Which place is cheaper, Santillana or Albufeira?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Albufeira or Santillana?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Albufeira or Santillana? 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.
Where Should I go: Albufeira or Santillana?
Albufeira
Located in the Algarve region in the south of Portugal, Albufeira was once a small fishing village which has since evolved into a popular destination for tourists attracted by the area's beaches, pleasant climate, and fresh seafood.
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 The Best 10-Day Tours in Portugal, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Portugal, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAlbufeira €148Santillana €105
The average daily cost (per person) in Albufeira is €148, 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 Albufeira and Santillana in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAlbufeira €74Santillana €60
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAlbufeira €148Santillana €120
Compare Hotels in Albufeira and Santillana
Looking for a hotel in Albufeira 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.
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: Albufeira Hotel Prices and Santillana Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Albufeira €34Santillana €17
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Albufeira
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Albufeira:
- Albufeira - Faro Airport Transfers 4pax: $49
- Faro Airport Private Transfer - Albufeira (Departure): $27
- From Slide & Splash Waterpark One-Way Transfer: $59
- Private Airport Transfer To Albufeira Area: $109
- Private Airport Transfer To Albufeira Area: $98
- Private Transfer From Albufeira To Faro Airport By Minibus: $75
- Private Transfer From Algarve to Sevilha By 8 Seats Minibus: $513
- Private Transfer from Albufeira to Faro Airport (5 to 8 pax): $59
- Private Transfer from Alte to Faro (FAO) Airport: $82
- Private Transfer from Apartamentos Pescadores (Albufeira) to Faro (FAO) Airport: $48
- Private Transfer from Ferreiras to Faro (FAO) Airport: $59
- Private Transfer from Pera to Faro (FAO) Airport: $82
Is it cheaper to fly into Albufeira or Santillana?
Prices for flights to both Santillana and Albufeira 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
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Food Meals for one dayAlbufeira €48Santillana €30
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Albufeira
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Albufeira.
- A Portuguese Dinner and Cocktail Experience with pick up: $49
- Portuguese Dinner and Cocktail Experience with Pick up: $52
- Dinner at the Vineyards in Lagoa: $60
- Algarve Bike and Food Tour with Sea Food and Wine Tasting: $61
- Sunset Safari with Traditional Dinner : $65
- 6-Hour Sunset Dinner Catamaran Cruise from Albufeira: $74
- Half-Day-Orange Picking &Jam Cooking/Lunch with the Orange Farmer: $109
Typical Food Prices in Santillana
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Santillana:
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Breakfast€7.00
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Albufeira €39Santillana €23
Tours and Activities in Albufeira
Here are a few actual costs in Albufeira for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- From Portugal eSIM Tourist Data Plan: $4.81
- Albufeira 1 hour Off-Road Tour Quad Adventure Tour: $19
- Old Town History Walking Tour with Drink: $20
- Quarteira Town & Gypsy Market Tour with Beach Bliss: $21
- Authentic Algarve: Loulé Town Tour and Markets: $21
- Albufeira Old Town: In-App Adventure Hunt: $21
- Albufeira The Strip: In-App Adventure Hunt: $21
- Private Tuk-Tuk Tour of Albufeira: $22
- 70 Minutes Guided Secrets of Albufeira Walking Tour: $22
- Algarve Wines Tasting Shared Experience at Mercado Municipal de Silves: $27
- Tour to Benagil Caves and Coastline in Albufeira: $29
- Private Guided Tuk Tuk Tour with pick-up and drop-off in Albufeira : $30
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAlbufeira €26Santillana €4.29
Sample the Local Flavors in Albufeira
Also in Albufeira, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Exclusive Wine Tasting Experience in Porches (Algarve): $49
- Sunset Wine Tasting With BBQ in Porches: $49
- Wine Tasting Tour in Algarve Winery : $58
- Half Day Safari Tour with Wine Tasting: $58
- Winery Tour with Wine Tasting and Tapas: $63
- Small-Group Wine Tour & Silves Exploration (from Albufeira): $68
- Wine Tour and Tasting - Semi-Private from Albufeira: $71
- Albufeira Coast Tour w/ Wine tasting & Chicken lunch: $74
- From Private Lagos Tour Whith Wine Tasting: $92
- Lagos and Ponta Da Piedade Private Tour & Algarvian Wine Tasting: $107
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 Albufeira and Santillana, we can see that Albufeira 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 Albufeira would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Albufeira 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 Albufeira Expensive? and Is Santillana Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Albufeira or Santillana?
Albufeira has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Santillana. When comparing the sizes of Albufeira 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 Albufeira 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 Albufeira or Santillana in the Summer?
Both Santillana and Albufeira are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Albufeira because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
Albufeira is a little warmer than Santillana in the summer. The daily temperature in Albufeira averages around 25°C (78°F) in July, and Santillana fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
In July, Albufeira usually receives less rain than Santillana. Albufeira gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Santillana receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAlbufeira 25°C (78°F)Santillana 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Albufeira or Santillana in the Autumn?
Both Santillana and Albufeira during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Albufeira this time of year.
In the autumn, Albufeira is a little warmer than Santillana. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Albufeira in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Santillana averages at about 16°C (60°F).
Santillana gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Albufeira usually gets less rain in October than Santillana. Albufeira gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Santillana receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAlbufeira 19°C (67°F)Santillana 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Albufeira or Santillana in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Albufeira and Santillana. Many travelers come to Albufeira for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
In January, Albufeira is generally a little warmer than Santillana. Daily temperatures in Albufeira average around 11°C (52°F), and Santillana fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).
Santillana receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Albufeira usually receives less rain than Santillana. Albufeira gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Santillana receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAlbufeira 11°C (52°F)Santillana 9°C (49°F)
Should I visit Albufeira or Santillana in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Albufeira as well as Santillana. Many visitors come to Albufeira in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
Albufeira is a little warmer than Santillana in the spring. The daily temperature in Albufeira averages around 15°C (60°F) in April, and Santillana fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
It's quite rainy in Santillana. Albufeira usually gets less rain in April than Santillana. Albufeira gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Santillana receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAlbufeira 15°C (60°F)Santillana 12°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Santillana and Albufeira
| Albufeira | Santillana | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 11°C (52°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) |
| Feb | 12°C (54°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (56°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 119 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (60°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| May | 19°C (65°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 23°C (73°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (78°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (78°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 88 mm (3.4 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (58°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 181 mm (7.1 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (53°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.