A Travel Price Comparison for Spain Palma de Mallorca vs. Santiago de Compostela for Nightlife, Old Town, Hiking, and Food

Should you visit Palma de Mallorca or Santiago de Compostela?

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 Santiago de Compostela, 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.

Palma de Mallorca

Palma de Mallorca is a cultural, historic, and beautiful island. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela is a religious, inspirational, and iconic city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Palma de Mallorca and Santiago de Compostela: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Palma de Mallorca or Santiago de Compostela?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Santiago de Compostela than Palma de Mallorca. While Palma de Mallorca is larger than Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela has more sights and attractions for tourists. Santiago de Compostela is very popular for its museums, historical sights, hiking, and shopping, while Palma de Mallorca attracts visitors for its nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Palma de Mallorca is famous for its strikingly blue waters, sandy beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant towns. Santiago de Compostela is famous for its classic old town, its Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque architecture, and its significance as the culmination point for the Camino de Santiago. It is also well known for the Cathedral of Santiago.

How is Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Palma de Mallorca or Santiago de Compostela?

Santiago de Compostela is a must-visit destination for its museums and history. However, Palma de Mallorca does not have museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Santiago de Compostela from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.

Palma de Mallorca does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Palma de Mallorca or Santiago de Compostela? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Palma de Mallorca and Santiago de Compostela offer a number of very good restaurants to choose from.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Palma de Mallorca. Food here is centered around pork, fish, and vegetables. It is flavored with garlic and olive oil and it offers that feeling of comfort that comes with home cooking.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Santiago de Compostela. 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 Palma de Mallorca or Santiago de Compostela Better for Nightlife?

Palma de Mallorca is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Santiago de Compostela is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Palma de Mallorca is a must-see party destination. Head to Magaluf and Palma for the most popular places.

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.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Santiago de Compostela Better for Music?

Palma de Mallorca is well known for its live music scene. However, Santiago de Compostela is not a live music destination.

Music is a popular form of entertainment in Palma de Mallorca. Live concerts, international DJs, and a diverse range of styles have put the island's music scene on the map.

Santiago de Compostela is not a live music destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Santiago de Compostela Better for Resorts?

Palma de Mallorca is well known for its resorts. However, Santiago de Compostela is not a resort destination.

Palma de Mallorca is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Top resorts on the island include The St Regis Mardavall, Viva Cala Mesquida Resort and Spa, and Nixe Palace Hotel.

Santiago de Compostela is not a resort destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Santiago de Compostela Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Palma de Mallorca is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Santiago de Compostela is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Palma de Mallorca has a few good snorkeling spots. Head to Cala Santanyi on the south side of the island for the best snorkeling. For scuba diving, National Park of Cabrera is one of the most popular spots.

Santiago de Compostela is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Santiago de Compostela Better for Beaches?

Palma de Mallorca is terrific for the beache. However, Santiago de Compostela is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Palma de Mallorca. The island is lined with sandy beaches and rocky coves, which have contributed to it becoming one of Europe's most popular beach destinations.

Santiago de Compostela is not a beach destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Santiago de Compostela Better for its Old Town?

Santiago de Compostela is a must-visit destination for its historic old town. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its old town.

The rich history of Santiago de Compostela can be explored in its historical center. 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.

Many people head to Palma de Mallorca to see the old town. Alcudia is the best old town on the island. It has cobblestone streets and historic walls that give it charm and history.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Santiago de Compostela Better for Hiking?

Santiago de Compostela is a must-visit destination for its hiking trails. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Known for its hiking, Santiago de Compostela draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. 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.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Palma de Mallorca. There are many beautiful hikes along the water and through the countryside that offer beautiful views and pass by quaint towns.

Is the Shopping Better in Palma de Mallorca or Santiago de Compostela?

Santiago de Compostela is an excellent place to visit for shopping. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Santiago de Compostela. 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.

Palma de Mallorca offers some nice shopping areas. Head to Palma for some of the areas best shopping.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Santiago de Compostela Better for Families?

Palma de Mallorca is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Santiago de Compostela is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Palma de Mallorca is a very kid-friendly island. The beaches are large and sandy with beautiful blue waters. There's also many activities that both adults and kids can enjoy around the island including waterparks, aquariums, and amusement areas.

Santiago de Compostela offers lots of family activities. 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 Palma de Mallorca or Santiago de Compostela Better for Couples?

Palma de Mallorca and Santiago de Compostela are both nice to visit as a couple.

Palma de Mallorca is a nice destination for couples. With beautiful beaches and a fun Spanish flare, Mallorca makes for a memorable honeymoon.

Santiago de Compostela makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Palma de Mallorca or Santiago de Compostela Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Palma de Mallorca and Santiago de Compostela are both very good destinations for backpackers.

Palma de Mallorca is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There is no shortage of hostels in Mallorca so it's easy to find an affordable place to stay and a young crowd to hang out with.

