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

Should you visit Santiago de Compostela or Ventimiglia?

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

Should I visit Santiago de Compostela or Ventimiglia? 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 offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Ventimiglia

Ventimiglia is a scenic, traditional, and understated seaside town. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and food.

Santiago de Compostela and Ventimiglia: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Santiago de Compostela. Although Santiago de Compostela and Ventimiglia are both popular with visitors, Santiago de Compostela has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Santiago de Compostela is more popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and hiking, while Ventimiglia is known for its beaches, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Santiago de Compostela is more touristy than Ventimiglia 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. Ventimiglia is popular for its weekly market, colorful old town, and nice beaches.

How is Santiago de Compostela different from Ventimiglia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Santiago de Compostela is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Ventimiglia does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Ventimiglia does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

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.

Ventimiglia has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Italian classics are abundant including tiramisus, Italian pizzas, risotto alla milanese, and traditional lasagna. If you're in town on a Friday you should visit the local market which has stalls selling local produce and foods.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Ventimiglia Better for Nightlife?

Santiago de Compostela is a great destination for its evening party scene. However, Ventimiglia is a seaside town with minimal options for nightlife.

The people in Santiago de Compostela know how to have a good time. 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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Ventimiglia Most people don't head to town for the nightlife, but there are some bars where you can grab a drink or sip a glass of wine.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Ventimiglia Better for Beaches?

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

Ventimiglia is a good option for a beach vacation. The lungomare is a promenade along the sea that allows visitors to wander and take in waterfront views. Most of the beaches are free to access and have been influenced by the coastal erosion efforts which have led to a series of scalloped bays. If you reach the end of the lungomare you'll find a natural area where the Roya and Nervia rivers meet the ocean. This is also a popular spot for breeding birds.

Santiago de Compostela is not a beach destination.

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

Santiago de Compostela is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. Also, Ventimiglia is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town.

The historic old town of Santiago de Compostela is revered around 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.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Ventimiglia. The old town is filled with cobblestone streets and charming pastel buildings. There are also a number of historic buildings and monuments that give the town a special atmosphere.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Ventimiglia Better for Hiking?

Santiago de Compostela is a world-class destination for its hiking experiences. However, Ventimiglia is not a hiking destination.

People visit Santiago de Compostela specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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.

Ventimiglia is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Santiago de Compostela or Ventimiglia?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Ventimiglia and Santiago de Compostela.

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.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Ventimiglia. Most people head in town on Friday for the market, which has stalls selling crafts and local products.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Ventimiglia Better for Families?

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

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.

Ventimiglia offers lots of family activities. The charming town is a great place for kids to explore. There is a botanical garden and hiking trails that the whole family can enjoy as well as quiet beaches where they can play. The Italian food is also perfect for young palates.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Ventimiglia Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Ventimiglia frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. This quintessential Italian town offers a romantic setting with cobblestone streets and pastel buildings. There are many culinary delights and romantic settings that are perfect for couples. The hiking trails and botanical gardens are also fun places to explore.

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 Ventimiglia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santiago de Compostela is a great destination for backpackers. However, Ventimiglia is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Ventimiglia is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Ventimiglia Better for Students?

Santiago de Compostela is a popular place for students. However, Ventimiglia 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.

Ventimiglia is not popular with students.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Ventimiglia 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 Ventimiglia.

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 Ventimiglia offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are trains and buses to town. Once you're in town it's easy to explore on foot.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Ventimiglia a more walkable city?

Santiago de Compostela and Ventimiglia both are high quality 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.

Ventimiglia is a very walkable destination. It's small size and charming atmosphere make it a great town to explore on foot.

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

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

How long in Santiago de Compostela or Ventimiglia?

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

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

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

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the religious city of Santiago de Compostela. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Ventimiglia might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this seaside town has to offer.

A weekend in Santiago de Compostela or Ventimiglia?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the religious destination of Santiago de Compostela. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Even though Ventimiglia is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. This seaside town offers something for everyone. It is common to spend a weekend here. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Ventimiglia?

The religious city of Santiago de Compostela offers shopping and museums. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ventimiglia. 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. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Santiago de Compostela or Ventimiglia?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Santiago de Compostela. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Ventimiglia is a fun place to experience. Ventimiglia is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Santiago de Compostela or Ventimiglia?

Santiago de Compostela has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Ventimiglia. When comparing the sizes of Santiago de Compostela and Ventimiglia, 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 Ventimiglia?

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 Ventimiglia in the Summer?

Both Ventimiglia and Santiago de Compostela are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Santiago de Compostela because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Ventimiglia this time of year.

In the summer, Santiago de Compostela is cooler than Ventimiglia. Typically, the summer temperatures in Santiago de Compostela in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Ventimiglia averages at about 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Ventimiglia. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Santiago de Compostela. Santiago de Compostela usually receives less sunshine than Ventimiglia during summer. Santiago de Compostela gets 248 hours of sunny skies, while Ventimiglia receives 295 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Santiago de Compostela usually receives more rain than Ventimiglia. Santiago de Compostela gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Ventimiglia receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

Both Ventimiglia and Santiago de Compostela during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Santiago de Compostela this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Ventimiglia for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Santiago de Compostela is generally around the same temperature as Ventimiglia. Daily temperatures in Santiago de Compostela average around 16°C (61°F), and Ventimiglia fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Santiago de Compostela often gets less sunshine than Ventimiglia. Santiago de Compostela gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ventimiglia receives 183 hours of full sun.

Ventimiglia 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 October as Ventimiglia. Santiago de Compostela gets 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Ventimiglia receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Santiago de Compostela and Ventimiglia. Many travelers come to Santiago de Compostela for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Ventimiglia in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Santiago de Compostela is a little warmer than Ventimiglia in the winter. The daily temperature in Santiago de Compostela averages around 11°C (51°F) in January, and Ventimiglia fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Santiago de Compostela usually receives less sunshine than Ventimiglia during winter. Santiago de Compostela gets 103 hours of sunny skies, while Ventimiglia receives 127 hours of full sun 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 Ventimiglia. Santiago de Compostela gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Ventimiglia receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

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

The spring brings many poeple to Santiago de Compostela as well as Ventimiglia. Many visitors come to Santiago de Compostela in the spring for the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Ventimiglia for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

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

In the spring, Santiago de Compostela often gets less sunshine than Ventimiglia. Santiago de Compostela gets 167 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ventimiglia receives 198 hours of full sun.

Santiago de Compostela usually gets more rain in April than Ventimiglia. Santiago de Compostela gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Ventimiglia receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Ventimiglia and Santiago de Compostela