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

Should you visit Izmir or Santillana?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Izmir and Santillana. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Izmir or Santillana?

Izmir

Izmir is a metropolitan city of Turkey and the second most populous city on the Aegean Sea after Athens, Greece. Known as Smyrna in antiquity, it was founded by the Greeks, taken over by the Romans, and rebuilt by Alexander the Great before becoming part of the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century. Most remnants of this past are gone; however, there are a few archaeological sites in addition to beaches, bustling city streets, and colorful markets.

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 G Adventures Tours to Turkey, The Best 3-Day Tours from Istanbul, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Spain, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Santillana or Izmir?

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 Izmir is $96, while the average daily cost in Santillana is $149. 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 Izmir and Santillana in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Izmir $47
    Santillana $70
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Izmir $94
    Santillana $140
Compare Hotels in Izmir and Santillana

Looking for a hotel in Izmir 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 Izmir


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: Izmir Hotel Prices and Santillana Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Izmir $23
    Santillana $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Izmir

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Izmir:

  • Izmir Airport - Kusadasi Private Transfer: $120
  • Antalya Airport AYT Transfers to Fethiye-Oludeniz Hotels: $251
  • Arrival Transfer Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport ADB to Izmir by Van: $55
  • Arrival Transfer Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport to Izmir by Minibus: $61
  • Ayvalık to Izmir International Airport (ADB) - Departure Private Transfer: $61
  • Balikesir Airport Transfers to Balikesir Edremit Hotels: $113
  • Balikesir Ayvalik Hotels to Balikesir Airport Transfers: $113
  • Balikesir Edremit Hotels to Balikesir Airport Transfers: $113
  • Bodrum Airport Private Minivan By Meet Transfer : $42
  • Bodrum Akyaka Hotels to Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers: $161
  • Canakkale Airport Transfers to Lapseki Hotels: $113
  • Dalaman Airport Transfer Private and Comfortable : $45

Is it cheaper to fly into Izmir or Santillana?

Prices for flights to both Santillana and Izmir 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
    Izmir $33
    Santillana $62

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Izmir

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

  • Authentic Turkish Cuisine Cooking Class in İzmir: $59
  • Authentic Turkish Home Cooking Class with Locals: $76
  • Izmir to Aphrodisias: Cooking & Ceramics Class: $251

Typical Food Prices in Santillana

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Santillana:


  • Breakfast
    $8.21

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Izmir $16
    Santillana $27

Tours and Activities in Izmir

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

  • Budget - Friendly Ephesus Tour from Izmir: $30
  • Guided Walking Tour of Teos Ancient City and Sığacık Castle: $32
  • Izmir : Ephesus and Sirince Guided Tour: $53
  • Ephesus Ancient City with Best Guides Only For Cruise Guests: $59
  • private Ephesus the House of the Virgin Mary Tour from Izmir : $64
  • Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $66
  • Ephesus Tour: $66
  • Private Ephesus Tour from Izmir Port and Hotels : $67
  • PRIVATE EPHESUS & MARY'S HOUSE TOUR from Izmir Cruise Port: $69
  • Izmir City Tour: $84
  • From Ephesus, Artemis Temple Tour with Tickets/Lunch: $84
  • From Ephesus, Artemis Temple Tour WITH ENTRY TICKETS+LUNCH: $85

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
    Izmir $6.94
    Santillana $5.03

Sample the Local Flavors in Izmir

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Izmir:

  • Wine Tour with Metropolis Ancient City: $126
  • Wine Tasting Tour at Two Wineries in Urla Turkey: $132


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

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


Which is Bigger, Izmir or Santillana?

Izmir has a larger population, and is about 620 times larger than the population of Santillana. When comparing the sizes of Izmir 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 Izmir 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 Izmir or Santillana in the Summer?

Both Santillana and Izmir are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Izmir this time of year.

In the summer, Izmir is a little warmer than Santillana. Typically, the summer temperatures in Izmir in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Santillana averages at about 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Santillana. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Izmir. Izmir usually receives more sunshine than Santillana during summer. Izmir gets 378 hours of sunny skies, while Santillana receives 213 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Izmir usually receives less rain than Santillana. Izmir gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Santillana receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Izmir 28°C (82°F) 
    Santillana 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Izmir or Santillana in the Autumn?

Both Santillana and Izmir during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Izmir for the city's sights and attractions.

In October, Izmir is generally a little warmer than Santillana. Daily temperatures in Izmir average around 19°C (67°F), and Santillana fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

It's quite sunny in Izmir. In the autumn, Izmir often gets more sunshine than Santillana. Izmir gets 232 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. Izmir usually gets less rain in October than Santillana. Izmir gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Santillana receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Izmir 19°C (67°F) 
    Santillana 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Izmir or Santillana in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Izmir and Santillana. Many visitors come to Izmir in the winter for the cuisine.

Izmir is around the same temperature as Santillana in the winter. The daily temperature in Izmir averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Santillana fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

Izmir usually receives more sunshine than Santillana during winter. Izmir gets 131 hours of sunny skies, while Santillana receives 91 hours of full sun in the winter.

Santillana receives a lot of rain in the winter. Izmir gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Izmir usually receives less rain than Santillana. Izmir gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Santillana receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Izmir 9°C (48°F) 
    Santillana 9°C (49°F)

Should I visit Izmir or Santillana in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Izmir as well as Santillana. Most visitors come to Izmir for the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Izmir is a little warmer than Santillana. Typically, the spring temperatures in Izmir in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Santillana averages at about 12°C (53°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Izmir this time of the year. In the spring, Izmir often gets more sunshine than Santillana. Izmir gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santillana receives 148 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Santillana. Izmir usually gets less rain in April than Santillana. Izmir gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Santillana receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Izmir 16°C (61°F) 
    Santillana 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Santillana and Izmir

Izmir Santillana
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 9°C (49°F) 149 mm (5.9 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 10°C (50°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 76 mm (3 in) 10°C (51°F) 119 mm (4.7 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 12°C (53°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
May 21°C (69°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 14°C (58°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 17°C (62°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 19°C (67°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 88 mm (3.4 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 16°C (60°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Nov 15°C (58°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 12°C (53°F) 181 mm (7.1 in)
Dec 11°C (52°F) 153 mm (6 in) 10°C (50°F) 157 mm (6.2 in)