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

Should you visit Izmir or Santillana?

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 Santillana. 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 Santillana?

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.

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 G Adventures Tours to Turkey, The Best 3-Day Tours from Istanbul, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Santillana 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 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 Izmir and Santillana in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Izmir $60
    Santillana $64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Izmir $120
    Santillana $128
Compare Hotels in Izmir and Santillana

Looking for a hotel in Izmir 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 Izmir


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: Izmir Hotel Prices and Santillana Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Izmir $30
    Santillana $18

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Izmir or Santillana?

Prices for flights to both Santillana 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
    Santillana $33

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.
    Izmir $21
    Santillana $24

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 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
    Izmir $8.86
    Santillana $4.59

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

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 Izmir and Santillana, we can see that Santillana 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 Santillana Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Izmir or Santillana?

Izmir has a larger population, and is about 620 times larger than the population of Santillana. When comparing the sizes of Izmir 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 Izmir 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 Izmir or Santillana in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Izmir is a little warmer than Santillana. Typically, the summer temperatures in Izmir in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Santillana averages at about 19°C (66°F).

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

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


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

Should I visit Izmir or Santillana in the Autumn?

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

In October, Izmir is generally a little warmer than Santillana. Daily temperatures in Izmir average around 19°C (67°F), and Santillana fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

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

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


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

Should I visit Izmir or Santillana in the Winter?

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

Izmir is around the same temperature as Santillana in the winter. The daily temperature in Izmir averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Santillana fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

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

Santillana 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 Santillana. Izmir gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Santillana receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


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

Should I visit Izmir or Santillana in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Izmir is a little warmer than Santillana. Typically, the spring temperatures in Izmir in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Santillana averages at about 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 Santillana. Izmir gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santillana receives 148 hours of full sun.

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


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

Typical Weather for Santillana and Izmir

Izmir Santillana
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)