Which place is cheaper, Santillana or Portimao?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Portimao 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 Portimao 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: Portimao or Santillana?
Portimao
The second biggest city in the Alrgarve region of Portugal, Portimao sits on the coast where the Arade River meets the Atlantic Ocean. It is renowned for its fresh fish restaurants and is also a popular destination for beachgoers at the Praia da Rocha to the south of the city.
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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Portugal, The Best Bicycle Tours in Portugal, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Spain, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Spain.
-
Portimao Prices
Portugal PricesSantillana Prices
Spain Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPortimao €185Santillana €127
The average daily cost (per person) in Portimao is €185, 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 Portimao and Santillana in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPortimao €78Santillana €60
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPortimao €156Santillana €120
Compare Hotels in Portimao and Santillana
Looking for a hotel in Portimao 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.
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: Portimao Hotel Prices and Santillana Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Portimao €37Santillana €17
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Portimao
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Portimao:
- 7 Seven Hanging Valleys Hiking Tour with 4K Photos & Transfer: $42
- Carvoeiro Private Transfer to Faro Airport: $89
- Private Transfer from Algoz to Faro (FAO) Airport: $134
- Private Transfer from Aljezur to Faro (FAO) Airport: $276
- Private Transfer from Alvor to Faro (FAO) Airport: $137
- Private Transfer from Alvor to Faro Airport (1-4 pax): $143
- Private Transfer from Armaçao de Pera to Faro (FAO) Airport: $124
- Private Transfer from Carvoeiro to Faro (FAO) Airport: $110
- Private Transfer from Estombar to Faro (FAO) Airport: $159
- Private Transfer from Ferragudo to Faro (FAO) Airport: $124
- Private Transfer from Guia to Faro (FAO) Airport: $90
- Private Transfer from Hotel Carvoeiro to Faro (FAO) Airport: $110
Is it cheaper to fly into Portimao or Santillana?
Prices for flights to both Santillana and Portimao 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 dayPortimao €78Santillana €53
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Portimao
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Portimao.
- Authentic Market & Food Tour in Portimão, Algarve: $90
- Algarve Food Tour in Portimão: $119
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.Portimao €41Santillana €23
Tours and Activities in Portimao
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Portimao are as follows:
- Inflatable Waterpark Entry Ticket at Armação de Pêra: $12
- SUP - Stand Up Paddle Algarve Adventure: $18
- Benagil Cave Boat Tour - Catamarans or Rib - 2 H From Portimão: $21
- Kayak Tour around Benagil to see Sunset or Sunrise: $22
- Self Guided Adventure in Alvor: $23
- Self Guided Puzzle Adventure in Portimao: $23
- Sunrise Benagil Full Caves Tour: $24
- Portimão to Benagil: Adrenaline Wave 90 Minutes Cave Tour: $24
- Benagil Cave Sunset Cruise: $24
- Portimão: Benagil Caves Speedboat Tour: $24
- Express Tour - Benagil Cave: $24
- Benagil Boat Tour with Local Guide : $25
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 dayPortimao €30Santillana €4.29
Sample the Local Flavors in Portimao
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Portimao:
- Lagos, Portimão & Carvoeiro: Wine Tasting, Tapas & Music Tour: $66
- Vilamoura, Albufeira & Porches: Wine Tasting, Tapas & Music Tour: $66
- Jeep Safari with Winery Visit and Wine Tasting: $80
- Algarve Wine Tour of Two Wine Estates: $84
- Sunset with Wine Tasting: $96
- Algarve wine tour and lunch in Silves or time to visit the city: $123
- Algarve wine tour and farmer's lunch at wine estate: $199
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Portimao and Santillana, we can see that Portimao 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 Portimao would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Portimao 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 Portimao Expensive? and Is Santillana Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Portimao or Santillana?
Portimao has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Santillana. When comparing the sizes of Portimao 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 Portimao 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 Portimao or Santillana in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Portimao and Santillana. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Portimao this time of year.
In July, Portimao is generally a little warmer than Santillana. Daily temperatures in Portimao average around 25°C (78°F), and Santillana fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
In July, Portimao usually receives less rain than Santillana. Portimao gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Santillana receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyPortimao 25°C (78°F)Santillana 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Portimao or Santillana in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Portimao as well as Santillana. Many travelers come to Portimao for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
Portimao is a little warmer than Santillana in the autumn. The daily temperature in Portimao averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Santillana fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
It's quite rainy in Santillana. Portimao usually gets less rain in October than Santillana. Portimao gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Santillana receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPortimao 19°C (67°F)Santillana 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Portimao or Santillana in the Winter?
Both Santillana and Portimao are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Portimao in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
In the winter, Portimao is a little warmer than Santillana. Typically, the winter temperatures in Portimao in January average around 11°C (52°F), and Santillana averages at about 9°C (49°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Santillana. In January, Portimao usually receives less rain than Santillana. Portimao gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Santillana receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPortimao 11°C (52°F)Santillana 9°C (49°F)
Should I visit Portimao or Santillana in the Spring?
Both Santillana and Portimao during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Portimao for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.
In April, Portimao is generally a little warmer than Santillana. Daily temperatures in Portimao average around 15°C (60°F), and Santillana fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
Santillana gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Portimao usually gets less rain in April than Santillana. Portimao gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Santillana receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilPortimao 15°C (60°F)Santillana 12°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Santillana and Portimao
| Portimao | Santillana | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 11°C (52°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) |
| Feb | 12°C (54°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (56°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 119 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (60°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| May | 19°C (65°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 23°C (73°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (78°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (78°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 88 mm (3.4 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (58°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 181 mm (7.1 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (53°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.