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

Should you visit Tangier or Santillana?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Tangier and Santillana can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Tangier or Santillana?

Tangier

Welcome to the gateway to Africa. Sitting on the coast of the Strait of Gibraltar, Tangier, Morocco has historically served as the meeting point of the Mediterranean and Africa.

After World War II, this city became a destination for eccentric foreigners, artists, spies and hippies. After that, the city was neglected and gained a horrible reputation for the hustlers cheating visitors left and right.

In 1999 Morocco saw the beginning of a new monarch who was more progressive with his vision for tourism. This message lit a fire under Tangier, helping the people see the amazing potential in their great city. They built a new port, a new business district and revamped the airport. The beaches and streets have been cleaned up of trash and hustlers and there's a sudden surge in cultural activities.

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 10-Day Tours in Morocco, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Morocco, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Santillana or Tangier?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Tangier is $61, while the average daily cost in Santillana is $112. 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 Tangier and Santillana in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tangier $23
    Santillana $64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tangier $46
    Santillana $128
Compare Hotels in Tangier and Santillana

Looking for a hotel in Tangier 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 Tangier


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: Tangier Hotel Prices and Santillana Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tangier $23
    Santillana $18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tangier

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

  • Transfer from Tangier Airport to Chefchaouen: $87
  • "Fez to Marrakech: Enjoy a Private Transfer for a Smooth Journey": $205
  • Airport Transfer to Tanger City : $26
  • Casablanca Airport Arrival To Tanger Private Transfer: $216
  • Door to door transfer from Tangier to Fes: $291
  • From Fes: Transfer to Tangier passing by Chefchaouen: $96
  • From Tangier : Private Luxury Transfer to Fes: $272
  • From Transfer to Fez via Chefchaouen and Volubilis: $245
  • Luxury transfer from Tangier to Tamuda bay or vice versa: $233
  • One Way transfer from Fes to Tanger passing by chefchaouen: $82
  • One-Way Transfer from Tanger to Fez: $154
  • One-way Luxury Tangier Airport or Port Transfer: $24

Is it cheaper to fly into Tangier or Santillana?

Prices for flights to both Santillana and Tangier 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
    Tangier $20
    Santillana $33
Typical Food Prices in Tangier

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Tangier:


  • Fruit & Yogurt
    $1.69

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tangier

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

  • 3 Hour Private Moroccan Food Tour in Tanger : $49
  • Tanger Local Street food tours: $60
  • Tangier Private Cooking Class With a Local Family: $66
  • Tangier Food Tour with a certified local guide!: $67
  • Tangier food tour with Rababe: $71
  • Tangier food tour : $71
  • Tangier Food Tour with a certified guide!: $71
  • Morocco Food Cooking Class and Tangier City Tour: $71
  • Moroccan 3-in-1 Cooking Experience: $75
  • Moroccan 3 in 1 Cooking Experience: $76
  • The Food tour of Tangier: $76
  • Inclusive Beach Camel Ride, Cap Spartel, Hercules & Full Dinner: $80

Typical Food Prices in Santillana

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


  • Breakfast
    $7.50

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tangier $20
    Santillana $24

Tours and Activities in Tangier

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

  • Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus: $14
  • Tangier City Tour Bus Hop On - Hop Off: $14
  • From Marrakesh: Discover Essaouira Full-Day Tour: $17
  • Tangier Stroll: Public Guided Tour: $17
  • Tangier walking tour: $17
  • Tangier Private Walking Tour with a Guide: $25
  • Tangier Private Walking Tour: $26
  • Tangier Guided Walking Experience: $26
  • Touristic guide: $28
  • 3 Hours Tangier walking Tour in Old Medina,Kasbah & berber market: $31
  • Walking Tour Tangier Medina: $31
  • Tangier Highlights Tour: Exploring the Cultural Gems: $31

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
    Tangier $11
    Santillana $4.59

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 Tangier and Santillana, we can see that Santillana is more expensive. And not only is Tangier much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tangier is in Africa and Santillana is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Tangier would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tangier 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 Tangier.

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


Which is Bigger, Tangier or Santillana?

Tangier has a larger population, and is about 170 times larger than the population of Santillana. When comparing the sizes of Tangier 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 Tangier or Santillana?

Santillana has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Tangier experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Tangier or Santillana in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Tangier as well as Santillana. Tangier attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the summer, Tangier is a little warmer than Santillana. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tangier in July average around 24°C (74°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 Tangier this time of the year. In the summer, Tangier often gets more sunshine than Santillana. Tangier gets 346 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santillana receives 213 hours of full sun.

Tangier usually gets less rain in July than Santillana. Tangier gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Santillana receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Tangier 24°C (74°F) 
    Santillana 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Tangier or Santillana in the Autumn?

Both Santillana and Tangier are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Tangier throughout the year.

In October, Tangier is generally a little warmer than Santillana. Daily temperatures in Tangier average around 20°C (68°F), and Santillana fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tangier. Tangier usually receives more sunshine than Santillana during autumn. Tangier gets 235 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, Tangier usually receives less rain than Santillana. Tangier gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Santillana receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tangier 20°C (68°F) 
    Santillana 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Tangier or Santillana in the Winter?

Both Santillana and Tangier during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Tangier because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Tangier is a little warmer than Santillana in the winter. The daily temperature in Tangier averages around 13°C (55°F) in January, and Santillana fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

In the winter, Tangier often gets more sunshine than Santillana. Tangier gets 169 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 Tangier. Tangier usually gets less rain in January than Santillana. Tangier gets 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Santillana receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tangier 13°C (55°F) 
    Santillana 9°C (49°F)

Should I visit Tangier or Santillana in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Tangier and Santillana. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Tangier year-round.

In the spring, Tangier is a little warmer than Santillana. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tangier in April average around 15°C (60°F), and Santillana averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In Tangier, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tangier usually receives more sunshine than Santillana during spring. Tangier gets 251 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, Tangier usually receives less rain than Santillana. Tangier gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Santillana receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tangier 15°C (60°F) 
    Santillana 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Santillana and Tangier

Tangier Santillana
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 13°C (55°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 9°C (49°F) 149 mm (5.9 in)
Feb 13°C (56°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 10°C (50°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Mar 14°C (57°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 10°C (51°F) 119 mm (4.7 in)
Apr 15°C (60°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 12°C (53°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 14°C (58°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 17°C (62°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 24°C (74°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 19°C (67°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 88 mm (3.4 in)
Oct 20°C (68°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 16°C (60°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Nov 16°C (61°F) 135 mm (5.3 in) 12°C (53°F) 181 mm (7.1 in)
Dec 13°C (56°F) 129 mm (5.1 in) 10°C (50°F) 157 mm (6.2 in)