A Travel Price Comparison for Spain Tenerife vs. Santiago de Compostela for Nightlife, Hiking, Families, and Food

Should you visit Tenerife or Santiago de Compostela?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Tenerife or Santiago de Compostela, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Tenerife

Tenerife is a scenic, vibrant, and adventure-filled island. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela is a religious, inspirational, and iconic city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Tenerife and Santiago de Compostela: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tenerife or Santiago de Compostela?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Santiago de Compostela. Although Tenerife and Santiago de Compostela are popular destinations, Santiago de Compostela has more sights and attractions for tourists. Santiago de Compostela is very popular for its museums, food, and historical sights, while Tenerife attracts visitors for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Tenerife is famous for its volcanic landscapes, built-up resorts, and fun-filled beaches. Santiago de Compostela is famous for its classic old town, its Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque architecture, and its significance as the culmination point for the Camino de Santiago. It is also well known for the Cathedral of Santiago.

How is Tenerife different from Santiago de Compostela?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Santiago de Compostela and Tenerife. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Tenerife or Santiago de Compostela?

Santiago de Compostela is very popular for its museums and history. However, Tenerife is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Santiago de Compostela from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The iconic Cathedral of Santiago has long attracted pilgrims and travelers from around Europe and the world. The spectacular sight includes a museum and the crypt and tomb of Saint James. Another interesting sight in town is the former hostel for pilgrims, the Hostal de los Reyes Católicos. Also make sure you visit Plaza del Obradoiro and the Galician Center of Contemporary Art.

Tenerife offers a few options for museum-goers. The island is filled with national parks, beautiful landscapes, and stunning beaches, but if you're not into outdoor activities, then you won't find many museums or other historical sights to visit.

Is the Food Better in Tenerife or Santiago de Compostela? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Santiago de Compostela is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Tenerife is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Santiago de Compostela. Galician food has plenty of fresh seafood, lots of local beef, and regional vegetables that are seasonal and locally grown. Make sure you try the polbo á feira (boiled octopus), pimientos de padrón (fried green peppers), and steamed mussels.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Tenerife. Many visitors stick to the major touristy areas, eating in their resorts or other nearby restaurants. If you want to try a bit of the island's authentic Canarian cuisine, you'll need to do a little research. Head into the local areas near the markets for the best chance of finding something a little more authentic. Local dishes often include fish and seafood as well as local meats, but you'll rarely find beef as there isn't a lot of land for cows to graze on the island.

Is Tenerife or Santiago de Compostela Better for Nightlife?

Tenerife is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Santiago de Compostela is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Tenerife is a must-see party destination. The island has a variety of nightclubs that range in style and personality. There are all night wild beach parties as well as laid back beach clubs and hole-in-the-wall pubs. Many bars have happy hours where you can relax with a drink and many nightclubs host famous DJs that keep the party going into the early morning hours.

Many people head to Santiago de Compostela for the nightlife scene. As a university city, much of the nightlife is created by the student population. You'll find a lot of bars around Rúa de Santiago de Chile and Rúa de San Pedro de Mezonzo as well as along Rúa do Franco.

Is Tenerife or Santiago de Compostela Better for Resorts?

Tenerife is well known for its resorts. However, Santiago de Compostela is not a resort destination.

Tenerife is known as a popular and fun resort destination. You'll find everything from world-class resorts like the Ritz to more budget-friendly hotels and even some hostels around the island. You'll find most of the resorts on the south side of the island, which is also where you'll find the best weather.

Santiago de Compostela is not a resort destination.

Is Tenerife or Santiago de Compostela Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tenerife is well known for its diving and snorkeling. However, Santiago de Compostela is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Tenerife. A highlight of snorkeling in this area is the opportunity to swim with sea turtles. Some of the best snorkeling is in El Puertito, which is known for its many turtles and there is no shortage of organized snorkeling trips to the area. The island also has excellent scuba diving trips with a variety of shipwrecks and marine species.

Santiago de Compostela is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tenerife or Santiago de Compostela Better for Beaches?

Tenerife is well known for the beache. However, Santiago de Compostela is not a beach destination.

Tenerife is considered a top beach destination. The island has a large number of beaches that attract tourists, particularly during the peak winter months. The island's volcanic nature means that many of its natural beaches have black sand. The golden sand from the more developed beaches typically comes from the Sahara Desert. A favorite beach on the island is the 2 kilometer long Playa de las Teresitas.

Santiago de Compostela is not a beach destination.

Is Tenerife or Santiago de Compostela Better for its Old Town?

Santiago de Compostela is very popular for its historic old town. However, Tenerife does not have a historic old town.

Santiago de Compostela has a world-famous historical area. The old town reflects the city's importance in the Christian religion. There are Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque buildings that draw Christian pilgrims from around the world.

Tenerife does not have a historic old town.

Is Tenerife or Santiago de Compostela Better for Hiking?

Tenerife and Santiago de Compostela are both places where visitors can find fantastic hiking trails.

Known for its hiking, Tenerife draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The island's volcanic landscapes mean that there are dramatic and breathtaking hikes throughout the island. Some of the best hikes are found in the Anaga Rural Park, Teide National Park, and the Teno Mountains.

Around Santiago de Compostela visitors will find world-class hiking trails. This small city is the culmination point for the famed Camino de Santiago. The 780 kilometer route is followed by pilgrims and travelers who seek enlightenment or adventure. Hikers travel both independently or as part of organized tours.

Is the Shopping Better in Tenerife or Santiago de Compostela?

Shoppers can find a variety of very good stores in both Tenerife and Santiago de Compostela.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Tenerife. The island's low tax rates make it a popular shopping destination for tourists. The are shopping streets, local markets, and luxury malls that you can explore.

