A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Santander vs. Hvar for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Santander or Hvar?

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 Santander and Hvar can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Santander or Hvar?

Santander

Santander is the capital of the Cantabria Region which runs along the northern coast of Spain. Located right on the bay, it is a place of many historic churches and a handful of interesting museums that range from archaeological discoveries of the region, to maritime history, and cultural features like bullfighting. There is also a large selection of beaches for those looking for a more relaxing getaway in the sun and sand.

Hvar

Hvar is a Croatian island full of mountains, vegetation, beaches, vineyards, shops, restaurants, and also people! Hvar Town is the main city on the island, but there are many other small villages throughout. The best time to visit Hvar is between May and September, although keep in mind it can get busy during this period.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Madrid, The Best 2-Week Tours from Barcelona, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Croatia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Hvar or Santander?

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 Santander is €138, while the average daily cost in Hvar is €131. 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 Santander and Hvar in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Santander 51
    Hvar 38
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Santander 102
    Hvar 76
Compare Hotels in Santander and Hvar

Looking for a hotel in Santander or Hvar? 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 Santander


Hotels in Hvar


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: Santander Hotel Prices and Hvar Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Santander 24
    Hvar 47

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santander

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santander:

  • Santander Private Departure Transfer: $39
  • Santander Private Arrival Transfer: $39
  • One-way Private Transfer From/To Santander Airport: $48
  • Santander Private Transfer from the city centre to Santander Airport: $67
  • Private Transfer from Santander city to Bilbao: $290
  • Private Transfer from Santander city to Bilbao Airport: $290

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hvar

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hvar:

  • Private Transfer to Dubrovnik with Korčula Stopover: $3,394
  • Speedboat Transfer from Hvar Town to Split Airport: $585

Is it cheaper to fly into Santander or Hvar?

Prices for flights to both Hvar and Santander 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
    Santander 70
    Hvar 66

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hvar

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

  • Traditional Hvar Cooking Classes, Dinners & 'Poje' Field Tour!: $167
  • Hvar Hidden Gems Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $205
  • Hvar Hidden Gems Small Group Half Day Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $208
  • Private Hvar Wine Tasting Tour with Traditional Dinner/Lunch: $256
  • Hvar Small Group Wine Tour and Authentic Dalmatian Dinner: $298

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Santander 18
    Hvar 7.51

Tours and Activities in Santander

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

  • Santander Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self Guided Tour: $5.77
  • Guided tour of Santander Cathedral: $14
  • The El Centro Botin Skip the Line Entry Ticket: $15
  • 1-Hour City Cruise Around the Bay: $17
  • Guided tour in English of the center of Santander: $20
  • El Sardinero Stadium Guided Tour: $21
  • Obregón: Parque de la Naturaleza de Cabárceno Entry Ticket: $30
  • City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour & Train: $31
  • City Sightseeing Santander Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $31
  • Guided kayak tour of Santander Bay with a tour guide.: $41
  • Guided Tour by Electric Bike: $65
  • Santillana del Mar & Altamira Museum with tickets- small groups: $72

Tours and Activities in Hvar

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

  • 50 Shades of Blue: Blue Cave & 5 Islands Boat Tour from Hvar: $12
  • Local Delicacies Tasting Experience in Hvar Town: $24
  • 1-Hour Battle Archery Game in Hvar Adventure Park: $24
  • Private Multi-Activity Experience in Adventure Park Hvar Jelsa: $27
  • Stand Up Paddle school - learn to SUP and make your first SUP tour: $30
  • 1-Hour Private Paintball Adventure in Park Hvar Jelsa: $32
  • Timeless Old Town Walking Tour with Local Guide: $41
  • Pakleni Islands Self-Guided Kayaking Tour: $53
  • Private Half-Day Kayak Experience in Hvar and Pakleni Islands: $54
  • Romantic Sunset Sailing Experience On A Comfort Yacht: $68
  • Red Rocks and Pakleni Islands Boat Tour with Swim: $70
  • Hvar Island Self-Guided E-Bike Tour: $70

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Santander 14
    Hvar 9.21

Sample the Local Flavors in Santander

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

  • Wine Tourism and Cheese in Cantabria: $209

Sample the Local Flavors in Hvar

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

  • Wine Tasting Round Trip from Hvar - Family Winery at a Hilltop: $93
  • Hvar Island E-Bike Tour with Wine Tasting and Starters: $115
  • Private Hvar Island Bike Tour and Wine Tasting: $117
  • Hvar Wine Tasting Experience: $129
  • Hvar Wine tasting small group experience: $131
  • Private Hvar Wine Tasting Tour : $173
  • Private Best Beaches Boat Tour with Wine Tasting: $1,001


When comparing the travel costs between Santander and Hvar, we can see that Santander 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 Santander Expensive? and Is Hvar Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Santander or Hvar?

Santander has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Hvar. When comparing the sizes of Santander and Hvar, 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 Santander or Hvar?

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 Santander or Hvar in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Santander and Hvar. Furthermore, many visitors come to Hvar in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Santander is generally cooler than Hvar. Daily temperatures in Santander average around 19°C (66°F), and Hvar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hvar this time of the year. In Santander, it's very sunny this time of the year. Santander usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during summer. Santander gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Santander usually receives more rain than Hvar. Santander gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Santander 19°C (66°F) 
    Hvar 26°C (80°F)

Should I visit Santander or Hvar in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Santander as well as Hvar. Additionally, most visitors come to Hvar for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Santander is cooler than Hvar in the autumn. The daily temperature in Santander averages around 16°C (60°F) in October, and Hvar fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hvar. In the autumn, Santander often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Santander gets 133 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 200 hours of full sun.

Santander receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Santander usually gets more rain in October than Hvar. Santander gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Santander 16°C (60°F) 
    Hvar 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Santander or Hvar in the Winter?

Both Hvar and Santander are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Hvar because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Santander is around the same temperature as Hvar. Typically, the winter temperatures in Santander in January average around 9°C (49°F), and Hvar averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Santander usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during winter. Santander gets 91 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Santander. In January, Santander usually receives more rain than Hvar. Santander gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Santander 9°C (49°F) 
    Hvar 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Santander or Hvar in the Spring?

Both Hvar and Santander during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Hvar this time of year.

In April, Santander is generally cooler than Hvar. Daily temperatures in Santander average around 12°C (53°F), and Hvar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In Hvar, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Santander often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Santander gets 148 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 212 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Santander. Santander usually gets more rain in April than Hvar. Santander gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Santander 12°C (53°F) 
    Hvar 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Hvar and Santander

Santander Hvar
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (49°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 8°C (47°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 9°C (48°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Mar 10°C (51°F) 119 mm (4.7 in) 11°C (52°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Apr 12°C (53°F) 135 mm (5.3 in) 15°C (59°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
May 14°C (58°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 20°C (67°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 17°C (62°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 23°C (74°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 50 mm (2 in) 26°C (80°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 19°C (67°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 26°C (79°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 88 mm (3.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 16°C (60°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 12°C (53°F) 181 mm (7.1 in) 13°C (56°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 10°C (50°F) 157 mm (6.2 in) 10°C (49°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)