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

Should you visit Palermo or Santillana?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Palermo and Santillana can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Palermo or Santillana?

Palermo

Located on its north coast, Palermo is the capital city of Sicily. The city has a lot to offer visitors who decide to venture to this often overlooked part of Italy. There is an interesting history, some unique and delicious food, and a fascinating culture. Prices in Sicily are generally cheaper than elsewhere in Italy. There are a handful of budget accommodation options and plenty of mid range hotels that are spread throughout the city. The rooms are usually comfortable and clean but as always, read reviews before making your reservation.

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 Luxury Tours to Italy, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Santillana or Palermo?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Palermo is €92, 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 Palermo and Santillana in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Palermo 56
    Santillana 60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Palermo 112
    Santillana 120
Compare Hotels in Palermo and Santillana

Looking for a hotel in Palermo 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 Palermo


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: Palermo Hotel Prices and Santillana Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Palermo 5.64
    Santillana 17
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Palermo

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Palermo:


  • Bus to Monreale
    3.00
  • Bus From Airport
    6.00
  • 90 Minute Bus Pass
    1.30
  • Short Taxi Ride
    4.35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Palermo

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Palermo:

  • Airport Transfer Palermo: $59
  • From Bus Transfer to/from Trapani City Center: $10
  • Grand Hotel Piazza Borsa to Palermo airport, private transfer: $44
  • Grand Hotel Wagner to Palermo airport or vice versa, Private Transfer: $44
  • Palermo Airport (PMO) Departure Transfer (Palermo Hotels or address to Airport): $156
  • Palermo Airport to Palermo city or vice versa, private transfer service: $41
  • Palermo Private Transfer from or to Palermo Airport in Sicily : $137
  • Palermo airport transfer to Grand Hotel et des Palmes: $42
  • 1-Way Bus Transfer to/from Misilmeri: $2.89
  • 1-Way Private Transfer from the Airport: $62
  • Bus Transfer to/from Airport and City Center: $6.42
  • Private Golf Club Class w/ Transfer, Ticket, & Food: $176

Is it cheaper to fly into Palermo or Santillana?

Prices for flights to both Santillana and Palermo 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
    Palermo 29
    Santillana 30
Typical Food Prices in Palermo

Some typical examples of dining costs in Palermo are as follows:


  • Sitdown Dinner (for Two)
    32
  • Fast Food Lunch
    5.32

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Palermo

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

  • Street Food Tour: $42
  • Street Food Tour: $65
  • Explore Palermo's with a Food Tour & Pizza Making Class: $68
  • Small Group Night Street Food Tour: $68
  • Pizza and Gelato Cooking Class with Dinner and Wine: $74
  • Palermo Traditional Food Tour: $74
  • Palermo's Delight: Unleash the Secrets of Pizza and Gelato Making: $75
  • Night Street Food Tour of Palermo : $75
  • Secret Food Tours Palermo: $85
  • Street Food Tour in Ballarò and Vucciria Markets: $86
  • Walking Street Food Tour with the Chef: $91
  • Sicilian Cooking Class: $101

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.
    Palermo 17
    Santillana 23
Typical Entertainment Prices in Palermo

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Palermo are as follows:


  • Capuchin Catacombs (for 2)
    6.00
  • Castello della Zisa Entrance (for Two)
    12
  • Theater Tickets (for Two)
    49

Tours and Activities in Palermo

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Palermo are as follows:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • City Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.95
  • sensorial experience of nature and ecology: $8.56
  • Teatro Massimo Opera House Guided Tour: $11
  • Entrance ticket to the Radici Piccolo Museo Della Natura: $11
  • Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour 24-hour Ticket: $21
  • Fast And Furious Bike Tour in Palermo: $27
  • Palermo storie e segreti: tour tra arte misteri e leggende: $31
  • Panoramic Trip to Mondello by CruiserCar: $32
  • Palermo di sera: tour del centro storico: $32
  • Walking Tour of Historic Markets and Monuments: $32

