A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Santander vs. Volterra for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Santander or Volterra?

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 Volterra can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Santander or Volterra?

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.

Volterra

Located in Tuscany, Volterra has an interesting history and impressive sights for travelers who want to see more of the Tuscan region than the popular city of Florence. The town was originally a Neolithic settlement and is believed to have been continuously inhabited since the end of the 8th century BC. It was a bishop's residence during the 5th century and then an episcopal power during the 12th century. It was later conquered by the Florentines but opposition to their rule led to much rebellion.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid, The Best 10-Day Tours from Barcelona, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, and The Best Walking Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Volterra 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 Volterra is €101. 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 Volterra in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Santander or Volterra? 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 Volterra


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 Volterra Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Santander 24
    Volterra 4.29

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santander

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santander:

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Volterra

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Volterra:

  • Private Transfer from San Gimignano to Firenze (FLR) Airport: $248

Is it cheaper to fly into Santander or Volterra?

Prices for flights to both Volterra 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
    Volterra 36

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Volterra

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Volterra.

  • Buffet dinner at the farm: $49
  • Dining experience at a local's home in San Gimignano with show cooking: $93
  • Volterra - Olive oil tasting with lunch with lunch or dinner: $112
  • Pizza Cooking Class: $112
  • Fresh Pasta Cooking Class: $112
  • "Hands in dough" Cooking Class with Lunch: $120
  • Tuscan Cooking Class: $126
  • Tuscany: Wine Tasting Lunch or Dinner: $128
  • Winery Cave Dinner & Tasting in Tuscany - Romantic & Lovely : $137
  • Fiorentina Steak Dinner & Wine Tasting: $164
  • Cooking class, wine tasting and 2500 year old granaries: $175
  • Cooking Classes in Tuscany among the Chianti Vineyards: $175

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Santander 18
    Volterra 11

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: $55
  • From Santillana del Mar & Altamira Museum Tour: $64
  • Santoña: Anchovy Factory Tour and Boat Trip: $70
  • Tour to the Towns of the Western Coast of Cantabria: $79
  • Picos, Santo Toribio Monastery and Potes Day Tour: $82

Tours and Activities in Volterra

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

  • Cesani Wine Experience: $33
  • Private Balsamic Vinegar Experience with Wine, Evo Oil & Meal: $69
  • Cocktail Mixing Experience with Snacks: $75
  • Chianti and Castle Small Group Tour from San Gimignano: $93
  • San Gimignano, Volterra, St Galgano Abbey small group tour: $149
  • Private Tour in San Gimignano: $150
  • Volterra tour + Salt Mine visit by shuttle from Lucca&Pisa: $159
  • Piazza dei Priori & Cathedral Private Walking Tour: $160
  • Truffle Lunch & Hunting Experience in San Gimignano: $180
  • Volterra - Archeotour by e-bike with tasting: $187
  • Tuscany: Volterra Truffle Hunting Experience: $203
  • Private Tour: San Gimignano Walking Tour: $207

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Santander 14
    Volterra 16

Sample the Local Flavors in Volterra

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Volterra:

  • San Gimignano: Chianti wine tasting : $33
  • Casa Emma Wine Tasting : $34
  • Gourmet Wine Tour San Gimignano Wine Tasting - San Quirico Winery: $36
  • 5 Wine Tastings in San Gimignano: $60
  • Lunch with Wine Tasting: $60
  • "Gourmet" Wine Tasting at Cesani's: $66
  • Wine Tour with Lunch and Wine Tasting: $71
  • Vineyard Walk & Wine Tasting in Tuscany: $115
  • Brunello Wine Tasting from San Gimignano: $130
  • Exclusive evening wine tasting at organic winery : $218
  • Chianti e-bike tour from Florence with wine tasting: $284
  • Private Excursion: Volterra & San Gimignano+wine tastings: $289


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


Which is Bigger, Santander or Volterra?

Santander has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Volterra. When comparing the sizes of Santander and Volterra, 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 Volterra?

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 Santander or Volterra in the Summer?

Both Volterra and Santander are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Volterra because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Santander is cooler than Volterra. Typically, the summer temperatures in Santander in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Volterra averages at about 23°C (74°F).

It's quite sunny in Volterra. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Santander. Santander usually receives less sunshine than Volterra during summer. Santander gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Volterra receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Santander usually receives more rain than Volterra. Santander gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Santander 19°C (66°F) 
    Volterra 23°C (74°F)

Should I visit Santander or Volterra in the Autumn?

Both Volterra and Santander during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Volterra this time of year.

In October, Santander is generally around the same temperature as Volterra. Daily temperatures in Santander average around 16°C (60°F), and Volterra fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Santander often gets less sunshine than Volterra. Santander gets 133 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Volterra receives 177 hours of full sun.

Volterra gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Santander. Santander usually gets more rain in October than Volterra. Santander gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Santander 16°C (60°F) 
    Volterra 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Santander or Volterra in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Santander and Volterra. Furthermore, many travelers come to Volterra for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Santander is a little warmer than Volterra in the winter. The daily temperature in Santander averages around 9°C (49°F) in January, and Volterra fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Santander usually receives less sunshine than Volterra during winter. Santander gets 91 hours of sunny skies, while Volterra receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

Santander gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Santander usually receives more rain than Volterra. Santander gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Santander 9°C (49°F) 
    Volterra 7°C (45°F)

Should I visit Santander or Volterra in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Santander as well as Volterra. Additionally, many visitors come to Volterra in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Santander is around the same temperature as Volterra. Typically, the spring temperatures in Santander in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Volterra averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Santander often gets less sunshine than Volterra. Santander gets 148 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Volterra receives 192 hours of full sun.

Santander receives a lot of rain in the spring. Santander usually gets more rain in April than Volterra. Santander gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Santander 12°C (53°F) 
    Volterra 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Volterra and Santander

Santander Volterra
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (49°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 7°C (45°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 8°C (47°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 10°C (51°F) 119 mm (4.7 in) 10°C (51°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Apr 12°C (53°F) 135 mm (5.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
May 14°C (58°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 17°C (62°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 17°C (62°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 21°C (69°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 50 mm (2 in) 23°C (74°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Aug 19°C (67°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 24°C (74°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 88 mm (3.4 in) 21°C (69°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Oct 16°C (60°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 123 mm (4.8 in)
Nov 12°C (53°F) 181 mm (7.1 in) 12°C (53°F) 124 mm (4.9 in)
Dec 10°C (50°F) 157 mm (6.2 in) 7°C (45°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)


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