A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Aix-en-Provence vs. Santillana for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Aix-en-Provence or Santillana?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Aix-en-Provence or Santillana, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Aix-en-Provence or Santillana?

Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence is a city in the south of France about 20 miles north of Marseille. It was the birthplace of Post-Impressionist painter Paul Cezanne. A walking trail links sites including his childhood home, Jas de Bouffan, and his former studio, Atelier Cezanne. The white limestone mountain Sainte-Victoire overlooking the city as well as the surrounding countryside were frequent subjects of his works. The city is all class with its flourishing boulevards and public squares are lined with 17th- and 18th-century mansions, punctuated by gurgling moss-covered fountains. Haughty stone lions guard its grandest avenue, cafe-laced cours Mirabeau, where fashionable Aixois relax on terraces sipping espresso. While Aix-en-Provence is a student hub, its upscale appeal make it more unique and charming to visit than some university towns.

Santillana

A quaint town outside of Santander in northern Spain, Santillana de Mar is renowned for its medieval architecture. One of Spain's prettiest villages, Santillana del Mar and its cobbled streets are lined with palaces, churches, and balconies full of flowers. There are plenty of traditional shops selling local specialties, and it is nearby the UNESCO world heritage site of the Altamira Caves for something a little different.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in France, The Best Coach Bus Tours in France, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Santillana or Aix-en-Provence?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Aix-en-Provence is €138, while the average daily cost in Santillana is €105. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Aix-en-Provence and Santillana in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Aix-en-Provence 81
    Santillana 60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Aix-en-Provence 162
    Santillana 120
Compare Hotels in Aix-en-Provence and Santillana

Looking for a hotel in Aix-en-Provence or Santillana? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Aix-en-Provence


Hotels in Santillana


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Aix-en-Provence Hotel Prices and Santillana Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Aix-en-Provence 33
    Santillana 17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aix-en-Provence

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aix-en-Provence:

  • Aix TGV transfer to Marseille Port or Airport or Aix city: $93
  • Aix en Provence Transfer to Marseille Cruise port: $118
  • Aix en Provence: Guided Driving Tour with Hotel Transfer: $1,390
  • Marseille Airport Transfer From/To Cassis Van 7 pax: $269
  • Marseille Cruise Port Transfer to Aix en Provence: $118

Is it cheaper to fly into Aix-en-Provence or Santillana?

Prices for flights to both Santillana and Aix-en-Provence change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Aix-en-Provence 33
    Santillana 30
Typical Food Prices in Aix-en-Provence

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Aix-en-Provence:


  • Dinner for 2
    47

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Aix-en-Provence

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Aix-en-Provence.

  • NO DIET CLUB - Best food tour in Aix en Provence (En / Fr): $62
  • Food Tour: $102
  • Aix-en-Provence Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $104

Typical Food Prices in Santillana

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Santillana:


  • Breakfast
    7.00

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Aix-en-Provence 22
    Santillana 23

Tours and Activities in Aix-en-Provence

Here are a few actual costs in Aix-en-Provence for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Scavenger Hunt and Self-Guided Tour: $9.84
  • Provencal Market Walking Tour with Tastings: $37
  • Provençal Farmers market tour: $38
  • Guided Tour in Historical Old City: $60
  • Guided Foodie Tour with Tastings: $70
  • E-Bike tour of Sainte Victoire Mountain, Aix-en-Provence: $70
  • E-Bike Tour of Mount Sainte-Victoire: $73
  • Gourmet & Cultural Tour Aix En Provence English / Espanol: $73
  • An Aix-traordinary Walking City Tour of Aix-en-Provence: $75
  • 2-Hour Foodie Tour with 10 Tastings in Aix-en-Provence: $76
  • Time flies by on this Aixquisite Walking Tour of Aix-en-Provence : $76

Tours and Activities in Santillana

Here are a few actual costs in Santillana for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Memorable Family Walking Tour in Ancient Santillana del Mar: $428

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Aix-en-Provence 14
    Santillana 4.29

Sample the Local Flavors in Aix-en-Provence

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Aix-en-Provence:

