How much does a vacation in Santorini cost?

The price for a round trip from New York (JFK) to Santorini (JTR) typically starts at around $700 per person in Economy Class. For this price, you can carry one 8 kg (18 lbs) piece of hand luggage and one 23 kg (50 lbs) piece of checked baggage. Most itineraries involve connecting through major European cities such as Athens, London, or Frankfurt.

Another potentially cheaper option is to fly to Athens (ATH) and take the ferry to Santorini. This can be especially worthwhile if you plan to visit multiple islands during your trip.

The peak season on Santorini is during the summer months, which is also reflected in higher flight prices. During this time, you should expect to pay at least $110 to $220 extra. To find the cheapest possible flights, consider using a flight comparison portal to compare the numerous offers available.

Accommodation prices on Santorini start at $75 per person in a 2* to 3* hotel. However, more comfortable 4* hotels charge as much as $135 per night. For luxury accommodation and 5* hotels, prices start at $245 and have no upper limit.

Typical accommodation on Santorini are so-called "cave houses", which are houses or apartments built directly into the rock, often with a private pool. These used to be traditional accommodation for the poor, but today they are some of the most luxurious apartments and hotels. However, these are considerably more expensive and you need to book well in advance to find such accommodation.

The different prices depend on the location of the accommodation and, above all, the season. Booking at least 8 to 12 weeks in advance is definitely recommended.

Some of the most popular activities on Santorini cost between $50 and $130. For this price, you can take a tour on a catamaran with food and drinks or join a boat trip to the volcanic island and hot springs.

Travelers exploring Santorini can also enjoy numerous attractions and activities for free. These include, for example, a hike from Fira to Oia, a visit to the black sand beach in Perissa or the spectacular sunset in Oia.

If you prefer to travel with a guide or even privately, you should budget between $165 and $275 per person. Go on a guided wine tour at sunset or hire a license-free boat for snorkeling in a secluded spot.

A meal in an inexpensive Greek restaurant usually costs between $13 and $28 per guest. At the same time, a generous 3-course meal on Santorini can cost between $40 and $110.

Food and drink prices are significantly more expensive than on the mainland. You can get a Greek salad on the mainland for $6, while it costs between $6.60 and $13.20 on Santorini. A simple fast food meal is a little cheaper at 8 to 12 euros per person.

However, don't miss out on Santorini's food specialties and try the Tomatokeftedes (fried tomato balls) or the Fava me Koukia (pureed fava beans). You can also simply enjoy the warm and joyful atmosphere of a Greek taverna!

The cost of a small rental car on Santorini starts at $95. For more space, or if you plan on driving off-road, you should rent a large car or an off-road vehicle for at least $175 per day. Prices vary considerably depending on the time of year and season. Additionally, gasoline costs about $2.32 per liter.

With a rental car, you can enjoy flexibility and independence. However, be aware that in the large towns of Fira and Oia, there are only limited parking spaces and very narrow streets to navigate. Renting a quad bike or e-scooter is also a suitable option.

Another recommended option is to use the various bus connections. There are many different routes between the towns via the central bus station, and this is a very economical choice, with a one-way ticket costing less than $2.20.