Santorini or Bali for Honeymoon? If you feel stuck in this dilemma, then you are not alone. Each year, thousands of couples flock to Santorini for its spectacular vistas of the Mediterranean and Bali for its tropical beaches and culture.
Although Santorini and Bali are both excellent romantic gateways, they are quite different in practically every way. That is why I have compared Bali and Santorini in this article based on a range of critical factors to help you decide which one to visit for your honeymoon or vacation.
If your fantasy honeymoon includes romance with your spouse in a picture-perfect location with breathtaking vistas and beautiful sunsets, consider Santorini over Bali. If you’re on a budget and want to experience world-class luxury resorts at affordable prices, adventure, intriguing eastern culture, and world-class tropical beaches, choose Bali over Greece.
Santorini or Bali for Honeymoon: Which is better?
Table of Contents
Flight Price
It makes no difference where you’re going on your honeymoon; the first thing you’ll see is the flight pricing to your chosen destination. The cost of the flight is a critical factor. It has the potential to make or break your travel budget. And, in fact, it frequently takes the biggest chunk of our travel budget. Thus, it is critical to begin by comparing flight prices to Bali and Santorini from your city before moving on to other parameters.
The table below highlights the typical cost of flying to Bali and Santorini from major cities worldwide.
| City | Travel class | Bali | Santorini |
| New York | Economy Premium economy Business | 460$ 1000$ 2050$ | 661$ 892$ 2116$ |
| Los Angeles | Economy Premium economy Business | 270$ 640$ 1150$ | 484$ 789$ 2810$ |
| Chicago | Economy Premium economy Business | 300$ 1020$ 1450$ | 1006$ 1096$ 2642$ |
| London | Economy Premium economy Business | 1200$ 2300$ 6000$ | 190$ 2150$ 440$ |
| Berlin | Economy Premium economy Business | 1200$ 2100$ 5100$ | 106$ 1100$ 2691$ |
| Paris | Economy Premium economy Business | 1107$ 2160$ 4400$ | 123$ 1190$ 550$ |
| Moscow | Economy Premium economy Business | 820$ 2400$ 3800$ | 147$ 887$ 796$ |
| Melbourne | Economy Premium economy Business | 474$ 1170$ 2032$ | 758$ 1704$ 3031$ |
| New Delhi | Economy Premium economy Business | 1300$ 2200$ 4300$ | 672$ 1171$ 1999$ |
Winner: Tie, the cost of traveling to both these places depend relatively on the place you visit from and the travel class you book.
Accommodation
Accommodations have long been a significant concern for honeymooners. Because most honeymooners like to stay in luxurious hotels. At the same time, it is no secret that accommodation in the popular honeymoon destinations in the world is quite expensive. Thus, the cost of accommodation is a critical factor for couples, since it can make or break their budget.
The below table shows, the average accommodation price in Bali and Santorini
| Places | Budget | Mid-range hotel | Villas/Luxury rooms |
| Bali | $12 | $36 | $248 |
| Santorini | $32 | $78 | $356 |
As you can see from the data given in the above table, Accommodation in Santorini is expensive than in Bali. But it is no surprise, Bali is a third-world country and is known as one of the cheapest travel destinations in the world, whereas Santorini is an European luxurious island and it is well-known fact that European travel destinations are far expensive than other parts of the world.
Santorini is an extremely pricey destination owing to its popularity as Europe’s most romantic honeymoon destination. You should plan three to six months in advance to secure affordable accommodation in Santorini.
When it comes to luxury hotels, Santorini has everything, from magnificent honeymoon suites to private villas. If you want to experience Santorini’s spectacular beauty while still enjoying the comforts of your luxurious resorts, you should stay in the Fira, Oia, or Imerovigli regions.
These areas are located on the caldera cliffs and offer spectacular views of the caldera and surrounding mountains. However, these places are highly pricey, and finding inexpensive housing is challenging. If you wish to stay in affordable hotels in Santorini, you should stay in the Kamari, Perissa, or Perivolos regions. In general, Santorini’s accommodations are luxurious and extremely pricey.
In contrast to Santorini, Bali is renowned for its affordable lodging. Along with Thailand, Bali features some of the world’s most affordable luxury hotels. In comparison to Santorini, Bali offers a diverse array of accommodation options ranging from budget to luxury.
Bali provides budget-friendly lodging for everyone, whether you’re on a honeymoon, a family holiday, or a backpacking trip. Therefore, if your budget is limited but you desire to stay in luxurious hotels, Bali is the destination for you.
Winner: Bali, Bali has affordable and a wide range of accommodation options as compared to Santorini.
Beaches: Which are better?
One thing that both Santorini and Bali have in common is that they both feature stunning beaches with azure blue waves. However, you should know that Santorini’s beaches are not as sandy and powdery as those in Bali, nor are Bali’s beaches as beautiful and clean as those depicted in the photographs.
