A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Santorini vs. Lyon for Attractions, Food, Old Town, and Couples

Should you visit Santorini or Lyon?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Santorini or Lyon, 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 historic, romantic, and stunning 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. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and food. See Santorini travel costs.

Lyon

Lyon is a authentic, historic, and beautiful city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Many visitors also come to Lyon because of it's amazing beauty. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Lyon travel costs.

Santorini and Lyon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Santorini or Lyon?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Lyon than Santorini. While Santorini is larger than Lyon, Lyon has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lyon is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere, while Santorini is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and small town charm. Santorini is more touristy than Lyon and is popular for its beautiful volcanic beaches, stunning natural beauty, and breathtaking sunsets over the whitewashed villages. Lyon is well known for its world-renowned cuisine, charming old town, and vibrant new town. Also, Lyon is famous for The Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière.

How is Santorini different from Lyon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Lyon 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 Lyon are world-renowned. There are many world class museums and historic landmarks in the city including Musée des Beaux Arts, Musée de la Civilisation Gallo-Romaine, and Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière.

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 Lyon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lyon is an unbeatable place for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Lyon is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Known as "the Gastronomic Capital of the World" this city stands above the rest when it comes to Michelin star restaurants (there are 17!), fresh ingredients, and unique local flavors. Favorite local dishes include pâté en croûte, rosette de Lyon, and saucisson brioché.

Dining out in Santorini is an experience not to be missed. Popular foods on this island include fava, Greek salad, and kofta.

Is Santorini or Lyon Better for Nightlife?

Lyon is a great city for nightlife and partying. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Lyon has something for everybody. The city has enough diverse neighborhoods that you'll find a scene that is great for everyone. There are dance clubs, cocktail bars, and wine bars that meet every personality and style.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Santorini. It is one of the calmer, more romantic islands in Greece. For the best nightlife, you'll want to stay near Fira.

Is Santorini or Lyon Better for Resorts?

Santorini is an amazing island to visit for its resorts. However, Lyon 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.

Lyon is not a resort destination.

Is Santorini or Lyon Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Santorini is a nice place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Lyon 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.

Lyon is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Santorini or Lyon Better for Beaches?

Santorini is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Lyon 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.

Lyon is not a beach destination.

Is Santorini or Lyon Better for its Old Town?

Lyon is an unbeatable place for its old town. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its historic old town charm.

With a famous historical old-town, Lyon offers plenty to see. This impressive old town climbs from the river into Fourvière Hill. It's a Renaissance era district with beautiful buildings and plenty of character. You can spend days wandering the quaint streets and popping in the world class restaurants.

Santorini offers a nice historic old town area. 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.

Is Santorini or Lyon Better for Hiking?

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

Lyon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Santorini or Lyon?

If you're looking to go shopping, Santorini and Lyon both offer plenty of superb spots.

Santorini is well-known for its shopping. Towns around the island are filled with clothing and jewelry boutiques as well as many unique Greek shopping experiences.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Lyon. The city has many trendy markets, pedestrian shopping areas, and character-filled boutiques. From the charming shops in old town to the chic shopping streets, there are plenty of places to splurge around town.

Is Santorini or Lyon More Beautiful?

Santorini and Lyon are somewhat similar when it comes to the amazing scenery.

Many visitors also come to Santorini because of it's amazing beauty. It has striking blue water and contrasting white buildings. It is the place many travelers dream of visiting for its picturesque setting.

You'll find world class beauty in Lyon as well. The city climbs beautifully into the hills and offers spectacular views and charming character.

Is Santorini or Lyon Better for Families?

Lyon is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Lyon is very family-friendly. The city has many kid-friendly museums including Musée des Confluences and the Cinema and Miniature Museum. There are also playgrounds, patisseries, and river cruises that you can enjoy as a family. Puppet shows are also fun, but do note that they're usually in French. While the restaurants are amazing for adults, it can be tricky to find a kid-friendly option with early opening hours that are convenient for little ones.

Santorini is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Is Santorini or Lyon Better for Couples?

Santorini is an amazing island to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Lyon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

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.

Lyon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples can enjoy wandering the beautiful Old Town, taking a river cruise, and dining on some of the best food in France.

Is Santorini or Lyon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lyon is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Lyon. The city has several hostels and a number of activities that are fun for budget travelers and backpackers.

Santorini is a good island to visit for backpackers. 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.

Is Santorini or Lyon Better for Students?

Lyon is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. However, Santorini is not popular with students.

Lyon is a great destination for students. It is a very livable city with many fun cultural activities for students. There are many different entertainment options during the day, and during the evening there are plenty of places to hang out.

Santorini is not popular with students.

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

Lyon is an unbeatable place 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.

Visitors in Lyon can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The city has a metro, trams, and buses, that make it easy to get around.

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 Lyon a more walkable city?

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

Lyon is a very walkable city. The old town is particularly walkable, but the hills can make things a bit challenging. There are also a number of pedestrian streets around town.

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 Lyon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lyon or Santorini?

How long in Santorini or Lyon?

In either Santorini or Lyon, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Santorini than Lyon because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Santorini, and 2-5 days is enough time in Lyon.

Families should spend more time in Lyon than Santorini. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Lyon, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Santorini than Lyon. 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 Lyon than Santorini 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 Lyon.

One day in Santorini or Lyon?

Santorini is a small town where visitors enjoy the nightlife and food. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

People visit Lyon because there is so much to do. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Santorini or Lyon?

Santorini is a fun place to experience. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

People visit Lyon because there is so much to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Lyon?

Santorini might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. This island offers something for everyone. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

People visit Lyon because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Santorini or Lyon?

Even though Santorini is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Lyon is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Santorini or Lyon?

Santorini has a larger population, and is about 27% larger than the population of Lyon. When comparing the sizes of Santorini and Lyon, 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.