Santiago de Compostela is a great island to visit for backpackers. 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.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Santiago de Compostela Better for Students?

Santiago de Compostela is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Palma de Mallorca is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Santiago de Compostela. It's a small city with many students during the week, but on weekends it quiets down as many students leave town.

Palma de Mallorca is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Palma de Mallorca and Santiago de Compostela.

Palma de Mallorca has some public transit options. There is an efficient bus system that can get you around the island, but trips are less frequent on weekends. Pick up the Intermodal Card which can get you from town to town.

You'll find some public transit in Santiago de Compostela, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses around town that are operated by Tralusa.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Santiago de Compostela a more walkable city?

Santiago de Compostela is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

Santiago de Compostela is very walkable. 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.

Palma de Mallorca is a somewhat walkable place. It is a larger island that is not walkable, but Palma is generally a walkable area. If you stay in the central area you should be fine to explore on foot but if you want to get out into more rural areas, you'll need access to some type of transportation.

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

Should I spend more time in Santiago de Compostela or Palma de Mallorca?

How long in Palma de Mallorca or Santiago de Compostela?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Palma de Mallorca or Santiago de Compostela to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Palma de Mallorca than Santiago de Compostela because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Palma de Mallorca, and 1-2 days is enough time in Santiago de Compostela.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Santiago de Compostela than Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca or Santiago de Compostela?

The island of Palma de Mallorca offers scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With shopping and museums around the destination of Santiago de Compostela, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One day is often enough time to do most activities. It offers something for everyone.

A weekend in Palma de Mallorca or Santiago de Compostela?

The beautiful destination of Palma de Mallorca offers shopping and nightlife. This island offers something for everyone. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

With museums and nightlife around the religious city of Santiago de Compostela, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Five days in Palma de Mallorca or Santiago de Compostela?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Palma de Mallorca. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the iconic destination of Santiago de Compostela. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Palma de Mallorca or Santiago de Compostela?

Palma de Mallorca is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the live music and food when visiting the destination of Palma de Mallorca. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Santiago de Compostela is a popular choice for travelers. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

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.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Palma de Mallorca and Santiago de Compostela, we can see that Palma de Mallorca 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 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 Santiago de Compostela.

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 Santiago de Compostela Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Palma de Mallorca or Santiago de Compostela?

Palma de Mallorca has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Santiago de Compostela. When comparing the sizes of Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca or Santiago de Compostela in the Summer?

Both Santiago de Compostela and Palma de Mallorca during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Palma de Mallorca in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Santiago de Compostela for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Palma de Mallorca is a little warmer than Santiago de Compostela. Typically, the summer temperatures in Palma de Mallorca in July average around 24°C (76°F), and Santiago de Compostela averages at about 19°C (66°F).

In Santiago de Compostela, 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 Santiago de Compostela. Palma de Mallorca gets 334 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santiago de Compostela receives 248 hours of full sun.

Palma de Mallorca usually gets less rain in July than Santiago de Compostela. Palma de Mallorca gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Palma de Mallorca or Santiago de Compostela in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Palma de Mallorca and Santiago de Compostela. Most visitors come to Palma de Mallorca for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Santiago de Compostela because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Palma de Mallorca is generally a little warmer than Santiago de Compostela. Daily temperatures in Palma de Mallorca average around 19°C (66°F), and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In Palma de Mallorca, it's very sunny this time of the year. Palma de Mallorca usually receives more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during autumn. Palma de Mallorca gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 155 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Santiago de Compostela receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Palma de Mallorca usually receives less rain than Santiago de Compostela. Palma de Mallorca gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Palma de Mallorca or Santiago de Compostela in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Palma de Mallorca as well as Santiago de Compostela. The winter months attract visitors to Palma de Mallorca because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Santiago de Compostela this time of year.

Palma de Mallorca is around the same temperature as Santiago de Compostela in the winter. The daily temperature in Palma de Mallorca averages around 11°C (52°F) in January, and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the winter, Palma de Mallorca often gets more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela. Palma de Mallorca gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santiago de Compostela receives 103 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Santiago de Compostela. Palma de Mallorca usually gets less rain in January than Santiago de Compostela. Palma de Mallorca gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Palma de Mallorca or Santiago de Compostela in the Spring?

Both Santiago de Compostela and Palma de Mallorca are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Palma de Mallorca this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Santiago de Compostela for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Palma de Mallorca is a little warmer than Santiago de Compostela. Typically, the spring temperatures in Palma de Mallorca in April average around 14°C (57°F), and Santiago de Compostela averages at about 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Palma de Mallorca. Palma de Mallorca usually receives more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during spring. Palma de Mallorca gets 210 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 167 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Palma de Mallorca usually receives less rain than Santiago de Compostela. Palma de Mallorca gets 46 mm (1.8 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 Palma de Mallorca