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

Should you visit Montpellier 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 Montpellier 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: Montpellier or Santillana?

Montpellier

Montpellier is the 8th largest city of France, and also has been the fastest growing city in the country over the past 25 years. Graceful and easy-going, Montpellier is a stylish metropolis with elegant buildings, grand hotels, private mansions, stately boulevards and shady backstreets, and gorgeous white-sand beaches on its doorstep. Unlike many southern towns, Montpellier has no Roman heritage. Instead it was founded in the 10th century by the counts of Toulouse and later became a prosperous trading port as well as a scholarly center - Europe's first medical school was established here in the 12th century. The population swelled in the 1960s when many French settlers left independent Algeria and relocated here, and it's now France's fastest-growing city and one of its most multicultural areas. Students make up over a third of the population, giving it a spirited vibe.

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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, The Best 2-Week Tours in France, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Santillana or Montpellier?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Montpellier 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 Montpellier and Santillana in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Montpellier 69
    Santillana 60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Montpellier 138
    Santillana 120
Compare Hotels in Montpellier and Santillana

Looking for a hotel in Montpellier 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 Montpellier


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: Montpellier Hotel Prices and Santillana Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Montpellier 26
    Santillana 17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montpellier

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montpellier:

  • Montpellier Private Transfer from Montpellier city centre to Montpellier Airport: $74
  • Montpellier–Méditerranée Airport Transfer: $64
  • Private Transfer from Sète Cruise Port to Marseille city hotels: $131
  • Transfer Montpellier Airport and Beziers Airport: $49
  • Transfer from Sète Port to Marseille Provence Airport MRS: $131

Is it cheaper to fly into Montpellier or Santillana?

Prices for flights to both Santillana and Montpellier 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
    Montpellier 31
    Santillana 30

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montpellier

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

  • Guided Food Tour With Local Snacks and Wine: $91
  • Montpellier Food Tour: $93
  • From Pic Saint-Loup Wine and Food Tour: $102
  • Cooking workshop: $106
  • Private cooking class with specialized chefs Montpellier: $108
  • Fusion Food Cooking Class: $428

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.
    Montpellier 12
    Santillana 23

Tours and Activities in Montpellier

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

  • Legendary Montpellier, flexible legends and storytelling tour: $16
  • CityTour and Photo Portraits Souvenirs in Montpellier: $38
  • Half-Day Hiking Tour of Pic Saint Loup & Picnic: $64
  • From Wine and Olive Tour: $75
  • Small-Group Half-Day Languedoc Wine and Olive Tour from Montpellier: $80
  • From Half-Day Vineyard & Pic Saint-Loup Tour: $80
  • Montpellier Wine and Oyster Tour: $86
  • Small-Group Half-Day Languedoc Wine and Oyster Tour from Montpellier: $95
  • Winetour & food experience in Pic St Loup: $107
  • Saint-Guilhem village and cave day tour : $142
  • Photoshoot Experience: $159
  • Private 2-hour Walking Tour of the Historical Center of Montpellier: $161

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
    Montpellier 15
    Santillana 4.29

Sample the Local Flavors in Montpellier

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Montpellier:

  • The Châteaux of Grès de Montpellier & Wine Tasting: $80
  • Small-Group Half-Day Châteaux of Montpellier Wine Tour: $84
  • Small-Group Half-Day Languedoc Pic Saint-Loup Wine Tour from Montpellier: $84
  • Wine tour in Pic Saint-Loup area: $142
  • Half-Day Wine Tour with Lunch: $155
  • Montpellier : half day wine tour in Camargue: $159
  • Private Half-Day Languedoc Wine Tour from Sète: $240
  • Sète: Private Half–Day Wine Tour: $353

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


Which is Bigger, Montpellier or Santillana?

Montpellier has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Santillana. When comparing the sizes of Montpellier 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 Montpellier 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 Montpellier or Santillana in the Summer?

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

In July, Montpellier is generally a little warmer than Santillana. Daily temperatures in Montpellier average around 23°C (73°F), and Santillana fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Santillana. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montpellier. Montpellier usually receives more sunshine than Santillana during summer. Montpellier gets 351 hours of sunny skies, while Santillana receives 213 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Montpellier usually receives less rain than Santillana. Montpellier gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Santillana receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Montpellier 23°C (73°F) 
    Santillana 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Montpellier or Santillana in the Autumn?

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

Montpellier is around the same temperature as Santillana in the autumn. The daily temperature in Montpellier averages around 15°C (60°F) in October, and Santillana fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Montpellier often gets more sunshine than Santillana. Montpellier gets 187 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Montpellier. Montpellier usually gets less rain in October than Santillana. Montpellier gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Santillana receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Montpellier 15°C (60°F) 
    Santillana 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Montpellier or Santillana in the Winter?

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

In the winter, Montpellier is cooler than Santillana. Typically, the winter temperatures in Montpellier in January average around 7°C (44°F), and Santillana averages at about 9°C (49°F).

Montpellier usually receives more sunshine than Santillana during winter. Montpellier gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Santillana receives 91 hours of full sun in the winter.

Santillana receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Montpellier usually receives less rain than Santillana. Montpellier gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Santillana receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Montpellier 7°C (44°F) 
    Santillana 9°C (49°F)

Should I visit Montpellier or Santillana in the Spring?

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

In April, Montpellier is generally around the same temperature as Santillana. Daily temperatures in Montpellier average around 13°C (55°F), and Santillana fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montpellier this time of the year. In the spring, Montpellier often gets more sunshine than Santillana. Montpellier gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santillana receives 148 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Santillana. Montpellier usually gets less rain in April than Santillana. Montpellier gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Santillana receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Montpellier 13°C (55°F) 
    Santillana 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Santillana and Montpellier

Montpellier Santillana
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 7°C (44°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 9°C (49°F) 149 mm (5.9 in)
Feb 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 10°C (50°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Mar 10°C (50°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 10°C (51°F) 119 mm (4.7 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 12°C (53°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
May 16°C (61°F) 52 mm (2 in) 14°C (58°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 20°C (68°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 17°C (62°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 19°C (66°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Aug 22°C (72°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 19°C (67°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Sep 19°C (67°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 88 mm (3.4 in)
Oct 15°C (60°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 16°C (60°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Nov 10°C (51°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 12°C (53°F) 181 mm (7.1 in)
Dec 7°C (45°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 10°C (50°F) 157 mm (6.2 in)