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

Should you visit La Rochelle or Santiago de Compostela?

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

Should I visit La Rochelle 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.

La Rochelle

La Rochelle is a laid-back, quaint, and charming coastal town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela is a iconic, historic, and religious city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and museums.

La Rochelle and Santiago de Compostela: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in La Rochelle or Santiago de Compostela?

You'll generally find more things to do in Santiago de Compostela than La Rochelle. Santiago de Compostela is bigger than La Rochelle, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Santiago de Compostela is better known for its museums, nightlife, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while La Rochelle is more popular for its food, beaches, and small town charm. Santiago de Compostela is more touristy than La Rochelle and is popular for its classic old town, its Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque architecture, and its significance as the culmination point for the Camino de Santiago. Also, Santiago de Compostela is famous for the Cathedral of Santiago. La Rochelle is well known for its medieval towers, maritime history, and beautiful setting.

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

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

Santiago de Compostela is very popular for its historical sights. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its sights and museums.

The museums and tourist attractions in Santiago de Compostela are world-renowned. 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.

Many visitors head to La Rochelle specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Filled with history, the town itself is like a living museum. Within town there are many sights such as the Vieux Port, La Rochelle Aquarium, Musée d'Histoire Naturelle, and Musée du Nouveau Monde de La Rochelle.

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

La Rochelle 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, La Rochelle is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. It may be small, but its filled with delicious cafes, bistros, and local restaurants. Seafood is the obvious choice in this coastal town and many visitors head to Vieux Port to eat, as many restaurants there offer waterfront views. If you want something a little less touristy, head to the St. Nicolas District, which was the town's former fishing district. Rue de la Fourche is also a charming road with many places to grab a bite or a drink. Or head to Rue St Jean-du-Perot, which is just off the old port.

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 La Rochelle or Santiago de Compostela Better for Nightlife?

Santiago de Compostela is great for nightlife and partying. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its evening party scene.

Many people head to Santiago de Compostela for the nightlife scene. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in La Rochelle. While it's known as a peaceful, seaside town, you'll still find wine bars, pubs, and even a club or two around town.

Is La Rochelle or Santiago de Compostela Better for Beaches?

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

La Rochelle is a good option for a beach vacation. There are three main beaches in town that each attract a crowd on warm summer days. Plage de la Concurrence, Plage Chef de Baie, and Plage des Minimes are the closest beaches to La Rochelle, and they are popular for sunbathing and water sports. They have a mix of sand, pebbles, and cliffside views that attract locals and tourists alike.

Santiago de Compostela is not a beach destination.

Is La Rochelle or Santiago de Compostela Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the first-rate old towns in both La Rochelle and Santiago de Compostela.

La Rochelle has a world-famous historical area. The old town is filled with wandering cobblestone streets, charming squares, and cafes that spill into the street.

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.

Is La Rochelle or Santiago de Compostela Better for Hiking?

Santiago de Compostela is very popular for hiking. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for the nearby hiking options.

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.

Many people include a hike when visiting La Rochelle. There are many coastal walks just outside of town that take you along the scenic coastline. It's beautiful to stroll through the countryside and pass through many quaint villages.

Is the Shopping Better in La Rochelle or Santiago de Compostela?

Santiago de Compostela is great for its shopping opportunities. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its shopping areas.

Santiago de Compostela is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to La Rochelle to go shopping. The old town is filled with boutique shops as well as some name brands. Another fun place to visit is Les Halles, which is an indoor market with fresh produce, seafood, and many local cheeses.

Is La Rochelle or Santiago de Compostela Better for Families?

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

La Rochelle offers lots of family activities. It's a coastal town with a port that you can explore. There's also an aquarium and many great seafood restaurants. A nice day trip is to go to l'Ile de Ré, which has nice beaches, some with playgrounds.

Santiago de Compostela is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 La Rochelle or Santiago de Compostela Better for Couples?

La Rochelle is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Santiago de Compostela is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

La Rochelle makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. This beautiful coastal town is seeped in history. There are beautiful squares, romantic parks, and cobblestone streets that you can wander down. It's also nice to take a coastal walk before grabbing dinner at a local seafood restaurant.

Santiago de Compostela is a good coastal town 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 La Rochelle or Santiago de Compostela Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santiago de Compostela is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Santiago de Compostela. 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.

