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

Should you visit Rouen or Santillana?

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

Should I visit Rouen or Santillana? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Rouen or Santillana?

Rouen

Rouen is a city on the River Seine in the north of France. It is the capital of the region of Normandy. It was formerly one of the largest and most prosperous cities of Medieval Europe. The city has had a turbulent history. It was devastated by fire and plague several times during the Middle Ages, and was occupied by the English during the Hundred Years War. The young French heroine Joan of Arc (Jeanne d'Arc) was tried for heresy and burned at the stake in the central square in 1431. And during WWII, Allied bombing raids laid waste to large parts of the city, especially south of the cathedral.

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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain.

When comparing the travel costs between Rouen and Santillana, we can see that Rouen 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 Rouen Expensive? and Is Santillana Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Rouen or Santillana?

Rouen has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Santillana. When comparing the sizes of Rouen 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 Rouen 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 Rouen or Santillana in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Rouen and Santillana. The summer months attract visitors to Rouen because of the family-friendly experiences.

Rouen is cooler than Santillana in the summer. The daily temperature in Rouen averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Santillana fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Santillana this time of the year. In Rouen, it's very sunny this time of the year. Rouen usually receives more sunshine than Santillana during summer. Rouen gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Santillana receives 213 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Rouen usually receives more rain than Santillana. Rouen gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Santillana receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Rouen or Santillana in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Rouen as well as Santillana. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Rouen this time of year.

In the autumn, Rouen is cooler than Santillana. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Rouen in October average around 12°C (53°F), and Santillana averages at about 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Rouen often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Santillana. Rouen gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santillana receives 133 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Santillana. Rouen usually gets less rain in October than Santillana. Rouen gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Santillana receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rouen or Santillana in the Winter?

Both Santillana and Rouen are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Rouen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Rouen. In January, Rouen is generally much colder than Santillana. Daily temperatures in Rouen average around 4°C (39°F), and Santillana fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

Rouen usually receives less sunshine than Santillana during winter. Rouen gets 62 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, Rouen usually receives less rain than Santillana. Rouen gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Santillana receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Rouen or Santillana in the Spring?

Both Santillana and Rouen during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Rouen in the spring for the natural beauty.

Rouen is cooler than Santillana in the spring. The daily temperature in Rouen averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Santillana fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the spring, Rouen often gets more sunshine than Santillana. Rouen gets 172 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. Rouen usually gets less rain in April than Santillana. Rouen gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Santillana receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Santillana and Rouen