A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Santillana vs. Dubrovnik for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Santillana or Dubrovnik?

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

Should I visit Santillana or Dubrovnik? 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 Dubrovnik?

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.

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik, the "Pearl of the Adriatic", is a beautiful walled city in southern Croatia that sits on the edge of the Adriatic Sea. It's a small city, with only about 40,000 residents, but it's become one of the most significant tourist destinations in the Mediterranean. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The city was historically built on maritime trade, which is not surprising given its location near major Italian and Greek ports such as Venice, Bari, Corfu, and Trieste. It was a center of language and literature and was the home of many important poets, playwrights, painters, and scientists during the 15th and 16th centuries. Today its economy is dependent on tourism and it is one of the most popular destinations in the region. People visit the city for its impressive history, beautiful setting, great weather, and interesting architecture.

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 Split, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Dubrovnik or Santillana?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Santillana is €105, while the average daily cost in Dubrovnik is €97. 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 Dubrovnik in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Santillana 60
    Dubrovnik 50
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Santillana 120
    Dubrovnik 100
Compare Hotels in Santillana and Dubrovnik

Looking for a hotel in Santillana or Dubrovnik? 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.

Hotels in Santillana


Hotels in Dubrovnik


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 Dubrovnik Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Santillana 17
    Dubrovnik 12

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Dubrovnik

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Dubrovnik:


  • Bus Around Town
    1.42

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dubrovnik

Also for Dubrovnik, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Airport Private Transfer Dubrovnik: $27
  • Airport Transfer Dubrovnik Town to Herceg Novi / Portonovi: $251
  • Airport Transfer Dubrovnik to Herceg Novi / Portonovi: $262
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Dubrovnik Airport DBV to Dubrovnik City by Minivan: $59
  • Arrival Private Transfers: Dubrovnik Airport DBV to Dubrovnik in Luxury Van: $54
  • Budva to Dubrovnik one way transfer: $203
  • Bus transfer between Dubrovnik and Herceg Novi: $22
  • Departure Private Transfer from Dubrovnik City to Dubrovnik Airport by Minivan: $55
  • Departure Private Transfer: Dubrovnik City to Dubrovnik Airport by Business Car: $36
  • Direct And Private Transfer From Dubrovnik To Split: $71
  • Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) to Dubrovnik - Arrival Private Transfer: $46
  • Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) to Dubrovnik Cruise Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $57

Is it cheaper to fly into Santillana or Dubrovnik?

Prices for flights to both Dubrovnik 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 day
    Santillana 30
    Dubrovnik 33
Typical Food Prices in Santillana

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Santillana:


  • Breakfast
    7.00

Typical Food Prices in Dubrovnik

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Dubrovnik:


  • Seafood Dinner (for 2)
    29

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dubrovnik

For Dubrovnik, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Sunset Dinner Cruise around the Old Town: $80
  • Secrets of traditional Dalmatian cuisine with a cooking class: $128
  • Old Town Food Tour: $143
  • Dubrovnik Old Town Food Tour: Small-Group Experience: $147
  • Konavle Wine& History&food Tour: $165
  • Cooking Classes Traditional Meals of Konavle region: $179
  • Traditional Dalmatian Cooking Class from Dubrovnik: $198
  • Traditional Cooking Class in Dubrovnik Countryside: $202
  • Authentic Garden to Table Cooking Class in Dubrovnik Countryside : $208
  • Pelješac Full-Day Wine and Food Tour from Dubrovnik: $209
  • Private Dinner with Wine and Homemade Tapas: $214
  • Dubrovnik Food Tour with Friendly Local Guide: $229

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Santillana 23
    Dubrovnik 19

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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Dubrovnik

For Dubrovnik, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Boat to Lokrum Island (for 2)
    13
  • Dubrovnik City Wall Tour (for 2)
    53
  • Dubrovnik Cable Car (for 2)
    45

Tours and Activities in Dubrovnik

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dubrovnik.

