How Much Does Santorini Cost? 2026 Budget Guide | Prices & Tips
Santorini is widely regarded as one of the most expensive islands in Greece, primarily due to the high demand for its iconic caldera views. While luxury travelers can easily spend upwards of $1,648 / €1,400 per day, the island remains accessible to those on a budget of around $77 / €65 daily if they stay away from the cliffside. Costs are heavily influenced by location, with Oia and Imerovigli commanding the highest premiums for accommodation and dining. Travelers should expect to pay a premium for any venue offering a sunset view, though local tavernas and public transport provide more affordable alternatives. Balancing high-end experiences like catamaran cruises with street food and public buses is the key to managing a stay here.
Is Santorini expensive to visit?
Santorini is an expensive luxury destination—expect to spend between $77 / €65 and $1,648 / €1,400 per day depending on whether you prioritize caldera views or budget-friendly coastal stays.
On This Page
Daily Budget
How much to budget per person per day in Santorini
$77
per person /day
$412
per person /day
$1,648
per person /day
Trip Costs by Duration
Total estimated costs per person, excluding flights
| Trip Costs by Duration | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Day Trip | $230 | $1,236 | $4,943 |
| 5-Day Trip | $383 | $2,060 | $8,239 |
| 7-Day Trip | $536 | $2,884 | $11,535 |
per person — Excludes international flights
Budget Buffer
Recommended contingency for unexpected expenses
It is wise to maintain a 15% budget buffer to cover the Climate Crisis Resilience Fee, which ranges from $1.77 / €1.5 to $12 / €10 per night depending on hotel star rating. Additionally, factor in the $12 / €10 per-bag luggage fees often encountered on the cable car or specialized transfers.
How Does It Compare?
See how Santorini stacks up against other popular destinations
What Things Cost
Real prices for common tourist expenses in Santorini
Food & Drink (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant Typical for a casual taverna meal including a main dish and small side. | $28 €24 |
| Pita Gyros (Street Food) The most budget-friendly meal on the island. Filling and widely available in Fira and Oia. | $6.47 €5.5 |
| Domestic Draft Beer (0.5L) Price for a local Alpha or Mythos beer. Oia caldera-view bars can charge ~$14 / €12 or more. | $5.89 €5 |
Transport (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| KTEL Public Bus (Fira to Oia) Standard one-way fare. Night buses (after 00:30) cost ~$2.47 / €2.1. Pay in cash to the conductor on the bus. | $1.88 €1.6 |
| Santorini Cable Car (One-way) Connects Fira town to the Old Port. Price is per person per way. Children pay ~$5.89 / €5. | $12 €10 |
| Santorini Taxi (Fira to Airport) Fixed rate for up to 4 passengers. Expect ~$12 / €10 surcharge for late-night transfers (00:00–05:00). | $41 €35 |
| ATV / Quad Bike Rental (Daily) Price for a mid-range quad. Requires a valid car or bike license. Fuel is extra, typically ~$12–$18 / €10–€15 for a full island tour. | $53 €45 |
Accommodation (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Hostel 16 Oia (Dorm bed) Located in Oia. Prices for this prime location are significantly higher than other parts of the island. Expect ~$59–$71 / €50–€60 during peak summer. | $59 €50 |
| Anteliz Suites (Mid-range Hotel) Mid-range boutique hotel in Fira with caldera views. Rates fluctuate based on view and seasonality. | $277 €235 |
| Grace Hotel Santorini (Luxury Resort) Premium luxury stay in Imerovigli. Prices include breakfast and high-end amenities. Can exceed $2,943 / €2,500 for villas. | $1,295 €1,100 |
Activities (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Akrotiri Archaeological Site Entry Standard adult entry fee. Use the ~$18 / €15 combined ticket if also visiting the Museum of Prehistoric Thira. | $14 €12 |
| Santo Wines Tasting Flight (6 wines) Includes 6 local wine samples and small snacks with caldera views. Sunset times require advance booking. | $47 €40 |
| Sunset Catamaran Cruise (Shared) Includes round-trip transfers, BBQ dinner, and open bar. High season prices often reach ~$177–$212 / €150–€180. | $135 €115 |
Connectivity (1)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Airalo Greece eSIM (50GB) Valid for 30 days. Most reliable option for travelers needing high data volumes. | $43 €37 |
Other (1)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| ETIAS Travel Authorisation Mandatory for non-EU citizens starting late 2026. Valid for 3 years. | $24 €20 |
Food & Dining
What to eat and what it costs
Dining on the island ranges from world-class fine dining to affordable street food, with a basic pita gyros costing approximately $6.47 / €5.5 at local spots. A standard meal at an inexpensive taverna typically costs $28 / €24, while caldera-front restaurants in Oia often require a minimum spend of $118–$177 / €100–€150 per person for sunset views. Budget-conscious travelers can find local draft beers for $5.89 / €5, though prices can more than double in high-end bars.
