A Travel Price Comparison for Spain Santiago de Compostela vs. Ezcaray for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Santiago de Compostela or Ezcaray?

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

Should I visit Santiago de Compostela or Ezcaray? 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: Santiago de Compostela or Ezcaray?

Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela is the capital city of northwest Spain's Galicia region. Its famous cathedral marks the culmination of the Way of Saint James pilgrimage route, and is the alleged burial site of the apostle himself. The pilgrimage route begins in the Pyrenees, 500 miles away, though travelers can decide to join the journey at certain points in between, depending on how far they want to walk and how much they want to see.

Ezcaray

Ezcaray, Spain is a great place to go if you are looking for a scenic, relaxing, and peaceful destination. It is located in the Sierra de la Demanda mountains on the banks of the Oja river. Because of the mountain range nearby, it is also a great place for mountaineers. Ezcaray is a small town with big charm and momentous possibilities. It is located right at the base of the San Lorenzo peak in the Oja valley in the La Rioja region of Spain. The town has a population of less than 2,000, so it is a far cry from big city life, but that's part of what makes it such a gem to visit. Some say it is one of the best locations to get an authentic feel of real Spain without the big touristy populations. Its sheer beauty has also been compared to something out of a fairy tale.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain, The Best Adventure Tours to Spain, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Ezcaray or Santiago de Compostela?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Santiago de Compostela is €91, while the average daily cost in Ezcaray is €111. 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 Santiago de Compostela and Ezcaray in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Santiago de Compostela 37
    Ezcaray 56
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Santiago de Compostela 74
    Ezcaray 112
Compare Hotels in Santiago de Compostela and Ezcaray

Looking for a hotel in Santiago de Compostela or Ezcaray? 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 Santiago de Compostela


Hotels in Ezcaray


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: Santiago de Compostela Hotel Prices and Ezcaray Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Santiago de Compostela 38
    Ezcaray 21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santiago de Compostela

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santiago de Compostela:

  • Santiago de Compostela Private Transfer to SCQ Airport by Van: $91
  • Santiago de Compostela Private Transfer from the city centre to SCQ Airport: $52
  • Santiago de Compostela Private Transfer from the city centre to SCQ Airport: $52
  • Private Transfer from Santiago Airport (SCQ) to La Coruna Port: $73
  • Departure Private Transfer Santiago de Compostela to SCQ Airport by Business Car: $39
  • Airport transfer Santiago de Compostela: $72

Is it cheaper to fly into Santiago de Compostela or Ezcaray?

Prices for flights to both Ezcaray and Santiago de Compostela 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
    Santiago de Compostela 19
    Ezcaray 39
Typical Food Prices in Santiago de Compostela

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Santiago de Compostela:


  • Raspberries
    3.50
  • Ice Cream
    2.00
  • Cookie
    1.00
  • Kebab
    7.25
  • Dinner & Tapas (for 2)
    28
  • Tuna Empanada
    3.50
  • Fruit Shake
    3.50
  • Crepe
    4.00

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Santiago de Compostela 39
    Ezcaray 21

Tours and Activities in Santiago de Compostela

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

  • 5-day Private Tour Northern Spain (from Bilbao or Santiago): $5,375
  • Christmas Enchantment: Walking Tour in Compostela: $466
  • Complete Santiago Tour with tickets- Full experience in 4H: $49
  • Excursion to Finisterre, Muxia and Cabo Vilan With Boat Cruise : $54
  • Exploration of Compostela Walking Tour for Families: $357
  • Exploring Santiago de Compostela Walking Tour for Couples: $357
  • Finisterre y Costa da Morte el tour más completo desde Santiago: $54
  • From Santiago Tour to Rias Baixas, boat trip, wine, sea food: $60
  • From Santiago: Finisterre Lighthouse Sunset Tour: $37
  • From Santiago: Fuciño do Porco Hiking Tour: $81
  • From Santiago: Rías Baixas Galicia Seafood & Wine Day Tour: $60
  • From Santiago: Ribeira Sacra Tour & Boat Trip: $62