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
    Palermo 11
    Santillana 4.29
Typical Alcohol Prices in Palermo

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Palermo:


  • Beer
    2.56
  • Bottle of Quality Wine
    11

Sample the Local Flavors in Palermo

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

  • Pub Crawl Palermo: $16
  • Wine Tasting with Snacks at Bottega Monteleone: $41
  • Natural Local Wine Tasting & Sicilian Tapas: $49
  • Natural Wine Tasting with snacks at Bottega Monteleone: $53
  • Eating Palermo Food & Wine Tour: $82
  • 2-Hour Sicilian Cheese and Wine Tasting Tour: $128
  • From Erice and Marsala Day Trip with Wine Tasting: $181
  • Wine Tasting for Small Groups in the Palermo Countryside: $196

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 Palermo 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 Palermo Expensive? and Is Santillana Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Palermo or Santillana?

Palermo has a larger population, and is about 170 times larger than the population of Santillana. When comparing the sizes of Palermo 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 Palermo 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 Palermo or Santillana in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Palermo and Santillana. Many travelers come to Palermo for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Palermo is generally a little warmer than Santillana. Daily temperatures in Palermo average around 25°C (76°F), and Santillana fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Santillana this time of the year. In Palermo, it's very sunny this time of the year. Palermo usually receives more sunshine than Santillana during summer. Palermo gets 347 hours of sunny skies, while Santillana receives 213 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Palermo usually receives less rain than Santillana. Palermo 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
    Palermo 25°C (76°F) 
    Santillana 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Palermo or Santillana in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Palermo as well as Santillana. Many visitors come to Palermo in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Palermo is a little warmer than Santillana in the autumn. The daily temperature in Palermo averages around 20°C (67°F) in October, and Santillana fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Palermo this time of the year. In the autumn, Palermo often gets more sunshine than Santillana. Palermo gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santillana receives 133 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Santillana. Palermo usually gets less rain in October than Santillana. Palermo gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Santillana receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Palermo 20°C (67°F) 
    Santillana 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Palermo or Santillana in the Winter?

Both Santillana and Palermo are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Palermo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Palermo is a little warmer than Santillana. Typically, the winter temperatures in Palermo in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Santillana averages at about 9°C (49°F).

Palermo usually receives more sunshine than Santillana during winter. Palermo gets 133 hours of sunny skies, while Santillana receives 91 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Santillana. In January, Palermo usually receives less rain than Santillana. Palermo gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Santillana receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Palermo 12°C (53°F) 
    Santillana 9°C (49°F)

Should I visit Palermo or Santillana in the Spring?

Both Santillana and Palermo during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Palermo because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, Palermo is generally a little warmer than Santillana. Daily temperatures in Palermo average around 15°C (58°F), and Santillana fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

It's quite sunny in Palermo. In the spring, Palermo often gets more sunshine than Santillana. Palermo gets 219 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santillana receives 148 hours of full sun.

Santillana gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Palermo usually gets less rain in April than Santillana. Palermo gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Santillana receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Palermo 15°C (58°F) 
    Santillana 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Santillana and Palermo

Palermo Santillana
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (53°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 9°C (49°F) 149 mm (5.9 in)
Feb 12°C (53°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 10°C (50°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Mar 13°C (55°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 10°C (51°F) 119 mm (4.7 in)
Apr 15°C (58°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 12°C (53°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
May 18°C (65°F) 17 mm (0.7 in) 14°C (58°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 22°C (71°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 17°C (62°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 25°C (76°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 9 mm (0.3 in) 19°C (67°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 42 mm (1.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 88 mm (3.4 in)
Oct 20°C (67°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 16°C (60°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 65 mm (2.5 in) 12°C (53°F) 181 mm (7.1 in)
Dec 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 10°C (50°F) 157 mm (6.2 in)