Cheap Eats
Where locals eat — real places, real prices
Lucky's Souvlakis
$6.47–$18 / €5.5–€15Fira · Local chain
Legendary spot in Fira. Standing room only, so grab a gyro for ~$6.47 / €5.5 and eat on the street.
Pitogyros Traditional Grill
$7.06–$21 / €6–€18Oia · Street food area
The only affordable way to eat in Oia. A gyro and a beer will cost under ~$14 / €12.
Falafeland
$8.24–$16 / €7–€14Fira · Local chain
Excellent vegetarian option. Large wraps for ~$8.83 / €7.5 are enough for a full meal.
Kantouni
$14–$29 / €12–€25Pyrgos · Local chain
Located in the quiet village of Pyrgos. Much better value than Fira; a large Greek salad is ~$11 / €9.
Yogi Gyros
$6.47–$14 / €5.5–€12Fira · Street food area
Open late. A great alternative if Lucky's is too crowded.
Getting Around
Transport costs and the smartest ways to move
The KTEL public bus system is the most cost-effective way to explore, with fares ranging from $1.88 / €1.6 to $2.47 / €2.1 per trip. Many visitors opt for quad bike (ATV) rentals at roughly $53 / €45 per day for more freedom, while taxis are a premium service with fixed rates like $41 / €35 for a trip from Fira to the airport. To reach the Old Port from Fira, the cable car is available for $12 / €10 one-way.
Accommodation Overview
Accommodation prices are tiered by view; a dorm bed in Oia costs roughly $59 / €50, while a mid-range boutique hotel in Fira like Anteliz Suites averages $277 / €235. True luxury stays, such as the Grace Hotel Santorini in Imerovigli, start at $1,295 / €1,100 per night and can exceed $2,943 / €2,500 for private villas. Staying on the eastern beaches of Kamari or Perissa offers much higher value than the western caldera edge.
Accommodation Budget in Santorini
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Money-Saving Tips
Insider tricks to stretch your budget further
- 1 Eat at Lucky's Souvlakis or Yogi Gyros in Fira for $6.47 / €5.5 filling pita gyros instead of sit-down restaurants.
- 2 Use the KTEL public bus for $1.88 / €1.6 to travel between Fira and Oia instead of taking a $41 / €35 taxi.
- 3 Stay in Kamari or Perissa on the eastern side of the island where accommodation is significantly cheaper than Oia or Fira.
- 4 Purchase wine at local supermarkets for a few euros instead of paying $47 / €40 for a tasting flight at Santo Wines.
- 5 Hike the 10km trail from Fira to Oia for spectacular views that would otherwise cost hundreds of euros at a caldera-view bar.
- 6 In Perissa and Kamari, look for beach clubs that waive the sunbed rental fee (usually ~$47–$59 / €40–€50) if you order food or drinks.
- 7 Visit the Akrotiri Archaeological Site using the $18 / €15 combined ticket to save on entry to multiple historical sites.
- 8 Buy large water jugs at the supermarket; tap water is not drinkable and single bottles at tourist stalls are overpriced.
