A Travel Price Comparison for Spain Palma de Mallorca vs. Santander for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Palma de Mallorca or Santander?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Palma de Mallorca or Santander, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Palma de Mallorca or Santander?

Palma de Mallorca

Palma de Mallorca is a resort city and capital of the Spanish island, Mallorca, in the western Mediterranean. It is home to landmarks like Gothic cathedrals and medieval fortresses, but is also host to sandy beaches where the city meets the sea in a backdrop of surrounding mountains. Amidst the city itself you will find it easy to get lost in the charm of cobbled lanes, busy markets, boutiques, and historic courtyards.

Santander

Santander is the capital of the Cantabria Region which runs along the northern coast of Spain. Located right on the bay, it is a place of many historic churches and a handful of interesting museums that range from archaeological discoveries of the region, to maritime history, and cultural features like bullfighting. There is also a large selection of beaches for those looking for a more relaxing getaway in the sun and sand.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Spain, The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain, and The Best Adventure Tours to Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Santander or Palma de Mallorca?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Palma de Mallorca is €139, while the average daily cost in Santander is €108. 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 Palma de Mallorca and Santander in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Palma de Mallorca 69
    Santander 51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Palma de Mallorca 138
    Santander 102
Compare Hotels in Palma de Mallorca and Santander

Looking for a hotel in Palma de Mallorca or Santander? 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 Palma de Mallorca


Hotels in Santander


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: Palma de Mallorca Hotel Prices and Santander Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Palma de Mallorca 25
    Santander 24
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Palma de Mallorca

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Palma de Mallorca are as follows:


  • Taxi Ride
    6.80
  • Bus Ride
    1.25

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Palma de Mallorca

Also for Palma de Mallorca, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Coasteering in South Mallorca with Transfers: $71
  • Arrival Private Transfers : Mallorca Airport PMI to Palma in Business Car: $79
  • Arrival Private Transfers : Mallorca Airport PMI to Palma in Luxury Car: $147
  • Arrival Transfer Palma de Mallorca Airport PMI to Palma by Sedan: $88
  • Arrival Transfer from Palma de Mallorca Airport PMI to Palma in Private Car: $103
  • Departure Private Transfer from Palma to PMI Airport by Sedan: $88
  • Departure Private Transfers : Palma to Mallorca Airport PMI in Business Car: $79
  • Departure Private Transfers : Palma to Mallorca Airport PMI in Luxury Van: $130
  • Departure Transfer from Palma to Palma de Mallorca Airport PMI in Private Car: $103
  • Departure Transfer from Palma to Palma de Mallorca Airport PMI in Private Van: $119
  • Departure Transfer to Palma de Mallorca Airport PMI by Van: $134
  • Mallorca Airport (PMI) to Palma Nova - Arrival Private Transfer: $46

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santander

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santander:

  • Santander Private Transfer from the city centre to Santander Airport: $43
  • Santander Private Transfer from Santander Airport to City centre: $43
  • Santander Private Departure Transfer: $35
  • Santander Private Arrival Transfer: $35
  • Private Transfer from Santander city to Bilbao Airport: $251
  • Private Transfer from Santander city to Bilbao: $251
  • Private Transfer from Santander Port to Bilbao Airport: $251
  • One-way Private Transfer From/To Santander Airport: $41

Is it cheaper to fly into Palma de Mallorca or Santander?

Prices for flights to both Santander and Palma de Mallorca 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
    Palma de Mallorca 45
    Santander 41
Typical Food Prices in Palma de Mallorca

For Palma de Mallorca, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Soda
    2.50

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Palma de Mallorca

For Palma de Mallorca, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Mallorca Evening Tour: Horseback Riding, Dinner and Dance: $107
  • Spanish Cooking Experience in Mallorca: $109
  • The Award-Winning PRIVATE Food Tour of Mallorca: The 10 Tastings: $130
  • Mediterranean cooking experience in nature: $131
  • 4-Hour Market Visit and Traditional Cooking Workshop in Palma: $147
  • Sailboat Dinner and Movie Night: $650

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Palma de Mallorca 34
    Santander 18

Tours and Activities in Palma de Mallorca

For Palma de Mallorca, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Self-Guided Audio Tour - The Kingdom of Mallorca: $6.99
  • Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $9.36
  • AbenteuerDate Alcudia, Interactive Fun Tour in German Language: $9.82
  • AbenteuerDate Palmanova, tour with fun activities in German language: $9.82
  • AbenteuerDate, Palma,Santa Catalina, Tour with Fun Activities in German Language: $9.82
  • AbenteuerDate, Cala Rajada, tour with fun activities in German language: $9.82
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour - The Legends of Palma: $10
  • Palma: Couple Adventure, fun game and city walk: $11
  • Secrets with the Palma Medieval Jewish Quarter Audio Tour: $11
  • Uncover Secrets of Palma: In-App Audio Tour: $11
  • Mallorca Cathedral Skip The Line Tickets: $13
  • Self-guided tour to must visit places in Mallorca : $14

