A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Santorini vs. Belfast for Couples, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Santorini or Belfast?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Santorini or Belfast, 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. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. You'll find world class beauty in Santorini as well. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. It's also known for scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Santorini travel costs.

Belfast

Belfast is a under-rated, authentic, and affordable city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the nightlife and shopping. See Belfast travel costs.

Santorini and Belfast: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Santorini or Belfast?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Santorini than Belfast. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Santorini is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Belfast attracts visitors for its big city activities. Santorini is more touristy than Belfast and is popular 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. Belfast is famous for being the birthplace of the Titanic and the location of the era of the "Troubles".

How is Santorini different from Belfast?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Santorini is a nice place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

Santorini is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Santorini is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Belfast is not a good city for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Santorini makes for a great culinary experience. Popular foods on this island include fava, Greek salad, and kofta.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Belfast. While many restaurants have moved towards more modern cuisines, there are still places that hold tight to the traditions of the area. Traditional dishes include pasties, full Irish breakfasts, and oysters.

Is Santorini or Belfast Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find nice options in both Santorini and Belfast.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Belfast. The city has a number of bars and clubs with local DJs or musicians.

Is Santorini or Belfast Better for Resorts?

Santorini is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Belfast 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.

Belfast is not a resort destination.

Is Santorini or Belfast Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Santorini is a nice place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Belfast 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.

Belfast is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Santorini or Belfast Better for Beaches?

Santorini is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Belfast 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.

Belfast is not a beach destination.

Is Santorini or Belfast Better for its Old Town?

Santorini is a nice place to visit for its historic old town. However, Belfast does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Santorini to see the historical old town. The historic towns of Fira and Oia are the two most popular with visitors, although they have become more built up and less historic over the past few decades. Historical areas are still found within these towns mixed in with restaurants, shops, and hotels set among the beautiful cliff-side views.

Belfast does not have a historic old town.

Is Santorini or Belfast Better for Hiking?

Santorini is a nice place to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Belfast 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.

Belfast is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Santorini or Belfast?

Santorini is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Santorini is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Towns around the island are filled with clothing and jewelry boutiques as well as many unique Greek shopping experiences.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Belfast. The main shopping areas in the city are Victoria Square Shopping Centre and CastleCourt.

Is Santorini or Belfast More Beautiful?

Santorini is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. However, Belfast is not a destination known for its beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Santorini as well. It has striking blue water and contrasting white buildings. It is the place many travelers dream of visiting for its picturesque setting.

Belfast is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Santorini or Belfast Better for Families?

Santorini and Belfast are both nice 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.

Belfast is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has several great kid-friendly museums, a zoo, and a few indoor or outdoor activity centers where you can let kids play and explore.

Is Santorini or Belfast Better for Couples?

Santorini is an unbeatable place for romance. However, Belfast is not a good city 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.

Most people don't think of Belfast as a couple's destination. There are gardens and parks to explore, several nice hotels with spas, and an Observatory on the 23rd floor of the Grand Central Hotel.

Is Santorini or Belfast Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santorini is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Belfast is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Belfast is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a reasonably affordable destination with a few hostels to choose from, but most backpackers don't make their way to this city.

Is Santorini or Belfast Better for Students?

Belfast is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Santorini is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Belfast. The city's affordability has made it a popular option for international students headed to the area.

Santorini is not popular with students.

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

Santorini is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Belfast is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Belfast. There is a bus service in the city.

Is Santorini or Belfast a more walkable city?

Santorini and Belfast are nice when it comes to walkability.

Santorini is a somewhat walkable place. Many towns on the island are walkable, including Fira, but the actual island is too large to explore on foot.

Belfast is a somewhat walkable island.

For even more information, also check out Is Santorini Worth Visiting? and Is Belfast Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Belfast or Santorini?

How long in Santorini or Belfast?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Santorini and Belfast. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Santorini than in Belfast. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Santorini, and 1-3 days is enough time in Belfast.

Families should spend more time in Santorini than Belfast. 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 Belfast. 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 Belfast 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 Belfast?

Santorini is a small town with plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the city of Belfast. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Belfast has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Santorini or Belfast?

Santorini might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the under-rated destination of Belfast. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Santorini or Belfast?

Santorini is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Santorini has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the affordable city of Belfast. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Santorini or Belfast?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Santorini. Santorini is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Belfast 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 Budget Tours to United Kingdom, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Santorini or Belfast?

Santorini has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Belfast. When comparing the sizes of Santorini and Belfast, 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.