Which place is cheaper, Santillana or Alicante?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Alicante 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 Alicante and Santillana can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Alicante or Santillana?
Alicante
Alicante is a gorgeous coastal city in the Costa Blanca region, on the east coast of Spain. The region is famous for its white sandy beaches, the party-haven of Benidorm and the stunning palm tree-lined boulevard in the city of Alicante. I have been visiting Alicante for close to 20 years, so, it has become almost a second home to me. Here are my top tips to have the best vacation in Alicante.
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 3-Week Tours in Spain, The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain, The Best Adventure Tours to Spain, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAlicante €127Santillana €105
The average daily cost (per person) in Alicante is €127, 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 Alicante and Santillana in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAlicante €42Santillana €60
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAlicante €84Santillana €120
Compare Hotels in Alicante and Santillana
Looking for a hotel in Alicante 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: Alicante Hotel Prices and Santillana Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Alicante -Santillana €17
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alicante
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Alicante:
- Albir: Alicante Airport (ALC) Private Transfer: $90
- Alicante Airport (El Altet) (ALC) Arrival Transfer (Airport to Alicante Hotels): $78
- Alicante Airport(ALC) to Alicante City: Arrival Private Transfer: $33
- Alicante to Alicante Airport (ALC)- Departure Private Transfer: $33
- Airport Transfer Alicante - Valencia: $200
- Bullring and Castle Guided Tour with Taxi Transfer: $74
- Private transfer Alicante Airport - Altea Hills: $94
- Arrival Transfer Alicante Airport ALC to Alicante by Business Car: $50
- Calpe: Alicante Airport (ALC) Private Transfer: $111
- Private Transfer - Alicante Cruise Port to Alicante Airport (ALC): $39
- Private Transfer from Alicante (ALC) Airport to Hacienda Riquelme Golf Resort: $179
- Private Transfer from Alicante Airport to Altea: $89
Is it cheaper to fly into Alicante or Santillana?
Prices for flights to both Santillana and Alicante 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 dayAlicante €72Santillana €30
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Alicante
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Alicante.
- Secret Flavors Food Tour: $31
- Cooking with us: Pasta Cooking Class in Alicante: $56
- Paella and Sangria Cooking Workshop: $60
- Paella and Sangría Cooking Workshop: $64
- Central Market Guided Food Tour with Tapas Bars: $69
- Alicante Food Tour: $71
- Fuse Spanish With Italian For Dinner In Mutxamel: $89
- Alicante PRIVATE Food Tour With Locals: 10 Food & Drink Tastings Included: $136
- Cooking Class with Private Chef and Local Wine: $176
- Alicante cooking class with a private chef: $179
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.Alicante €53Santillana €23
Typical Entertainment Prices in Alicante
Here are a few typical costs in Alicante for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Food and Tapas Tour (for 2)€54
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Catamaran Cruise (for 2)€67
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Wine Tasting Tour (for 2)€120
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Walking Tour (for 2)€60
Tours and Activities in Alicante
Here are a few actual costs in Alicante for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Tour of Alicante Bullring & Bullfighting Museum with Audioguide: $9.78
- Tour de historias y leyendas del Castillo de Santa Bárbara: $13
- 2-Hour Private Tour of the Basilica of Santa María de Elche: $17
- Alicante Discovery Tour from Benidorm: $28
- Seven Secrets of Alicante Discovery Tour: $31
- Alicante Food and Tapas Tour with a Local Guide : $32
- Alicante Historic Small Group Tour with Tapas Tasting: $32
- City. Discover Alicante by E-Bike & walking tour: $32
- Calas and Beaches E-Bike Tour with Snorkeling: $32
- City and Beach Bike Tour: $32
- Alicante City & Beach Bike Tour : $33
- 2-Hour Late Afternoon Catamaran Cruise: $34
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: $426
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAlicante -Santillana €4.29
Sample the Local Flavors in Alicante
Also in Alicante, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Santa Bárbara Castle Wine Tasting with Cold Cuts: $28
- Vineyards of Wine Tasting Tour: $72
- Alicante Wine Tour with Wine Tasting : $74
- Private Tour of Vinalopó Castles and Wine Tasting: $81
- Food Walking Tour with Wine Tasting and Tapas: $144
- Alicante Wine Tasting and Tapas for Foodies: $147
- Total Alicante walking tour, tapas and wine tasting: $266
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: $1,019
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Alicante and Santillana, we can see that Alicante 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 Alicante would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Alicante 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 Alicante Expensive? and Is Santillana Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Alicante or Santillana?
Alicante has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Santillana. When comparing the sizes of Alicante 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 Alicante 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 Alicante or Santillana in the Summer?
Both Santillana and Alicante are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Alicante for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Alicante is a little warmer than Santillana in the summer. The daily temperature in Alicante averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, 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 Alicante. Alicante usually receives more sunshine than Santillana during summer. Alicante gets 341 hours of sunny skies, while Santillana receives 213 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Alicante usually receives less rain than Santillana. Alicante gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Santillana receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAlicante 25°C (77°F)Santillana 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Alicante or Santillana in the Autumn?
Both Santillana and Alicante during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Alicante because of the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Alicante is a little warmer than Santillana. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Alicante in October average around 20°C (68°F), and Santillana averages at about 16°C (60°F).
It's quite sunny in Alicante. In the autumn, Alicante often gets more sunshine than Santillana. Alicante gets 225 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. Alicante usually gets less rain in October than Santillana. Alicante gets 66 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 OctoberAlicante 20°C (68°F)Santillana 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Alicante or Santillana in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Alicante and Santillana. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Alicante this time of year.
In January, Alicante is generally a little warmer than Santillana. Daily temperatures in Alicante average around 11°C (52°F), and Santillana fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).
Alicante usually receives more sunshine than Santillana during winter. Alicante gets 178 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, Alicante usually receives less rain than Santillana. Alicante gets 20 mm (0.8 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 JanuaryAlicante 11°C (52°F)Santillana 9°C (49°F)
Should I visit Alicante or Santillana in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Alicante as well as Santillana. Many travelers come to Alicante for the beaches.
Alicante is a little warmer than Santillana in the spring. The daily temperature in Alicante averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Santillana fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Alicante this time of the year. In the spring, Alicante often gets more sunshine than Santillana. Alicante gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santillana receives 148 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Santillana. Alicante usually gets less rain in April than Santillana. Alicante gets 34 mm (1.3 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 AprilAlicante 16°C (60°F)Santillana 12°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Santillana and Alicante
| Alicante | Santillana | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 11°C (52°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (57°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 119 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (78°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 88 mm (3.4 in) |
| Oct | 20°C (68°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (59°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 181 mm (7.1 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 34 mm (1.3 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.