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

Should you visit Chania or Santiago de Compostela?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Chania or Santiago de Compostela, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Chania

Chania is a charming, picturesque, and historic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the hiking, 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 museums, nightlife, and food.

Chania and Santiago de Compostela: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will generally find more to do in Chania than Santiago de Compostela. While Santiago de Compostela is larger than Chania, Chania has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Chania is more popular for its food, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and big city activities, while Santiago de Compostela is known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty. Santiago de Compostela is more touristy than Chania 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. Chania is popular for its beautiful beaches, impressive historic sights, and diverse local cuisine. It is also home to The Venetian Harbor.

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

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

Santiago de Compostela is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Chania 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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Chania. The city is filled with historic sights such as the Venetian Lighthouse, the Castle of Gramvoussa, the Ottoman Baths, and the Clock Tower. There's also the Archeological Museum, where you can learn about the history of the area.

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

Chania 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, Chania is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The city is filled with traditional and modern restaurants that serve fresh and delicious dishes. The local cuisine is heavily influenced by the many invaders of the island. You'll note culinary influences from the Venetians, Egyptians, and Ottomans. The island also traded with the Jewish, Arab, and European populations, so they have also influenced the cuisine.

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 Chania or Santiago de Compostela Better for Nightlife?

Santiago de Compostela is well known for its evening party scene. Also, Chania 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 Chania has a few options to choose from. The town is more known for its relaxed vibe in the evening than its all-night parties. Many visitors enjoy a laid back night in one of the town's many local pubs. You'll find the most charming places tucked away down side alleys in the old town.

Is Chania or Santiago de Compostela Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Chania is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Santiago de Compostela is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Chania has a few good snorkeling spots. There are snorkeling trips from town that take you to some of the better snorkeling sights in the area.

Santiago de Compostela is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Chania or Santiago de Compostela Better for Beaches?

Chania is terrific for the beache. However, Santiago de Compostela is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Chania. You'll find picturesque beaches near town that have white sand or colored pebbles. The beaches range from urban and crowded to hidden gems, but each has striking blue water and the atmosphere of paradise. Favorite beaches in the area include Balos, Falassarna, and Elafonissi.

Santiago de Compostela is not a beach destination.

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

Santiago de Compostela is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. Also, Chania is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town.

The historic old town of Santiago de Compostela is revered around the world. 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.

Chania is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Surrounding the Venetian Harbor is the town's old town. It's filled with restaurants, shops, and cafes that offer a quaint atmosphere for visitors.

Is Chania or Santiago de Compostela Better for Hiking?

Santiago de Compostela is a world-class destination for its hiking experiences. Also, Chania is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

Known for its hiking, Santiago de Compostela draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. 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.

Many visitors go to Chania for the hiking trails. Outside of town there are many hikes that take you through beautiful gorges, along the scenic coastline, or through the unique countryside.

Is the Shopping Better in Chania or Santiago de Compostela?

Santiago de Compostela is well known for its shopping areas. Also, Chania 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 Chania. Head to the old town to browse shops selling local favorites such as traditional island knives and locally made ceramics. There are also jewelry boutiques and other clothing shops around town.

Is Chania or Santiago de Compostela Better for Families?

Chania 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.

Chania is a very kid-friendly city. Kids will enjoy exploring the old town, with its many markets and shops. Wandering around the harbor is also a highlight for many families. There are also several kid-friendly museums such as the Minoan's World 3D Museum and 9D Cinema, the Maritime Museum, and the Archaeological Museum of Chania. There are also kid-friendly activities just outside of town like a visit to Lake Kournas or any of the nearby archeological sites.

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 Chania or Santiago de Compostela Better for Couples?

Chania is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Santiago de Compostela is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Chania frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The old town, waterfront harbor, and outstanding restaurants make this a great place to stop on any romantic trip.

Santiago de Compostela is a good city 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 Chania or Santiago de Compostela Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chania and Santiago de Compostela are very good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Chania is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. There is no shortage of hostels around town that make this an affordable place to stay for backpackers.

Santiago de Compostela is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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.

Is Chania or Santiago de Compostela Better for Students?

Santiago de Compostela is a nice place to visit for students. However, Chania 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.

Chania is not popular with students.

Is Chania 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 Chania and Santiago de Compostela.

You'll find some public transit in Chania, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. KTEL bus service operates routes both within town and to nearby localities.

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 Chania or Santiago de Compostela a more walkable city?

Chania and Santiago de Compostela both are very good when exploring on foot.

Chania is a very walkable destination. The historic center and harbor areas are compact and walkable. There are some beaches outside of town that can be walked to as well if necessary.

Santiago de Compostela is very walkable. 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 Chania Worth Visiting? and Is Santiago de Compostela Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Chania or Santiago de Compostela?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Chania or Santiago de Compostela to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Chania than Santiago de Compostela because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Chania, and 1-2 days is enough time in Santiago de Compostela.

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

Couples should spend more time in Chania than Santiago de Compostela. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Chania 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 Chania 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 Chania or Santiago de Compostela?

The city of Chania offers shopping and museums. 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 Chania or Santiago de Compostela?

The picturesque destination of Chania offers museums and nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. It's also a great beach destination, too. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

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 Chania or Santiago de Compostela?

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

Chania is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Chania. 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 historic 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 Adventure Tours to Greece, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Greece, The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain.

When comparing the travel costs between Chania and Santiago de Compostela, we can see that Chania 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 Chania Expensive? and Is Santiago de Compostela Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Chania or Santiago de Compostela?

Santiago de Compostela has a larger population, and is about 69% larger than the population of Chania. When comparing the sizes of Chania 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 Chania 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 Chania or Santiago de Compostela in the Summer?

Both Santiago de Compostela and Chania are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Chania in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Santiago de Compostela for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Chania is generally a little warmer than Santiago de Compostela. Daily temperatures in Chania average around 26°C (80°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 Chania. Chania usually receives more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during summer. Chania gets 380 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 248 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Chania usually receives less rain than Santiago de Compostela. Chania gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

Both Santiago de Compostela and Chania during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Chania for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Santiago de Compostela because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Chania is a little warmer than Santiago de Compostela in the autumn. The daily temperature in Chania averages around 20°C (68°F) in October, and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Chania often gets more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela. Chania gets 198 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. Chania usually gets less rain in October than Santiago de Compostela. Chania gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Chania and Santiago de Compostela. The winter months attract visitors to Chania because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Santiago de Compostela this time of year.

In the winter, Chania is a little warmer than Santiago de Compostela. Typically, the winter temperatures in Chania in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Santiago de Compostela averages at about 11°C (51°F).

Chania usually receives more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during winter. Chania gets 118 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. Chania gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Chania usually receives more rain than Santiago de Compostela. Chania gets 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

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

The spring brings many poeple to Chania as well as Santiago de Compostela. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Chania this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Santiago de Compostela for the natural beauty.

In April, Chania is generally a little warmer than Santiago de Compostela. Daily temperatures in Chania average around 17°C (62°F), and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chania this time of the year. In the spring, Chania often gets more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela. Chania gets 237 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santiago de Compostela receives 167 hours of full sun.

Chania usually gets less rain in April than Santiago de Compostela. Chania gets 32 mm (1.3 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 Chania