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

Should you visit Santillana or Sorrento?

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

Should I visit Santillana or Sorrento? 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 Sorrento?

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.

Sorrento

Sorrento is a popular travel destination in Campania, Italy. The city has nice architecture and many shops and outdoor cafes you can enjoy. Its access via the Circumvesuviana rail system make it a great base for visiting Pompeii and Ercolano.

The city has a Mediterranean climate that has mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. The pleasant climate make it a popular destination year around, although you can expect crowds during the peak summer months.

You'll find no shortage of hotels and hostels in town as the city's economy is very much dependent on tourism. Hostels are generally clean and comfortable, but they may be more expensive than you expect. If you travel during the low season you're likely to save some money even if the weather isn't as nice. Mid range hotel rooms are usually smaller than their American counterparts, but they are clean and nice and often come with a complimentary breakfast. The same can generally be said for more expensive hotels.

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 Italy, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Sorrento 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 Sorrento is €140. 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 Sorrento in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Santillana 60
    Sorrento 90
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Santillana 120
    Sorrento 180
Compare Hotels in Santillana and Sorrento

Looking for a hotel in Santillana or Sorrento? 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 Sorrento


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 Sorrento Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Santillana 17
    Sorrento 7.56

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Sorrento

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Sorrento are as follows:


  • Local Bus Ticket
    4.20
  • Ferry to Capri (Round Trip)
    35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sorrento

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sorrento:

  • Aurora car service Transfers from Sorrento to Naples / viceversa: $83
  • From Positano/Praiano: Private 1-Way Transfer to Sorrento: $214
  • From Path of The Gods Hiking & Transfer with Guide: $80
  • From Positano and Amalfi Boat Trip with Transfer: $149
  • From Private One-Way Transfer to Amalfi or Ravello: $197
  • From Private One-Way Transfer to Naples: $171
  • From Private One-Way Transfer to Positano: $134
  • Full Day Guided Tour in Capri by Boat with Transfer: $119
  • God's Path Guide & Transfers included!!: $196
  • Naples Airport (NAP): Private One-Way Transfer from Sorrento: $235
  • Naples: Private transfer to Sorrento one way: $235
  • Naples: Transfer to Sorrento visit Pompeii Along the way 2H: $155

Is it cheaper to fly into Santillana or Sorrento?

Prices for flights to both Sorrento 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
    Sorrento 38
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 Sorrento

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


  • Pizza
    6.00
  • Sitdown Dinner (for Two)
    43
  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    21

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sorrento

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

  • Private Virtual Cooking Class from Sorrento : $33
  • Amalfi Coast Cooking Class and Wine Tasting: $48
  • Sorrento Art & Food Tour on Breathless 'Views Village: $50
  • Pizza Making Class at Tirabusciò Cooking School: $64
  • Pizza Making Class: $64
  • Sorrento Pizza Making: $65
  • Pizza Making Course: $70
  • Dinner in Sorrento with Love, Laugh and Spaghetti: $70
  • Pizza School Experience from Sorrento: $71
  • Farm Visit with Pizza Lesson, Wine, and Limoncello: $75
  • Pizza School with Wine and Limoncello Tasting in a Local Farm: $76
  • Private Cooking Class in Sant'Agnello: $76

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Santillana 23
    Sorrento 33

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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Sorrento

Here are a few typical costs in Sorrento for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Chair & Umbrella at Beach
    10
  • Bike Rental (24 Hours)
    20
  • Scuba Diving (Single Dive)
    45
  • Blue Mini Cruise
    22

Tours and Activities in Sorrento

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

  • Capri: Boat Tour, Priority Tickets & Blue Grotto (Optional): $26
  • Private tour of limoncello igp with tasting by the sea: $27
  • Pompeii Express Tour by Train from Sorrento: $32
  • Lemon Garden Tour with Marmalade Tasting: $32
  • Guided Walking Tour and Limoncello Tasting: $37
  • 3 Hour Walking Tour of Sorrento with Local Food Tasting: $39
  • Sorrento Lemon Tour: $43
  • Kayak tour from Sorrento to Bagni Regina Giovanna: $44
  • Sorrento Lemon Tour and tasting of local products: $44
  • Inlaid wood Factory Tour: $44
  • From Positano and Amalfi Day Cruise: $48
  • Skip-the-Line Pompeii Express Tour by Train: $49