Santiago de Compostela is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are local markets, souvenir shops, and boutiques where you can buy items to commemorate the completion of your hike or your visit to town.

Is Tenerife or Santiago de Compostela Better for Families?

Tenerife is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Santiago de Compostela is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Tenerife is a very family-friendly destination. The island has many great waterparks for kids, with one of the best being Siam Park. Other family-friendly destinations include Aqualand, Loro Parque, Jungle Park, and Monkey Park. There are whale watching trips, outdoor adventures, and kid-friendly beaches as well.

Santiago de Compostela offers lots of family activities. The city has a sightseeing train as well as parks and playgrounds that kids can enjoy. A visit to the Museum of the Galician People is also fascinating for the whole family. Visiting the colorful markets around town is fun as well.

Is Tenerife or Santiago de Compostela Better for Couples?

Tenerife is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Santiago de Compostela is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Tenerife frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The natural beauty, great landscapes, and lively beaches make this a great island for a romantic getaway. There's hiking and outdoor adventures as well as swimming, boat rides, and even whale watching.

Santiago de Compostela is a good island for couples to visit. The cobblestone streets and beautiful gardens make this a nice place for a couple's getaway. There are viewpoints that look out over the town as well as interesting buildings and great architecture.

Is Tenerife or Santiago de Compostela Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santiago de Compostela is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Tenerife is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Santiago de Compostela is very popular with the backpacker crowd. Backpackers hiking the Camino del Santiago will be rewarded with a beautiful city and many nice sights. There are plenty of hostels around town where backpackers can meet other travelers and swap stories.

Tenerife is a good island to visit for backpackers. The island is large enough that there are a decent number of hostels and budget-friendly places to stay for backpackers.

Is Tenerife or Santiago de Compostela Better for Students?

Santiago de Compostela is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Tenerife is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Santiago de Compostela. It's a small city with many students during the week, but on weekends it quiets down as many students leave town.

Tenerife is not popular with students.

Is Tenerife or Santiago de Compostela Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Tenerife and Santiago de Compostela.

Tenerife has some public transit options. The island has a decent bus service that is operated by a company called "TITSA".

You'll find some public transit in Santiago de Compostela, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses around town that are operated by Tralusa.

Is Tenerife or Santiago de Compostela a more walkable city?

Santiago de Compostela is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, Tenerife is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

Santiago de Compostela is very walkable. Many visitors reach the city on foot by doing the pilgrimage of the Camino del Santiago. The city itself and small and fairly walkable as well.

Tenerife is a somewhat walkable place. There are many walks on the island that make for a fun way to explore the setting.

For even more information, also check out Is Tenerife Worth Visiting? and Is Santiago de Compostela Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Santiago de Compostela or Tenerife?

How long in Tenerife or Santiago de Compostela?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Tenerife or Santiago de Compostela to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Tenerife than Santiago de Compostela because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Tenerife, and 1-2 days is enough time in Santiago de Compostela.

Families should spend more time in Tenerife than Santiago de Compostela. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Tenerife, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Tenerife than Santiago de Compostela. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Tenerife that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Santiago de Compostela than Tenerife if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Santiago de Compostela.

One day in Tenerife or Santiago de Compostela?

The island of Tenerife offers shopping and nightlife. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The city of Santiago de Compostela offers food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Tenerife or Santiago de Compostela?

The volcanic destination of Tenerife offers nightlife and food. This island offers something for everyone. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Santiago de Compostela is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Santiago de Compostela, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Tenerife or Santiago de Compostela?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tenerife. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Hikers are also drawn to this area. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Santiago de Compostela is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Tenerife or Santiago de Compostela?

Tenerife is a fun place to experience. The destination of Tenerife offers scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this island.

Santiago de Compostela is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Spain, The Best 10-Day Tours in Spain, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Spain, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Spain.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Tenerife or Santiago de Compostela?

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 Tenerife or Santiago de Compostela in the Summer?

Both Santiago de Compostela and Tenerife during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Tenerife in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Santiago de Compostela for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

In Santiago de Compostela, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tenerife. In the summer, Tenerife often gets more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela. Tenerife gets 268 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santiago de Compostela receives 248 hours of full sun.

Tenerife usually gets less rain in July than Santiago de Compostela. Tenerife gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tenerife or Santiago de Compostela in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Tenerife and Santiago de Compostela. Most visitors come to Tenerife for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Santiago de Compostela because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Tenerife is generally a little warmer than Santiago de Compostela. Daily temperatures in Tenerife average around 22°C (72°F), and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In Tenerife, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tenerife usually receives more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during autumn. Tenerife gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 155 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Santiago de Compostela receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Tenerife usually receives less rain than Santiago de Compostela. Tenerife gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Tenerife or Santiago de Compostela in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Tenerife as well as Santiago de Compostela. The winter months attract visitors to Tenerife because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Santiago de Compostela this time of year.

Tenerife is much warmer than Santiago de Compostela in the winter. The daily temperature in Tenerife averages around 17°C (63°F) in January, and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the winter, Tenerife often gets more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela. Tenerife gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santiago de Compostela receives 103 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Santiago de Compostela. Tenerife usually gets less rain in January than Santiago de Compostela. Tenerife gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tenerife or Santiago de Compostela in the Spring?

Both Santiago de Compostela and Tenerife are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Tenerife this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Santiago de Compostela for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Tenerife is a little warmer than Santiago de Compostela. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tenerife in April average around 18°C (64°F), and Santiago de Compostela averages at about 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tenerife. Tenerife usually receives more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during spring. Tenerife gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 167 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Tenerife usually receives less rain than Santiago de Compostela. Tenerife gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Santiago de Compostela and Tenerife