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Selfguided tour of the old town of Dubrovnik: $5.35
  • Self-guided tour of the old town of Dubrovnik: $5.46
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.42
  • Dubrovnik Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
  • Medieval Adventure City Game: $6.94
  • Time Travel Adventure Outdoor Escape Game in Dubrovnik: $7.09
  • Historic Center Self-Guided Audio Tour (ENG): $7.70
  • Old Town Highlights Tour with Audio Guide: $8.56
  • Private Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour in Dubrovnik Old Town: $8.74

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Santillana 4.29
    Dubrovnik 14

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 Dubrovnik

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dubrovnik:

  • Columbo Pub Crawl Dubrovnik: $49
  • Brewery Tour with Food included: $60
  • From Korcula Island Tour with Wine Tasting: $66
  • Day Tour of Korcula Island from Dubrovnik with Wine Tasting: $70
  • Ston and Korcula Island Day Trip from Dubrovnik with Wine Tasting: $75
  • Half-Day Wine Tasting with Snacks and Ston Place Visit: $75
  • Interactive Wine Tour: $80
  • Day trip to Korčula and Pelješac with Wine Tasting: $84
  • Konavle Valley Wine Tour from Dubrovnik with Train Ride and Wine Tasting: $84
  • Interactive Wine Tour in Dubrovnik: $89
  • Day trip to Korčula and Pelješac with Wine Tasting from Koločep: $93
  • Dubrovnik Kayak Tour + Gourmet Snack + Wine Tasting (Small-Group): $97


When comparing the travel costs between Santillana and Dubrovnik, we can see that Santillana 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 Santillana Expensive? and Is Dubrovnik Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Santillana or Dubrovnik?

Dubrovnik has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Santillana. When comparing the sizes of Santillana and Dubrovnik, 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 Dubrovnik?

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 Santillana or Dubrovnik in the Summer?

Both Dubrovnik and Santillana during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dubrovnik this time of year.

In the summer, Santillana is cooler than Dubrovnik. Typically, the summer temperatures in Santillana in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Dubrovnik averages at about 25°C (77°F).

Santillana usually gets more rain in July than Dubrovnik. Santillana gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Santillana 19°C (66°F) 
    Dubrovnik 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Santillana or Dubrovnik in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Santillana and Dubrovnik. Also, many travelers come to Dubrovnik for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Santillana is generally cooler than Dubrovnik. Daily temperatures in Santillana average around 16°C (60°F), and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

Dubrovnik receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Santillana gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Santillana usually receives less rain than Dubrovnik. Santillana gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 162 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Santillana 16°C (60°F) 
    Dubrovnik 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Santillana or Dubrovnik in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Santillana as well as Dubrovnik. Also, many visitors come to Dubrovnik in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Santillana is around the same temperature as Dubrovnik in the winter. The daily temperature in Santillana averages around 9°C (49°F) in January, and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

It's quite rainy in Dubrovnik. Santillana receives a lot of rain in the winter. Santillana usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Dubrovnik. Santillana gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Santillana 9°C (49°F) 
    Dubrovnik 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Santillana or Dubrovnik in the Spring?

Both Dubrovnik and Santillana are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Dubrovnik for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Santillana is cooler than Dubrovnik. Typically, the spring temperatures in Santillana in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Dubrovnik averages at about 14°C (57°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Dubrovnik. It's quite rainy in Santillana. In April, Santillana usually receives more rain than Dubrovnik. Santillana gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Santillana 12°C (53°F) 
    Dubrovnik 14°C (57°F)

Typical Weather for Dubrovnik and Santillana

Santillana Dubrovnik
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (49°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 9°C (48°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 10°C (50°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)
Mar 10°C (51°F) 119 mm (4.7 in) 11°C (52°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Apr 12°C (53°F) 135 mm (5.3 in) 14°C (57°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
May 14°C (58°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 18°C (64°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jun 17°C (62°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 22°C (72°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 50 mm (2 in) 25°C (77°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Aug 19°C (67°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 25°C (77°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 88 mm (3.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Oct 16°C (60°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 162 mm (6.4 in)
Nov 12°C (53°F) 181 mm (7.1 in) 14°C (57°F) 198 mm (7.8 in)
Dec 10°C (50°F) 157 mm (6.2 in) 11°C (52°F) 178 mm (7 in)