A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Aegina vs. Santiago de Compostela for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Backpackers

Should you visit Aegina or Santiago de Compostela?

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

Should I visit Aegina or Santiago de Compostela? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Aegina

Aegina is a fun, active, and relaxing island. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela is a inspirational, iconic, and historic city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Aegina and Santiago de Compostela: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Aegina or Santiago de Compostela?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Santiago de Compostela. Although Aegina and Santiago de Compostela are both popular with visitors, Santiago de Compostela has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Santiago de Compostela is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Aegina is known for its beaches and small town charm. Santiago de Compostela is more touristy than Aegina and is known for its classic old town, its Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque architecture, and its significance as the culmination point for the Camino de Santiago. It is also home to the Cathedral of Santiago. Aegina is popular for its local pistachio nuts, its nice seaside setting, and its easy access from Athens.

How is Aegina different from Santiago de Compostela?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Santiago de Compostela and Aegina. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Aegina or Santiago de Compostela?

Santiago de Compostela is an amazing city to visit for its museums and landmarks. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Santiago de Compostela on the map. The iconic Cathedral of Santiago has long attracted pilgrims and travelers from around Europe and the world. The spectacular sight includes a museum and the crypt and tomb of Saint James. Another interesting sight in town is the former hostel for pilgrims, the Hostal de los Reyes Católicos. Also make sure you visit Plaza del Obradoiro and the Galician Center of Contemporary Art.

Many visitors head to Aegina specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are several temples on the island such as the Temple of Athena Aphaia and the Temple of Apollo. There's also and Archeological Museum that is nice to visit.

Is the Food Better in Aegina or Santiago de Compostela? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Santiago de Compostela is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Santiago de Compostela is an experience not to be missed. Galician food has plenty of fresh seafood, lots of local beef, and regional vegetables that are seasonal and locally grown. Make sure you try the polbo á feira (boiled octopus), pimientos de padrón (fried green peppers), and steamed mussels.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Aegina. There's a vibrant restaurant scene that includes traditional eateries serving seafood and refreshing ice cream shops where you can cool off with a scoop of your favorite flavor.

Is Aegina or Santiago de Compostela Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Aegina or Santiago de Compostela has a better nightlife scene.

The people in Aegina know how to have a good time. There's a great nightlife scene on the island. Most of the dance clubs are found in Agia Marina and you'll find more relaxing lounges around Aegina Town and other villages on the island.

The nightlife in Santiago de Compostela has something for everybody. As a university city, much of the nightlife is created by the student population. You'll find a lot of bars around Rúa de Santiago de Chile and Rúa de San Pedro de Mezonzo as well as along Rúa do Franco.

Is Aegina or Santiago de Compostela Better for Beaches?

Aegina is a popular place for the beache. However, Santiago de Compostela is not a beach destination.

Aegina is a good option for a beach vacation. While most of the beaches are small and crowded, they do offer a number of tourist facilities such as nearby bars and restaurants, as well as hotels. The most popular beaches on the island are Souvala and Agia Marina.

Santiago de Compostela is not a beach destination.

Is Aegina or Santiago de Compostela Better for its Old Town?

Santiago de Compostela is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Aegina does not have a historic old town.

Santiago de Compostela offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The old town reflects the city's importance in the Christian religion. There are Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque buildings that draw Christian pilgrims from around the world.

Aegina does not have a historic old town.

Is Aegina or Santiago de Compostela Better for Hiking?

Santiago de Compostela is an amazing city to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Aegina is not a hiking destination.

People visit Santiago de Compostela specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. This small city is the culmination point for the famed Camino de Santiago. The 780 kilometer route is followed by pilgrims and travelers who seek enlightenment or adventure. Hikers travel both independently or as part of organized tours.

Aegina is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Aegina or Santiago de Compostela?

Santiago de Compostela is a great destination for its shopping areas. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Santiago de Compostela. There are local markets, souvenir shops, and boutiques where you can buy items to commemorate the completion of your hike or your visit to town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Aegina. You'll find the standard souvenir shops around town where you can buy trinkets or other items you may have forgotten.

Is Aegina or Santiago de Compostela Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Aegina or Santiago de Compostela.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Aegina. Kids will enjoy the ferry ride from Athens as well as the pirate stories they'll hear throughout their trip. There are places that the whole family can swim and great restaurants with kid-friendly food.

Santiago de Compostela offers lots of family activities. The city has a sightseeing train as well as parks and playgrounds that kids can enjoy. A visit to the Museum of the Galician People is also fascinating for the whole family. Visiting the colorful markets around town is fun as well.

Is Aegina or Santiago de Compostela Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Aegina and Santiago de Compostela make for a good place to visit.

Aegina is a good island for couples to visit. Couples will appreciate the beauty and great restaurants that this beautiful island offers. It's a charming day trip from Athens that is filled with impressive historical sights and a nice atmosphere.