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Santillana 4.29
    Sorrento 8.72

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

Typical Alcohol Prices in Sorrento

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Sorrento are as follows:


  • Bottle of Wine
    11

Sample the Local Flavors in Sorrento

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Sorrento:

  • Walking Tour Wine Tasting and Typical Products in Sorrento Farm: $71
  • Campania wine tasting with traditional foods: $75
  • Sorrento Wine Tasting Experience with a Sommelier: $97
  • Sorrento Farm and Food Experience including Olive Oil, Limoncello, Wine tasting : $98
  • Small Group Sorrento Wine Tasting Experience with a Sommelier: $104
  • From Mount Vesuvius Tour with Lunch & Wine Tasting: $107
  • Wine Tasting Including Lunch: $108
  • Lemon, Olive Oil and Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch: $109
  • From Full-Day Pompeii & Wine Tasting Tour: $136
  • Full Day Small Group Pompeii Tour from Sorrento with Local Wine Tasting: $139
  • Pompeii Guided Tour & Wine tasting + Easy lunch: $185
  • Guided Tour of Pompei and Wine Tasting from Sorrento: $205


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

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


Which is Bigger, Santillana or Sorrento?

Sorrento has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Santillana. When comparing the sizes of Santillana and Sorrento, 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 Sorrento?

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 Sorrento in the Summer?

Both Sorrento and Santillana are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Sorrento for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Santillana is generally cooler than Sorrento. Daily temperatures in Santillana average around 19°C (66°F), and Sorrento fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

It's quite sunny in Sorrento. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Santillana. Santillana usually receives less sunshine than Sorrento during summer. Santillana gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Sorrento receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Santillana usually receives more rain than Sorrento. Santillana gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Santillana 19°C (66°F) 
    Sorrento 23°C (74°F)

Should I visit Santillana or Sorrento in the Autumn?

Both Sorrento and Santillana during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Sorrento because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

In the autumn, Santillana often gets less sunshine than Sorrento. Santillana gets 133 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sorrento receives 189 hours of full sun.

Sorrento gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Santillana. Santillana usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Sorrento. Santillana gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Santillana or Sorrento in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Santillana and Sorrento. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Sorrento this time of year.

In the winter, Santillana is a little warmer than Sorrento. Typically, the winter temperatures in Santillana in January average around 9°C (49°F), and Sorrento averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Santillana usually receives less sunshine than Sorrento during winter. Santillana gets 91 hours of sunny skies, while Sorrento receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

Sorrento 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 Sorrento. Santillana gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


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

Should I visit Santillana or Sorrento in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Santillana as well as Sorrento. Also, many travelers come to Sorrento for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, Santillana is generally around the same temperature as Sorrento. Daily temperatures in Santillana average around 12°C (53°F), and Sorrento fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Santillana often gets less sunshine than Sorrento. Santillana gets 148 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sorrento receives 189 hours of full sun.

Santillana receives a lot of rain in the spring. Santillana usually gets more rain in April than Sorrento. Santillana gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Santillana 12°C (53°F) 
    Sorrento 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Sorrento and Santillana

Santillana Sorrento
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (49°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 8°C (47°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 9°C (48°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Mar 10°C (51°F) 119 mm (4.7 in) 11°C (51°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Apr 12°C (53°F) 135 mm (5.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
May 14°C (58°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 17°C (63°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 17°C (62°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 21°C (69°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 50 mm (2 in) 23°C (74°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Aug 19°C (67°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 24°C (74°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 88 mm (3.4 in) 21°C (70°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Oct 16°C (60°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Nov 12°C (53°F) 181 mm (7.1 in) 12°C (54°F) 161 mm (6.3 in)
Dec 10°C (50°F) 157 mm (6.2 in) 9°C (49°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)