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

Should you visit Catania 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 Catania and Santillana can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Catania or Santillana?

Catania

Located on the east coast of Sicily, Catania is at the base of Mount Etna, which is the largest volcano in Europe. It's also the island's second largest city and a major transportation center for the area. With almost one million residents in the metropolitan area, the city serves as an important economic base and university town for Sicily. It's a vibrant city with a young population, a lively downtown, and an excellent nightlife. The city has an abundance of Sicilian Baroque architecture and the downtown area, where much of it is this architecture is concentrated, has been declared a World Heritage Site.

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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, The Best Walking Tours in Italy, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Santillana or Catania?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Catania is €120, 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 Catania and Santillana in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Catania 65
    Santillana 60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Catania 130
    Santillana 120
Compare Hotels in Catania and Santillana

Looking for a hotel in Catania 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 Catania


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: Catania Hotel Prices and Santillana Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Catania 20
    Santillana 17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Catania

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Catania:

  • Catania Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Palermo by Car: $722
  • Catania Airport: Private Transfer to Catania and Acireale: $52
  • Catania International Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Syracuse: $6.63
  • Catania International Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Taormina: $7.49
  • Catania Private Transfer (Taormina, Siracusa, Noto, Messina, Naxos, Etna, etc): $71
  • Catania Airport to/from Verdura Resort Transfer: $321
  • From Catania Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Agrigento: $373
  • From Catania Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Catania: $63
  • From Catania Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Siracusa: $134
  • From Catania Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Siracusa: $155
  • From Catania Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Taormina: $155
  • From Catania Airport: 1-Way Private Van Transfer to Taormina: $176

Is it cheaper to fly into Catania or Santillana?

Prices for flights to both Santillana and Catania 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
    Catania 41
    Santillana 30

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Catania

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Catania.

  • Catania Street Food Tour: Fish Market & City Centre: $38
  • Catania Street Food Tour: $52
  • Cooking class & visit to the Catania Historical market: $59
  • Patisserie Food tour: $60
  • Guided Street Food Tour with Tastings: $63
  • Food tour of Catania by night: $64
  • Catania Street Food Tour: $67
  • Guided Street Food Tour with Tastings: $73
  • Aci Trezza boat tour with dinner on board: $85
  • Cooking Class Tiramisù: $95
  • Cooking Class Arancini in Catania: $96
  • Cooking class Pizza: $96

Typical Food Prices in Santillana

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


  • Breakfast
    7.00

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Catania 19
    Santillana 23

Tours and Activities in Catania

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Catania are as follows:

  • One-way tickets to travel between airport and city: $2.69
  • Benedictine Monastery of Guided tour in English: $11
  • Heart of the City Guided Walking Tour: $21
  • The heart of the City - Guided tour in Italian: $21
  • Underground Catania Tickets and Guided Tour: $21
  • the heart of the City - Guided Walking Tour: $21
  • City Highlights Walking Tour: $24
  • City Highlights Tour with Guide: $27
  • Food Tasting Tour in an ancient church: $35
  • Tasting tour in the ancient church of Piazza Scammacca: $35
  • Pozzo di Gaspare Farm Guided Tour with Tastings: $37
  • 2 hours guided tour of Catania: $40

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
    Catania 18
    Santillana 4.29

Sample the Local Flavors in Catania

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

  • Volcanic Wine Tasting in a Metropolitan Market: $48
  • Wine Tasting in the South Slope of Etna: $50
  • Etna: Urban Winery, Vineyards Walk & Wine Tasting at Sunset: $62
  • Wine tour in Catania: $102
  • Mt Etna and Wine tasting tour from Catania: $116
  • Full-Day Etna and Wine Tour from Catania: $126
  • From Mt.Etna picnic and wine tasting: $128
  • Guided Tour of Etna with Wine Tasting & Appetizers: $139
  • Etna trekking and wine tasting: $147
  • Tour Etna & Wine Tasting: $158
  • Etna Tour and Lunch in a Winery with Wine Tasting: $265
  • From Catania/Taormina: Mount Etna Private Wine Tasting Tour: $433

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 comparing the travel costs between Catania and Santillana, we can see that Catania is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Catania or Santillana?

Catania has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Santillana. When comparing the sizes of Catania 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 Catania 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 Catania or Santillana in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Catania and Santillana. Most visitors come to Catania for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Catania is a little warmer than Santillana in the summer. The daily temperature in Catania averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Santillana fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Santillana this time of the year. In Catania, it's very sunny this time of the year. Catania usually receives more sunshine than Santillana during summer. Catania gets 325 hours of sunny skies, while Santillana receives 213 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Catania usually receives less rain than Santillana. Catania gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Santillana receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Catania 26°C (79°F) 
    Santillana 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Catania or Santillana in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Catania as well as Santillana. The autumn months attract visitors to Catania because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Catania is a little warmer than Santillana. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Catania in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Santillana averages at about 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Catania often gets more sunshine than Santillana. Catania gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santillana receives 133 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Santillana. Catania receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Catania usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Santillana. Catania gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Santillana receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Catania 19°C (67°F) 
    Santillana 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Catania or Santillana in the Winter?

Both Santillana and Catania are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Catania this time of year.

In January, Catania is generally a little warmer than Santillana. Daily temperatures in Catania average around 10°C (51°F), and Santillana fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

Catania usually receives more sunshine than Santillana during winter. Catania gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Santillana receives 91 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Santillana. In January, Catania usually receives less rain than Santillana. Catania gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Santillana receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Catania 10°C (51°F) 
    Santillana 9°C (49°F)

Should I visit Catania or Santillana in the Spring?

Both Santillana and Catania during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Catania for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Catania is a little warmer than Santillana in the spring. The daily temperature in Catania averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Santillana fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

It's quite sunny in Catania. In the spring, Catania often gets more sunshine than Santillana. Catania gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santillana receives 148 hours of full sun.

Santillana gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Catania usually gets less rain in April than Santillana. Catania gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Santillana receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Catania 15°C (58°F) 
    Santillana 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Santillana and Catania

Catania Santillana
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 9°C (49°F) 149 mm (5.9 in)
Feb 11°C (52°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 10°C (50°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 10°C (51°F) 119 mm (4.7 in)
Apr 15°C (58°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 12°C (53°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
May 19°C (65°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 14°C (58°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 17°C (62°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 19°C (66°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Aug 26°C (79°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 19°C (67°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Sep 24°C (74°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 18°C (64°F) 88 mm (3.4 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 128 mm (5 in) 16°C (60°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 12°C (53°F) 181 mm (7.1 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 10°C (50°F) 157 mm (6.2 in)


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