A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Santiago de Compostela vs. Amalfi for Attractions, Food, Old Town, and Hiking

Should you visit Santiago de Compostela or Amalfi?

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

Should I visit Santiago de Compostela or Amalfi? 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.

Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela is a inspirational, iconic, and historic city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and hiking.

Amalfi

Amalfi is a charming, picturesque, and stunning town. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Santiago de Compostela and Amalfi: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Santiago de Compostela or Amalfi?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Amalfi than Santiago de Compostela, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Amalfi is better known for its food, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Santiago de Compostela is more popular for its museums, historical sights, hiking, and shopping. Santiago de Compostela is well known for its classic old town, its Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque architecture, and its significance as the culmination point for the Camino de Santiago. Amalfi is well known for its dramatic views, charming character, and excellent limoncello. Also, Amalfi is famous for the dramatic coastline.

How is Santiago de Compostela different from Amalfi?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Amalfi and Santiago de Compostela. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

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

Santiago de Compostela is an amazing city to visit for its museums and landmarks. Also, Amalfi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Santiago de Compostela are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Amalfi. The town is an attraction in and off itself. It's filled with charm and character and visitors spend much of their time simply walking around and soaking up the atmosphere.

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

Amalfi is terrific for its restaurant scene. Also, Santiago de Compostela is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Amalfi is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The town's access to the beautiful sea means that many dishes use a variety of seafood. Eggplant is also a common ingredient and you'll find everything from pastas to elegant desserts around town.

Santiago de Compostela has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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 Santiago de Compostela or Amalfi Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Santiago de Compostela and Amalfi.

Santiago de Compostela is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

Many people head to Amalfi for the nightlife scene. There's a good number of bars and clubs in town that often have live music or DJs. Alternatively, there are also clubs that dot the entire coastline.

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

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

Amalfi has a few good snorkeling spots. You'll find snorkeling trips that take you along the coastline and stop at several places so you can take a peak at the underwater world.

Santiago de Compostela is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Amalfi Better for Beaches?

Amalfi is a popular place for the beache. However, Santiago de Compostela is not a beach destination.

Amalfi is a good option for a beach vacation. The beaches tend to be pebbly and rocky. During the summer months they can get very crowded, but taking a swim is a great way to escape the heat for a bit.

Santiago de Compostela is not a beach destination.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Amalfi Better for its Old Town?

Santiago de Compostela is an amazing city to visit for its old town. Also, Amalfi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

Santiago de Compostela offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Amalfi. The town is charming and filled with great shops and restaurants. It's the perfect place to soak up the atmosphere of the Amalfi Coast.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Amalfi Better for Hiking?

Santiago de Compostela is an amazing city to visit for its hiking experiences. Also, Amalfi is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

Around Santiago de Compostela visitors will find world-class hiking 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.

Many visitors go to Amalfi for the hiking trails. The coastline is filled with great trails that offer stunning views. Hiking is a top way to see the natural beauty of the Amalfi Coast and catch a glimpse at some of the best beaches.

Is the Shopping Better in Santiago de Compostela or Amalfi?

Santiago de Compostela is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Amalfi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Santiago de Compostela is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Amalfi has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find many great shops that sell everything from clothing to fine wine, local foods, or limoncello.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Amalfi Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Santiago de Compostela or Amalfi.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Santiago de Compostela. 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.

Amalfi offers lots of family activities. The town is positioned in the middle of the Amalfi Coast, making it a great base for exploring the area. It's also one of the larger towns so you'll find more energy and things to do with kids, including the Museum of Paper.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Amalfi Better for Couples?

Amalfi is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Santiago de Compostela is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Amalfi makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The Amalfi Coast is a world class honeymoon destination and couples will enjoy staying in the lively town of Amalfi. It's a quaint and beautiful town in the middle of everything, so you'll have access to all that the area has to offer.

Santiago de Compostela is a good city for couples to visit. 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 Santiago de Compostela or Amalfi Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santiago de Compostela is well known for backpackers. However, Amalfi is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Santiago de Compostela is a great city 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.

Amalfi is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The area has a couple of hostels around, but in general this is a difficult place to visit as a backpacker. There are SITA buses that offer transportation, and because the town is in the middle of the coastline, it offers decent access to everything.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Amalfi Better for Students?

