Which place is cheaper, Santiago de Compostela or Santillana?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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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 Sightseeing Tours in Spain, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain, The Best Luxury Tours to Spain, and The Best Budget Tours to Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySantillana €105Santiago de Compostela €91
The average daily cost (per person) in Santillana is €105, while the average daily cost in Santiago de Compostela is €91. 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
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSantillana €60Santiago de Compostela €37
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSantillana €120Santiago 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.
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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Santillana €17Santiago 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: $70
- Departure Private Transfer Santiago de Compostela to SCQ Airport by Business Car: $38
- Private Transfer from Santiago Airport (SCQ) to La Coruna Port: $72
- Private Transfer from Santiago de Compostela to Oporto: $189
- Santiago de Compostela Private Transfer from SCQ Airport to City centre: $51
- Santiago de Compostela Private Transfer from the city centre to SCQ Airport: $51
- Santiago de Compostela Private Transfer from the city centre to SCQ Airport: $51
- Santiago de Compostela Private Transfer to SCQ Airport by Van: $89
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
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Food Meals for one daySantillana €30Santiago de Compostela €19
Typical Food Prices in Santillana
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Santillana:
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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:
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Raspberries€3.50
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Ice Cream€2.00
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Cookie€1.00
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Kebab€7.25
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Dinner & Tapas (for 2)€28
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Tuna Empanada€3.50
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Fruit Shake€3.50
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Crepe€4.00
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Santillana €23Santiago de Compostela €39
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: $426
Tours and Activities in Santiago de Compostela
Here are a few actual costs in Santiago de Compostela for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Old Town of Santiago de Compostela Walking Tour: $1.09
- Secrets of A Self-Guided Tour: $9.99
- Secrets of Private Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
- Old town walking tour with an Official Guide: $11
- Guided Tour of the Old Town with an Official Guide: $11
- Land of Legends & Meigas Night Tour: $13
- Hostal de los Reyes Católicos Tour: $13
- Night Tour Land of Legends and Meigas: $13
- Santiago de Compostela Cathedral and Museum Guided Tour: $16
- Queimada Experience Show and Tasting: $16
- Santiago: Cathedral & Museum Tour & Pórtico of Glory Option: $16
- Museum Tour of Galician Culture: $16
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySantillana €4.29Santiago de Compostela €23
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: $1,019
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:
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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: $31
- Cheese and Wine Tasting Experience: $32
- Albariño Wine Tasting with Winery Tour: $33
- Premium Porto Santiago Compostela tour lunch & wine tasting: $202
When comparing the travel costs between Santillana and Santiago de Compostela, 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 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.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySantillana 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.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSantillana 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.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySantillana 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.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSantillana 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) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.