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

Should you visit Braga or Santillana?

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

Should I visit Braga or Santillana? 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.

Where Should I go: Braga or Santillana?

Braga

Located in the Cavado Valley of Northern Portugal, Braga is a medium sized city with both historical and modern characteristics. There is a university in town, known as Universidade do Minho, which gives the city a young feel with a lot of life. There are also many bars, clubs, and activities around to keep you entertained.

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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Porto, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Portugal, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Spain, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Santillana or Braga?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Braga is €142, 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 Braga and Santillana in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Braga 54
    Santillana 60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Braga 108
    Santillana 120
Compare Hotels in Braga and Santillana

Looking for a hotel in Braga 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 Braga


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: Braga Hotel Prices and Santillana Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Braga 20
    Santillana 17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Braga

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Braga:

  • Braga Private Transfer to Porto: $60
  • Esposende Private Transfer to Porto: $45
  • Private Sedan Transfer from Braga or Guimaraes City to Porto City: $66

Is it cheaper to fly into Braga or Santillana?

Prices for flights to both Santillana and Braga 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
    Braga 70
    Santillana 53

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Braga

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

  • Authentic Braga Food Tour with Lunch & Local Guide 3 Hours: $106
  • Local Heritage Food Tour Gastronomy and Culture of Viana: $154

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.
    Braga 16
    Santillana 23

Tours and Activities in Braga

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Braga are as follows:

  • Braga Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $3.59
  • Braga Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tourer Hunt: $4.49
  • Medieval Guimarães and Legends Exploration Game and Tour: $7.15
  • Roman Heritage of Self-Guided Puzzle Adventure: $7.16
  • Guimaraes Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self Guided Tour: $8.98
  • High Ropes Adventure at Bravaes Kayak Park: $18
  • A Guimarães Hidden Gems Walking Tour Experience : $24
  • Tree and Slide Adventure in Lamas de Mouro at PNPG: $26
  • Private Stand Up Paddle Experience in Vila do Conde: $38
  • Guimarães Old Town Private Walking Tour: $59
  • Small-Group Braga Half-Day Tour with Bom Jesus Sanctuary: $70
  • E-Bike Tour: $72

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
    Braga 21
    Santillana 4.29

Sample the Local Flavors in Braga

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Braga:

  • Customized Wine Tasting: Your Choices: $30
  • Wine Tasting & Lunch | Quinta de Santa Cristina Vinho Verde: $62
  • Wine tour at Mosteiro de Tibães with an exclusive wine tasting: $66
  • Tour of the Green Wine villages and wine tasting.: $119
  • Green Wine Ponte Lima Region-Small Group tour-Lunch,Wine Tastings: $161
  • Private Culture and Wine Tourism Tour: $245


When comparing the travel costs between Braga and Santillana, we can see that Braga is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Braga or Santillana?

Braga has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Santillana. When comparing the sizes of Braga 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 Braga 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 Braga or Santillana in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Braga and Santillana.

In July, Braga is generally around the same temperature as Santillana. Daily temperatures in Braga average around 21°C (69°F), and Santillana fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Santillana this time of the year. In Braga, it's very sunny this time of the year. Braga usually receives more sunshine than Santillana during summer. Braga gets 308 hours of sunny skies, while Santillana receives 213 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Braga usually receives less rain than Santillana. Braga gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Santillana receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Braga 21°C (69°F) 
    Santillana 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Braga or Santillana in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Braga as well as Santillana.

Braga is around the same temperature as Santillana in the autumn. The daily temperature in Braga averages around 17°C (62°F) in October, and Santillana fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Braga often gets more sunshine than Santillana. Braga gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santillana receives 133 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Santillana. Braga receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Braga usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Santillana. Braga gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Santillana receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Braga 17°C (62°F) 
    Santillana 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Braga or Santillana in the Winter?

Both Santillana and Braga are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.

In the winter, Braga is around the same temperature as Santillana. Typically, the winter temperatures in Braga in January average around 10°C (50°F), and Santillana averages at about 9°C (49°F).

Braga usually receives more sunshine than Santillana during winter. Braga gets 124 hours of sunny skies, while Santillana receives 91 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Santillana. It's quite rainy in Braga. In January, Braga usually receives more rain than Santillana. Braga gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Santillana receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Braga 10°C (50°F) 
    Santillana 9°C (49°F)

Should I visit Braga or Santillana in the Spring?

Both Santillana and Braga during the spring are popular places to visit.

In April, Braga is generally a little warmer than Santillana. Daily temperatures in Braga average around 14°C (56°F), and Santillana fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

It's quite sunny in Braga. In the spring, Braga often gets more sunshine than Santillana. Braga gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santillana receives 148 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 Braga. Braga usually gets less rain in April than Santillana. Braga gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Santillana receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Braga 14°C (56°F) 
    Santillana 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Santillana and Braga

Braga Santillana
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (50°F) 171 mm (6.7 in) 9°C (49°F) 149 mm (5.9 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 169 mm (6.7 in) 10°C (50°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) 10°C (51°F) 119 mm (4.7 in)
Apr 14°C (56°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) 12°C (53°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
May 16°C (60°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 14°C (58°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 17°C (62°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 21°C (69°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 19°C (66°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Aug 20°C (69°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 19°C (67°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Sep 20°C (67°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 88 mm (3.4 in)
Oct 17°C (62°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 16°C (60°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Nov 13°C (55°F) 152 mm (6 in) 12°C (53°F) 181 mm (7.1 in)
Dec 11°C (51°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 10°C (50°F) 157 mm (6.2 in)