A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Annecy vs. Santiago de Compostela for Attractions, Food, Old Town, and Hiking

Should you visit Annecy or Santiago de Compostela?

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 Santiago de Compostela can help you decide which place is right for you.

Annecy

Annecy is a quaint, storybook, and charming alpine town. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela is a iconic, historic, and religious city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Annecy and Santiago de Compostela: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Annecy or Santiago de Compostela?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Santiago de Compostela than Annecy, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Santiago de Compostela is better known for its museums, nightlife, hiking, and shopping, while Annecy is more popular for its food, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Annecy is well known for its charming old town and its beautiful, lakefront, alpine setting. Santiago de Compostela is well known for its classic old town, its Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque architecture, and its significance as the culmination point for the Camino de Santiago. Also, Santiago de Compostela is famous for the Cathedral of Santiago.

How is Annecy different from Santiago de Compostela?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Santiago de Compostela and Annecy. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Annecy or Santiago de Compostela?

Santiago de Compostela is renowned for its historical sights. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine town for its sights and museums.

The museums and tourist attractions in Santiago de Compostela are world-renowned. The iconic Cathedral of Santiago has long attracted pilgrims and travelers from around Europe and the world. The spectacular sight includes a museum and the crypt and tomb of Saint James. Another interesting sight in town is the former hostel for pilgrims, the Hostal de los Reyes Católicos. Also make sure you visit Plaza del Obradoiro and the Galician Center of Contemporary Art.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Annecy. The old town and lakefront setting is what brings the tourists, but there are several unique landmarks around town as well. Palais de l'Île is the most photographed spot in the old town. Also worth visiting are Musée-Château d'Annecy, Eglise Saint-Maurice, and Cathédrale Saint-Pierre.

Is the Food Better in Annecy or Santiago de Compostela? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Annecy is terrific for its restaurant scene. Also, Santiago de Compostela is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Annecy is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Fresh caught fish and local French specialties make this town a wonderful culinary destination. The old town is filled with restaurants, cafes, and markets where you can enjoy local ingredients. There are many local dishes to try with some of the most popular being Tartiflette, Raclette, and Gratin de crozets. Fondue is also popular. You'll find cheese is a common component in many dishes.

Santiago de Compostela has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Galician food has plenty of fresh seafood, lots of local beef, and regional vegetables that are seasonal and locally grown. Make sure you try the polbo á feira (boiled octopus), pimientos de padrón (fried green peppers), and steamed mussels.

Is Annecy or Santiago de Compostela Better for Nightlife?

Santiago de Compostela is a great city for nightlife and partying. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine town for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Santiago de Compostela has something for everybody. As a university city, much of the nightlife is created by the student population. You'll find a lot of bars around Rúa de Santiago de Chile and Rúa de San Pedro de Mezonzo as well as along Rúa do Franco.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Annecy. There are bars and pubs to visit with one of the most popular bar-hopping streets being Rue Sainte-Claire.

Is Annecy or Santiago de Compostela Better for its Old Town?

Annecy and Santiago de Compostela are both popular destinations with charming historical areas.

The old town of Annecy is one of the most recognized in the world. This is among the most beautiful old towns in Europe. It sits along the banks of Lake Annecy and the water integrates beautifully into the setting.

Santiago de Compostela offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The old town reflects the city's importance in the Christian religion. There are Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque buildings that draw Christian pilgrims from around the world.

Is Annecy or Santiago de Compostela Better for Hiking?

Santiago de Compostela is renowned for hiking. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine town for the nearby hiking options.

Many people visit Santiago de Compostela specifically for its hiking. This small city is the culmination point for the famed Camino de Santiago. The 780 kilometer route is followed by pilgrims and travelers who seek enlightenment or adventure. Hikers travel both independently or as part of organized tours.

Annecy is a popular spot for hiking. There are a range of hikes just out of town that cover all ability levels. There are flat, waterfront strolls as well as more strenuous mountain treks. La Tournette is one of the most famous hikes in the area. Other options include Circuit des 3 Croix de Sevrier and Gorges du Fier.

Is the Shopping Better in Annecy or Santiago de Compostela?

Santiago de Compostela is a great city for its shopping opportunities. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine town for its shopping areas.

Santiago de Compostela is well-known for its shopping. There are local markets, souvenir shops, and boutiques where you can buy items to commemorate the completion of your hike or your visit to town.

Many visitors go to Annecy to go shopping. Three times a week you can check out the Old Town Market. Another popular shopping street is Rue Royale.

Is Annecy or Santiago de Compostela Better for Families?

Annecy is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Santiago de Compostela is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Annecy is a very kid-friendly alpine town. Families can enjoy getting out on the lake by renting a boat or going for a swim. Check out Wibit Water Park or let the kids play at Leisure Center Orange Montisel. There's also a great playground for kids right by the waterfront. Hiking and exploring are also fun for the whole family.

Santiago de Compostela offers lots of family activities. The city has a sightseeing train as well as parks and playgrounds that kids can enjoy. A visit to the Museum of the Galician People is also fascinating for the whole family. Visiting the colorful markets around town is fun as well.

Is Annecy or Santiago de Compostela Better for Couples?

