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

Should you visit Antalya or Santillana?

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

Should I visit Antalya 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: Antalya or Santillana?

Antalya

Antalya is the largest city along Turkey's Mediterranean coast and the eighth largest city in the country with over one million people in the metropolitan area. The city dates back to about 200 BC when it was settled by the Attalid Dynasty of Pergamon and soon conquered by the Romans. The city was ruled by several different groups and most recently was transferred to Italian suzerainty following World War I. It became part of Turkey following the War of Independence. The city has seen an influx of development in recent years and it has grown into a tourism mecca with more than 12 million visitors in 2014.

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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey, The Best Anzac Day Tours in Turkey, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Santillana or Antalya?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Antalya is $147, while the average daily cost in Santillana is $112. 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 Antalya and Santillana in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Antalya $55
    Santillana $64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Antalya $110
    Santillana $128
Compare Hotels in Antalya and Santillana

Looking for a hotel in Antalya 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 Antalya


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: Antalya Hotel Prices and Santillana Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Antalya $110
    Santillana $18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Antalya

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

  • Antalya Airport (AYT) to Turkler Transfer - Economy: $88
  • Antalya Airport (AYT) to Turkler Transfer - TOP VIP Minibus: $132
  • Antalya Airport (AYT) to Turkler Transfer - VIP Minibus: $117
  • Antalya Airport (AYT) to Turkler Transfer - VIP Minivan: $103
  • Private Transfer From Antalya Airport To Denizyaka / Gündoğdu / Çolaklı: $76
  • Private Transfer From Antalya Airport To Titreyengöl / Sorgun: $91
  • AYT - Konyaaltı | Private Transfer Between Antalya Airport: $37
  • Adana Airport Transfers to Adana city Hotels: $55
  • Adana Airport Transfers to Tarsus city Hotels: $82
  • Airport Private Transfer from Antalya to Side/Belek/Kundu: $65
  • Alanya City Tour, Boat Trip & Cable Car with Transfer from Side: $63
  • Alanya/Mahmutlar: Private Transfer to/from Antalya Airport: $42

Is it cheaper to fly into Antalya or Santillana?

Prices for flights to both Santillana and Antalya 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
    Antalya $25
    Santillana $33

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Antalya

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

  • Pamukkalea and Salda Lake Tour with Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner: $40
  • Traditional Turkish Tastes at Antalya Food Tour: $47
  • Giza Pyramids Sound and Light Show with Dinner: $73
  • Full day trip to Pamukkale from Side with dinner: $104

Typical Food Prices in Santillana

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


  • Breakfast
    $7.50

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Antalya $46
    Santillana $24

Tours and Activities in Antalya

For Antalya, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Antalya Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $3.21
  • Bazaar Self-Guided Smartphone App Tour: $6.00
  • Antalya Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.65
  • Antalya Scavenger Hunt And Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.84
  • Antalya Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Self-Guided Audio City Tour on Your Phone: $11
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Antalya Sand Sculpture Museum Admission Ticket: $11
  • Sulu Island and Adrasan Bay: Boat Tour with Lunch: $13
  • Full-Day Private Rafting Adventure in Karabük Türkiye: $13
  • Spa and Skin Care Experience with Massage and Drink: $14

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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Antalya $20
    Santillana $4.59

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 Antalya and Santillana, we can see that Antalya 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 Antalya would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Antalya 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 Antalya Expensive? and Is Santillana Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Antalya or Santillana?

Antalya has a larger population, and is about 190 times larger than the population of Santillana. When comparing the sizes of Antalya 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 Antalya or Santillana?

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 Antalya or Santillana in the Summer?

Both Santillana and Antalya during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Antalya because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Antalya is generally a little warmer than Santillana. Daily temperatures in Antalya average around 28°C (83°F), and Santillana fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In Santillana, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Antalya. In the summer, Antalya often gets more sunshine than Santillana. Antalya gets 376 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santillana receives 213 hours of full sun.

Antalya usually gets less rain in July than Santillana. Antalya gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Santillana receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Antalya 28°C (83°F) 
    Santillana 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Antalya or Santillana in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Antalya and Santillana. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Antalya this time of year.

Antalya is a little warmer than Santillana in the autumn. The daily temperature in Antalya averages around 21°C (69°F) in October, and Santillana fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In Antalya, it's very sunny this time of the year. Antalya usually receives more sunshine than Santillana during autumn. Antalya gets 251 hours of sunny skies, while Santillana receives 133 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Santillana receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Antalya usually receives less rain than Santillana. Antalya gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Santillana receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Antalya 21°C (69°F) 
    Santillana 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Antalya or Santillana in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Antalya as well as Santillana. Many travelers come to Antalya for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Antalya is a little warmer than Santillana. Typically, the winter temperatures in Antalya in January average around 11°C (51°F), and Santillana averages at about 9°C (49°F).

In the winter, Antalya often gets more sunshine than Santillana. Antalya gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santillana receives 91 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Santillana. Antalya receives a lot of rain in the winter. Antalya usually gets more rain in January than Santillana. Antalya gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Santillana receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Antalya 11°C (51°F) 
    Santillana 9°C (49°F)

Should I visit Antalya or Santillana in the Spring?

Both Santillana and Antalya are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Antalya in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Antalya is generally a little warmer than Santillana. Daily temperatures in Antalya average around 16°C (62°F), and Santillana fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Antalya. Antalya usually receives more sunshine than Santillana during spring. Antalya gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Santillana receives 148 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Santillana. In April, Antalya usually receives less rain than Santillana. Antalya gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Santillana receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Antalya 16°C (62°F) 
    Santillana 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Santillana and Antalya

Antalya Santillana
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 11°C (51°F) 239 mm (9.4 in) 9°C (49°F) 149 mm (5.9 in)
Feb 11°C (52°F) 196 mm (7.7 in) 10°C (50°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Mar 13°C (56°F) 103 mm (4.1 in) 10°C (51°F) 119 mm (4.7 in)
Apr 16°C (62°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 12°C (53°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
May 20°C (69°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 14°C (58°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 17°C (62°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Aug 28°C (83°F) 1 mm (0 in) 19°C (67°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Sep 25°C (77°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 88 mm (3.4 in)
Oct 21°C (69°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 16°C (60°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Nov 16°C (61°F) 134 mm (5.3 in) 12°C (53°F) 181 mm (7.1 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 227 mm (8.9 in) 10°C (50°F) 157 mm (6.2 in)