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

Should you visit Santillana or Kotor?

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

Should I visit Santillana or Kotor? 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 Kotor?

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.

Kotor

A coastal town of Montenegro, Kotor is also a beautifully-preserved fortified, medieval town, featuring a labyrinth of cobbled streets, lively piazzas, historic churches, and a spread of bars and restaurants throughout its historic Old Town.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain, The Best Luxury Tours to Montenegro, and The Best Budget Tours to Montenegro.


Which place is cheaper, Kotor 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 Kotor is €100. 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 Kotor in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Santillana 60
    Kotor 49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Santillana 120
    Kotor 98
Compare Hotels in Santillana and Kotor

Looking for a hotel in Santillana or Kotor? 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 Kotor


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 Kotor Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Santillana 17
    Kotor 9.26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kotor

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kotor:

  • Tivat Airport (TIV) to Kotor Cruise Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $33
  • Airport Transfer Tivat / Porto Montenegro to Lustica Bay: $153
  • Airport Transfer Tivat / Porto Montenegro to Podgorica City: $272
  • Deluxe private transfer from or to Portonovi: $52
  • Enjoy Private Transfers by Car or Van from Tivat Airport to Kotor or Budva: $44
  • Herceg Novi to Kotor one way transfer: $144
  • Kotor Cruise Port to Podgorica Airport (TGD) - Departure Private Transfer: $47
  • Kotor Cruise Port to Podgorica hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $94
  • Kotor Cruise Port to Tivat Hotels Round-Trip Private Transfer: $33
  • Kotor Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Podgorica hotels: $297
  • Kotor Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Tivat hotels: $90
  • Kotor to Dubrovnik one way transfer: $154

Is it cheaper to fly into Santillana or Kotor?

Prices for flights to both Kotor 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
    Kotor 43
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 Kotor

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

  • Kotor City Tour and Cooking Class : $203
  • Kotor private cooking class with lunch and Old town guided tour: $226
  • Kotor and Perast Private Tour with Cooking Class and Boat Ride: $262
  • Cooking class in a local home & old town walking tour: $306

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Santillana 23
    Kotor 8.32

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 Kotor

Here are a few actual costs in Kotor for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Private Walking Tour in Kotor : $22
  • Kotor Old Town - City Walking Tour: $24
  • Kotor Old Town Walking Tour: $24
  • Panorama and Semi-Submarine Underwater Experience: $24
  • Tour Kotor - Perast Old Town - Island Our Lady of the Rocks - Every 2 hours: $26
  • Boat Tour to Perast Old Town & Our Lady of the Rocks: $27
  • Kotor Old Town Small-Group Walking Tour: $33
  • Whole Boka Bay Cruise with Ship Knez Lipovac: $33
  • Blue Cave and Lady of the Rocks Boat Tour: $33
  • Shore Excursion - Handwoven Carpet Workshop, Local wine and Kotor Old Town tour : $34
  • Blue Cave Speedboat Tour from Kotor: $35
  • Speedboat tour Kotor Blue Cave, Our Lady of the Rock,swiming: $37

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Santillana 4.29
    Kotor 8.51

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 Kotor

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Kotor:

  • Private tour: Homemade food and wine tasting at my family home: $125
  • Private National Park Lovcen with food and wine tasting: $136
  • Wine tasting and magical tour from Kotor, Budva, Tivat (Lovcen,Skadar lake): $251
  • National Parks Skadar Lake and Lovcen+Wine tasting (Private tour): $260
  • Skadar Lake National Park with Wine Tasting: $428


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


Which is Bigger, Santillana or Kotor?

Kotor has a larger population, and is about 32% larger than the population of Santillana. When comparing the sizes of Santillana and Kotor, 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 Kotor?

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 Kotor in the Summer?

Both Kotor and Santillana are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Kotor for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

It's quite sunny in Kotor. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Santillana. Santillana usually receives less sunshine than Kotor during summer. Santillana gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 341 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Santillana usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kotor. Santillana gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Santillana or Kotor in the Autumn?

Both Kotor and Santillana during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Kotor in the autumn for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Santillana is around the same temperature as Kotor in the autumn. The daily temperature in Santillana averages around 16°C (60°F) in October, and Kotor fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In Kotor, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Santillana often gets less sunshine than Kotor. Santillana gets 133 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 203 hours of full sun.

Kotor gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Santillana. Santillana usually gets less rain in October than Kotor. Santillana gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Santillana 16°C (60°F) 
    Kotor 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Santillana or Kotor in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Santillana and Kotor. Furthermore, most visitors come to Kotor for the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Santillana is much warmer than Kotor. Typically, the winter temperatures in Santillana in January average around 9°C (49°F), and Kotor averages at about 6°C (42°F).

Santillana usually receives less sunshine than Kotor during winter. Santillana gets 91 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 121 hours of full sun in the winter.

Kotor receives a lot of rain in the winter. Santillana gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Santillana usually receives less rain than Kotor. Santillana gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Santillana 9°C (49°F) 
    Kotor 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Santillana or Kotor in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Santillana as well as Kotor. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Kotor because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Santillana is generally cooler than Kotor. Daily temperatures in Santillana average around 12°C (53°F), and Kotor fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In the spring, Santillana often gets less sunshine than Kotor. Santillana gets 148 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 194 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kotor. Santillana receives a lot of rain in the spring. Santillana usually gets less rain in April than Kotor. Santillana gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Santillana 12°C (53°F) 
    Kotor 14°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Kotor and Santillana

Santillana Kotor
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (49°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 6°C (42°F) 186 mm (7.3 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 8°C (46°F) 172 mm (6.8 in)
Mar 10°C (51°F) 119 mm (4.7 in) 11°C (51°F) 173 mm (6.8 in)
Apr 12°C (53°F) 135 mm (5.3 in) 14°C (58°F) 154 mm (6.1 in)
May 14°C (58°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 19°C (67°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 17°C (62°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 23°C (73°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 50 mm (2 in) 26°C (80°F) 47 mm (1.8 in)
Aug 19°C (67°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 26°C (79°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 88 mm (3.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Oct 16°C (60°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 174 mm (6.9 in)
Nov 12°C (53°F) 181 mm (7.1 in) 11°C (53°F) 224 mm (8.8 in)
Dec 10°C (50°F) 157 mm (6.2 in) 7°C (45°F) 215 mm (8.5 in)