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

Should you visit Santillana or Rijeka?

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

Should I visit Santillana or Rijeka? 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 Rijeka?

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.

Rijeka

Rijeka is the main seaport city of Croatia. It is located in Kvarner on the Kvarner Bay, which is an inlet of the Adriatic Sea. There are over 100,000 residents, making it Croatia's third largest city. The city's economy is heavily dependent on shipbuilding and maritime transport. There is also the University of Rijeka, which was founded in 1973 with roots dating back to 1632.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain, The Best Adventure Tours to Croatia, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Rijeka 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 Rijeka is €95. 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 Rijeka in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Santillana or Rijeka? 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 Rijeka


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 Rijeka Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Santillana 17
    Rijeka 16

Is it cheaper to fly into Santillana or Rijeka?

Prices for flights to both Rijeka 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
    Rijeka 34
Typical Food Prices in Santillana

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


  • Breakfast
    7.00

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Santillana 23
    Rijeka 8.89

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 Rijeka

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

  • Drava Sup Exploring Adventure: $44
  • History of Military Forts Guided Tour: $64
  • Tour the underground with no experience required: $64
  • From Golden Island of Krk Tour: $93
  • Pula, Rovinj, and Panoramic Istrian Coast Tour: $121
  • Istria Highlights Tour from Rijeka or Pula: $122
  • Private Guided Walking Tour: $127
  • Private Walking Cultural Tour of Rijeka: $235
  • Ucka Mountain: Guided Hiking Tour: $449
  • Private Sunset Boat Tour: $631

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Santillana 4.29
    Rijeka 16

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


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


Which is Bigger, Santillana or Rijeka?

Rijeka has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Santillana. When comparing the sizes of Santillana and Rijeka, 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 Rijeka?

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 Rijeka in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Santillana and Rijeka. Also, many travelers come to Rijeka for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Santillana is cooler than Rijeka. Typically, the summer temperatures in Santillana in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Rijeka averages at about 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rijeka this time of the year. In Santillana, it's very sunny this time of the year. Santillana usually receives less sunshine than Rijeka during summer. Santillana gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 288 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Santillana usually receives less rain than Rijeka. Santillana gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Santillana 19°C (66°F) 
    Rijeka 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Santillana or Rijeka in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Santillana as well as Rijeka. Also, many visitors come to Rijeka in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Santillana is generally around the same temperature as Rijeka. Daily temperatures in Santillana average around 16°C (60°F), and Rijeka fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Santillana often gets less sunshine than Rijeka. Santillana gets 133 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 167 hours of full sun.

Santillana receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Santillana usually gets more rain in October than Rijeka. Santillana gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Santillana 16°C (60°F) 
    Rijeka 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Santillana or Rijeka in the Winter?

Both Rijeka and Santillana are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Rijeka for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Santillana is much warmer than Rijeka in the winter. The daily temperature in Santillana averages around 9°C (49°F) in January, and Rijeka fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Santillana usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Rijeka during winter. Santillana gets 91 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 96 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Santillana. In January, Santillana usually receives more rain than Rijeka. Santillana gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Santillana 9°C (49°F) 
    Rijeka 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Santillana or Rijeka in the Spring?

Both Rijeka and Santillana during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Rijeka because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Santillana is cooler than Rijeka. Typically, the spring temperatures in Santillana in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Rijeka averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In the spring, Santillana often gets less sunshine than Rijeka. Santillana gets 148 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 177 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Santillana. Santillana usually gets more rain in April than Rijeka. Santillana gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Santillana 12°C (53°F) 
    Rijeka 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Rijeka and Santillana

Santillana Rijeka
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (49°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 5°C (41°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 7°C (44°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 10°C (51°F) 119 mm (4.7 in) 9°C (49°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Apr 12°C (53°F) 135 mm (5.3 in) 13°C (56°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
May 14°C (58°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 18°C (64°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jun 17°C (62°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 22°C (71°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 50 mm (2 in) 24°C (75°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 19°C (67°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 24°C (74°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 88 mm (3.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Oct 16°C (60°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 16°C (60°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Nov 12°C (53°F) 181 mm (7.1 in) 10°C (51°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Dec 10°C (50°F) 157 mm (6.2 in) 6°C (44°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)