A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Thessaloniki vs. Santiago de Compostela for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Backpackers

Should you visit Thessaloniki or Santiago de Compostela?

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

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Santiago de Compostela? 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.

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is a bustling, historic, and vibrant city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela is a religious, inspirational, and iconic city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Thessaloniki and Santiago de Compostela: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Santiago de Compostela than Thessaloniki. While Thessaloniki is larger than Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela has more sights and attractions for tourists. Santiago de Compostela is better known for its museums, historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Thessaloniki is more popular for its beaches and big city activities. Santiago de Compostela is more touristy than Thessaloniki and is popular for its classic old town, its Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque architecture, and its significance as the culmination point for the Camino de Santiago. Also, Santiago de Compostela is famous for the Cathedral of Santiago. Thessaloniki is well known for its many archeological sights, its large young population, and its great transportation connections.

How is Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

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

Santiago de Compostela is a world-class destination for its museums and history. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Santiago de Compostela are world-renowned. 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.

Many visitors head to Thessaloniki specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are a huge number of historic and archeological sights in the city. These include the Rotunda of Galerius, the White Tower, the Church of Agios Dimitrios, and the Arch of Galerius.

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

Foodies will find both Thessaloniki and Santiago de Compostela both to be high quality destinations.

Thessaloniki has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There's a huge culinary scene in the city, and you'll find everything from fun street food options to traditional tavernas and even some great international restaurants.

Dining out in Santiago de Compostela is an experience not to be missed. 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.

Is Thessaloniki or Santiago de Compostela Better for Nightlife?

Both Thessaloniki and Santiago de Compostela have high quality vibes after the sun sets.

Thessaloniki has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. It's the second largest city in Greece, and it has large student and tourist populations, so the nightlife scene is among the best in Greece. There are clubs, bars, and lounges that stay busy late into the night.

The people in Santiago de Compostela know how to have a good time. 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 Thessaloniki or Santiago de Compostela Better for Beaches?

Thessaloniki is a city with a few options for the beache. However, Santiago de Compostela is not a beach destination.

You can check out the beach in Thessaloniki. Although the city's not known for its beaches, there are some places where you can relax by the water, particularly if you're willing to get a bit out of town.

Santiago de Compostela is not a beach destination.

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

Santiago de Compostela is a world-class destination for its old town. However, Thessaloniki does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Santiago de Compostela is revered around the world. 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.

Thessaloniki does not have a historic old town.

Is Thessaloniki or Santiago de Compostela Better for Hiking?

Santiago de Compostela is a world-class destination for its hiking trails. However, Thessaloniki is not a hiking destination.

People visit Santiago de Compostela specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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.

Thessaloniki is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Thessaloniki or Santiago de Compostela?

Shoppers can find a variety of high quality stores in both Thessaloniki and Santiago de Compostela.

Thessaloniki is well-known for its shopping. There are shopping streets as well as large malls and shopping centers. You'll find everything from fashion, jewelry, and handicrafts to most European and international brands.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Santiago de Compostela. 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 Thessaloniki or Santiago de Compostela Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Thessaloniki or Santiago de Compostela.

Thessaloniki is a family-friendly city. The port city has a number of museums and attractions for kids including Dinosaur Park, the Noesis Science and Technology Museum, and the water park known as Waterland. There's also the fascinating Kapani Market that is fun to explore.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Santiago de Compostela. 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 Thessaloniki or Santiago de Compostela Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Thessaloniki and Santiago de Compostela make for a notable place to visit.

Thessaloniki makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a bustling city that is filled with history and excellent restaurants. Couples who enjoy history and fun cities will appreciate a visit here.

Santiago de Compostela is a good city 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 Thessaloniki or Santiago de Compostela Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Thessaloniki and Santiago de Compostela are both high quality destinations for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Thessaloniki. There's no shortage of hostels in this city, and you'll find plenty of backpackers to hang out with.

Santiago de Compostela is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Is Thessaloniki or Santiago de Compostela Better for Students?

Thessaloniki is well known for students. Also, Santiago de Compostela is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Thessaloniki is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. There's a large student population in the city and you'll find a vibrant nightlife scene, easy transportation options, and a reasonable cost of living.

It's common for students to 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.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Thessaloniki and Santiago de Compostela.

Thessaloniki has some public transit options. There is a comprehensive bus system that connects most of the city and its suburbs.

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 Thessaloniki or Santiago de Compostela a more walkable city?

Santiago de Compostela is an excellent place to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

Santiago de Compostela is a very walkable city. 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.

Thessaloniki is a somewhat walkable city. You can explore much of the city center on foot.

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

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

How long in Thessaloniki or Santiago de Compostela?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Thessaloniki or Santiago de Compostela to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Thessaloniki than Santiago de Compostela because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Thessaloniki, and 1-2 days is enough time in Santiago de Compostela.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Santiago de Compostela than Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki or Santiago de Compostela?

The city of Thessaloniki offers museums and nightlife. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Santiago de Compostela, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this iconic city offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

A weekend in Thessaloniki or Santiago de Compostela?

The historic destination of Thessaloniki offers nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend a weekend here. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Santiago de Compostela is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Thessaloniki or Santiago de Compostela?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Thessaloniki. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Santiago de Compostela. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Thessaloniki or Santiago de Compostela?

Thessaloniki is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Thessaloniki. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Santiago de Compostela is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Greece, The Best Contiki Tours to Greece, The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain.

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

Which is Bigger, Thessaloniki or Santiago de Compostela?

Thessaloniki has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Santiago de Compostela. When comparing the sizes of Thessaloniki and Santiago de Compostela, 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 Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki or Santiago de Compostela in the Summer?

Both Santiago de Compostela and Thessaloniki during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Thessaloniki because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Santiago de Compostela this time of year.

Thessaloniki is a little warmer than Santiago de Compostela in the summer. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In Santiago de Compostela, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Thessaloniki. In the summer, Thessaloniki often gets more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela. Thessaloniki gets 327 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santiago de Compostela receives 248 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Santiago de Compostela. Thessaloniki gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Thessaloniki and Santiago de Compostela. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Thessaloniki this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Santiago de Compostela for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Thessaloniki is around the same temperature as Santiago de Compostela. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Thessaloniki in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Santiago de Compostela averages at about 16°C (61°F).

Thessaloniki usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Santiago de Compostela during autumn. Thessaloniki gets 159 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, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Santiago de Compostela. Thessaloniki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

The winter brings many poeple to Thessaloniki as well as Santiago de Compostela. Many travelers come to Thessaloniki for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Santiago de Compostela in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Thessaloniki is generally much colder than Santiago de Compostela. Daily temperatures in Thessaloniki average around 5°C (41°F), and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the winter, Thessaloniki often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Santiago de Compostela. Thessaloniki gets 101 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. Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in January than Santiago de Compostela. Thessaloniki gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Santiago de Compostela and Thessaloniki are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Thessaloniki in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Santiago de Compostela for the natural beauty during these months.

Thessaloniki is around the same temperature as Santiago de Compostela in the spring. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Thessaloniki usually receives more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during spring. Thessaloniki gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 167 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Santiago de Compostela. Thessaloniki gets 36 mm (1.4 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 Thessaloniki