- 9 Book sunset catamaran cruises in advance for ~$135 / €115 to avoid last-minute price hikes that can reach $212 / €180.
- 10 Take the public bus to the airport for $1.88 / €1.6 instead of the standard $41 / €35 taxi fare.
Seasonal Pricing
When prices rise and fall throughout the year
Jul, Aug, Sep
+50–120%
Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
-40–70%
May, Jun, Oct
Santorini effectively 'shuts down' from November to March. While flights and hotels drop to ~$59–$94 / €50–€80, most restaurants and the iconic shops in Oia will be closed.
Events to Watch
- ● Orthodox Easter (April/May): +30% hotels
- ● Ifestia Festival (September): Fireworks event causing accommodation spikes
Free Things to Do
The best experiences that cost absolutely nothing
- 1 Hiking the scenic 10km trail from Fira to Oia along the caldera rim.
- 2 Watching the sunset from the ruins of the Byzantine Castle in Oia.
- 3 Cliff jumping into the turquoise waters at Ammoudi Bay.
- 4 Exploring the medieval 'Castelli' and narrow alleys of Pyrgos village.
- 5 Climbing to the top of Skaros Rock in Imerovigli for 360-degree views.
- 6 Walking through the traditional 'labyrinth' streets of Emporio village.
- 7 Visiting the Panagia Platsani church in Oia's main square (exterior and interior).
- 8 Relaxing on the public, non-commercialized sections of Perissa Black Sand Beach.
- 9 Strolling through the artisanal shops and historic mansions of Megalochori.
- 10 Watching the sunset from the cliffs near the Akrotiri Lighthouse.
- 11 Walking down (or up) the 587 steps of the Karavolades Stairs in Fira.
- 12 Exploring the exterior and courtyard of the Profitis Ilias Monastery at the island's highest point.
Worth the Splurge
Premium experiences that justify the price tag
Sunset Catamaran Cruise with Dinner
Avoids the Oia crowds and offers a unique perspective of the caldera cliffs. Includes unlimited drinks and a fresh BBQ.
Venetsanos Winery Sunset Tasting
Widely considered the best view on the island. The ~$77 / €65 fee covers a guided tour and 4 premium wines.
Private Caldera-Facing Suite
The iconic Santorini experience. Having your own private plunge pool while watching the sunset is worth the high cost.
Popular Activities
Top-rated tours and experiences in Santorini
Day Trip Costs
Popular day trips from Santorini and what they cost
Thirassia Island
$5.89 / €5 by boat
Free
$53 / €45
Nea Kameni (Volcano) & Hot Springs
$35 / €30 by boat
$5.89 / €5
$77 / €65
Payment & Money
How to pay and what to know about money
Euro (EUR)
1 € ≈ 1.18 $
Yes
High in hotels and Oia/Fira shops; low for buses and small beach tavernas.
Rounding up is standard. For great service in restaurants, ~5–10% is appreciated. Leave ~$2.35 / €2 for porters.
Use Alpha Bank or Piraeus Bank ATMs. Avoid Euronet machines which charge ~$4.71–$7.06 / €4–€6 per transaction plus poor exchange rates.
Connectivity
eSIM: $18–$44 for 10GB-50GB (opens in new tab)
Local SIM: $29 / €25 for 20GB at Vodafone/Cosmote stores in Fira.
WiFi: Excellent in hotels and Oia/Fira cafes; very poor at beaches and rural trails.
Use an Airalo eSIM for immediate data upon arrival. The 50GB plan at ~$43 / €37 is the best value for long stays.
Why you can trust this guide
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- All neighborhoods verified by walking them
- Curated locations based on walkability & safety
- Real-time availability via live partner maps
- Prices based on Booking.com & Numbeo averages
Methodology: This guide combines on-the-ground neighborhood research, current hotel pricing data, and real traveler feedback to provide honest, actionable accommodation recommendations for Santorini.
Updated: February 16, 2026
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