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

Should you visit Santillana or Split?

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

Should I visit Santillana or Split? 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 Split?

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.

Split

Spit is a historic city in Central Dalmatia with many opportunities to glimpse its fascinating past in its historic city center. Centuries ago the city grew up around a Diocletian palace that was used as refuge by the locals.

Today, as you wander around the historic center, you can see the remains of the Roman walls, temples, and squares. Despite it's appeal to tourists, Split is much more than just a tourist destination. It is larger than you might initially realize and it spreads well beyond the historic center. There is a population of about 300,000 in the larger area and it is an economic center for the region.

Split has a beautiful climate with mild winters, countless sunny days, and a generally pleasant temperature. As such, there are many opportunities to enjoy yourself outdoors, whether by participating in sports or walking around the city's quaint streets. Winters in Split are also quite mild, but there may be one snowy day, on average, every year. This rare snowfall can cause a significant disruption in the flow of traffic.

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


Which place is cheaper, Split 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 Split is €109. 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 Split in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Santillana 60
    Split 73
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Santillana 120
    Split 146
Compare Hotels in Santillana and Split

Looking for a hotel in Santillana or Split? 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 Split


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 Split Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Santillana 17
    Split 14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Split

Also for Split, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Split Airport (SPU) to Cruise Port of Split - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $55
  • Airport Private Transfer from Split: $38
  • Airport Private Transfer to Split : $38
  • Airport Transfer from Split: $42
  • Airport Transfer to Split: $42
  • Airport transfers - round trip: $146
  • Airport transfers, Locco transfers, Port transfers: $76
  • Airport(Resnik) to or from Split transfer: $71
  • Be transferred in style! Every day Airport Transfer of Split: $86
  • Cruise Port of Private Transfer to Split hotels: $132
  • Departure Transfer Split City to Split Airport SPU by Car or Van: $50
  • From Split Airport to Sibenik (Round Trip, Private Transfer): $166

Is it cheaper to fly into Santillana or Split?

Prices for flights to both Split 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
    Split 23
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 Split

For Split, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Small Group Food Tour: $37
  • Homemade Dinner under the Stars in Split: $85
  • Food Tour in Split ( Small Group): $96
  • Split Food Tour (Small Group): $98
  • Vegan Food tour of Split with local gastronomy: $102
  • Walking Vegan Food Tour of Split: $104
  • Old Town Food Tour: $107
  • Split Food Tour: Discover Split One Bite At A Time: $131
  • Split Cooking Class - Afternoon Edition Shared Activity: $191
  • Private Authentic Wine & Food tour from Split: $240
  • Culinary Experience – Cooking Class & Walking Tour Split: $251

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Santillana 23
    Split 3.71

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 Split

For Split, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Emanuel Vidović Gallery Entrance Ticket: $6.42
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.42
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Split Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
  • Entry Ticket to the Cellars of Diocletian's Palace: $8.56
  • Split's Old Town and Marjan Hill: A Self Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Split's Old Town and Marjan Hill: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Roman Ruins Sightseeing Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Sightseeing Split's Roman Ruins: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $9.36
  • Split's Legacy: In-App Audio Tour of Serene Seas & Stones: $11

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Santillana 4.29
    Split 7.95

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 Split

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

  • From Krka Waterfalls & Swimming & Wine tasting: $24
  • From Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting Tour: $26
  • Tower Pub Crawl in Split: $29
  • Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting tour from Split: $31
  • Split/Trogir: Krka National Park Day Trip with Wine Tasting: $38
  • Wine Tasting and Sunset Klis Fortress Tour from Split: $38
  • Krka National Park Tour with tour Guide & Wine tasting from Split & Trogir: $46
  • Split&Sip: Educational wine tasting: $51
  • Wine Tasting in the Diocletian's Palace: $53
  • Wine Tasting in the Diocletian’s Palace: $55
  • Diocletian's Palace Walking and Wine Tasting Tour: $71
  • From Split/Trogir: Mostar and Medjugorje Tour with Wine Tasting: $74


When comparing the travel costs between Santillana and Split, we can see that Split 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 Split Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Santillana or Split?

Split has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Santillana. When comparing the sizes of Santillana and Split, 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 Split?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Santillana or Split in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Santillana as well as Split. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Split because of the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Santillana is cooler than Split in the summer. The daily temperature in Santillana averages around 19°C (66°F) in July, and Split fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Split. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Santillana this time of the year. In the summer, Santillana often gets less sunshine than Split. Santillana gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 345 hours of full sun.

Santillana usually gets more rain in July than Split. Santillana gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Split receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Santillana or Split in the Autumn?

Both Split and Santillana are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Split this time of year.

In the autumn, Santillana is cooler than Split. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Santillana in October average around 16°C (60°F), and Split averages at about 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Split. Santillana usually receives less sunshine than Split during autumn. Santillana gets 133 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Santillana. In October, Santillana usually receives more rain than Split. Santillana gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Split receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Santillana 16°C (60°F) 
    Split 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Santillana or Split in the Winter?

Both Split and Santillana during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Split for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Santillana is generally around the same temperature as Split. Daily temperatures in Santillana average around 9°C (49°F), and Split fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Santillana often gets less sunshine than Split. Santillana gets 91 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 128 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Santillana. Santillana usually gets more rain in January than Split. Santillana gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Split receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Santillana or Split in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Santillana and Split. Also, many visitors come to Split in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Santillana is cooler than Split in the spring. The daily temperature in Santillana averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Split fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Split this time of the year. Santillana usually receives less sunshine than Split during spring. Santillana gets 148 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

Santillana gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Santillana usually receives more rain than Split. Santillana gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Split receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Santillana 12°C (53°F) 
    Split 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Split and Santillana

Santillana Split
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (49°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 8°C (47°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 9°C (48°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Mar 10°C (51°F) 119 mm (4.7 in) 11°C (52°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Apr 12°C (53°F) 135 mm (5.3 in) 15°C (59°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
May 14°C (58°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 20°C (67°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 17°C (62°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 23°C (74°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 50 mm (2 in) 26°C (80°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 19°C (67°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 26°C (79°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 88 mm (3.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 16°C (60°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 12°C (53°F) 181 mm (7.1 in) 13°C (56°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 10°C (50°F) 157 mm (6.2 in) 10°C (49°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)