Santiago de Compostela is a nice destination for couples. The cobblestone streets and beautiful gardens make this a nice place for a couple's getaway. There are viewpoints that look out over the town as well as interesting buildings and great architecture.

Is Aegina or Santiago de Compostela Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santiago de Compostela is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Santiago de Compostela is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. Backpackers hiking the Camino del Santiago will be rewarded with a beautiful city and many nice sights. There are plenty of hostels around town where backpackers can meet other travelers and swap stories.

Aegina is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Like most visitors, backpackers can hop on a ferry in Athens and visit the island as a day trip. It makes a nice excursion with many affordable restaurants and fun activities.

Is Aegina or Santiago de Compostela Better for Students?

Santiago de Compostela is a popular place for students. However, Aegina is not popular with students.

Santiago de Compostela is popular with students. It's a small city with many students during the week, but on weekends it quiets down as many students leave town.

Aegina is not popular with students.

Is Aegina or Santiago de Compostela Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Aegina and Santiago de Compostela.

You'll find some public transit in Aegina, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. You'll find the central bus station in Aegina Town and there you can catch buses that travel around the island.

While Santiago de Compostela offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses around town that are operated by Tralusa.

Is Aegina or Santiago de Compostela a more walkable city?

Santiago de Compostela is a great destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Santiago de Compostela is a very walkable destination. Many visitors reach the city on foot by doing the pilgrimage of the Camino del Santiago. The city itself and small and fairly walkable as well.

Aegina is somewhat walkable. The town is walkable, but to explore elsewhere on the island, it's easiest to have your own vehicle.

For even more information, also check out Is Aegina Worth Visiting? and Is Santiago de Compostela Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Santiago de Compostela or Aegina?

How long in Aegina or Santiago de Compostela?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Aegina or Santiago de Compostela to fill your time. In our opinion, Santiago de Compostela has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Santiago de Compostela than Aegina. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Santiago de Compostela than Aegina. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Santiago de Compostela, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Santiago de Compostela than Aegina. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Santiago de Compostela that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Santiago de Compostela than Aegina if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Santiago de Compostela.

One day in Aegina or Santiago de Compostela?

The island of Aegina offers museums and nightlife. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Santiago de Compostela. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Aegina or Santiago de Compostela?

The active destination of Aegina offers nightlife and food. This island offers something for everyone. It is common to spend a weekend here. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Santiago de Compostela is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Aegina or Santiago de Compostela?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Aegina. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Santiago de Compostela. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Aegina or Santiago de Compostela?

Aegina is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Aegina. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Santiago de Compostela. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Honeymoon Tours in Greece, The Best Luxury Tours to Greece, The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain.

When comparing the travel costs between Aegina and Santiago de Compostela, we can see that Aegina is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Aegina or Santiago de Compostela?

Santiago de Compostela has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Aegina. When comparing the sizes of Aegina and Santiago de Compostela, 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.

When is the best time to visit Aegina or Santiago de Compostela?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Aegina or Santiago de Compostela in the Summer?

Both Santiago de Compostela and Aegina are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Aegina because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Santiago de Compostela this time of year.

In July, Aegina is generally a little warmer than Santiago de Compostela. Daily temperatures in Aegina average around 27°C (81°F), and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Santiago de Compostela. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aegina. Aegina usually receives more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during summer. Aegina gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 248 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Aegina usually receives less rain than Santiago de Compostela. Aegina gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Aegina or Santiago de Compostela in the Autumn?

Both Santiago de Compostela and Aegina during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Aegina this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Santiago de Compostela for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Aegina is a little warmer than Santiago de Compostela in the autumn. The daily temperature in Aegina averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

It's quite sunny in Aegina. In the autumn, Aegina often gets more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela. Aegina gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santiago de Compostela receives 155 hours of full sun.

Santiago de Compostela gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Aegina usually gets less rain in October than Santiago de Compostela. Aegina gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Aegina or Santiago de Compostela in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Aegina and Santiago de Compostela. Many travelers come to Aegina for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Santiago de Compostela in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Aegina is around the same temperature as Santiago de Compostela. Typically, the winter temperatures in Aegina in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Santiago de Compostela averages at about 11°C (51°F).

Aegina usually receives more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during winter. Aegina gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 103 hours of full sun in the winter.

Santiago de Compostela receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Aegina usually receives less rain than Santiago de Compostela. Aegina gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Aegina or Santiago de Compostela in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Aegina as well as Santiago de Compostela. Many visitors come to Aegina in the spring for the beaches and the small town charm. Additionally, most visitors come to Santiago de Compostela for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Aegina is generally a little warmer than Santiago de Compostela. Daily temperatures in Aegina average around 16°C (60°F), and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aegina this time of the year. In the spring, Aegina often gets more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela. Aegina gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santiago de Compostela receives 167 hours of full sun.

Aegina usually gets less rain in April than Santiago de Compostela. Aegina gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Santiago de Compostela and Aegina