Santorini
When it comes to Santorini, the beaches are quite different in comparison to other beaches in Greece, owing to the island’s geographical features. Volcanoes’ structures dominate Santorini. That is why the beaches of Santorini are typically black in color and made up of volcanic sand and pebbles. Hence, the beaches of Santorini are made of coarse sand and volcanic pebbles. As a result, do not anticipate Santorini to have those powdery white sand beaches.
Avoid Santorini if the beach is a priority. Santorini is a great place for its spectacular views, romantic atmosphere, delectable cuisine, picture-perfect villages, and vibrant nightlife.
Bali
Bali has better beaches than Santorini, even if they are sometimes littered with garbage during peak seasons. Bali is renowned for its white-sand beaches and crystal clear waters. Additionally, unlike Santorini, Bali offers a diverse selection of beaches ideal for family holidays, romantic couples, and solo tourists.
However, unlike Santorini, they are frequently congested and unclean. Apart from its beautiful beaches, Bali is well-known for its water sports, especially for scuba diving, surfing and snorkeling.
Winner: Bali, Bali has better beaches as compared to Santorini.
Culture
Bali
Bali is well known all around the world for its vibrant culture. Bali’s culture is mainly influenced by Indian culture and Buddhism. It doesn’t matter wherever you are in Bali you will see the influence of Bali’s culture everywhere. Usually, Bali’s ancient temples are the main attraction for many western tourists.
If you are a culture lover then there are many interesting things for you to explore. From ancient temples, traditional dances and dramas to eastern spirituality, Bali is a paradise for true culture lovers.
Santorini
Santorini also has an interesting cultural heritage. Santorini has very beautiful and interesting historical architecture like ancient blue-domed churches and ancient castles. Despite its tiny size, the island is densely packed with churches, chapels, and monasteries. If you visit Santorini, you must pay a visit to the Profitis Ilias Monastery, Agios Nikolaos Monastery, and Panagia Episkopi Church.
Santorini and Bali both have an intriguing culture, but Bali’s is more diversified and rich.
Winner: Bali
Food
Santorini serves Meditterean cuisine which is one of the most delicious cuisines in the world. Olive oil, fruits, protein-rich legumes, fish, wine, and red meat are the main ingredients of Medittarean cuisine. Especially, Saganaki, Fava, Chlorotyri, and Apochti are must-try dishes if you are going to Santorini. But as compared to Bali, the food in Santorini is quite expensive.
Bali’s food, like its culture, is influenced by a variety of foreign cultures. The cuisines of Bali are mostly influenced by Indian, Chinese, and indigenous Indonesian influences. Steamed rice, spices, pork, chicken, fish, coconut, and a variety of vegetables form the base of Balinese cuisine. Like its accommodation, Bali’s restaurants, too are quite affordable. Additionally, Bali is home to a large number of Indian, Chinese, and American restaurants.
Comparison of Average Cost of food per day
| Places | Bali | Santorini |
| Meal for Two (Inexpensive Restaurant) | $3.45 | $21.11 |
| Meal for Two (Mid-range Restaurant) | $25.80 | $46.90 |
| Beer | $4.19 | $4.40 |
| Cappuccino | $2.54 | $4.25 |
| The average cost of food per day | $18 | $96 |
Winner: Bali. Both Bali and Santorini have excellent cuisine, however, Bali has more cheap restaurants than Santorini.
Safety
Santorini
Santorini is regarded as a very safe travel destination. Similar to other European travel locations Santorini has an extremely low crime rate. It doesn’t matter if you are a solo female traveler or with little kids, Santorini has quite a decent safety record. Violent crime is essentially non-existent and even little crimes like theft and pickpocketing are quite infrequent.
Bali
The island of Bali is a bustling with tourists, especially in comparison to Santorini. As a travel destination, Bali is usually considered to be extremely safe, with occurrence of violent crime being extremely rare.
The Balinese people, on the other hand, are highly peace-loving and always prepared to lend a helping hand to visitors. However, as a result of the increased number of tourists, petty crimes such as stealing and pickpocketing, as well as tourist scams, have risen in frequency in the recent years.
Winner: Santorini. Santorini is unquestionably safer than Bali.
Nightlife
Santorini
Santorini is well-known not only for its breathtaking views and attractive whitewashed architecture but also for its frenetic nightlife. Indeed, Santorini is Greece’s second most popular party destination, after Athens. Typically, couples spend their evenings in Santorini admiring the gorgeous sunsets and then making their way to the lively nightclubs and bars where they may drink and dance till the early hours of the morning. Fira, in particular, is densely packed with bars and is Santorini’s nightlife epicenter.
