A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Alexandria vs. Santillana for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Alexandria or Santillana?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Alexandria and Santillana can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Alexandria or Santillana?

Alexandria

There are few cities in the world with a history as rich, deep, tragic and fascinating than Alexandria, Egypt. Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC, Egypt's second largest city has seen the most extreme ups and extreme downs. The city watched the beautiful and iconic Alexandria Lighthouse crumble to the ground after several natural disasters. The Alexandria Library housed their most sacred and historical documents only to be burned to the ground. These structures may be physically gone, but the history remains. Alexandria is a city with an ancient allure that draws in visitors from all over the world. Alexandria is a survivor city ready for a comeback.

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 Luxury Tours to Egypt, The Best Budget Tours to Egypt, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Spain, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Santillana or Alexandria?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Alexandria Prices
    Egypt Prices
    Santillana Prices
    Spain Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Alexandria $20
    Santillana $133

The average daily cost (per person) in Alexandria is $20, while the average daily cost in Santillana is $133. 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 Alexandria and Santillana in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Alexandria $7.65
    Santillana $63
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Alexandria $15
    Santillana $126
Compare Hotels in Alexandria and Santillana

Looking for a hotel in Alexandria 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 Alexandria


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: Alexandria Hotel Prices and Santillana Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Alexandria $2.38
    Santillana $18
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Alexandria

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Alexandria:


  • Taxi to Train Station
    $0.08

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alexandria

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Alexandria:

  • Alexandria Airport Arrival Transfer: $24
  • Alexandria Airport Transfer (HBE) Borg El Arab: $14
  • Borg El Arab Arrival & Departure Transfers: $40
  • From Private One-Way Transfer to Cairo: $85
  • From Private Transfer to Luxor: $248
  • Private Airport Transfer in Alexandria: $22
  • Private Transfer From Alexandria City To Cairo Airport: $45
  • Private Transfer from 6 of October City to El Cairo (CAI) Airport: $52
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria Airport (HBE) to Alexandria: $78
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria Port to Cairo Int Airport (CAI): $259
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria to Cairo in Egypt or vice versa: $134
  • Private Transfer from or to Borg Al Arab Airport: $14

Is it cheaper to fly into Alexandria or Santillana?

Prices for flights to both Santillana and Alexandria 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
    Alexandria $11
    Santillana $55

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Alexandria

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Alexandria.

  • Half-Day Food Tour in Alexandria, Egypt: $35
  • Alexandria Food Tour: $50
  • From Giza: Sound&light show, Giza pyramids and Dinner on the Nile: $94

Typical Food Prices in Santillana

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


  • Breakfast
    $7.34

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Alexandria $3.35
    Santillana $24

Tours and Activities in Alexandria

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

  • Pompey's Pillar Entry Ticket: $3.80
  • Skip The Line Entry Ticket to the Roman Theater in Alexandria: $4.42
  • Skip The Line Entry Ticket to Pompey's Pillar in Alexandria: $4.42
  • Entry Ticket To The Citadel of Qaitbay: $4.42
  • Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa Entry Tickets: $4.65
  • Alexandria Free Walking Tour Discover the Hidden Gems: $5.00
  • Skip the Line Tickets for The Catacomb of Kom eL Shoqafa: $6.09
  • Qaitbay Citadel Entry Tickets: $6.09
  • Alexandria Library Skip the line Access Entry Ticket: $6.09
  • Skip the Line Tickets for The Roman Theater in Alexandria: $6.09
  • Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa Entry Ticket with Pick and Drop Off: $14
  • Ancient Roman Theater Entry Ticket with Pick up and Drop Off: $14

Tours and Activities in Santillana

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

  • Guided Tour of the Velarde Palace: $11
  • Private Guided Walking Tour of Santillana del Mar: $165
  • Private Walking Tour of Altamira and Neocave Museum: $213
  • Santillana del Mar: exclusive private tour with Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana: $217
  • Memorable Family Walking Tour in Ancient Santillana del Mar: $423

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Alexandria $1.29
    Santillana $4.49

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: $1,010


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Alexandria and Santillana, we can see that Santillana is more expensive. And not only is Alexandria much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Alexandria is in Africa and Santillana is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Alexandria would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Alexandria 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 Santillana would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Santillana than you might in Alexandria.

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


Which is Bigger, Alexandria or Santillana?

Alexandria has a larger population, and is about 940 times larger than the population of Santillana. When comparing the sizes of Alexandria 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 Alexandria or Santillana?

Santillana has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Alexandria experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Alexandria or Santillana in the Summer?

Both Santillana and Alexandria are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Alexandria throughout the year.

In July, Alexandria is generally a little warmer than Santillana. Daily temperatures in Alexandria average around 26°C (79°F), and Santillana fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In July, Alexandria usually receives less rain than Santillana. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Santillana receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Alexandria 26°C (79°F) 
    Santillana 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Alexandria or Santillana in the Autumn?

Both Santillana and Alexandria during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Alexandria because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Alexandria is a little warmer than Santillana in the autumn. The daily temperature in Alexandria averages around 22°C (72°F) in October, and Santillana fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Santillana gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Alexandria usually gets less rain in October than Santillana. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Santillana receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Alexandria 22°C (72°F) 
    Santillana 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Alexandria or Santillana in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Alexandria and Santillana. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Alexandria year-round.

In the winter, Alexandria is a little warmer than Santillana. Typically, the winter temperatures in Alexandria in January average around 13°C (55°F), and Santillana averages at about 9°C (49°F).

Santillana receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Alexandria usually receives less rain than Santillana. Alexandria gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Santillana receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Alexandria 13°C (55°F) 
    Santillana 9°C (49°F)

Should I visit Alexandria or Santillana in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Alexandria as well as Santillana. Alexandria attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In April, Alexandria is generally much warmer than Santillana. Daily temperatures in Alexandria average around 19°C (66°F), and Santillana fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

It's quite rainy in Santillana. Alexandria usually gets less rain in April than Santillana. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Santillana receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Alexandria 19°C (66°F) 
    Santillana 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Santillana and Alexandria

Alexandria Santillana
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 13°C (55°F) 50 mm (2 in) 9°C (49°F) 149 mm (5.9 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 10°C (50°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Mar 16°C (61°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 10°C (51°F) 119 mm (4.7 in)
Apr 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 12°C (53°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
May 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 14°C (58°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 17°C (62°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 19°C (66°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 19°C (67°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Sep 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 88 mm (3.4 in)
Oct 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 16°C (60°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 12°C (53°F) 181 mm (7.1 in)
Dec 14°C (57°F) 50 mm (2 in) 10°C (50°F) 157 mm (6.2 in)