A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Izmir vs. Santander for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Izmir or Santander?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Izmir and Santander. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Izmir or Santander?

Izmir

Izmir is a metropolitan city of Turkey and the second most populous city on the Aegean Sea after Athens, Greece. Known as Smyrna in antiquity, it was founded by the Greeks, taken over by the Romans, and rebuilt by Alexander the Great before becoming part of the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century. Most remnants of this past are gone; however, there are a few archaeological sites in addition to beaches, bustling city streets, and colorful markets.

Santander

Santander is the capital of the Cantabria Region which runs along the northern coast of Spain. Located right on the bay, it is a place of many historic churches and a handful of interesting museums that range from archaeological discoveries of the region, to maritime history, and cultural features like bullfighting. There is also a large selection of beaches for those looking for a more relaxing getaway in the sun and sand.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Turkey, The Best 3-Day Tours from Istanbul, The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Barcelona.


Which place is cheaper, Santander or Izmir?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Izmir is $105, while the average daily cost in Santander is $116. 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 Izmir and Santander in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Izmir $60
    Santander $55
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Izmir $120
    Santander $110
Compare Hotels in Izmir and Santander

Looking for a hotel in Izmir or Santander? 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 Izmir


Hotels in Santander


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: Izmir Hotel Prices and Santander Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Izmir $30
    Santander $25

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Izmir

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Izmir:

  • Izmir Airport - Kusadasi Private Transfer: $100
  • Arrival Transfer Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport ADB to Izmir by Van: $41
  • Arrival Transfer Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport to Izmir by Minibus: $46
  • Balikesir Airport Transfers to Balikesir Ayvalik Hotels: $93
  • Bodrum Airport Luxury Private Minivan By Meet Transfer : $42
  • Bodrum Akyaka Hotels to Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers: $147
  • Canakkale Airport Transfers to Lapseki Hotels: $87
  • Dalaman Airport Transfer Vip & Private : $57
  • Ephesus Guided Tour From Izmir With Lunch & Hotel Transfer: $130
  • From Izmir Airport: One-way Private Transfer to Alacati: $96
  • From Izmir Airport: One-way Private Transfer to Kusadasi: $88
  • From Ephesus Guided Day Trip with Transfer & Lunch: $106

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santander

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santander:

  • One-way Private Transfer From/To Santander Airport: $41
  • Private Transfer from Santander Port to Bilbao Airport: $252
  • Private Transfer from Santander city to Bilbao: $252
  • Private Transfer from Santander city to Bilbao Airport: $252
  • Santander Private Arrival Transfer: $35
  • Santander Private Departure Transfer: $35
  • Santander Private Transfer from Santander Airport to City centre: $44
  • Santander Private Transfer from the city centre to Santander Airport: $44

Is it cheaper to fly into Izmir or Santander?

Prices for flights to both Santander and Izmir 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
    Izmir $24
    Santander $44

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Izmir $21
    Santander $19

Tours and Activities in Izmir

Here are a few actual costs in Izmir for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Olive Oil Tasting Experience in Turkey : $3.16
  • Quick Tour, Essentials of Izmir With Audio Guide: $6.00
  • Mini Group Ephesus & House of Virgin Mary Tour (Max. 10 guests): $25
  • Skip Line Private Ephesus- Temple Of Artemis-Virgin Mary Tour: $32
  • PRIVATE PHOTO TOUR IN IZMIR - Photo & Video Experience in iZMiR: $49
  • Half-Day Izmir City Tour: $55
  • Ephesus Tour: $56
  • "Ephesus tours" the "house of virgin mary tours" Tours from KUSADASI CRUİSE PORT: $67
  • Deluxe Ephesus with Terrace Houses tour from Izmir Hotel , Cruise Ports, Airport: $69
  • Ephesus and Virgin Mary's House from Izmir Hotels , Airport ,Cruise Port: $69
  • Izmir City Tour: $70
  • Best Seller Private Ephesus Tour for Cruisers : $70

