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

Should you visit Versailles or Santillana?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Versailles or Santillana, 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.

Where Should I go: Versailles or Santillana?

Versailles

Versailles is the town, now part of the Paris suburbs, that is home to the historic palace of King Louis XIV. The palace, also known as The Chateau de Versailles, was originally a hunting lodge and vacation area for former kings before Louis the 14th decided to build a much larger home. Since the end of France's monarchy in 1789, the palace has been used for other functions, and is now a tourist attraction, home to a museum of French history, expansive gardens, and historical art and antiques. The palace has also been used for important historical events such as the signing of the Treaty of Versailles which ended the first world war. This signing took place in the famous Hall of Mirrors, which visitors can stroll through today as part of the public tour.

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 Sightseeing Tours in France, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain.

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

Which is Bigger, Versailles or Santillana?

Versailles has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Santillana. When comparing the sizes of Versailles 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 Versailles 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 Versailles or Santillana in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Versailles is around the same temperature as Santillana. Typically, the summer temperatures in Versailles in July average around 20°C (68°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 Versailles this time of the year. In the summer, Versailles often gets more sunshine than Santillana. Versailles gets 239 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santillana receives 213 hours of full sun.

Versailles usually gets more rain in July than Santillana. Versailles gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Santillana receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Versailles or Santillana in the Autumn?

Both Santillana and Versailles are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Versailles for the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Versailles is generally cooler than Santillana. Daily temperatures in Versailles average around 13°C (56°F), and Santillana fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Versailles usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Santillana during autumn. Versailles gets 126 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, Versailles usually receives less rain than Santillana. Versailles gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Santillana receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Versailles or Santillana in the Winter?

Both Santillana and Versailles during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Versailles because of the museums and the cuisine.

The weather in Versailles can be very cold. Versailles is much colder than Santillana in the winter. The daily temperature in Versailles averages around 5°C (40°F) in January, and Santillana fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

In the winter, Versailles often gets less sunshine than Santillana. Versailles gets 56 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. Versailles usually gets less rain in January than Santillana. Versailles gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Santillana receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Versailles or Santillana in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Versailles and Santillana. The natural beauty are the main draw to Versailles this time of year.

In the spring, Versailles is around the same temperature as Santillana. Typically, the spring temperatures in Versailles in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Santillana averages at about 12°C (53°F).

Versailles usually receives more sunshine than Santillana during spring. Versailles gets 173 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, Versailles usually receives less rain than Santillana. Versailles gets 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Santillana receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Santillana and Versailles