Which place is cheaper, San Sebastian or Santillana?
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 Santillana or San Sebastian?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Santillana or San Sebastian? 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: Santillana or San Sebastian?
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.
San Sebastian
San Sebastián is a city in northern Spain very well known for its summertime fun in the sun. While the streets are cool and happening at night, they take on a different charm by day. Beautiful beaches line the city's edge, right next to elegant historic architecture and churches, topping charts as some of the best city beaches in Europe. The food, too, is said to be some of the best with traditional Basque cuisine as well as the popular pintxo (tapas) bites. San Sebastián is a place of lively culture, teeming with beauty, flavors, and colors.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Spain, The Best 2-Week Tours in Spain, The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain, and The Best Adventure Tours to Spain.
-
Santillana Prices
Spain PricesSan Sebastian Prices
Spain Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySantillana €127San Sebastian €113
The average daily cost (per person) in Santillana is €127, while the average daily cost in San Sebastian is €113. 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 Santillana and San Sebastian in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSantillana €60San Sebastian €40
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSantillana €120San Sebastian €80
Compare Hotels in Santillana and San Sebastian
Looking for a hotel in Santillana or San Sebastian? 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: Santillana Hotel Prices and San Sebastian Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Santillana €17San Sebastian €13
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Sebastian
Some specific examples of transportation prices in San Sebastian:
- Private Transfer from San Sebastian Airport to Biarritz city: $192
- Private Transfer from San Sebastian Airport to Pamplona city: $281
- Private Transfer from San Sebastian city to Biarritz Airport : $192
- Private Transfer from San Sebastian city to Pamplona Airport : $281
- Private Transfer from San Sebastian city to San Sebastian Airport: $97
- Private Transfer from San Sebastian to Biarritz: $192
- Private Transfer in San Sebastian: $87
- San Sebastián: Transfer to Biarritz: $287
- San Sebastian Private Arrival Transfer: $59
- Transfer S. Sebastian to Bilbao or S. Sebastian Airports by Sedan: $65
- Transfer San Sebastian to Bilbao or San Sebastian Airports by Van: $116
Is it cheaper to fly into Santillana or San Sebastian?
Prices for flights to both San Sebastian and Santillana 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 daySantillana €53San Sebastian €55
Typical Food Prices in Santillana
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Santillana:
-
Breakfast€7.00
Typical Food Prices in San Sebastian
Some typical examples of dining costs in San Sebastian are as follows:
-
Dinner for 2€55
-
Lunch for 2€10
-
Lunch for 2€31
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Sebastian
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in San Sebastian.
- San Sebastian Food Tour: Pintxos, Drinks, and Tapas with a Local: $118
- San Sebastian Food Tour: Pintxo Tasting Paired with Spanish Wines: $131
- Best Street Food Tour of San Sebastian with a Local Guide: $133
- Basque cuisine cooking class: $155
- Basque Cooking Experience: Market Tour & Hands-On Class English: $155
- Authentic Basque Cooking Class in San Sebastian Old Town: $166
- Private San Sebastian Walking Food Tour: $173
- Dinner in a Gastronomic Club in San Sebastian: $191
- Eat Like a True Basque San Sebastian Authentic Culinary Food Tour: $197
- Local Cooking Class in San Sebastian: $233
- San Sebastián Food & History Tour: Dinner with a Local Twist: $256
- Michelin Star Secrets Cooking Class in San Sebastian: $275
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Santillana €23San Sebastian €32
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in San Sebastian
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in San Sebastian are as follows:
-
Valle de los Caídos Monument€6.00
Tours and Activities in San Sebastian
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for San Sebastian are as follows:
- San Sebastián Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $5.13
- Who Am I? San Sebastian Identity Puzzle Adventure: $5.96
- Old Town Exploration Game and Tour: $7.44
- San Sebastian Interactive City Tour: $8.33
- San Sebastian Donostria: Self Guided Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $14
- Sampling San Sebastián's History: A Self Guided Audio Tour : $15
- San Sebastian Walking Tour with Pintxo and Drink: $18
- San Sebastian Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Tour: $19
- Guided tour of San Sebastián: $20
- Tour por el estadio Real Sociedad: $22
- Hondarribia on Bicycle Tour of Nature and Basque Culture: $36
- zumaia sup tours: $39
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one daySantillana €4.29San Sebastian €20
Sample the Local Flavors in San Sebastian
Also in San Sebastian, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- San Sebastian Old Town Pintxos & Wine Tour Small Group Tour: $123
- San Sebastian Centro Neighborhood Pintxos & Wine Tour: $130
- San Sebastian Pintxos and Wine Tasting Tour: $173
- Small Group Basque Food, Pintxos and Wine Tour in San Sebastian : $178
- Private Half Day Txakoli Wine Tour & Getaria Fishing Village: $209
- Open Food & Wine tours in San Sebastian: $214
- Marques de Riscal and Ysios Architecture Wine Tour w/Lunch, SS: $284
- Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries Visit with Tasting from San Sebastian: $287
- Private Txakoli Wine Tour through the Coast from San Sebastian: $287
- Private Getaria Txakoli Wine Tour from San Sebastian: $299
- Rioja Wine Tour: Winery, Tasting & Lunch from San Sebastian: $299
When comparing the travel costs between Santillana and San Sebastian, we can see that Santillana 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 Santillana Expensive? and Is San Sebastian Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Santillana or San Sebastian?
San Sebastian has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Santillana. When comparing the sizes of Santillana and San Sebastian, 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 Santillana or San Sebastian?
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 Santillana or San Sebastian in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Santillana and San Sebastian. Furthermore, many visitors come to San Sebastian in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.
Santillana is around the same temperature as San Sebastian in the summer. The daily temperature in Santillana averages around 19°C (66°F) in July, and San Sebastian fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Sebastian this time of the year. In Santillana, it's very sunny this time of the year. Santillana usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as San Sebastian during summer. Santillana gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while San Sebastian receives 209 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Santillana usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Santillana gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulySantillana 19°C (66°F)San Sebastian 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Santillana or San Sebastian in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Santillana as well as San Sebastian. Additionally, most visitors come to San Sebastian for the shopping scene during these months.
In the autumn, Santillana is around the same temperature as San Sebastian. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Santillana in October average around 16°C (60°F), and San Sebastian averages at about 16°C (60°F).
In the autumn, Santillana often gets less sunshine than San Sebastian. Santillana gets 133 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 144 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in San Sebastian. Santillana receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Santillana usually gets less rain in October than San Sebastian. Santillana gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSantillana 16°C (60°F)San Sebastian 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Santillana or San Sebastian in the Winter?
Both San Sebastian and Santillana are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to San Sebastian because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Santillana is generally around the same temperature as San Sebastian. Daily temperatures in Santillana average around 9°C (49°F), and San Sebastian fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).
Santillana usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as San Sebastian during winter. Santillana gets 91 hours of sunny skies, while San Sebastian receives 85 hours of full sun in the winter.
It rains a lot this time of the year in San Sebastian. It's quite rainy in Santillana. In January, Santillana usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Santillana gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySantillana 9°C (49°F)San Sebastian 8°C (47°F)
Should I visit Santillana or San Sebastian in the Spring?
Both San Sebastian and Santillana during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the beaches are the main draw to San Sebastian this time of year.
Santillana is around the same temperature as San Sebastian in the spring. The daily temperature in Santillana averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and San Sebastian fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
In the spring, Santillana often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Sebastian. Santillana gets 148 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 141 hours of full sun.
San Sebastian gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Santillana. Santillana usually gets less rain in April than San Sebastian. Santillana gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilSantillana 12°C (53°F)San Sebastian 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for San Sebastian and Santillana
| Santillana | San Sebastian | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 9°C (49°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) |
| Feb | 10°C (50°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) |
| Mar | 10°C (51°F) | 119 mm (4.7 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (53°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| May | 14°C (58°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) |
| Jun | 17°C (62°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jul | 19°C (66°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Aug | 19°C (67°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (64°F) | 88 mm (3.4 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) |
| Oct | 16°C (60°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 155 mm (6.1 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (53°F) | 181 mm (7.1 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Dec | 10°C (50°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 184 mm (7.2 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.