Choose Dubrovnik if…
- guests are staying longer and want day trips
- you want plenty of casual, inexpensive places to eat
- you want lots of private group options for friends to book together
- you want special-occasion restaurants for a splurge night
Choose Santorini if…
- you love the setting: whitewashed villages on the caldera cliffs, volcanic beaches and famous sunsets
Side by side
| Dubrovnik | Santorini | |
|---|---|---|
| Best season | May to June, September to October | May to June, September to October |
| Getting there | Dubrovnik airport (DBV) is 30 minutes from the old town by car or shuttle bus. | Santorini airport (JTR) is 15 minutes from Fira. Ferries from Athens (Piraeus) take 5 to 8 hours. |
| Car needed? | Not usually | Not usually |
| Activity prices | Budget-friendly | Mid-range |
| Group-friendly activities | 12 of 12 | 9 of 12 |
| Relaxed activities | 5 | 5 |
| Foodie activities | 4 | 3 |
| Adventure activities | 4 | 5 |
| Full-day trips | 3 | 1 |
| Seasonal activities | 2 | 3 |
| Budget eats on our list | 3 | 2 |
| Currency | Euro (EUR) | Euro (EUR) |
| Tipping | About 10% in restaurants for good service is customary. | Around 5 to 10% in restaurants is customary for good service. Round up taxi fares. |
| Dinner time | Dinner usually from 7:30 to 10 pm. | Dinner starts late, often 9 to 10 pm in summer. |
Top group activities in Dubrovnik
- City walls walking tour. Walk the full 2 km loop of the walls with views over terracotta rooftops.
- Game of Thrones filming locations tour. See King's Landing locations with stories from the set.
- Sea kayaking around the city walls. Paddle below the walls to a cave beach for a swim and snorkel.
- Elaphiti Islands boat trip with lunch. Three car-free islands, swim stops and a fish picnic on board.
Top group activities in Santorini
- Sunset catamaran cruise with BBQ dinner. Sail past Red Beach and the hot springs, swim, then watch the sunset with dinner on deck.
- Santorini wine tasting at three wineries. Taste Assyrtiko and Vinsanto from vines grown in volcanic soil, with views over the caldera.
- Volcano and hot springs boat trip. Walk to the crater of Nea Kameni and swim in the warm springs.
- Fira to Oia caldera hike. Ten kilometers along the cliff edge through Imerovigli. Start early in summer.
Questions couples ask
Is Dubrovnik or Santorini better for a destination wedding?
Choose Dubrovnik if guests are staying longer and want day trips. Choose Santorini if you love the setting: whitewashed villages on the caldera cliffs, volcanic beaches and famous sunsets.
When is the best time for a wedding in Dubrovnik and Santorini?
Dubrovnik: May to June, September to October. Santorini: May to June, September to October.
Which is easier for guests to reach, Dubrovnik or Santorini?
Dubrovnik: Dubrovnik airport (DBV) is 30 minutes from the old town by car or shuttle bus. Santorini: Santorini airport (JTR) is 15 minutes from Fira. Ferries from Athens (Piraeus) take 5 to 8 hours.
Made your choice?
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