Which place is cheaper, Bergamo or Santillana?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Santillana or Bergamo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Santillana or Bergamo? 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: Santillana or Bergamo?
Santillana
A quaint town outside of Santander in northern Spain, Santillana de Mar is renowned for its medieval architecture. One of Spain's prettiest villages, Santillana del Mar and its cobbled streets are lined with palaces, churches, and balconies full of flowers. There are plenty of traditional shops selling local specialties, and it is nearby the UNESCO world heritage site of the Altamira Caves for something a little different.
Bergamo
The blue horizon, now flush with the pinks and purples of a waning day, cloaks the Alps in a mystic blush, only able to view its peaks through faded outlines. Proud, ancient Romanesque architecture surrounds you, and the city feels no more palpable than that of a summer dream. Bergamo, Italy is located in the Lombardy region, northeast of the Italian city Milan. Deemed a treasure in Northern Italy, Bergamo is divided into two centers: the Alta (upper) city and the Bassa (lower) cities, loosely connected by funicular and walking trails. From its cobblestone streets to its Venetian walls, Bergamo is an ancient Italian paradise with many historic sights to be explored, such as Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore and the grand Cappella Colleoni. Breathtaking views, fine dining, high-tier boutiques and shops - it is no wonder that this beguiling city attracts tourists from all walks of life. Whether you look to explores it fine art museums or simply lounge languidly about a cafe, Bergamo is a city that can bring both divert and delight!
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain, The Best 2-Week Tours from Rome, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Italy.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySantillana €105Bergamo €155
The average daily cost (per person) in Santillana is €105, while the average daily cost in Bergamo is €155. 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 Santillana and Bergamo in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSantillana €60Bergamo €83
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSantillana €120Bergamo €166
Compare Hotels in Santillana and Bergamo
Looking for a hotel in Santillana or Bergamo? 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.
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: Santillana Hotel Prices and Bergamo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Santillana €17Bergamo €32
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bergamo
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bergamo:
- Bergamo Airport (BGY) to Milan - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $92
- Bergamo Airport (BGY): Private Transfer to/from Milan: $402
- Bergamo to Bergamo Airport (BGY) - Departure Private Transfer: $46
- AC Bus transfer to Milan - No Hassle & Free luggage: $11
- Private Transfer to/from Crespi d'Adda UNESCO Site: $43
- MILAN - ORIO AL SERIO BGY Airport Transfer Luxury: MASERATI: $326
- Malpensa Airport (MXP) to Venice + Water Taxi - Private Transfer: $218
- Milan Bergamo Airport (BGY) to St. Moritz - Round-Trip Transfer: $205
- Milan: ORIO AL SERIO BGY Airport Transfer in Luxury MINIVAN: $222
- Milan: Orio al Serio BGY Airport Transfer SEDAN CAR E CLASS: $181
- Orio al Serio Airport to Madonna di Campiglio Arrival Transfer: $117
- Private Departure Transfer from central Bergamo to Milan Malpensa airport: $262
Is it cheaper to fly into Santillana or Bergamo?
Prices for flights to both Bergamo and Santillana 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 daySantillana €30Bergamo €42
Typical Food Prices in Santillana
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Santillana:
-
Breakfast€7.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bergamo
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bergamo.
