A Travel Price Comparison for Spain Puerto de la Cruz vs. Santander for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Puerto de la Cruz or Santander?

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 Puerto de la Cruz and Santander. 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: Puerto de la Cruz or Santander?

Puerto de la Cruz

The coast of the island of Tenerife is a dream destination for those seeking a luxurious getaway full of beaches and parties. However, for those of you traveling with families or looking to simply avoid the hustle and bustle of the nightclub crowd, there's Puerto de la Cruz. Known as a sophisticated destination, Puerto de la Cruz is one of the top places to visit yet still retains its authentic, Canarian charm.

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


Which place is cheaper, Santander or Puerto de la Cruz?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Puerto de la Cruz is €112, 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 Puerto de la Cruz and Santander in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Puerto de la Cruz 51
    Santander 51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Puerto de la Cruz 102
    Santander 102
Compare Hotels in Puerto de la Cruz and Santander

Looking for a hotel in Puerto de la Cruz 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 Puerto de la Cruz


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: Puerto de la Cruz Hotel Prices and Santander Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Puerto de la Cruz 40
    Santander 24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santander

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santander:

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Puerto de la Cruz or Santander?

Prices for flights to both Santander and Puerto de la Cruz 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
    Puerto de la Cruz 34
    Santander 41

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Puerto de la Cruz 28
    Santander 18

Tours and Activities in Santander

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

  • 1-Hour City Cruise Around the Bay: $14
  • City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $22
  • City Sightseeing Santander Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $23
  • Obregón: Parque de la Naturaleza de Cabárceno Entry Ticket: $26
  • From Potes, Santillana and Altamira Day Tour: $42
  • Full Day Tour Lakes of Covadonga and Santillana from Santander: $46
  • Guided Tour by Electric Bike: $53
  • Full Day Self Guided Tour in Santillana del Mar and Comillas: $54
  • From Santillana del Mar & Altamira Museum Tour: $64
  • From Gastronomic Tour: $67
  • Santoña: Anchovy Factory Tour and Boat Trip: $69
  • Tour to the Towns of the Western Coast of Cantabria: $78

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Puerto de la Cruz 5.00
    Santander 14


When comparing the travel costs between Puerto de la Cruz and Santander, we can see that Puerto de la Cruz 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 Puerto de la Cruz Expensive? and Is Santander Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Puerto de la Cruz or Santander?

Santander has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Puerto de la Cruz. When comparing the sizes of Puerto de la Cruz 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 Puerto de la Cruz or Santander?

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 Puerto de la Cruz or Santander in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Puerto de la Cruz and Santander.

Puerto de la Cruz is a little warmer than Santander in the summer. The daily temperature in Puerto de la Cruz averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Santander fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Santander this time of the year. In Puerto de la Cruz, it's very sunny this time of the year. Puerto de la Cruz usually receives more sunshine than Santander during summer. Puerto de la Cruz gets 334 hours of sunny skies, while Santander receives 213 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Puerto de la Cruz usually receives less rain than Santander. Puerto de la Cruz gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Santander receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Puerto de la Cruz 24°C (75°F) 
    Santander 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Puerto de la Cruz or Santander in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Puerto de la Cruz as well as Santander.

In the autumn, Puerto de la Cruz is a little warmer than Santander. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Puerto de la Cruz in October average around 21°C (70°F), and Santander averages at about 16°C (60°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Puerto de la Cruz this time of the year. In the autumn, Puerto de la Cruz often gets more sunshine than Santander. Puerto de la Cruz gets 218 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santander receives 133 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Santander. Puerto de la Cruz usually gets less rain in October than Santander. Puerto de la Cruz gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Santander receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Puerto de la Cruz 21°C (70°F) 
    Santander 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Puerto de la Cruz or Santander in the Winter?

Both Santander and Puerto de la Cruz are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.

In January, Puerto de la Cruz is generally much warmer than Santander. Daily temperatures in Puerto de la Cruz average around 18°C (64°F), and Santander fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

Puerto de la Cruz usually receives more sunshine than Santander during winter. Puerto de la Cruz gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Santander receives 91 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Santander. In January, Puerto de la Cruz usually receives less rain than Santander. Puerto de la Cruz gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Santander receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Puerto de la Cruz 18°C (64°F) 
    Santander 9°C (49°F)

Should I visit Puerto de la Cruz or Santander in the Spring?

Both Santander and Puerto de la Cruz during the spring are popular places to visit.

Puerto de la Cruz is much warmer than Santander in the spring. The daily temperature in Puerto de la Cruz averages around 20°C (68°F) in April, and Santander fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

It's quite sunny in Puerto de la Cruz. In the spring, Puerto de la Cruz often gets more sunshine than Santander. Puerto de la Cruz gets 229 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santander receives 148 hours of full sun.

Santander gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Puerto de la Cruz usually gets less rain in April than Santander. Puerto de la Cruz gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Santander receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Puerto de la Cruz 20°C (68°F) 
    Santander 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Santander and Puerto de la Cruz

Puerto de la Cruz Santander
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°C (64°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 9°C (49°F) 149 mm (5.9 in)
Feb 18°C (64°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 10°C (50°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Mar 19°C (66°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 10°C (51°F) 119 mm (4.7 in)
Apr 20°C (68°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 12°C (53°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
May 21°C (70°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 14°C (58°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 1 mm (0 in) 17°C (62°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 24°C (75°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 19°C (67°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 18°C (64°F) 88 mm (3.4 in)
Oct 21°C (70°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 16°C (60°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 12°C (53°F) 181 mm (7.1 in)
Dec 18°C (64°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 10°C (50°F) 157 mm (6.2 in)