A Travel Price Comparison for Spain Santander vs. Pontevedra for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Santander or Pontevedra?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Santander and Pontevedra can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Santander or Pontevedra?

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.

Pontevedra

An important port city with a medieval past, Pontevedra sits on the northwestern coast of Spain where the Lerez River opens out into the ocean. It is a part of the Galicia region and is known for its seafood, charming plazas, and old world architecture that include a number of chapels, churches, and cathedrals.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid, The Best 10-Day Tours from Barcelona, The Best 2-Week Tours from Madrid, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Barcelona.


Which place is cheaper, Pontevedra or Santander?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Santander is €108, while the average daily cost in Pontevedra is €120. 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 Santander and Pontevedra in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Santander 51
    Pontevedra 61
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Santander 102
    Pontevedra 122
Compare Hotels in Santander and Pontevedra

Looking for a hotel in Santander or Pontevedra? 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 Santander


Hotels in Pontevedra


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: Santander Hotel Prices and Pontevedra Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Santander 24
    Pontevedra 23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santander

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santander:

  • Santander Private Transfer from the city centre to Santander Airport: $44
  • Santander Private Transfer from Santander Airport to City centre: $44
  • Santander Private Departure Transfer: $35
  • Santander Private Arrival Transfer: $35
  • Private Transfer from Santander city to Bilbao Airport: $252
  • Private Transfer from Santander city to Bilbao: $252
  • Private Transfer from Santander Port to Bilbao Airport: $252
  • One-way Private Transfer From/To Santander Airport: $41

Is it cheaper to fly into Santander or Pontevedra?

Prices for flights to both Pontevedra and Santander 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
    Santander 41
    Pontevedra 42

Typical Food Prices in Pontevedra

For Pontevedra, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch for 2
    11

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pontevedra

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

  • Galician Cooking Class with Chef Instructor: $159

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Santander 18
    Pontevedra 19

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: $55
  • Full Day Tour Lakes of Covadonga and Santillana from Santander: $46
  • Gastronomy tour: $120
  • 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: $213
  • 1-Hour City Cruise Around the Bay: $14

Tours and Activities in Pontevedra

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

  • Pontevedra Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.75
  • O Grove Aquarium Experience: $16
  • Private Guided Walking Tour: $43
  • NEW!! Private Walking Tour with local guide: $64
  • Walking Tour and Galician Food Tasting: $64

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Santander 14
    Pontevedra 20

Sample the Local Flavors in Pontevedra

Also in Pontevedra, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Albariño Wine Tasting with Winery Tour: $32


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


Which is Bigger, Santander or Pontevedra?

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

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 Santander or Pontevedra in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Santander as well as Pontevedra.

In July, Santander is generally around the same temperature as Pontevedra. Daily temperatures in Santander average around 19°C (66°F), and Pontevedra fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pontevedra. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Santander this time of the year. In the summer, Santander often gets less sunshine than Pontevedra. Santander gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pontevedra receives 299 hours of full sun.

Santander usually gets more rain in July than Pontevedra. Santander gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Pontevedra receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Santander 19°C (66°F) 
    Pontevedra 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Santander or Pontevedra in the Autumn?

Both Pontevedra and Santander are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.

Santander is around the same temperature as Pontevedra in the autumn. The daily temperature in Santander averages around 16°C (60°F) in October, and Pontevedra fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

Santander usually receives less sunshine than Pontevedra during autumn. Santander gets 133 hours of sunny skies, while Pontevedra receives 174 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pontevedra. It's quite rainy in Santander. In October, Santander usually receives less rain than Pontevedra. Santander gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Pontevedra receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Santander 16°C (60°F) 
    Pontevedra 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Santander or Pontevedra in the Winter?

Both Pontevedra and Santander during the winter are popular places to visit.

In the winter, Santander is around the same temperature as Pontevedra. Typically, the winter temperatures in Santander in January average around 9°C (49°F), and Pontevedra averages at about 10°C (50°F).

In the winter, Santander often gets less sunshine than Pontevedra. Santander gets 91 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pontevedra receives 110 hours of full sun.

Pontevedra gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Santander. Santander usually gets less rain in January than Pontevedra. Santander gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Pontevedra receives 232 mm (9.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Santander 9°C (49°F) 
    Pontevedra 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Santander or Pontevedra in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Santander and Pontevedra.

In April, Santander is generally cooler than Pontevedra. Daily temperatures in Santander average around 12°C (53°F), and Pontevedra fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Santander usually receives less sunshine than Pontevedra during spring. Santander gets 148 hours of sunny skies, while Pontevedra receives 198 hours of full sun in the spring.

Pontevedra receives a lot of rain in the spring. Santander gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Santander usually receives around the same amount of rain as Pontevedra. Santander gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Pontevedra receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Santander 12°C (53°F) 
    Pontevedra 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Pontevedra and Santander

Santander Pontevedra
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (49°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 10°C (50°F) 232 mm (9.1 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 11°C (52°F) 230 mm (9.1 in)
Mar 10°C (51°F) 119 mm (4.7 in) 12°C (54°F) 160 mm (6.3 in)
Apr 12°C (53°F) 135 mm (5.3 in) 13°C (56°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)
May 14°C (58°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 16°C (60°F) 137 mm (5.4 in)
Jun 17°C (62°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 50 mm (2 in) 21°C (70°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Aug 19°C (67°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 21°C (69°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 88 mm (3.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)
Oct 16°C (60°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 17°C (62°F) 164 mm (6.5 in)
Nov 12°C (53°F) 181 mm (7.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 186 mm (7.3 in)
Dec 10°C (50°F) 157 mm (6.2 in) 11°C (51°F) 228 mm (9 in)