- Authentic Taste at the Table Family Recipes Cooking Class: $82
- Tricolor Pasta Cooking Class with a Chef in Como countryside: $86
- Dining Experience at a local's Home in Lomello with Show Cooking: $93
- Dining Experience at a local's Home in Casorezzo with Show Cooking: $93
- Dining Experience at a local's Home in Carugo with Show Cooking: $93
- Dining experience at a local's home in Ranica with cooking demo: $93
- Dining Experience at a local's Home in Endine Gaiano with Show Cooking: $93
- Dining Experience at a local's Home in Cantù with Show Cooking: $93
- Dining Experience at a local's Home in Busto Arsizio with Show Cooking: $93
- Dining experience at a local's home in Passirano with cooking demo: $93
- Dining Experience at a local's Home in Guardamiglio with Show Cooking: $93
- Dining Experience at a local's Home in Cernusco sul Naviglio with Show Cooking: $93
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Santillana €23Bergamo €33
Tours and Activities in Santillana
Here are a few actual costs in Santillana for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Memorable Family Walking Tour in Ancient Santillana del Mar: $428
Tours and Activities in Bergamo
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bergamo are as follows:
- Bergamo Old Town Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt Tour: $5.35
- Bergamo Old Town Scavenger Hunt and Landmarks Self Guided Tour: $6.55
- Digital Guide made by a Local for your walking tour: $7.49
- Digital guide made by a local for your walking tour: $8.74
- Bergamo Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.75
- Bergamo Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self Guided Tour: $8.94
- Palazzo Moroni Entry Ticket: $12
- Ticket for Parco Ittico Paradiso at Zelo Buon Persico: $13
- Walking tour in an ancient private tower house in the historic center of Bergamo: $22
- One Hour Shared Boat Tour on Lake Como from Varenna: $33
- Children Daily Ticket for Adventure Park in Gravedona: $33
- Tour and tasting of 4 wines on Morainic Hills near Pozzolengo: $35
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one daySantillana €4.29Bergamo €23
Sample the Local Flavors in Santillana
Also in Santillana, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Santillana Uncorked: A Wine Tasting Adventure: $1,022
Sample the Local Flavors in Bergamo
Also in Bergamo, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Food and Wine tasting of Valtenesi and Lugana: $46
- Lake Como: Wellness Spa experience with wine tasting : $163
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Santillana and Bergamo, we can see that Bergamo is more expensive. And not only is Santillana much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Santillana would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Santillana 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 Bergamo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bergamo than you might in Santillana.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Santillana Expensive? and Is Bergamo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Santillana or Bergamo?
Bergamo has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Santillana. When comparing the sizes of Santillana and Bergamo, 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 Santillana or Bergamo?
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 Santillana or Bergamo in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Santillana and Bergamo. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bergamo in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.
Santillana is cooler than Bergamo in the summer. The daily temperature in Santillana averages around 19°C (66°F) in July, and Bergamo fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bergamo this time of the year. In Santillana, it's very sunny this time of the year. Santillana usually receives less sunshine than Bergamo during summer. Santillana gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Bergamo receives 286 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Santillana usually receives less rain than Bergamo. Santillana gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bergamo receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulySantillana 19°C (66°F)Bergamo 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Santillana or Bergamo in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Santillana as well as Bergamo. Additionally, most visitors come to Bergamo for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In the autumn, Santillana is a little warmer than Bergamo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Santillana in October average around 16°C (60°F), and Bergamo averages at about 14°C (57°F).
In the autumn, Santillana often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bergamo. Santillana gets 133 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bergamo receives 137 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Bergamo. Santillana receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Santillana usually gets more rain in October than Bergamo. Santillana gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Bergamo receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSantillana 16°C (60°F)Bergamo 14°C (57°F)
Should I visit Santillana or Bergamo in the Winter?
Both Bergamo and Santillana are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Bergamo because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Bergamo can be very cold. In January, Santillana is generally much warmer than Bergamo. Daily temperatures in Santillana average around 9°C (49°F), and Bergamo fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).
Santillana usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bergamo during winter. Santillana gets 91 hours of sunny skies, while Bergamo receives 98 hours of full sun in the winter.
It's quite rainy in Santillana. In January, Santillana usually receives more rain than Bergamo. Santillana gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Bergamo receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySantillana 9°C (49°F)Bergamo 2°C (36°F)
Should I visit Santillana or Bergamo in the Spring?
Both Bergamo and Santillana during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Bergamo this time of year.
Santillana is around the same temperature as Bergamo in the spring. The daily temperature in Santillana averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Bergamo fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
In the spring, Santillana often gets less sunshine than Bergamo. Santillana gets 148 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bergamo receives 169 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Santillana. Santillana usually gets more rain in April than Bergamo. Santillana gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Bergamo receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilSantillana 12°C (53°F)Bergamo 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Bergamo and Santillana
| Santillana | Bergamo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 9°C (49°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Feb | 10°C (50°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 60 mm (2.3 in) |
| Mar | 10°C (51°F) | 119 mm (4.7 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 85 mm (3.4 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (53°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| May | 14°C (58°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| Jun | 17°C (62°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 19°C (66°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 19°C (67°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (64°F) | 88 mm (3.4 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Oct | 16°C (60°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 103 mm (4 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (53°F) | 181 mm (7.1 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| Dec | 10°C (50°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.