A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Calais vs. Santiago de Compostela for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Backpackers

Should you visit Calais or Santiago de Compostela?

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

Should I visit Calais or Santiago de Compostela? 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.

Calais

Calais is a undiscovered, coastal, and authentic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela is a inspirational, iconic, and historic city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Calais and Santiago de Compostela: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Santiago de Compostela than Calais, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Santiago de Compostela is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Calais is known for its beaches and big city activities. Santiago de Compostela is more touristy than Calais and is known for its classic old town, its Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque architecture, and its significance as the culmination point for the Camino de Santiago. It is also home to the Cathedral of Santiago. Calais is popular for being a gateway for travelers to France.

How is Calais 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 Calais. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

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

Santiago de Compostela is a must-visit destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Santiago de Compostela on the map. 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.

Calais is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. It's a port city with a few good museums and landmarks to see. Check out the Town Hall, Burghers of Calais, La Cité de la Dentelle et de la Mode, and Musée de la Guerre de Calais, as well as the Calais Lighthouse.

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

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

Dining out in Santiago de Compostela is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Calais. The region is known for its mackerel, andouillette sausage, and endive and ham gratin. If you're passing through, this is also a good place to stock up on wine and cheese.

Is Calais or Santiago de Compostela Better for Nightlife?

Santiago de Compostela is well known for its evening party scene. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Santiago de Compostela is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Calais has a few options to choose from. You'll find bars and pubs around town as well as a few clubs. Places range from trendy and high end to local dive bars.

Is Calais or Santiago de Compostela Better for Beaches?

Calais is a popular place for the beache. However, Santiago de Compostela is not a beach destination.

Calais is a good option for a beach vacation. There are some sandy beaches near town that have nice stretches of sand and plenty of sand dunes. Many locals enjoy sunbathing at the beaches.

Santiago de Compostela is not a beach destination.

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

Santiago de Compostela is a must-visit destination for its historic old town charm. However, Calais does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Santiago de Compostela can be explored in its historical center. 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.

Calais does not have a historic old town.

Is Calais or Santiago de Compostela Better for Hiking?

Santiago de Compostela is a must-visit destination for its hiking experiences. However, Calais is not a hiking destination.

People visit Santiago de Compostela specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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.

Calais is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Calais or Santiago de Compostela?

Santiago de Compostela is well known for its shopping areas. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Santiago de Compostela. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Calais. Many visitors stock up on wine and cheese when they're passing through. It's common to head straight to Auchan or Carrefour to stock up on some items.

Is Calais or Santiago de Compostela Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Calais or Santiago de Compostela.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Calais. There's the Nausicaa Aquarium, the Museum of the Atlantic Wall, and the Second World War Museum. There are also beaches and parks to explore as well as some nice playgrounds.

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 Calais or Santiago de Compostela Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Calais and Santiago de Compostela make for a good place to visit.

Calais is a good city for couples to visit. Couples can picnic with wine and cheese or eat their way through the town's great restaurants. There are also some nice beaches where people enjoy sunbathing or relaxing.

Santiago de Compostela is a nice destination for couples. 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 Calais or Santiago de Compostela Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santiago de Compostela is well known for backpackers. However, Calais is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Santiago de Compostela is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Calais is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. This part of France is often overlooked by tourists so you won't find many backpackers or hostels in the area. It does offer a glimpse into an authentic side of France.

Is Calais or Santiago de Compostela Better for Students?

Santiago de Compostela is a popular place for students. However, Calais is not popular with students.

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

Calais is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Calais and Santiago de Compostela.

You'll find some public transit in Calais, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The city has 13 bus lines that run through town and into the surrounding areas. If you're arriving by ferry from the UK, there are shuttle buses that connect the ferry terminal to the train station.

While Santiago de Compostela offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses around town that are operated by Tralusa.

Is Calais or Santiago de Compostela a more walkable city?

Santiago de Compostela is well known for its ease of walking around. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

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.

Calais is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are more walkable than others.

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

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

How long in Calais or Santiago de Compostela?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Calais or Santiago de Compostela to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Calais than Santiago de Compostela because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Calais, and 1-2 days is enough time in Santiago de Compostela.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Santiago de Compostela than Calais 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 Calais or Santiago de Compostela?

The city of Calais offers museums and nightlife. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

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 Calais or Santiago de Compostela?

The undiscovered destination of Calais offers nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend a weekend here. 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 Calais or Santiago de Compostela?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Calais. 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 Calais or Santiago de Compostela?

Calais is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Calais. 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 religious 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 Budget Tours to France, The Best Tours for Seniors to 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 Calais and Santiago de Compostela, we can see that Calais 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 Calais would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Calais 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 Calais Expensive? and Is Santiago de Compostela Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Calais or Santiago de Compostela?

Santiago de Compostela has a larger population, and is about 24% larger than the population of Calais. When comparing the sizes of Calais 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 Calais or Santiago de Compostela?

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 Calais or Santiago de Compostela in the Summer?

Both Santiago de Compostela and Calais are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Calais because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Santiago de Compostela this time of year.

In July, Calais is generally around the same temperature as Santiago de Compostela. Daily temperatures in Calais average around 17°C (63°F), and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Santiago de Compostela. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Calais. Calais usually receives less sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during summer. Calais gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 248 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Calais usually receives more rain than Santiago de Compostela. Calais gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

Both Santiago de Compostela and Calais during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Calais this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Santiago de Compostela for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Calais is cooler than Santiago de Compostela in the autumn. The daily temperature in Calais averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Calais often gets less sunshine than Santiago de Compostela. Calais gets 119 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santiago de Compostela receives 155 hours of full sun.

Santiago de Compostela gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Calais usually gets less rain in October than Santiago de Compostela. Calais gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Calais and Santiago de Compostela. Many travelers come to Calais for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Santiago de Compostela in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Calais. In the winter, Calais is much colder than Santiago de Compostela. Typically, the winter temperatures in Calais in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Santiago de Compostela averages at about 11°C (51°F).

Calais usually receives less sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during winter. Calais gets 57 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 103 hours of full sun in the winter.

Santiago de Compostela receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Calais usually receives less rain than Santiago de Compostela. Calais gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

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

The spring brings many poeple to Calais as well as Santiago de Compostela. Many visitors come to Calais in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Santiago de Compostela for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Calais is generally cooler than Santiago de Compostela. Daily temperatures in Calais average around 9°C (47°F), and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Calais often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Santiago de Compostela. Calais gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santiago de Compostela receives 167 hours of full sun.

Calais usually gets less rain in April than Santiago de Compostela. Calais gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Santiago de Compostela and Calais