A Travel Price Comparison for Greece Santorini vs. Skiathos for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Santorini or Skiathos?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Santorini or Skiathos, 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.

Where Should I go: Santorini or Skiathos?

Santorini

Santorini is a volcanic island that is part of the Cyclades group of the Greek Islands. It has some spectacular views, beautiful sunsets, and excellent beaches. As one of the most popular of the Greek Islands to visit, Santorini sees many tourists every year. However, it's for a good reason, as the famous white-washed buildings that spill down the hill, some with blue domes that match the gorgeous color of the water, are set against the beautiful mountainous backdrop of one of the most scenic areas of the Mediterranean. Home to several of these small and scenic towns such as Oia, Kamari, Perissa, and Fira, visitors can explore the large island, enjoy delicious food, swim at the beaches, hike the hills, and sail the blue waters.

Skiathos

Nestled in the azure waters of the Aegean Sea, Skiathos is a small but captivating island that packs a big punch when it comes to natural beauty, pristine beaches, and vibrant nightlife. As part of the Sporades archipelago, this verdant paradise offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure for all types of travelers. While Skiathos can be pricier than some other Greek islands due to its popularity, savvy travelers can still enjoy its charms without breaking the bank. To save money, eat at local restaurants, take public transportation, and find small, local hotels for accommodation.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Greece, The Best Budget Tours to Greece, The Best Tours for Seniors to Greece, and The Best Contiki Tours to Greece.


Which place is cheaper, Skiathos or Santorini?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Santorini Prices
    Greece Prices
    Skiathos Prices
    Greece Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Santorini 250
    Skiathos 412

The average daily cost (per person) in Santorini is €250, while the average daily cost in Skiathos is €412. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Santorini and Skiathos in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Santorini 118
    Skiathos 215
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Santorini 236
    Skiathos 430
Compare Hotels in Santorini and Skiathos

Looking for a hotel in Santorini or Skiathos? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Santorini


Hotels in Skiathos


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Santorini Hotel Prices and Skiathos Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Santorini 35
    Skiathos 115

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santorini

Also for Santorini, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Helicopter Transfer between Mykonos & Santorini: $6,138
  • Private Transfers from/to Santorini Port (Athinios) to/from Oia: $108
  • Santorini Private Roundtrip Transfer from/to Airport,Port & Hotel: $72
  • Santorini Private Airport Transfer : $29

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Skiathos

Also for Skiathos, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Skiathos Airport Private Arrival Transfer: $36

Is it cheaper to fly into Santorini or Skiathos?

Prices for flights to both Skiathos and Santorini change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Santorini 96
    Skiathos 129

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Santorini 35
    Skiathos 45

Tours and Activities in Santorini

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Santorini.

  • Ferry Tickets between Santorini and Crete Heraklion: $121
  • Magical Santorini Highlights Private Tour: $120
  • Private Experience in Santorini with Guide in Spanish: $269
  • Private Oia and Ammoudi Sunset Experience: $203
  • Private Santorini Sunset Picnic Experience: $203
  • Santorini Caldera Cruise with Greek Meal, Open-Bar & Sunset Views: $155
  • Santorini Classic Highlights and Sightseeing Private Tour: $177
  • Santorini Private Tour for Wine Enthusiasts: $215
  • Santorini Shopping Therapy: Style & Tradition Tour: $215
  • Santorini Unlocked: Private Tour with Local Guide & Driver: $203
  • Santorini's Story. Insta and TikTok Experience. Private tour : $203

Tours and Activities in Skiathos

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Skiathos.

  • All-Inclusive Full-Day Cruise & Lunch: $161
  • All-Inclusive Sailing Cruise-Skiathos & Nearby Islands with Lunch: $155
  • Daily Sailing Cruise from Skiathos to Skopelos Island: $143
  • Mamma Mia Cruise From Skiathos Island: $59
  • Sea and Sun day cruise from Skiathos: $53
  • Skiathos Guided Olive Oil Tasting Experience: $57
  • Skiathos Semiprivate Sailing Cruise : $151

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Santorini 25
    Skiathos 23

Sample the Local Flavors in Santorini

Also in Santorini, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Santorini Highlights Small-Group Tour with Wine Tasting option: $90
  • Private Wine Tasting-Wine Museum- Snacks: 2, 3 or 4 Wineries: $194
  • Private Wine Tour in Santorini - Greece: $203


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Santorini and Skiathos, we can see that Skiathos is more expensive. And not only is Santorini much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Santorini would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Santorini 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 Skiathos would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Skiathos than you might in Santorini.

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


Which is Bigger, Santorini or Skiathos?

Santorini has a larger population, and is about 120 times larger than the population of Skiathos. When comparing the sizes of Santorini and Skiathos, 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.