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

Should you visit Santillana or Hvar?

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

Should I visit Santillana or Hvar? 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 Hvar?

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.

Hvar

Hvar is a Croatian island full of mountains, vegetation, beaches, vineyards, shops, restaurants, and also people! Hvar Town is the main city on the island, but there are many other small villages throughout. The best time to visit Hvar is between May and September, although keep in mind it can get busy during this period.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Croatia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Hvar 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 Hvar is €102. 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 Hvar in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Santillana 60
    Hvar 38
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Santillana 120
    Hvar 76
Compare Hotels in Santillana and Hvar

Looking for a hotel in Santillana or Hvar? 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 Hvar


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 Hvar Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Santillana 17
    Hvar 47

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hvar

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hvar:

  • Speedboat Transfer from Hvar Town to Split Airport: $535

Is it cheaper to fly into Santillana or Hvar?

Prices for flights to both Hvar 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
    Hvar 38
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 Hvar

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hvar.

  • Hvar Charming Abandoned Village Small Group Tour and Local Dinner: $180
  • Hvar Hidden Gems Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $187
  • Hvar Hidden Gems Small Group Half Day Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $202
  • Hvar Abandoned Village Tour with Local Dinner: $214
  • Private Hvar Wine Tasting Tour with Traditional Dinner: $234
  • Food Tour: Traditional Flavours and Food Sampling on Hvar: $262
  • The Best of Hvar in a Day with Wine tasting and Local Dinner: $273
  • Hvar Small Group Wine Tour and Authentic Dalmatian Dinner: $273

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Santillana 23
    Hvar 7.48

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 Hvar

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Hvar are as follows:

  • 1-Hour Battle Archery Game in Hvar Adventure Park: $22
  • 1-Hour Private Paintball Adventure in Park Hvar Jelsa: $23
  • Private Multi-Activity Experience in Adventure Park Hvar Jelsa: $25
  • Walking tour of Hvar with your local guide: $32
  • Pakleni Islands Self-Guided Kayaking Tour: $48
  • Private Half-Day Kayak Experience in Hvar and Pakleni Islands: $49
  • Half-day kayak tour from Hvar town: $65
  • Hvar Island Self-Guided E-Bike Tour: $65
  • Private Hvar Island E-Bike Tour: $68
  • Romantic Sunset Sailing Experience On A Comfort Yacht: $70
  • Experience Romantic Sunset Sailing on a modern 36ft (11m) sail yacht | Hvar: $71
  • Private Hvar Walking Tour: $71

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Santillana 4.29
    Hvar 9.18

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 Hvar

Also in Hvar, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Hvar Wine Tasting Experience: $118
  • Hvar Wine tasting small group experience: $131
  • Private Hvar Wine Tasting Tour : $142
  • Wine Tasting Tour: $157
  • Chocolate and Wine Tasting Small Group Tour from Hvar: $175


When comparing the travel costs between Santillana and Hvar, 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 Hvar Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Santillana or Hvar?

Santillana has a larger population, and is about 10% larger than the population of Hvar. When comparing the sizes of Santillana and Hvar, 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 Hvar?

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 Hvar in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Santillana and Hvar. Furthermore, most visitors come to Hvar for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Santillana is cooler than Hvar in the summer. The daily temperature in Santillana averages around 19°C (66°F) in July, and Hvar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hvar this time of the year. In Santillana, it's very sunny this time of the year. Santillana usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during summer. Santillana gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Santillana usually receives more rain than Hvar. Santillana gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Santillana 19°C (66°F) 
    Hvar 26°C (80°F)

Should I visit Santillana or Hvar in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Santillana as well as Hvar. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Hvar because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Santillana is cooler than Hvar. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Santillana in October average around 16°C (60°F), and Hvar averages at about 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hvar. In the autumn, Santillana often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Santillana gets 133 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 200 hours of full sun.

Santillana receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Santillana usually gets more rain in October than Hvar. Santillana gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Santillana or Hvar in the Winter?

Both Hvar and Santillana are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Hvar this time of year.

In January, Santillana is generally around the same temperature as Hvar. Daily temperatures in Santillana average around 9°C (49°F), and Hvar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Santillana usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during winter. Santillana gets 91 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Santillana. In January, Santillana usually receives more rain than Hvar. Santillana gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Santillana 9°C (49°F) 
    Hvar 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Santillana or Hvar in the Spring?

Both Hvar and Santillana during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Hvar for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Santillana is cooler than Hvar in the spring. The daily temperature in Santillana averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Hvar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In Hvar, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Santillana often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Santillana gets 148 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 212 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Santillana. Santillana usually gets more rain in April than Hvar. Santillana gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Santillana 12°C (53°F) 
    Hvar 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Hvar and Santillana

Santillana Hvar
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (49°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 8°C (47°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 9°C (48°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Mar 10°C (51°F) 119 mm (4.7 in) 11°C (52°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Apr 12°C (53°F) 135 mm (5.3 in) 15°C (59°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
May 14°C (58°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 20°C (67°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 17°C (62°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 23°C (74°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 50 mm (2 in) 26°C (80°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 19°C (67°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 26°C (79°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 88 mm (3.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 16°C (60°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 12°C (53°F) 181 mm (7.1 in) 13°C (56°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 10°C (50°F) 157 mm (6.2 in) 10°C (49°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)