Tours and Activities in Santander

Here are a few actual costs in Santander for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 1-Hour City Cruise Around the Bay: $14
  • City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $22
  • City Sightseeing Santander Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $23
  • Obregón: Parque de la Naturaleza de Cabárceno Entry Ticket: $26
  • From Potes, Santillana and Altamira Day Tour: $42
  • Full Day Tour Lakes of Covadonga and Santillana from Santander: $46
  • Guided Tour by Electric Bike: $53
  • Full Day Self Guided Tour in Santillana del Mar and Comillas: $55
  • From Santillana del Mar & Altamira Museum Tour: $64
  • Santoña: Anchovy Factory Tour and Boat Trip: $70
  • Tour to the Towns of the Western Coast of Cantabria: $79
  • Picos, Santo Toribio Monastery and Potes Day Tour: $82

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Izmir $8.86
    Santander $15

Sample the Local Flavors in Izmir

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Izmir:

  • Wine Tasting Tour at Two Wineries in Urla Turkey: $98
  • Wine Tour with Metropolis Ancient City: $114
  • Ancient Ephesus tour with Mother's Mary House and visit to old village Sirince with wine tasting: $152


When comparing the travel costs between Izmir and Santander, we can see that Santander 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 Izmir Expensive? and Is Santander Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Izmir or Santander?

Izmir has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Santander. When comparing the sizes of Izmir and Santander, 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 Izmir or Santander?

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 Izmir or Santander in the Summer?

Both Santander and Izmir are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.

In July, Izmir is generally a little warmer than Santander. Daily temperatures in Izmir average around 28°C (82°F), and Santander fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Santander. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Izmir. Izmir usually receives more sunshine than Santander during summer. Izmir gets 378 hours of sunny skies, while Santander receives 213 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Izmir usually receives less rain than Santander. Izmir gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Santander receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Izmir 28°C (82°F) 
    Santander 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Izmir or Santander in the Autumn?

Both Santander and Izmir during the autumn are popular places to visit.

Izmir is a little warmer than Santander in the autumn. The daily temperature in Izmir averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Santander fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

It's quite sunny in Izmir. In the autumn, Izmir often gets more sunshine than Santander. Izmir gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santander receives 133 hours of full sun.

Santander gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Izmir usually gets less rain in October than Santander. Izmir gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Santander receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Izmir 19°C (67°F) 
    Santander 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Izmir or Santander in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Izmir and Santander.

In the winter, Izmir is around the same temperature as Santander. Typically, the winter temperatures in Izmir in January average around 9°C (48°F), and Santander averages at about 9°C (49°F).

Izmir usually receives more sunshine than Santander during winter. Izmir gets 131 hours of sunny skies, while Santander receives 91 hours of full sun in the winter.

Santander receives a lot of rain in the winter. Izmir gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Izmir usually receives less rain than Santander. Izmir gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Santander receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Izmir 9°C (48°F) 
    Santander 9°C (49°F)

Should I visit Izmir or Santander in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Izmir as well as Santander.

In April, Izmir is generally a little warmer than Santander. Daily temperatures in Izmir average around 16°C (61°F), and Santander fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Izmir this time of the year. In the spring, Izmir often gets more sunshine than Santander. Izmir gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santander receives 148 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Santander. Izmir usually gets less rain in April than Santander. Izmir gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Santander receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Izmir 16°C (61°F) 
    Santander 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Santander and Izmir

Izmir Santander
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 9°C (49°F) 149 mm (5.9 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 10°C (50°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 76 mm (3 in) 10°C (51°F) 119 mm (4.7 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 12°C (53°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
May 21°C (69°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 14°C (58°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 17°C (62°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 19°C (67°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 88 mm (3.4 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 16°C (60°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Nov 15°C (58°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 12°C (53°F) 181 mm (7.1 in)
Dec 11°C (52°F) 153 mm (6 in) 10°C (50°F) 157 mm (6.2 in)