Tours and Activities in Santander

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

  • City Sightseeing Santander Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $23
  • From Cantabria Private Tour: $492
  • From Gastronomic Tour: $128
  • From Potes, Santillana and Altamira Day Tour: $42
  • From Santillana del Mar & Altamira Museum Tour: $64
  • Full Day Self Guided Tour in Santillana del Mar and Comillas: $54
  • Full Day Tour Lakes of Covadonga and Santillana from Santander: $46
  • Gastronomy tour: $119
  • Obregón: Parque de la Naturaleza de Cabárceno Entry Ticket: $26
  • Picos de Europa and Potes Guided Tour from Santander : $84
  • Private Puente Viesgo Caves Full-Day Tour from Santander: $212
  • 1-Hour City Cruise Around the Bay: $14

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Palma de Mallorca 29
    Santander 14
Typical Alcohol Prices in Palma de Mallorca

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Palma de Mallorca are as follows:


  • Coffee
    3.10

Sample the Local Flavors in Palma de Mallorca

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Palma de Mallorca:

  • Wine tasting with wines from the smallest wineries in Mallorca: $43
  • Guided tour of the Winery with wine tasting, Vineyard and much more!: $49
  • Gourmet Tapas and Wine Tour: $53
  • Gourmet Tapas and Wine Tour in Palma de Mallorca : $54
  • Gastronomic Mallorquin Wine Tasting & local delicacies: $71
  • Mallorca Wine Tasting: $74
  • Wine Tasting Experience with Mallorcan Delights in Alcudia: $87
  • Sa Clasta Mallorca Wine Tours: $158
  • Mallorca Bodega & Olive Tour with Wine Tasting (full day): $162


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Palma de Mallorca and Santander, we can see that Palma de Mallorca is more expensive. And not only is Santander much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Santander would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Santander 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 Palma de Mallorca would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Palma de Mallorca than you might in Santander.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Palma de Mallorca Expensive? and Is Santander Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Palma de Mallorca or Santander?

Palma de Mallorca has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Santander. When comparing the sizes of Palma de Mallorca and Santander, 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 Palma de Mallorca or Santander?

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 Palma de Mallorca or Santander in the Summer?

Both Santander and Palma de Mallorca during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Palma de Mallorca for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Palma de Mallorca is generally a little warmer than Santander. Daily temperatures in Palma de Mallorca average around 24°C (76°F), and Santander fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In Santander, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Palma de Mallorca. In the summer, Palma de Mallorca often gets more sunshine than Santander. Palma de Mallorca gets 334 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santander receives 213 hours of full sun.

Palma de Mallorca usually gets less rain in July than Santander. Palma de Mallorca gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Santander receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Palma de Mallorca 24°C (76°F) 
    Santander 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Palma de Mallorca or Santander in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Palma de Mallorca and Santander. The autumn months attract visitors to Palma de Mallorca because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Palma de Mallorca is a little warmer than Santander in the autumn. The daily temperature in Palma de Mallorca averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Santander fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In Palma de Mallorca, it's very sunny this time of the year. Palma de Mallorca usually receives more sunshine than Santander during autumn. Palma de Mallorca gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Santander receives 133 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Santander receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Palma de Mallorca usually receives less rain than Santander. Palma de Mallorca gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Santander receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Palma de Mallorca 19°C (66°F) 
    Santander 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Palma de Mallorca or Santander in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Palma de Mallorca as well as Santander. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Palma de Mallorca this time of year.

In the winter, Palma de Mallorca is a little warmer than Santander. Typically, the winter temperatures in Palma de Mallorca in January average around 11°C (52°F), and Santander averages at about 9°C (49°F).

In the winter, Palma de Mallorca often gets more sunshine than Santander. Palma de Mallorca gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santander receives 91 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Santander. Palma de Mallorca usually gets less rain in January than Santander. Palma de Mallorca gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Santander receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Palma de Mallorca 11°C (52°F) 
    Santander 9°C (49°F)

Should I visit Palma de Mallorca or Santander in the Spring?

Both Santander and Palma de Mallorca are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Palma de Mallorca for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Palma de Mallorca is generally a little warmer than Santander. Daily temperatures in Palma de Mallorca average around 14°C (57°F), and Santander fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Palma de Mallorca. Palma de Mallorca usually receives more sunshine than Santander during spring. Palma de Mallorca gets 210 hours of sunny skies, while Santander receives 148 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Santander. In April, Palma de Mallorca usually receives less rain than Santander. Palma de Mallorca gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Santander receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Palma de Mallorca 14°C (57°F) 
    Santander 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Santander and Palma de Mallorca

Palma de Mallorca Santander
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 11°C (52°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 9°C (49°F) 149 mm (5.9 in)
Feb 12°C (53°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 10°C (50°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 10°C (51°F) 119 mm (4.7 in)
Apr 14°C (57°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 12°C (53°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 14°C (58°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 22°C (71°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 17°C (62°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 24°C (76°F) 7 mm (0.3 in) 19°C (66°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 19°C (67°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 88 mm (3.4 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 16°C (60°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Nov 15°C (58°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 12°C (53°F) 181 mm (7.1 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 10°C (50°F) 157 mm (6.2 in)