A Travel Price Comparison for Spain Santillana vs. Santiago de Compostela for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Santillana or Santiago de Compostela?

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

Should I visit Santillana or Santiago de Compostela? 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 Santiago de Compostela?

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.

Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela is the capital city of northwest Spain's Galicia region. Its famous cathedral marks the culmination of the Way of Saint James pilgrimage route, and is the alleged burial site of the apostle himself. The pilgrimage route begins in the Pyrenees, 500 miles away, though travelers can decide to join the journey at certain points in between, depending on how far they want to walk and how much they want to see.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Spain, The Best 2-Week Tours in Spain, The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain, and The Best Adventure Tours to Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Santiago de Compostela or Santillana?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Santillana Prices
    Spain Prices
    Santiago de Compostela Prices
    Spain Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Santillana 127
    Santiago de Compostela 105

The average daily cost (per person) in Santillana is €127, while the average daily cost in Santiago de Compostela is €105. 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 Santiago de Compostela in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Santillana 60
    Santiago de Compostela 37
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Santillana 120
    Santiago de Compostela 74
Compare Hotels in Santillana and Santiago de Compostela

Looking for a hotel in Santillana or Santiago de Compostela? 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 Santiago de Compostela


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 Santiago de Compostela Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Santillana 17
    Santiago de Compostela 38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santiago de Compostela

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santiago de Compostela:

  • Airport transfer Santiago de Compostela: $78
  • Departure Private Transfer Santiago de Compostela to SCQ Airport by Business Car: $71
  • Private Transfer from Santiago Airport (SCQ) to La Coruna Port: $154
  • Private Transfer from Santiago city hotels to La Coruna Port: $154
  • Private Transfer from Santiago de Compostela to Porto with Tour: $206
  • Santiago de Compostela Private Transfer from SCQ Airport to City centre: $67
  • Santiago de Compostela Private Transfer from the city centre to SCQ Airport: $55

Is it cheaper to fly into Santillana or Santiago de Compostela?

Prices for flights to both Santiago de Compostela 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 53
    Santiago de Compostela 34
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 Santiago de Compostela

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Santiago de Compostela:


  • Raspberries
    3.50
  • Ice Cream
    2.00
  • Cookie
    1.00
  • Kebab
    7.25
  • Dinner & Tapas (for 2)
    28
  • Tuna Empanada
    3.50
  • Fruit Shake
    3.50
  • Crepe
    4.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santiago de Compostela

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Santiago de Compostela.

  • Santiago Food Tour Tapas Drinks and Delights with a Local: $88
  • legends tour and galician dinner: $95

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Santillana 23
    Santiago de Compostela 39

Tours and Activities in Santillana

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

  • Private Walking Tour of Altamira and Neocave Museum: $218
  • Private Guided Walking Tour of Santillana del Mar: $218
  • Santillana del Mar: exclusive private tour with Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana: $273
  • Santillana del Mar: Altamira Museum & Cave's Replica Tour: $356
  • Altamira Museum - Historical Private Tour through Santilana: $1,096

Tours and Activities in Santiago de Compostela

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

  • Self-Guided Tapas Tour of Santiago de Compostela: $3.53
  • Santiago de Compostela Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $5.12
  • TOP Santiago de Compostela : Private guided tour with your mobile: $5.90
  • Old town walking tour in a small group: $7.11
  • Christmas in a tour among lights and stone: $12
  • Land of Legends and Meigas Tour: $14
  • Guided Tour Historic Town with Official Guide: $14
  • Santiago de Compostela City Walking Tour: $18
  • Queimada Experience Show and Tasting at Santiago de Compostela: $18
  • Queimada Experience Show and Tasting: $18
  • Urban and Heritage Tour: $18
  • Night tour "Secrets of Compostela".: $18

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Santillana 4.29
    Santiago de Compostela 23

Typical Alcohol Prices in Santiago de Compostela

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Santiago de Compostela from other travelers:


  • 1 Pint Beer
    2.00

Sample the Local Flavors in Santiago de Compostela

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

  • Cheese and Wine Tasting Experience: $34
  • Cheese and Wine Tasting Experience: $35


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Santillana and Santiago de Compostela, we can see that Santillana is more expensive. And not only is Santiago de Compostela much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Santiago de Compostela would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Santiago de Compostela 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 Santillana would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Santillana than you might in Santiago de Compostela.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Santillana Expensive? and Is Santiago de Compostela Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Santillana or Santiago de Compostela?

Santiago de Compostela has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Santillana. When comparing the sizes of Santillana and Santiago de Compostela, 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 Santiago de Compostela?

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 Santiago de Compostela in the Summer?

Both Santiago de Compostela and Santillana are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Santiago de Compostela this time of year.

Santillana is around the same temperature as Santiago de Compostela in the summer. The daily temperature in Santillana averages around 19°C (66°F) in July, and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Santiago de Compostela. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Santillana. Santillana usually receives less sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during summer. Santillana gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 248 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Santillana usually receives more rain than Santiago de Compostela. Santillana gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Santillana 19°C (66°F) 
    Santiago de Compostela 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Santillana or Santiago de Compostela in the Autumn?

Both Santiago de Compostela and Santillana during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Santiago de Compostela for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Santillana is around the same temperature as Santiago de Compostela. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Santillana in October average around 16°C (60°F), and Santiago de Compostela averages at about 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Santillana often gets less sunshine than Santiago de Compostela. Santillana gets 133 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santiago de Compostela receives 155 hours of full sun.

Santiago de Compostela gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Santillana. Santillana usually gets more rain in October than Santiago de Compostela. Santillana gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Santillana 16°C (60°F) 
    Santiago de Compostela 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Santillana or Santiago de Compostela in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Santillana and Santiago de Compostela. Furthermore, many visitors come to Santiago de Compostela in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Santillana is generally cooler than Santiago de Compostela. Daily temperatures in Santillana average around 9°C (49°F), and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Santillana usually receives less sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during winter. Santillana gets 91 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 103 hours of full sun in the winter.

Santiago de Compostela receives a lot of rain in the winter. Santillana gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Santillana usually receives more rain than Santiago de Compostela. Santillana gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Santillana 9°C (49°F) 
    Santiago de Compostela 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Santillana or Santiago de Compostela in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Santillana as well as Santiago de Compostela. Additionally, most visitors come to Santiago de Compostela for the natural beauty during these months.

Santillana is around the same temperature as Santiago de Compostela in the spring. The daily temperature in Santillana averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Santillana often gets less sunshine than Santiago de Compostela. Santillana gets 148 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santiago de Compostela receives 167 hours of full sun.

Santillana receives a lot of rain in the spring. Santillana usually gets more rain in April than Santiago de Compostela. Santillana gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Santillana 12°C (53°F) 
    Santiago de Compostela 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Santiago de Compostela and Santillana

Santillana Santiago de Compostela
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (49°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 11°C (51°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 11°C (52°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Mar 10°C (51°F) 119 mm (4.7 in) 12°C (53°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Apr 12°C (53°F) 135 mm (5.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
May 14°C (58°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 15°C (58°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Jun 17°C (62°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 17°C (62°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 50 mm (2 in) 19°C (66°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Aug 19°C (67°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 19°C (67°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 88 mm (3.4 in) 19°C (65°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 16°C (60°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Nov 12°C (53°F) 181 mm (7.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Dec 10°C (50°F) 157 mm (6.2 in) 11°C (52°F) 128 mm (5 in)