A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Santorini vs. Zagora for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Santorini or Zagora?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Santorini or Zagora, 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 Zagora?

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.

Zagora

A small town in southern Morocco, Zagora is a popular base camp for excursions on foot, by camel, or four wheel drive vehicles into the surrounding desert. One of the most famous and historic treks is the ancient caravan route to Timbuktu, marked by a famous sign at the end of town - indicating a journey of "52 days" by camel.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Greece, The Best Budget Tours to Greece, The Best Adventure Tours to Morocco, and The Best Cultural Tours in Morocco.


Which place is cheaper, Zagora or Santorini?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Santorini is €250, while the average daily cost in Zagora is €56. 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 Zagora in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Santorini 118
    Zagora 34
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Santorini 236
    Zagora 68
Compare Hotels in Santorini and Zagora

Looking for a hotel in Santorini or Zagora? 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 Zagora


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 Zagora Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Santorini 35
    Zagora 1.35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santorini

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

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Santorini or Zagora?

Prices for flights to both Zagora 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
    Zagora 21

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zagora

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zagora.

  • Morocco Cooking Class Tour with local market visit : $39

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Santorini 35
    Zagora 2.69

Tours and Activities in Santorini

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

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

Tours and Activities in Zagora

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Zagora are as follows:

  • 2 days tour from Zagora to Erg Chegaga: $149
  • Private Day Camel Trekking Tour in Draa Valley from Zagora: $235
  • Zagora to Erg chigaga desert tour & 4x4 (All-inclusive) 2-Days: $179
  • Zagora to Erg chigaga desert tour & 4x4 and camel ride : $191

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Santorini 25
    Zagora -

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 Zagora, we can see that Santorini is more expensive. And not only is Zagora much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Santorini is in Europe and Zagora is in Africa, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Zagora would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Zagora 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 Zagora.

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


Which is Bigger, Santorini or Zagora?

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