A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Annecy vs. Santander for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Annecy or Santander?

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 Annecy and Santander can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Annecy or Santander?

Annecy

Annecy is an alpine town in southeastern France, where Lake Annecy feeds into the Thiou River. It's known for its Vieille Ville (old town), with cobbled streets, winding canals and pastel-colored houses. Annecy is situated on a stunning aqua clear lake between the Northern alps of France. Only thirty minutes away from Geneva, Switzerland, this French-Swiss town is unlike any other. Another nickname for this city is the Venice of France because the small center of the city is filled with water passages lined with beautiful flower boxes. The city is romantic because the waterways filled with lights that illuminate the bricks and you feel as if you are in a whole other world with no one around you. The purity of the lake and the beauty of its setting compels Anneciens outdoors - in good weather it seems everyone is hanging out in pavement cafes, mountain-gazing along the lakefront, swimming in the lake, or just aimlessly cycling around it.

Santander

Santander is the capital of the Cantabria Region which runs along the northern coast of Spain. Located right on the bay, it is a place of many historic churches and a handful of interesting museums that range from archaeological discoveries of the region, to maritime history, and cultural features like bullfighting. There is also a large selection of beaches for those looking for a more relaxing getaway in the sun and sand.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in France, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Barcelona.


Which place is cheaper, Santander or Annecy?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Annecy is €178, while the average daily cost in Santander is €108. 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 Annecy and Santander in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Annecy 92
    Santander 51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Annecy 184
    Santander 102
Compare Hotels in Annecy and Santander

Looking for a hotel in Annecy or Santander? 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 Annecy


Hotels in Santander


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: Annecy Hotel Prices and Santander Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Annecy 37
    Santander 24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Annecy

Also for Annecy, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Lyon : Luxury private transfer to Annecy in Van: $374
  • Private transfer from Geneva airport to Annecy: $295

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santander

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santander:

  • Private Transfer from Santander city to Bilbao Airport: $252
  • Private Transfer from Santander Port to Bilbao Airport: $252
  • Private Transfer from Santander city to Bilbao: $252
  • Santander Private Transfer from the city centre to Santander Airport: $44
  • Santander Private Transfer from Santander Airport to City centre: $44
  • One-way Private Transfer From/To Santander Airport: $41
  • Santander Private Departure Transfer: $35
  • Santander Private Arrival Transfer: $35

Is it cheaper to fly into Annecy or Santander?

Prices for flights to both Santander and Annecy 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
    Annecy 58
    Santander 41

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Annecy

For Annecy, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Annecy Traditional Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience : $104
  • All Inclusive Food Tour of Annecy Old Town with Local Guide: $148
  • Private Market Tour and Modern French Cooking and Meal with a Local in Annecy: $188
  • Private Walking Food Tour: $348

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Annecy 41
    Santander 18

Tours and Activities in Annecy

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Annecy.

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • City Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $5.35
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • Self-Guided Walking Tour with Smartphone App: $12
  • Yakapedaler : bike rental tour with the Annecy lac: $21
  • Full-day private tour from Geneva to Annecy: $40
  • 1-Hour Segway Discovery Tour: $43
  • Annecy Segway Tour - 1h: $44
  • Annecy Segway Tour - 1h30: $55
  • Annecy 2-Hour Segway Tour: $64
  • Annecy Segway Tour - 2h: $66
  • Traditional Food Group Walking Tour: $102

Tours and Activities in Santander

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

  • City Sightseeing Santander Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $23
  • From Cantabria Private Tour: $492
  • From Gastronomic Tour: $128
  • From Potes, Santillana and Altamira Day Tour: $42
  • From Santillana del Mar & Altamira Museum Tour: $64
  • Full Day Self Guided Tour in Santillana del Mar and Comillas: $55
  • Full Day Tour Lakes of Covadonga and Santillana from Santander: $46
  • Gastronomy tour: $120
  • Obregón: Parque de la Naturaleza de Cabárceno Entry Ticket: $26
  • Picos de Europa and Potes Guided Tour from Santander : $84
  • Private Puente Viesgo Caves Full-Day Tour from Santander: $213
  • 1-Hour City Cruise Around the Bay: $14

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Annecy 34
    Santander 14

Sample the Local Flavors in Annecy

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

  • Wine Tour with private driver: $850


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Annecy and Santander, we can see that Annecy is more expensive. And not only is Santander much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Santander would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Santander 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 Annecy would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Annecy than you might in Santander.

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


Which is Bigger, Annecy or Santander?

Santander has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Annecy. When comparing the sizes of Annecy and Santander, 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 Annecy or Santander?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Annecy or Santander in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Annecy as well as Santander. The summer months attract visitors to Annecy because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Annecy is a little warmer than Santander. Typically, the summer temperatures in Annecy in July average around 22°C (71°F), and Santander averages at about 19°C (66°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Santander. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Annecy this time of the year. In the summer, Annecy often gets more sunshine than Santander. Annecy gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santander receives 213 hours of full sun.

Annecy usually gets more rain in July than Santander. Annecy gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Santander receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Annecy 22°C (71°F) 
    Santander 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Annecy or Santander in the Autumn?

Both Santander and Annecy are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Annecy this time of year.

In October, Annecy is generally cooler than Santander. Daily temperatures in Annecy average around 14°C (56°F), and Santander fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Annecy usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Santander during autumn. Annecy gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Santander receives 133 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Santander. In October, Annecy usually receives less rain than Santander. Annecy gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Santander receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Annecy 14°C (56°F) 
    Santander 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Annecy or Santander in the Winter?

Both Santander and Annecy during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Annecy for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Annecy. Annecy is much colder than Santander in the winter. The daily temperature in Annecy averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Santander fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

In the winter, Annecy often gets less sunshine than Santander. Annecy gets 62 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santander receives 91 hours of full sun.

Santander gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Annecy usually gets less rain in January than Santander. Annecy gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Santander receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Annecy 4°C (39°F) 
    Santander 9°C (49°F)

Should I visit Annecy or Santander in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Annecy and Santander. Many visitors come to Annecy in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Annecy is around the same temperature as Santander. Typically, the spring temperatures in Annecy in April average around 11°C (53°F), and Santander averages at about 12°C (53°F).

Annecy usually receives more sunshine than Santander during spring. Annecy gets 174 hours of sunny skies, while Santander receives 148 hours of full sun in the spring.

Santander receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Annecy usually receives less rain than Santander. Annecy gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Santander receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Annecy 11°C (53°F) 
    Santander 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Santander and Annecy

Annecy Santander
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 55 mm (2.1 in) 9°C (49°F) 149 mm (5.9 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 10°C (50°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Mar 8°C (47°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 10°C (51°F) 119 mm (4.7 in)
Apr 11°C (53°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 12°C (53°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
May 15°C (60°F) 85 mm (3.4 in) 14°C (58°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 75 mm (3 in) 17°C (62°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 22°C (71°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 19°C (66°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Aug 21°C (70°F) 75 mm (3 in) 19°C (67°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Sep 18°C (65°F) 75 mm (3 in) 18°C (64°F) 88 mm (3.4 in)
Oct 14°C (56°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 16°C (60°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Nov 8°C (46°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 12°C (53°F) 181 mm (7.1 in)
Dec 4°C (40°F) 57 mm (2.3 in) 10°C (50°F) 157 mm (6.2 in)


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