A Travel Price Comparison for Spain Alicante vs. Santillana for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Alicante 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 Alicante and Santillana can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Alicante or Santillana?

Alicante

Alicante is a gorgeous coastal city in the Costa Blanca region, on the east coast of Spain. The region is famous for its white sandy beaches, the party-haven of Benidorm and the stunning palm tree-lined boulevard in the city of Alicante. I have been visiting Alicante for close to 20 years, so, it has become almost a second home to me. Here are my top tips to have the best vacation in Alicante.

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 from Madrid, The Best 2-Week Tours from Barcelona, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Spain, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Santillana or Alicante?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Alicante Prices
    Spain Prices
    Santillana Prices
    Spain Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Alicante 179
    Santillana 127

The average daily cost (per person) in Alicante is €179, while the average daily cost in Santillana is €127. 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 Alicante and Santillana in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Alicante 42
    Santillana 60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Alicante 84
    Santillana 120
Compare Hotels in Alicante and Santillana

Looking for a hotel in Alicante 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 Alicante


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: Alicante Hotel Prices and Santillana Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Alicante -
    Santillana 17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alicante

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Alicante:

  • Algar Waterfalls with Transfer from Alicante and Benidorm: $60
  • Alicante : Highest DE Spain cave with transfer included: $63
  • Alicante Airport(ALC) to Alicante City - Arrival Private Transfer: $63
  • Alicante Private Horseback Ride with Picnic and Transfer: $214
  • Alicante and Benidorm: Guadalest Castle Tour including Transfer: $78
  • Alicante to Alicante Airport (ALC)- Departure Private Transfer: $63
  • Alicante; Cuevas del Canelobre and Busot Local Guide with Transfer: $68
  • Alicante; Wine Tour Wine Tasting, Food and Transfer: $75
  • Canelobre Caves and Busot Tour with Transfer from Alicante: $61
  • Private Transfer - Alicante Airport (ALC) to Alicante Cruise Port: $109
  • Private Transfer - Alicante Cruise Port to Alicante Airport (ALC): $109
  • Private Transfer Alicante-Murcia OR Murcia-Alicante: $237

Is it cheaper to fly into Alicante or Santillana?

Prices for flights to both Santillana and Alicante 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
    Alicante 124
    Santillana 53

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Alicante

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Alicante.

  • Evening Spanish Tapas Cooking Class with Drinks in Alicante: $43
  • Alicante Paella Cooking Class, Tapas, Drinks and Marketplace: $58
  • Paella & Sangria Cooking Class in Alicante with Market Visit: $58
  • Fuse Spanish With Italian For Dinner In Mutxamel: $98
  • Make and enjoy a real Neapolitan pizza in Spain: $104
  • Alicante PRIVATE Food Tour With Locals: 10 Food & Drink Tastings Included: $162

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.
    Alicante 53
    Santillana 23
Typical Entertainment Prices in Alicante

Here are a few typical costs in Alicante for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Food and Tapas Tour (for 2)
    54
  • Catamaran Cruise (for 2)
    67
  • Wine Tasting Tour (for 2)
    120
  • Walking Tour (for 2)
    60

Tours and Activities in Alicante

Here are a few actual costs in Alicante for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Alicante Secret Society Exploration Game and Tour: $5.95
  • Museum of Illusions Alicante Entrance ticket: $23
  • Hot Spots Urban Tour with Advice Art and Activities: $31
  • Shared Walking Tour Experience in Alicante Spain : $35
  • Alicante Food and Tapas Tour with a Local Guide : $35
  • Alicante Historic Small Group Tour with Tapas Tasting: $35
  • Tuk Tuk Tour in Alicante: $36
  • Alicante City & Beach Bike Tour : $36
  • City Bike Tour in Alicante: $42
  • Alicante E-Bike Coast Tour with Román Fishpond and Snorkeling: $42
  • Alicante Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $57
  • Guadalest and Algar Waterfalls Tour from Alicante or Benidorm: $59

Tours and Activities in Santillana

Here are a few actual costs in Santillana for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Private Guided Walking Tour of Santillana del Mar: $215
  • Private Walking Tour of Altamira and Neocave Museum: $239

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Alicante -
    Santillana 4.29

Sample the Local Flavors in Alicante

Also in Alicante, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Alicante Wine Tasting and Tapas Club: $42
  • Guided tour of Vinalopó Castles and Wine Tasting: $89
  • Alicante Wine Tasting and Tapas for Foodies: $161
  • Wine tasting and tapas premium in Alicante : $179
  • Total Alicante walking tour, tapas and wine tasting: $292


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


Which is Bigger, Alicante or Santillana?

Alicante has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Santillana. When comparing the sizes of Alicante 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 Alicante or Santillana?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Alicante or Santillana in the Summer?

Both Santillana and Alicante are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Alicante for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

It's quite sunny in Santillana. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Alicante. Alicante usually receives more sunshine than Santillana during summer. Alicante gets 341 hours of sunny skies, while Santillana receives 213 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Alicante usually receives less rain than Santillana. Alicante gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Santillana receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Alicante 25°C (77°F) 
    Santillana 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Alicante or Santillana in the Autumn?

Both Santillana and Alicante during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Alicante because of the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Alicante is a little warmer than Santillana. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Alicante in October average around 20°C (68°F), and Santillana averages at about 16°C (60°F).

It's quite sunny in Alicante. In the autumn, Alicante often gets more sunshine than Santillana. Alicante gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santillana receives 133 hours of full sun.

Santillana gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Alicante usually gets less rain in October than Santillana. Alicante gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Santillana receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Alicante or Santillana in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Alicante and Santillana. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Alicante this time of year.

In January, Alicante is generally a little warmer than Santillana. Daily temperatures in Alicante average around 11°C (52°F), and Santillana fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

Alicante usually receives more sunshine than Santillana during winter. Alicante gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Santillana receives 91 hours of full sun in the winter.

Santillana receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Alicante usually receives less rain than Santillana. Alicante gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Santillana receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Alicante 11°C (52°F) 
    Santillana 9°C (49°F)

Should I visit Alicante or Santillana in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Alicante as well as Santillana. Many travelers come to Alicante for the beaches.

Alicante is a little warmer than Santillana in the spring. The daily temperature in Alicante averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Santillana fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Alicante this time of the year. In the spring, Alicante often gets more sunshine than Santillana. Alicante gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santillana receives 148 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Santillana. Alicante usually gets less rain in April than Santillana. Alicante gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Santillana receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Typical Weather for Santillana and Alicante

Alicante Santillana
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 11°C (52°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 9°C (49°F) 149 mm (5.9 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 10°C (50°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Mar 14°C (57°F) 25 mm (1 in) 10°C (51°F) 119 mm (4.7 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 12°C (53°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 14°C (58°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 17°C (62°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 19°C (66°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Aug 26°C (78°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 19°C (67°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 88 mm (3.4 in)
Oct 20°C (68°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 16°C (60°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 12°C (53°F) 181 mm (7.1 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 10°C (50°F) 157 mm (6.2 in)