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

Should you visit Santiago de Compostela or Rijeka?

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

Should I visit Santiago de Compostela or Rijeka? 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 historic, religious, and inspirational city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Rijeka

Rijeka is a accessible, diverse, and slow-paced town. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Santiago de Compostela and Rijeka: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will generally find more to do in Santiago de Compostela than Rijeka. While Rijeka is larger than Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Santiago de Compostela is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Rijeka is known for its beaches and big city activities. Santiago de Compostela is more touristy than Rijeka and is known for its classic old town, its Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque architecture, and its significance as the culmination point for the Camino de Santiago. It is also home to the Cathedral of Santiago. Rijeka is popular for being a transportation hub in Croatia with a ferry and cruise ship port.

How is Santiago de Compostela different from Rijeka?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Santiago de Compostela is renowned for its sights and museums. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Santiago de Compostela on the map. 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.

Rijeka is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Historical sights around town include Trsat Castle, the Petar Druzic Stairway, and Our Lady of Trsat. There are also museums such as PEEK&POKE Computer Museum and the Governor's Palace and Maritime and Historical Museum.

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

Santiago de Compostela is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Santiago de Compostela is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Rijeka. It's known for its Mediterranean cuisine which includes more than seafood. There are local vegetable specialties in the area as well including asparagus and white truffles. Codfish stew and cuttlefish risotto are also popular.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Rijeka Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Rijeka for the nightlife scene. The city center has plenty of bars and clubs. Restaurants also stay open late and are popular places to hang out for locals and tourists alike.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Rijeka Better for Beaches?

Rijeka is a town with a few options for the beache. However, Santiago de Compostela is not a beach destination.

You can check out the beach in Rijeka. There are pebbly and gravelly beaches in the area, with the best beaches to the west of the city. You'll need to take a public bus to reach most of them.

Santiago de Compostela is not a beach destination.

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

Santiago de Compostela is renowned for its historic old town charm. However, Rijeka does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Santiago de Compostela is one of the most recognized in the world. 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.

Rijeka does not have a historic old town.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Rijeka Better for Hiking?

Santiago de Compostela is renowned for the nearby hiking options. However, Rijeka is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Santiago de Compostela specifically for its hiking. 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.

Rijeka is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Santiago de Compostela or Rijeka?

Santiago de Compostela is a well-known place for its shopping areas. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Santiago de Compostela. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Rijeka. There are many shopping centers, retail stores, and souvenir shops around town.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Rijeka Better for Families?

Rijeka 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.

Rijeka is a very kid-friendly town. The city has a number of outdoor activities for kids like nature parks and nearby beaches. There's also a puppet theater as well as the Astronomical Center of Rijeka.

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 Rijeka Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Santiago de Compostela and Rijeka make for a good place to visit.

Santiago de Compostela makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Rijeka is a good city for couples to visit. It's a gateway to the Croatian islands. Many couples enjoy walking down the waterfront promenade or dining at a nice local restaurant. There are also beaches, parks, and historical sights to explore.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Rijeka Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santiago de Compostela is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Santiago de Compostela is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Rijeka. There's no shortage of affordable hostels around town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Rijeka Better for Students?

Santiago de Compostela and Rijeka are good places to visit for 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.

It's common for students to visit Rijeka. It's a laid back seaside city that makes a nice semester abroad destination. As a gateway to the Croatian islands, it also offers transportation connections to other points of interest.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Rijeka 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 Rijeka.

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 Rijeka offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. KD Autrolej buses provide transit throughout the city.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Rijeka a more walkable city?

Santiago de Compostela is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

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.

Rijeka is somewhat walkable. Parts of the city are more walkable than others.

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

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

How long in Santiago de Compostela or Rijeka?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Santiago de Compostela or Rijeka 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 Rijeka. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Santiago de Compostela than Rijeka. 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 Rijeka 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 Rijeka?

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 Rijeka offers museums and nightlife. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer.

A weekend in Santiago de Compostela or Rijeka?

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 coastal destination of Rijeka offers nightlife and food. 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 Rijeka?

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 Rijeka. 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 Rijeka?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the inspirational 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.

Rijeka is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Rijeka. 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 Adventure Tours to Croatia, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Croatia.

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

Which is Bigger, Santiago de Compostela or Rijeka?

Rijeka has a larger population, and is about 53% larger than the population of Santiago de Compostela. When comparing the sizes of Santiago de Compostela and Rijeka, 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 Rijeka?

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 Rijeka in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Santiago de Compostela and Rijeka. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Santiago de Compostela this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Rijeka for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Santiago de Compostela is cooler than Rijeka. Typically, the summer temperatures in Santiago de Compostela in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Rijeka averages at about 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rijeka this time of the year. In Santiago de Compostela, it's very sunny this time of the year. Santiago de Compostela usually receives less sunshine than Rijeka during summer. Santiago de Compostela gets 248 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 288 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Santiago de Compostela usually receives less rain than Rijeka. Santiago de Compostela gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Santiago de Compostela as well as Rijeka. Many travelers come to Santiago de Compostela for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, many visitors come to Rijeka in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

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

In the autumn, Santiago de Compostela often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Rijeka. Santiago de Compostela gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 167 hours of full sun.

Santiago de Compostela receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Santiago de Compostela usually gets more rain in October than Rijeka. Santiago de Compostela gets 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Rijeka and Santiago de Compostela are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Santiago de Compostela in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Rijeka for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Santiago de Compostela is much warmer than Rijeka in the winter. The daily temperature in Santiago de Compostela averages around 11°C (51°F) in January, and Rijeka fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Santiago de Compostela usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Rijeka during winter. Santiago de Compostela gets 103 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 96 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Santiago de Compostela. In January, Santiago de Compostela usually receives more rain than Rijeka. Santiago de Compostela gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

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

Both Rijeka and Santiago de Compostela during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Santiago de Compostela for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Rijeka because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Santiago de Compostela is around the same temperature as Rijeka. Typically, the spring temperatures in Santiago de Compostela in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Rijeka averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In the spring, Santiago de Compostela often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Rijeka. Santiago de Compostela gets 167 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 177 hours of full sun.

Santiago de Compostela usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Rijeka. Santiago de Compostela gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Rijeka and Santiago de Compostela