Santiago de Compostela is a city with good options for students. However, Amalfi is not popular with students.

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

Amalfi is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Santiago de Compostela and Amalfi.

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.

While Amalfi offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The SITA buses offer transit between many of the towns along the Amalfi Coast.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Amalfi a more walkable city?

Amalfi is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Santiago de Compostela is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Amalfi on foot is easy. It's a compact and charming town that is a bit flatter than some nearby villages so it's easy to explore on foot.

Santiago de Compostela is a very walkable destination. 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.

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

Should I spend more time in Amalfi or Santiago de Compostela?

How long in Santiago de Compostela or Amalfi?

Both Santiago de Compostela and Amalfi have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Amalfi than in Santiago de Compostela. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Santiago de Compostela, and 2-7 days is enough time in Amalfi.

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

Couples should spend more time in Amalfi than Santiago de Compostela. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Amalfi that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

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

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Santiago de Compostela. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

The town of Amalfi offers shopping and museums. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Santiago de Compostela or Amalfi?

Santiago de Compostela is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

The charming destination of Amalfi offers museums and nightlife. This town offers something for everyone. It is common to spend a weekend here. Visiting the old town is also a must. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Santiago de Compostela or Amalfi?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Santiago de Compostela. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Amalfi. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

A week in Santiago de Compostela or Amalfi?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the iconic destination of Santiago de Compostela. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Amalfi is a fun place to experience. The destination of Amalfi offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this town.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain, The Best 2-Week Tours from Rome, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Santiago de Compostela and Amalfi, we can see that Amalfi 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 Amalfi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Amalfi 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 Santiago de Compostela Expensive? and Is Amalfi Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Santiago de Compostela or Amalfi?

Santiago de Compostela has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Amalfi. When comparing the sizes of Santiago de Compostela and Amalfi, 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 Santiago de Compostela or Amalfi?

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 Santiago de Compostela or Amalfi in the Summer?

Both Amalfi and Santiago de Compostela are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Santiago de Compostela in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Amalfi for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Santiago de Compostela is cooler than Amalfi in the summer. The daily temperature in Santiago de Compostela averages around 19°C (66°F) in July, and Amalfi fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

It's quite sunny in Amalfi. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Santiago de Compostela. Santiago de Compostela usually receives less sunshine than Amalfi during summer. Santiago de Compostela gets 248 hours of sunny skies, while Amalfi receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Santiago de Compostela usually receives around the same amount of rain as Amalfi. Santiago de Compostela gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Santiago de Compostela or Amalfi in the Autumn?

Both Amalfi and Santiago de Compostela during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Santiago de Compostela for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Amalfi because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Santiago de Compostela is around the same temperature as Amalfi. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Santiago de Compostela in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Amalfi averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Santiago de Compostela often gets less sunshine than Amalfi. Santiago de Compostela gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amalfi receives 189 hours of full sun.

Amalfi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Santiago de Compostela. Santiago de Compostela usually gets less rain in October than Amalfi. Santiago de Compostela gets 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Santiago de Compostela or Amalfi in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Santiago de Compostela and Amalfi. The winter months attract visitors to Santiago de Compostela because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Amalfi this time of year.

In January, Santiago de Compostela is generally a little warmer than Amalfi. Daily temperatures in Santiago de Compostela average around 11°C (51°F), and Amalfi fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Santiago de Compostela usually receives less sunshine than Amalfi during winter. Santiago de Compostela gets 103 hours of sunny skies, while Amalfi receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

Amalfi receives a lot of rain in the winter. Santiago de Compostela gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Santiago de Compostela usually receives more rain than Amalfi. Santiago de Compostela gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Santiago de Compostela or Amalfi in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Santiago de Compostela as well as Amalfi. The natural beauty are the main draw to Santiago de Compostela this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Amalfi for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Santiago de Compostela is around the same temperature as Amalfi in the spring. The daily temperature in Santiago de Compostela averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Amalfi fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Santiago de Compostela often gets less sunshine than Amalfi. Santiago de Compostela gets 167 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amalfi receives 189 hours of full sun.

Santiago de Compostela usually gets more rain in April than Amalfi. Santiago de Compostela gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Amalfi and Santiago de Compostela