  • Half day Wine Tour in Côtes de Provence Sainte-Victoire from Aix en Provence: $93
  • Half Day Wine Tour in Coteaux d'Aix: $96
  • Half day Wine Tour in Côteaux Aix from Aix en Provence: $98
  • Half day Wine Tour in Bandol & Cassis from Aix en Provence: $104
  • From Wine Tour in Cezanne Countryside: $106
  • Provence small group half-day wine tour from Aix: $107
  • Cotes de Provence Wine Tour from Aix-en-Provence: $108
  • Aix en Provence: Delicious Food and Wine Tour: $117
  • Full Day Wine Tour in Luberon with Tasting: $143
  • Full day Wine Tour around Luberon from Aix en Provence: $151
  • Provence Day Trip with Cassis Village Boat Ride and Local Wine Tasting from Aix: $164
  • From Provence Region Tour with Wine Tasting: $166

Sample the Local Flavors in Santillana

Also in Santillana, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Santillana Uncorked: A Wine Tasting Adventure: $1,022


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aix-en-Provence and Santillana, we can see that Aix-en-Provence is more expensive. And not only is Santillana much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Santillana would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Santillana and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Aix-en-Provence would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Aix-en-Provence than you might in Santillana.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Aix-en-Provence Expensive? and Is Santillana Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Aix-en-Provence or Santillana?

Aix-en-Provence has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Santillana. When comparing the sizes of Aix-en-Provence and Santillana, 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 Aix-en-Provence or Santillana?

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 Aix-en-Provence or Santillana in the Summer?

Both Santillana and Aix-en-Provence are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Aix-en-Provence in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Aix-en-Provence is generally a little warmer than Santillana. Daily temperatures in Aix-en-Provence average around 24°C (75°F), and Santillana fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Santillana. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aix-en-Provence. Aix-en-Provence usually receives more sunshine than Santillana during summer. Aix-en-Provence gets 366 hours of sunny skies, while Santillana receives 213 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Aix-en-Provence usually receives less rain than Santillana. Aix-en-Provence gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Santillana receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Aix-en-Provence 24°C (75°F) 
    Santillana 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Aix-en-Provence or Santillana in the Autumn?

Both Santillana and Aix-en-Provence during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Aix-en-Provence for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Aix-en-Provence is around the same temperature as Santillana in the autumn. The daily temperature in Aix-en-Provence averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Santillana fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

It's quite sunny in Aix-en-Provence. In the autumn, Aix-en-Provence often gets more sunshine than Santillana. Aix-en-Provence gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santillana receives 133 hours of full sun.

Santillana gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Aix-en-Provence usually gets less rain in October than Santillana. Aix-en-Provence gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Santillana receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Aix-en-Provence 16°C (61°F) 
    Santillana 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Aix-en-Provence or Santillana in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Aix-en-Provence and Santillana. The winter months attract visitors to Aix-en-Provence because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Aix-en-Provence is cooler than Santillana. Typically, the winter temperatures in Aix-en-Provence in January average around 7°C (44°F), and Santillana averages at about 9°C (49°F).

Aix-en-Provence usually receives more sunshine than Santillana during winter. Aix-en-Provence gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Santillana receives 91 hours of full sun in the winter.

Santillana receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Aix-en-Provence usually receives less rain than Santillana. Aix-en-Provence gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Santillana receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Aix-en-Provence 7°C (44°F) 
    Santillana 9°C (49°F)

Should I visit Aix-en-Provence or Santillana in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Aix-en-Provence as well as Santillana. The natural beauty are the main draw to Aix-en-Provence this time of year.

In April, Aix-en-Provence is generally a little warmer than Santillana. Daily temperatures in Aix-en-Provence average around 13°C (56°F), and Santillana fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aix-en-Provence this time of the year. In the spring, Aix-en-Provence often gets more sunshine than Santillana. Aix-en-Provence gets 245 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santillana receives 148 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Santillana. Aix-en-Provence usually gets less rain in April than Santillana. Aix-en-Provence gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Santillana receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Aix-en-Provence 13°C (56°F) 
    Santillana 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Santillana and Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence Santillana
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 7°C (44°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 9°C (49°F) 149 mm (5.9 in)
Feb 8°C (46°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 10°C (50°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Mar 10°C (50°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 10°C (51°F) 119 mm (4.7 in)
Apr 13°C (56°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 12°C (53°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 14°C (58°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 17°C (62°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 24°C (75°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 19°C (66°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 19°C (67°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Sep 20°C (69°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 88 mm (3.4 in)
Oct 16°C (61°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 16°C (60°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Nov 11°C (51°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 12°C (53°F) 181 mm (7.1 in)
Dec 7°C (45°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 10°C (50°F) 157 mm (6.2 in)