Annecy is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Santiago de Compostela is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Annecy makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's a romantic French mountain town with beautiful scenery and a wonderful lake. Couples can enjoy outdoor activities or wandering through one of the best old towns in the region. The beauty and natural setting make this a wonderful couples destination.

Santiago de Compostela is a good alpine town for couples to visit. The cobblestone streets and beautiful gardens make this a nice place for a couple's getaway. There are viewpoints that look out over the town as well as interesting buildings and great architecture.

Is Annecy or Santiago de Compostela Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santiago de Compostela is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine town for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Santiago de Compostela. Backpackers hiking the Camino del Santiago will be rewarded with a beautiful city and many nice sights. There are plenty of hostels around town where backpackers can meet other travelers and swap stories.

It's common for backpackers to visit Annecy. It's a world class mountain destination that attracts families and vacationers, but there aren't as many hostels around town as backpackers would like.

Is Annecy or Santiago de Compostela Better for Students?

Santiago de Compostela is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Annecy is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Santiago de Compostela. It's a small city with many students during the week, but on weekends it quiets down as many students leave town.

Annecy is not popular with students.

Is Annecy or Santiago de Compostela Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Annecy and Santiago de Compostela both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While Annecy offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The Sibra public transport system offers buses that travel through Annecy and around the lake, stopping at many towns along the way.

Santiago de Compostela has a few public transit options. There are buses around town that are operated by Tralusa.

Is Annecy or Santiago de Compostela a more walkable city?

Annecy and Santiago de Compostela are great when it comes to walkability.

Annecy is a very walkable alpine town. The old town is filled with pedestrian streets that are perfect to explore on foot.

Santiago de Compostela is a very walkable destination. Many visitors reach the city on foot by doing the pilgrimage of the Camino del Santiago. The city itself and small and fairly walkable as well.

For even more information, also check out Is Annecy Worth Visiting? and Is Santiago de Compostela Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Santiago de Compostela or Annecy?

How long in Annecy or Santiago de Compostela?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Annecy or Santiago de Compostela to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Annecy than Santiago de Compostela because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Annecy, and 1-2 days is enough time in Santiago de Compostela.

Families should spend more time in Annecy than Santiago de Compostela. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Annecy, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Annecy than Santiago de Compostela. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Annecy that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Santiago de Compostela than Annecy if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Santiago de Compostela.

One day in Annecy or Santiago de Compostela?

Annecy might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Santiago de Compostela. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Annecy or Santiago de Compostela?

Even though Annecy is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. This alpine town offers something for everyone. It is common to spend a weekend here. Visiting the old town is also a must. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Santiago de Compostela is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Annecy or Santiago de Compostela?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Annecy. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Santiago de Compostela. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Annecy or Santiago de Compostela?

Annecy is a fun place to experience. Annecy is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the inspirational destination of Santiago de Compostela. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in France, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Annecy and Santiago de Compostela, we can see that Annecy is more expensive. And not only is Santiago de Compostela much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Santiago de Compostela would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela.

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

Which is Bigger, Annecy or Santiago de Compostela?

Santiago de Compostela has a larger population, and is about 88% larger than the population of Annecy. When comparing the sizes of Annecy and Santiago de Compostela, 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 Santiago de Compostela?

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 Santiago de Compostela in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Annecy as well as Santiago de Compostela. Most visitors come to Annecy for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Santiago de Compostela because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Annecy is a little warmer than Santiago de Compostela in the summer. The daily temperature in Annecy averages around 22°C (71°F) in July, and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Santiago de Compostela. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Annecy this time of the year. In the summer, Annecy often gets more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela. Annecy gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santiago de Compostela receives 248 hours of full sun.

Annecy usually gets more rain in July than Santiago de Compostela. Annecy gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Annecy or Santiago de Compostela in the Autumn?

Both Santiago de Compostela and Annecy are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Annecy because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Santiago de Compostela this time of year.

In the autumn, Annecy is cooler than Santiago de Compostela. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Annecy in October average around 14°C (56°F), and Santiago de Compostela averages at about 16°C (61°F).

Annecy usually receives less sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during autumn. Annecy gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 155 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Santiago de Compostela. In October, Annecy usually receives less rain than Santiago de Compostela. Annecy gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Annecy or Santiago de Compostela in the Winter?

Both Santiago de Compostela and Annecy during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Annecy this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Santiago de Compostela for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Annecy in the winter. In January, Annecy is generally much colder than Santiago de Compostela. Daily temperatures in Annecy average around 4°C (39°F), and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the winter, Annecy often gets less sunshine than Santiago de Compostela. Annecy gets 62 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santiago de Compostela receives 103 hours of full sun.

Santiago de Compostela gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Annecy usually gets less rain in January than Santiago de Compostela. Annecy gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Annecy or Santiago de Compostela in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Annecy and Santiago de Compostela. Many travelers come to Annecy for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Santiago de Compostela in the spring for the natural beauty.

Annecy is around the same temperature as Santiago de Compostela in the spring. The daily temperature in Annecy averages around 11°C (53°F) in April, and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Annecy usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Santiago de Compostela during spring. Annecy gets 174 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 167 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Annecy usually receives less rain than Santiago de Compostela. Annecy gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Santiago de Compostela and Annecy