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

Should you visit Santiago de Compostela or Trogir?

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

Should I visit Santiago de Compostela or Trogir? 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 iconic, historic, and religious city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Trogir

Trogir is a quaint, authentic, and historic town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. And you can't forget about the beaches, museums, and nightlife.

Santiago de Compostela and Trogir: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Santiago de Compostela. Although Santiago de Compostela and Trogir are popular destinations, Santiago de Compostela has more sights and attractions for tourists. Santiago de Compostela is very popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Trogir attracts visitors for its food, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and small town charm. Santiago de Compostela is more touristy than Trogir 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. It is also well known for the Cathedral of Santiago. Trogir is famous for its historic buildings and its local cuisine.

How is Santiago de Compostela different from Trogir?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Santiago de Compostela is terrific for its historical sights. Also, Trogir is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

Travelers visit Santiago de Compostela from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.

Trogir offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The old town has some fascinating historic sights such as the Cathedral of St. Lawrence, the Clock Tower and the city gates.

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

Trogir 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, Trogir is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. For such a small place there's a surprising number of amazing restaurants. You won't find touristy restaurants here. Instead, locals and tourists intermingle, enjoying the same amazing dishes. There's also a number of fine dining restaurants that are affordable and high quality.

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 Trogir Better for Nightlife?

Santiago de Compostela is great for nightlife. Also, Trogir is not as popular, but is still a nice town for nightlife and partying.

Many people head to Santiago de Compostela for the nightlife scene. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Trogir. You'll find bars and a few discos around town that keep things fun after the sun sets.

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

Trogir is a town with a few options for its diving and snorkeling. However, Santiago de Compostela is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Trogir has a few snorkeling spots. There are less snorkeling trips leaving from here than from some of the larger nearby tourist destinations.

Santiago de Compostela is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Trogir Better for Beaches?

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

Trogir is a good option for a beach vacation. You'll find some good beaches in the vicinity of town. A favorite is Pantan Beach, which is about 1.5 kilometers from town and accessible by bus. There are also beaches on Ciovo Island and the Drvenik Islands.

Santiago de Compostela is not a beach destination.

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

Santiago de Compostela is terrific for its historic old town. Also, Trogir is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its old town.

Santiago de Compostela has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. 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.

Many people head to Trogir to see the old town. The medieval old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it sits on an island that is connected to the mainland by bridge.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Trogir Better for Hiking?

Santiago de Compostela is terrific for hiking. However, Trogir 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.

Trogir is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Santiago de Compostela or Trogir?

Santiago de Compostela is great for shopping. However, Trogir is not a good destination for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Trogir has some nice offerings. There are shops and shopping centers in the area that sell the standard brands.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Trogir Better for Families?

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

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.

Trogir offers lots of family activities. There are dessert bakeries around town that the kids will love. You'll also find historic sights and a castle. In the surrounding area there's kayaking and other water activities.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Trogir Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Trogir frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. This seaside town is filled with historic sights and great restaurants. Dessert lovers will appreciate the pastry shops and for those willing to head out of town, there are a number of water activities to enjoy.

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 Trogir Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santiago de Compostela and Trogir are great places to visit 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.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Trogir. There's no shortage of affordable hostels in town. You'll find enough backpackers around town to keep things interesting and fun.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Trogir Better for Students?

Santiago de Compostela is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Trogir is not popular with students.

It's common for students to 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.

Trogir is not popular with students.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Trogir 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 Trogir.

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 Trogir offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a bus station in town that provides regional access to nearby towns.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Trogir a more walkable city?

Santiago de Compostela and Trogir both are great 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.

Trogir is a very walkable destination. If you stay in the pedestrian-only old town, its easy to explore on foot.

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

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

How long in Santiago de Compostela or Trogir?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Trogir than Santiago de Compostela. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Trogir 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 Trogir 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 Trogir?

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 Trogir 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 Trogir?

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 historic destination of Trogir offers nightlife and food. This town offers something for everyone. It is common to spend a weekend here. 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 Trogir?

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 Trogir. 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 Trogir?

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.

Trogir is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Trogir. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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 10-Day Tours in Croatia, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Croatia.

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

Which is Bigger, Santiago de Compostela or Trogir?

Santiago de Compostela has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Trogir. When comparing the sizes of Santiago de Compostela and Trogir, 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 Trogir?

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 Trogir in the Summer?

Both Trogir and Santiago de Compostela during the summer are popular places to visit. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Santiago de Compostela this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Trogir for the beaches, snorkeling, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Santiago de Compostela is generally cooler than Trogir. Daily temperatures in Santiago de Compostela average around 19°C (66°F), and Trogir fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

In Trogir, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Santiago de Compostela. In the summer, Santiago de Compostela often gets less sunshine than Trogir. Santiago de Compostela gets 248 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trogir receives 345 hours of full sun.

Santiago de Compostela usually gets less rain in July than Trogir. Santiago de Compostela gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Trogir receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Santiago de Compostela and Trogir. Many travelers come to Santiago de Compostela for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Trogir in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

Santiago de Compostela is around the same temperature as Trogir in the autumn. The daily temperature in Santiago de Compostela averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Trogir fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Trogir this time of the year. Santiago de Compostela usually receives less sunshine than Trogir during autumn. Santiago de Compostela gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Trogir receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Santiago de Compostela gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Santiago de Compostela usually receives more rain than Trogir. Santiago de Compostela gets 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Trogir receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

The winter brings many poeple to Santiago de Compostela as well as Trogir. Many visitors come to Santiago de Compostela in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Trogir for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Santiago de Compostela is a little warmer than Trogir. Typically, the winter temperatures in Santiago de Compostela in January average around 11°C (51°F), and Trogir averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Santiago de Compostela often gets less sunshine than Trogir. Santiago de Compostela gets 103 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trogir receives 128 hours of full sun.

Santiago de Compostela receives a lot of rain in the winter. Santiago de Compostela usually gets more rain in January than Trogir. Santiago de Compostela gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Trogir receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Trogir and Santiago de Compostela are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Santiago de Compostela for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Trogir because of the beaches and the small town charm.

In April, Santiago de Compostela is generally cooler than Trogir. Daily temperatures in Santiago de Compostela average around 13°C (55°F), and Trogir fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

It's quite sunny in Trogir. Santiago de Compostela usually receives less sunshine than Trogir during spring. Santiago de Compostela gets 167 hours of sunny skies, while Trogir receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Santiago de Compostela usually receives more rain than Trogir. Santiago de Compostela gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Trogir receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Trogir and Santiago de Compostela