, such as Milos and Naxos.
Is Santorini More Expensive Than Mykonos?
Santorini and Mykonos are two of Greece’s most sought-after destinations, drawing around 2 million visitors annually. However, in terms of expenses, Santorini tends to edge out Mykonos as the slightly pricier option.
Typically, accommodation, dining, and activity costs run higher in Santorini. Nevertheless, the comparison can be influenced by the level of luxury experiences you pursue on either island.
For example, you may choose to spend more on Santorini excursions, but in Mykonos, you might go to multiple beach clubs, which can be very expensive. The nightlife in Santorini is also more affordable than in Mykonos.
Is Santorini a Luxury Destination?
Yes, Santorini is a renowned luxury destination! The island will quickly impress you with its stunning scenery, beautiful sunsets, upscale accommodations, and excursions.
Santorini is home to numerous 5-star luxury hotels and fine dining options. This island is an excellent choice if you want to treat yourself with top-quality service!
However, while Santorini is often associated with luxury, you can still comfortably visit the island on a budget.
There are many ways to reduce expenses for a Santorini trip, including visiting during the shoulder seasons and staying in short-term rentals and guesthouses instead of hotels.
Beyond its luxury, you can appreciate Santorini’s history and landscape free of charge. The island can cater to all travelers.
To Sum Up: Is Santorini Expensive?
Alright, so, is Santorini expensive? Absolutely, regrettably so.
Although costs surpass those of neighboring islands such as Milos, with this guide, you can still access this Greek gem and discover its ability to accommodate a range of budgets.
I trust this information can help you estimate the expenses for your Santorini getaway. While the island does have an expensive reputation, you can fit it into a tighter budget.
However, if you’re ready to splurge, this island has much to offer. Whether staying in a luxurious cave sweet, doing the flying dress photo shoot, or going to a fine dining spot, Santorini provides superb quality.
Read about Santorini ATV tours here, another incredible excursion to enjoy.
If you’re eager for an adventure on this stunning Greek island, it’s time to begin planning and preparing for an unforgettable journey!
Enjoy your time in Santorini!