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Santiago de Compostela 23
    Ezcaray 19
Typical Alcohol Prices in Santiago de Compostela

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Santiago de Compostela from other travelers:


  • 1 Pint Beer
    2.00

Sample the Local Flavors in Santiago de Compostela

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

  • Cheese and Wine Tasting Experience: $31
  • Cheese and Wine Tasting Experience: $32
  • Albariño Wine Tasting with Winery Tour: $33
  • Premium Porto Santiago Compostela tour lunch & wine tasting: $217


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


Which is Bigger, Santiago de Compostela or Ezcaray?

Santiago de Compostela has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Ezcaray. When comparing the sizes of Santiago de Compostela and Ezcaray, 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 Ezcaray?

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 Santiago de Compostela or Ezcaray in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Santiago de Compostela as well as Ezcaray. Many travelers come to Santiago de Compostela for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Santiago de Compostela is generally around the same temperature as Ezcaray. Daily temperatures in Santiago de Compostela average around 19°C (66°F), and Ezcaray fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Santiago de Compostela this time of the year. In the summer, Santiago de Compostela often gets more sunshine than Ezcaray. Santiago de Compostela gets 248 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ezcaray receives 188 hours of full sun.

Santiago de Compostela usually gets less rain in July than Ezcaray. Santiago de Compostela gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Ezcaray receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Santiago de Compostela 19°C (66°F) 
    Ezcaray 20°C (68°F)

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

Both Ezcaray and Santiago de Compostela are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Santiago de Compostela in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Santiago de Compostela is around the same temperature as Ezcaray in the autumn. The daily temperature in Santiago de Compostela averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Ezcaray fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).

Santiago de Compostela usually receives more sunshine than Ezcaray during autumn. Santiago de Compostela gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Ezcaray receives 125 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ezcaray. It's quite rainy in Santiago de Compostela. In October, Santiago de Compostela usually receives around the same amount of rain as Ezcaray. Santiago de Compostela gets 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Ezcaray receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Santiago de Compostela 16°C (61°F) 
    Ezcaray 16°C (62°F)

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

Both Ezcaray and Santiago de Compostela during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Santiago de Compostela for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Santiago de Compostela is a little warmer than Ezcaray. Typically, the winter temperatures in Santiago de Compostela in January average around 11°C (51°F), and Ezcaray averages at about 9°C (48°F).

In the winter, Santiago de Compostela often gets more sunshine than Ezcaray. Santiago de Compostela gets 103 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ezcaray receives 77 hours of full sun.

Ezcaray 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 around the same amount of rain in January as Ezcaray. Santiago de Compostela gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Ezcaray receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Santiago de Compostela 11°C (51°F) 
    Ezcaray 9°C (48°F)

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Santiago de Compostela and Ezcaray. The spring months attract visitors to Santiago de Compostela because of the natural beauty.

In April, Santiago de Compostela is generally around the same temperature as Ezcaray. Daily temperatures in Santiago de Compostela average around 13°C (55°F), and Ezcaray fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Santiago de Compostela usually receives more sunshine than Ezcaray during spring. Santiago de Compostela gets 167 hours of sunny skies, while Ezcaray receives 117 hours of full sun in the spring.

Ezcaray receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Santiago de Compostela usually receives less rain than Ezcaray. Santiago de Compostela gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Ezcaray receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Santiago de Compostela 13°C (55°F) 
    Ezcaray 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Ezcaray and Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela Ezcaray
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 11°C (51°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 9°C (48°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Feb 11°C (52°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 10°C (50°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Mar 12°C (53°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 12°C (54°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)
May 15°C (58°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jun 17°C (62°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 25 mm (1 in) 20°C (68°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Aug 19°C (67°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Sep 19°C (65°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 19°C (66°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 16°C (61°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 16°C (62°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Nov 13°C (55°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Dec 11°C (52°F) 128 mm (5 in) 10°C (50°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)