A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Santiago de Compostela vs. Ravenna for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Santiago de Compostela or Ravenna?

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

Should I visit Santiago de Compostela or Ravenna? 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 religious, inspirational, and iconic city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, hiking, and shopping.

Ravenna

Ravenna is a charming, authentic, and historic town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Santiago de Compostela and Ravenna: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Santiago de Compostela than Ravenna. While Ravenna is larger than Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela has more sights and attractions for tourists. Santiago de Compostela is better known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Ravenna is more popular for its small town charm. Santiago de Compostela is more touristy than Ravenna and is popular for its classic old town, its Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque architecture, and its significance as the culmination point for the Camino de Santiago. Also, Santiago de Compostela is famous for the Cathedral of Santiago. Ravenna is well known for its many stunning mosaics which date back to the early Christian and Byzantine empires.

How is Santiago de Compostela different from Ravenna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Ravenna 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 Ravenna?

Santiago de Compostela is a must-visit destination for its museums and history. Also, Ravenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Santiago de Compostela are world-renowned. 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.

Ravenna offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Most sights in town are centered around the the beautiful mosaics. Neonian Baptistery is a good place to begin your visit. Other highlights include San Vitale, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, and Sant'Apollinare Nuovo.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Santiago de Compostela and Ravenna.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Santiago de Compostela. 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.

Ravenna has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The region is most known for its first course dishes, so pasta lovers will enjoy dining on homemade egg pasta dishes that are served with meat or cheese sauces. You'll also find lots of grilled meats and many great desserts.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Ravenna Better for Nightlife?

Santiago de Compostela is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. Also, Ravenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Santiago de Compostela has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Ravenna has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find most of the pubs and clubs in town around Marina di Ravenna. There are a couple of places that attract a crowd, but many are open only during the summer months.

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

Santiago de Compostela is a must-visit destination for its old town. However, Ravenna does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Santiago de Compostela can be explored in its historical center. 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.

Ravenna does not have a historic old town.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Ravenna Better for Hiking?

Santiago de Compostela is a must-visit destination for its hiking trails. However, Ravenna is not a hiking destination.

Santiago de Compostela is well-known for its hiking and trekking. 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.

Ravenna is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Santiago de Compostela or Ravenna?

Santiago de Compostela is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Ravenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Santiago de Compostela is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to Ravenna to go shopping. There are some nice shopping streets in town where you can buy locally made mosaics. You'll also find art studios and artisan shops, as well as your typical souvenir shops and clothing stores. Via Cavour, via Diaz, and via Cairoli are some of the most popular shopping streets.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Ravenna Better for Families?

Ravenna is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Santiago de Compostela is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Ravenna is a very kid-friendly town. In town you'll find mosaics, museums, and a charming town, and ten kilometers outside of town you'll find Italy's largest amusement park - Mirabilandia. The city is also filled with parks where kids can explore and learn, and the food, like any Italian city, is very kid-friendly.

Santiago de Compostela offers lots of family activities. 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.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Ravenna Better for Couples?

Ravenna is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Santiago de Compostela is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Ravenna frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Many visitors to Italy don't add this charming town to their itinerary, but for couples who want to experience a small town setting with beautiful art and architecture, then Ravenna is a great option. There are parks to explore and great restaurants to experience as well.

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 Ravenna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santiago de Compostela is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Ravenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Santiago de Compostela. 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Ravenna. It's a bit off-the-beaten path, so you won't find a large number of hostels or a lot of backpackers to hang out with. That doesn't mean it won't make a great addition to your itinerary though.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Ravenna Better for Students?

Santiago de Compostela is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Ravenna is not popular with students.

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

Ravenna is not popular with students.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Ravenna 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 Ravenna.

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 Ravenna offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Buses in and around town are managed by START ROMAGNA and offer access to many nearby towns.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Ravenna a more walkable city?

Santiago de Compostela and Ravenna both are superb when exploring on foot.

Santiago de Compostela is a very walkable city. 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.

Ravenna is a very walkable destination. There are care-free areas to the town that can only be explored on foot.

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

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

How long in Santiago de Compostela or Ravenna?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Santiago de Compostela or Ravenna to fill your time. In our opinion, Santiago de Compostela has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Santiago de Compostela than Ravenna. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

In Santiago de Compostela, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Ravenna might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer.

A weekend in Santiago de Compostela or Ravenna?

In Santiago de Compostela, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Santiago de Compostela has to offer.

Even though Ravenna is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. This town offers something for everyone. It is common to spend a weekend here. 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 Ravenna?

Santiago de Compostela is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ravenna. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Santiago de Compostela or Ravenna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Santiago de Compostela. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Santiago de Compostela. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Ravenna is a fun place to experience. Ravenna is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Italy, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Santiago de Compostela and Ravenna, we can see that Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela Expensive? and Is Ravenna Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Santiago de Compostela or Ravenna?

Ravenna has a larger population, and is about 46% larger than the population of Santiago de Compostela. When comparing the sizes of Santiago de Compostela and Ravenna, 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 Ravenna?

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 Ravenna in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Santiago de Compostela as well as Ravenna. Most visitors come to Santiago de Compostela for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Ravenna because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

Santiago de Compostela is cooler than Ravenna in the summer. The daily temperature in Santiago de Compostela averages around 19°C (66°F) in July, and Ravenna fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

Santiago de Compostela usually gets less rain in July than Ravenna. Santiago de Compostela gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Ravenna receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Ravenna and Santiago de Compostela are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Santiago de Compostela because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Ravenna this time of year.

In the autumn, Santiago de Compostela is a little warmer than Ravenna. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Santiago de Compostela in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Ravenna averages at about 14°C (58°F).

It's quite rainy in Santiago de Compostela. In October, Santiago de Compostela usually receives more rain than Ravenna. Santiago de Compostela gets 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Ravenna receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

Both Ravenna and Santiago de Compostela during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Santiago de Compostela this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Ravenna for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Ravenna. In January, Santiago de Compostela is generally much warmer than Ravenna. Daily temperatures in Santiago de Compostela average around 11°C (51°F), and Ravenna fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Santiago de Compostela. Santiago de Compostela usually gets more rain in January than Ravenna. Santiago de Compostela gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Ravenna receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Santiago de Compostela and Ravenna. Many travelers come to Santiago de Compostela for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Ravenna in the spring for the small town charm.

Santiago de Compostela is around the same temperature as Ravenna in the spring. The daily temperature in Santiago de Compostela averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Ravenna fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

In April, Santiago de Compostela usually receives more rain than Ravenna. Santiago de Compostela gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Ravenna receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Ravenna and Santiago de Compostela