A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Santorini vs. Sibenik for Resorts, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Santorini or Sibenik?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Santorini or Sibenik, 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. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. Santorini is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Santorini travel costs.

Sibenik

Sibenik is a local, undiscovered, and charming town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Sibenik is a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Sibenik travel costs.

Santorini and Sibenik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Santorini or Sibenik?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Santorini. Although Santorini and Sibenik are popular destinations, Santorini has more sights and attractions for tourists. Santorini is very popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, hiking, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Sibenik attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, beaches, and historical sights. Santorini is more touristy than Sibenik and is known 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. Sibenik is famous for its photogenic beaches, charming old town, and surrounding natural beauty.

How is Santorini different from Sibenik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Sibenik is a great town for its historical sights. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its sights and museums.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Sibenik can be an interesting and educational experience. Despite being skipped by many international tourists, the town has a number of historical landmarks such as Sibenik Cathedral, St. Michael's Fortress, and the fascinating the Dalmatian Ethno Village.

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 Sibenik? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Santorini and Sibenik can be an enjoyable experience.

Santorini has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Popular foods on this island include fava, Greek salad, and kofta.

Dining out in Sibenik is an experience not to be missed. The restaurants are local and delicious. The old town has cafes that spill into the squares, so dining is a truly delightful experience. This is a hidden gem on the Adriatic.

Is Santorini or Sibenik Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Sibenik. During the summer months you'll find people filling the terraces and squares at night. There are also a number of festivals in and near town. If you're looking for nightlife, it's best to visit during one of these festivals.

Is Santorini or Sibenik Better for Resorts?

Santorini is renowned for its luxury resorts. Also, Sibenik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its resorts.

Vacationers flock to Santorini for its luxury resorts. 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.

With a selection of resorts, Sibenik makes a nice vacation spot. The town has gained popularity in recent years and its become a popular summer resort destination for Europeans.

Is Santorini or Sibenik Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Santorini is a good destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Sibenik is lacking in options for its diving and snorkeling.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Santorini. 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.

Sibenik has a few snorkeling spots. There aren't as many snorkeling trips leaving from this town as other, more popular beach destinations in Croatia.

Is Santorini or Sibenik Better for Beaches?

Sibenik is a great town for the beach. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for the beach.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Sibenik. The beaches are less crowded than those in the more popular nearby cities, but they are gaining popularity. In town, Banj Beach is a pebbly beach that is easy to access. Nearby Jadrija Beach is considered to be one of the most photogenic in the area and St. Nicholas Beach is one of the more remote.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Santorini. 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.

Is Santorini or Sibenik Better for its Old Town?

Sibenik is a great town for its old town. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its historic old town charm.

Many visitors go to Sibenik to see the historical old town. The charming old town is car-free and filled with quaint streets and lovely cafes.

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 Sibenik Better for Hiking?

Santorini is a good destination for its hiking trails. However, Sibenik is not a hiking destination.

Santorini offers some nice hiking trails. 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.

Sibenik is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Santorini or Sibenik?

Santorini is an excellent place to visit for shopping. Also, Sibenik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Santorini. Towns around the island are filled with clothing and jewelry boutiques as well as many unique Greek shopping experiences.

Sibenik offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find some local shops selling interesting trinkets and souvenirs.

Is Santorini or Sibenik More Beautiful?

Santorini is renowned for its scenery and beauty. Also, Sibenik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its scenery and beauty.

Santorini is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It has striking blue water and contrasting white buildings. It is the place many travelers dream of visiting for its picturesque setting.

Sibenik is a beautiful place to visit, too. The town is often skipped by tourists in Croatia, but this is a real hidden gem on the Adriatic.

Is Santorini or Sibenik Better for Families?

Sibenik is a great town 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, Sibenik is very family-friendly. It has grown into a popular summer resort destination. There are many outdoor activities in the area including kayaking, swimming, and boating. You should also take a day trip to Krka National Park to see the waterfalls. There are also some good beaches where families can hang out.

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 Sibenik Better for Couples?

Santorini is renowned for romance. Also, Sibenik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Santorini is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Couples visit Sibenik frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The town is charming and filled with historic sights. There are also beaches and adventure sports for those looking for an adrenaline-filled vacation.

Is Santorini or Sibenik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Many backpackers visit Sibenik. The town has a large number of hostels to choose from, making this an easy and convenient stop off for backpackers and budget travelers.

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 Sibenik Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Santorini and Sibenik both offer nice public transit to get you around.

While Santorini offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. 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.

Sibenik has a few public transit options. There is a public bus system that can help you get around the area.

Is Santorini or Sibenik a more walkable city?

Sibenik is an unbeatable place for its high level of walkability. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its ease of walking around.

Sibenik is a very easy town to get around on foot. The old town is car-free and easily explored on foot.

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 Sibenik Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sibenik or Santorini?

How long in Santorini or Sibenik?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Santorini and Sibenik. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Santorini than in Sibenik. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Santorini, and 2-3 days is enough time in Sibenik.

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

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

One day in Santorini or Sibenik?

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 shopping and museums around the town of Sibenik. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Sibenik?

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 museums and nightlife around the undiscovered destination of Sibenik. 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 town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Santorini or Sibenik?

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 food when visiting the authentic town of Sibenik. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Santorini or Sibenik?

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.

Sibenik is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Dubrovnik, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Dubrovnik.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Santorini or Sibenik?

Santorini has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Sibenik. When comparing the sizes of Santorini and Sibenik, 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.