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

Should you visit Lagos 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 Lagos 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: Lagos or Santillana?

Lagos

A coastal town in the south of Portugal, Lagos is known for its old world charm, plummeting cliffs, and Atlantic beaches. Many come to enjoy a full range of activities from beach-going and watersports to exploring cobbled streets lined with options for shopping and dining. Historic churches and castles add to the charm, as well as a clifftop lighthouse showing the way to Lagos for ships at sea.

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 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Santillana or Lagos?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Lagos is €118, 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 Lagos and Santillana in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lagos 61
    Santillana 60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lagos 122
    Santillana 120
Compare Hotels in Lagos and Santillana

Looking for a hotel in Lagos 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 Lagos


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: Lagos Hotel Prices and Santillana Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lagos 31
    Santillana 17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lagos

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lagos:

  • Car or Van Departure Transfer Meia Praia or Lagos to Faro Airport: $78
  • Faro Airport to/from Lagos/Private Transfer max 4 passengers: $118
  • Faro Airport: Private Transfer With Options To or From Lagos: $128
  • Faro Airport: Private Transfer to/from Monchique or Lagos: $103
  • Private Transfer from Faro Airport Up to 8 passengers: $132
  • Private Transfer from Lisbon Airport Up to 8 pax: $487
  • Private Transfer to Faro Airport (60 min): $107
  • Private Transfer from Budens to Faro (FAO) Airport: $130
  • Private Transfer from Gil Eannes Square to Faro (FAO) Airport: $102
  • Private Transfer from Praia da Luz to Faro (FAO) Airport: $102
  • Private Transfer from Quinta Falzina to Faro (FAO) Airport: $141
  • Private Transfer from Santa Maria (Lagos) to Faro (FAO) Airport: $102

Is it cheaper to fly into Lagos or Santillana?

Prices for flights to both Santillana and Lagos 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
    Lagos 34
    Santillana 30

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lagos

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

  • Classic Food Tour - Lagos: $97
  • Full-Day West Coast Adventure with Hiking, Sunset, Dinner & Wine : $120

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.
    Lagos 26
    Santillana 23

Tours and Activities in Lagos

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

  • Lagos Scavenger Hunt and Sights Private Self-Guided Tour: $7.84
  • Guided Walking Tour with Brodie from Australia: $16
  • Ponta da Piedade Rock Formations Guided Boat Tour: $19
  • Tour to go inside the Ponta da Piedade Caves/Grottos and see the beaches - Lagos: $20
  • Lagos Street Art: In-App Adventure Hunt: $21
  • In-App Adventure Hunt: $21
  • Ponta da Piedade Grotto Tour: $22
  • Boat Tours: $27
  • Ponta da Piedade Grotto Tour in Lagos, Algarve: $27
  • Coast Cruise Trip to Ponta da Piedade from Lagos: $29
  • NATURA TOUR - Countryside of Lagos - ECO TUK and LOCAL guide: $29
  • TUK TUK Tour Lagos Old& New Town& Beaches- Best way to know: $31

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
    Lagos 6.79
    Santillana 4.29

Sample the Local Flavors in Lagos

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Lagos:

  • Lagos Wine Tasting and Tapas: $44
  • Small-Group Day Tour of Silves and Monchique with Wine Tasting: $86

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 Lagos and Santillana, we can see that Lagos 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 Lagos Expensive? and Is Santillana Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Lagos or Santillana?

Lagos has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Santillana. When comparing the sizes of Lagos 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 Lagos 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 Lagos or Santillana in the Summer?

Both Santillana and Lagos are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lagos this time of year.

In the summer, Lagos is a little warmer than Santillana. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lagos in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Santillana averages at about 19°C (66°F).

It's quite rainy in Lagos. In July, Lagos usually receives more rain than Santillana. Lagos gets 243 mm (9.6 in) of rain, while Santillana receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Lagos 25°C (77°F) 
    Santillana 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Lagos or Santillana in the Autumn?

Both Santillana and Lagos during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Lagos for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Lagos is generally much warmer than Santillana. Daily temperatures in Lagos average around 26°C (79°F), and Santillana fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Santillana gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Lagos. Lagos usually gets less rain in October than Santillana. Lagos gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Santillana receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Lagos 26°C (79°F) 
    Santillana 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Lagos or Santillana in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Lagos and Santillana. Many visitors come to Lagos in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Lagos is much warmer than Santillana in the winter. The daily temperature in Lagos averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Santillana fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

Santillana receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Lagos usually receives less rain than Santillana. Lagos gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Santillana receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Lagos 27°C (81°F) 
    Santillana 9°C (49°F)

Should I visit Lagos or Santillana in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Lagos as well as Santillana. Most visitors come to Lagos for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Lagos is much warmer than Santillana. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lagos in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Santillana averages at about 12°C (53°F).

It's quite rainy in Santillana. Lagos receives a lot of rain in the spring. Lagos usually gets more rain in April than Santillana. Lagos gets 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Santillana receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Lagos 28°C (82°F) 
    Santillana 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Santillana and Lagos

Lagos Santillana
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (81°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 9°C (49°F) 149 mm (5.9 in)
Feb 29°C (84°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 10°C (50°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Mar 29°C (84°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 10°C (51°F) 119 mm (4.7 in)
Apr 28°C (82°F) 146 mm (5.7 in) 12°C (53°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
May 27°C (81°F) 202 mm (8 in) 14°C (58°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 26°C (79°F) 316 mm (12.4 in) 17°C (62°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 243 mm (9.6 in) 19°C (66°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 122 mm (4.8 in) 19°C (67°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Sep 26°C (79°F) 160 mm (6.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 88 mm (3.4 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 125 mm (4.9 in) 16°C (60°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 12°C (53°F) 181 mm (7.1 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 10°C (50°F) 157 mm (6.2 in)