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

Should you visit Setubal or Santillana?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Setubal and Santillana can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Setubal or Santillana?

Setubal

Setubal is a busy working port and major commercial fishing center. Setubal is a city that has always had a close connection to the seas, and this is celebrated along the newly rejuvenated waterfront, which encompasses the colorful fishing harbor, the popular urban park and the Troia Peninsula ferry terminal. Within the charming historic center is a maze of narrow alleys, hidden plazas, and family-owned shops, along with Portugal's largest fish market. Setubal is primarily an industrial city, but is situated in a region of immense beauty; to the east is the stunning Serra da Arrabida, to the north is historic Palmela, while to the south are the paradise beaches of the Troia Peninsula. Setubal may not be a conventional holiday destination, but there is a surprising amount to see and do within the city and the surrounding region.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Santillana or Setubal?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Setubal is €123, while the average daily cost in Santillana 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 Setubal and Santillana in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Setubal 59
    Santillana 60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Setubal 118
    Santillana 120
Compare Hotels in Setubal and Santillana

Looking for a hotel in Setubal or Santillana? 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 Setubal


Hotels in Santillana


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: Setubal Hotel Prices and Santillana Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Setubal 54
    Santillana 17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Setubal

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

  • Boat Transfer to Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach with Return: $22
  • Paragliding experience near Lisbon with transfers from Lisbon: $148
  • Transfer Sesimbra to Lisbon Airport: $82
  • Transfers (Lisbon - Évora) / (Évora - Lisbon): $197

Is it cheaper to fly into Setubal or Santillana?

Prices for flights to both Santillana and Setubal 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
    Setubal 35
    Santillana 30

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.
    Setubal 12
    Santillana 23

Tours and Activities in Setubal

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Setubal.

  • Evora Highlights Walking Tour Audio and GPS Guided: $7.59
  • Évora Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.84
  • Museu Nacional Frei Manuel do Cenáculo: E-ticket with Audio: $17
  • Boat Tour - Arrábida Coves: $38
  • Kayak tour from Sesimbra to Ribeira do Cavalo Beach, passing through the caves: $38
  • Half-Day Kayak Tour in Sesimbra: $38
  • Setúbal: Dolphin-Watching Boat Tour: $40
  • Arrábida: Rock Climbing Experience: $43
  • Évora Private Walking Tour, By Local Guide: $44
  • Small Group Kayak Tour along Sesimbra - Arrábida Natural Park: $44
  • Tour to the caves of Sesimbra: $44
  • 4x4 Tour to the Wonders of Cabo Espichel : $49

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Setubal 10
    Santillana 4.29

Sample the Local Flavors in Setubal

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Setubal:

  • Jeep Tour through Arrábida Azeitão and Wine Tasting: $56
  • Monsaraz and Wine Tasting Tour from Évora: $71
  • Alentejo Wine Tour from Évora: $76
  • Sesimbra: Half-Day Tour to Arrabida with Wine Tasting: $106
  • Wine Tour, discovering the famous Setúbal Moscatel: $137
  • Private Full Day Evora & Alentejo Wine Tour from Lisbon : $152
  • Private Wine Tour from Lisbon to Arrábida: Wine & Cheese Tasting: $170

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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Setubal and Santillana, we can see that Setubal 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 Setubal would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Setubal 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 Setubal Expensive? and Is Santillana Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Setubal or Santillana?

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

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 Setubal or Santillana in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Setubal as well as Santillana.

In the summer, Setubal is a little warmer than Santillana. Typically, the summer temperatures in Setubal in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Santillana averages at about 19°C (66°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Santillana. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Setubal this time of the year. In the summer, Setubal often gets more sunshine than Santillana. Setubal gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santillana receives 213 hours of full sun.

Setubal usually gets less rain in July than Santillana. Setubal gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Santillana receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Setubal 23°C (73°F) 
    Santillana 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Setubal or Santillana in the Autumn?

Both Santillana and Setubal are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.

In October, Setubal is generally a little warmer than Santillana. Daily temperatures in Setubal average around 19°C (66°F), and Santillana fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Setubal. Setubal usually receives more sunshine than Santillana during autumn. Setubal gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Santillana receives 133 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Santillana. In October, Setubal usually receives less rain than Santillana. Setubal gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Santillana receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Setubal 19°C (66°F) 
    Santillana 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Setubal or Santillana in the Winter?

Both Santillana and Setubal during the winter are popular places to visit.

Setubal is a little warmer than Santillana in the winter. The daily temperature in Setubal averages around 12°C (53°F) in January, and Santillana fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

In the winter, Setubal often gets more sunshine than Santillana. Setubal gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santillana receives 91 hours of full sun.

Santillana gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Setubal. Setubal usually gets less rain in January than Santillana. Setubal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Santillana receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Setubal 12°C (53°F) 
    Santillana 9°C (49°F)

Should I visit Setubal or Santillana in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Setubal and Santillana.

In the spring, Setubal is a little warmer than Santillana. Typically, the spring temperatures in Setubal in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Santillana averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In Setubal, it's very sunny this time of the year. Setubal usually receives more sunshine than Santillana during spring. Setubal gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Santillana receives 148 hours of full sun in the spring.

Santillana receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Setubal usually receives less rain than Santillana. Setubal gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Santillana receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Setubal 16°C (60°F) 
    Santillana 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Santillana and Setubal

Setubal Santillana
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 9°C (49°F) 149 mm (5.9 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 10°C (50°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Mar 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 10°C (51°F) 119 mm (4.7 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 12°C (53°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 14°C (58°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 17°C (62°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 19°C (66°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 19°C (67°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in) 18°C (64°F) 88 mm (3.4 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 16°C (60°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 12°C (53°F) 181 mm (7.1 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 10°C (50°F) 157 mm (6.2 in)