La Rochelle is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There aren't a ton of hostels in the area, but there are just enough that you should be able to find a place to stay.

Is La Rochelle or Santiago de Compostela Better for Students?

For students, both La Rochelle and Santiago de Compostela are notable places to visit.

It's common for students to visit La Rochelle. It's a touristy city with a lot for students to see and do, but the atmosphere is generally quiet and peaceful.

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

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

La Rochelle and Santiago de Compostela both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While La Rochelle offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Public transit around town is operated by Yeló, and mostly consists of buses.

Santiago de Compostela has a few public transit options. There are buses around town that are operated by Tralusa.

Is La Rochelle or Santiago de Compostela a more walkable city?

La Rochelle and Santiago de Compostela are high quality when it comes to walkability.

La Rochelle is a very walkable coastal town. It's filled with meandering cobblestone streets that are best explored on foot. Most places around town can be explored on foot.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Santiago de Compostela or La Rochelle?

How long in La Rochelle or Santiago de Compostela?

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

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

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

La Rochelle might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic city of Santiago de Compostela. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in La Rochelle or Santiago de Compostela?

Even though La Rochelle is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. This coastal town offers something for everyone. It is common to spend a weekend here. Visiting the old town is also a must. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the iconic destination of Santiago de Compostela. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in La Rochelle or Santiago de Compostela?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in La Rochelle. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

The religious city of Santiago de Compostela offers shopping and museums. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in La Rochelle or Santiago de Compostela?

La Rochelle is a fun place to experience. La Rochelle is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Santiago de Compostela. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between La Rochelle and Santiago de Compostela, we can see that La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle Expensive? and Is Santiago de Compostela Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, La Rochelle or Santiago de Compostela?

Santiago de Compostela has a larger population, and is about 20% larger than the population of La Rochelle. When comparing the sizes of La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle or Santiago de Compostela?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit La Rochelle or Santiago de Compostela in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to La Rochelle as well as Santiago de Compostela. The summer months attract visitors to La Rochelle because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Santiago de Compostela this time of year.

La Rochelle is around the same temperature as Santiago de Compostela in the summer. The daily temperature in La Rochelle averages around 20°C (67°F) in July, and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Santiago de Compostela. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in La Rochelle this time of the year. In the summer, La Rochelle often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Santiago de Compostela. La Rochelle gets 267 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santiago de Compostela receives 248 hours of full sun.

La Rochelle usually gets more rain in July than Santiago de Compostela. La Rochelle gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit La Rochelle or Santiago de Compostela in the Autumn?

Both Santiago de Compostela and La Rochelle are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to La Rochelle 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.

In the autumn, La Rochelle is around the same temperature as Santiago de Compostela. Typically, the autumn temperatures in La Rochelle in October average around 15°C (59°F), and Santiago de Compostela averages at about 16°C (61°F).

La Rochelle usually receives less sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during autumn. La Rochelle gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 155 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Santiago de Compostela. In October, La Rochelle usually receives less rain than Santiago de Compostela. La Rochelle gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit La Rochelle or Santiago de Compostela in the Winter?

Both Santiago de Compostela and La Rochelle during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to La Rochelle 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.

In January, La Rochelle is generally much colder than Santiago de Compostela. Daily temperatures in La Rochelle average around 7°C (44°F), and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the winter, La Rochelle often gets less sunshine than Santiago de Compostela. La Rochelle gets 72 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santiago de Compostela receives 103 hours of full sun.

Santiago de Compostela gets a good bit of rain this time of year. La Rochelle usually gets less rain in January than Santiago de Compostela. La Rochelle gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit La Rochelle or Santiago de Compostela in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both La Rochelle and Santiago de Compostela. Many visitors come to La Rochelle in the spring for the beaches and the small town charm. Also, most visitors come to Santiago de Compostela for the natural beauty during these months.

La Rochelle is cooler than Santiago de Compostela in the spring. The daily temperature in La Rochelle averages around 11°C (52°F) in April, and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

La Rochelle usually receives more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during spring. La Rochelle gets 187 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 167 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, La Rochelle usually receives less rain than Santiago de Compostela. La Rochelle gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Santiago de Compostela and La Rochelle