Bali
Bali is a world-famous destination for partyanimals. Bali has a vibrant nightlife, and there are numerous activities available at night. Kuta, Seminyak, and Legian in particular are Bali’s nightlife hubs. When the sun sets over Kuta, Seminyak, and Legian, hundreds of nightclubs and bars come to life. Bali has everything a party fanatic could want, from beach parties to international DJs, nightclubs, rooftop bars, night safaris, and live music events!!
Winner: Bali. Both Bali and Santorini have vibrant nightlife, but Bali’s nightlife is unmatched.
Santorini or Bali for Honeymoon: Which is better?
Santorini
Santorini is obviously a better choice for Honeymoon as compared to Bali. Santorini has become the one of the best romantic destinations in the world today. It is no surprise why it is the number one choice for honeymoon for many newlyweds.
Santorini is endowed with extraordinary beauty. Santorini’s whitewashed architecture, caldera views, gorgeous sunsets, and tranquil atmosphere all contribute to the island’s naturally romantic vibe.
In comparison to Bali, Santorini is particularly reliant on honeymooners, which explains why there are so many romantic activities to do in Santorini. There are numerous locations in Santorini where you can watch a sunset with your partner. You and your spouse can swim and bathe in your private pool while taking in the spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea.
You may wander around Santorini’s vibrant streets while admiring the magnificent beauty of its whitewashed towns. Overall, Santorini is paradise for lovebirds.
Bali
Bali is an excellent honeymoon destination too. The primary distinction between these two places is that Bali is superior for adventure, beaches, and a more lively atmosphere, whereas Santorini is superior for romance, luxury, sightseeing, and a tranquil atmosphere. Therefore, if romance and luxury are your top priorities, choose Santorini over Bali. However, if adventure, culture, and beaches are more important to you, choose Bali over Santorini. Additionally, keep in mind that Bali is significantly more economical than Santorini in every way.
Winner: Santorini. Santorini has natural romantic vibes and offers many interesting things for honeymooners.
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Bali or Santorini for Family vacation: Which is better?
For family trips, Bali certainly outperforms Santorini. While Santorini is well-known as a romantic honeymoon destination and an outstanding destination for sightseeing and romance, Bali caters to all types of travellers and offers a variety of adventure activities, from elephant sanctuaries to waterfalls.
Because Santorini is a luxury destination, finding affordable accommodations can be challenging. Bali is one of the world’s most affordable places, and there are plenty of family-friendly budget hotels here.
In Bali, not only is housing inexpensive, but so is food and transportation. Furthermore, for family trips, Bali has superior beaches than Santorini. The beaches of Santorini are formed of volcanic rocks and coarse sand, making them unsuitable for family holidays.
Winner: Bali
Bali or Santorini for Solo traveler: Which is better?
Santorini
Santorini and Bali are both excellent destinations for solo travelers. Both of these locations are safe and offer solo travelers a multitude of intriguing things to explore. In general, if you enjoy sightseeing, Santorini is preferable to Bali; if you enjoy adventure and culture, Bali is preferable to Santorini. Additionally, keep in mind that Santorini is far more expensive. As a result, finding affordable accommodation and meals in Santorini is quite difficult.
Santorini is an excellent destination for sightseeing. You can visit Santorini’s historic whitewashed towns, go volcano hiking, enjoy spectacular Medittarean vistas and a beautiful sunset in Oia, or savor the delectable Medittarean cuisine and bustling nightlife in Fira. Fira, in particular, is the best spot in Santorini for solo visitors.
Bali
Bali has unquestionably overtaken all other destinations in the globe as a preferred destination for solitary travellers. Affordable accomodation and food, endless adventure opportunities, waterfalls, eastern culture, cheap markets, white sand beaches, historic temples, and elephant sanctuaries are just a few of the reasons why Bali is so popular with solo travellers from all over the world.
Winner: Bali. Both Bali and Santorini are great destinations for solo travelers. But, Bali is super affordable and offers a wide range of adventure opportunities as compared to Santorini.
Best Time to visit
Santorini
The best time to visit Santorini is between April and early November. The weather is pleasant throughout this period, ideal for outdoor activities. If you want to avoid crowds, the ideal time to visit Santorini is between April and May and September and October. If you want to save money, visit Santorini during the low season, from November to March.
Bali
The best time to visit Bali is between April and October. Throughout this time period, the weather is warm and sunny for outdoor activities, with temperatures ranging from 19 to 30 degrees Celcius. Avoid July and August, Bali’s peak months, if you wish to avoid crowded beaches.
December through January is Bali’s rainy season, and visiting during this period is not recommended due to the constant rain. Thus, the months immediately prior to peak seasons, such as April, May, and June, and the months immediately following peak season, such as September and October are the best times to visit Bali.
Winner: Tie
