A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Aegina vs. Sintra for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Aegina or Sintra?

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

Should I visit Aegina or Sintra? 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: Aegina or Sintra?

Aegina

The island of Aegina is one of the Saronic Islands of Greece located in the Saronic Gulf. It is named for the mother of the hero Aeacus, who was born on the island and eventually became its king. The legend goes that the god Zeus swept Aegina away from her husband to the island where her son was born-hence the island's name became Aegina.

Sintra

Located just 28 kilometers from Lisbon, Sintra is a town that was, for a long time, home to Portuguese royalty leading up to the 1910 revolution. In town you will find a Royal Palace and in the surrounding area there is a Moorish Castle, and the Pena Palace, which dates back to the 19th century. The town is on the Estoril Coast near the Sintra Mountains, making its setting very dramatic, beautiful and picturesque. The surrounding hills are actually designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site because they offer a great combination of both cultural importance and natural beauty.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Honeymoon Tours in Greece, The Best Luxury Tours to Greece, The Best Budget Tours to Portugal, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal.


Which place is cheaper, Sintra or Aegina?

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 Aegina is €117, while the average daily cost in Sintra is €146. 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 Aegina and Sintra in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Aegina 43
    Sintra 57
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Aegina 86
    Sintra 114
Compare Hotels in Aegina and Sintra

Looking for a hotel in Aegina or Sintra? 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 Aegina


Hotels in Sintra


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: Aegina Hotel Prices and Sintra Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Aegina 24
    Sintra 21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sintra

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sintra:

  • Ericeira Private Transfer to/from Lisbon: $66
  • Estoril, Cascais or Sintra Private Transfer to Lisbon: $30
  • Lisbon: Private Transfer to Sintra: $47
  • Private San Francisco Transfer: $232
  • Private Transfer From Lisbon Airport to/from Cascais: $84
  • Private Transfer To & From Lisbon: $35
  • TRANSFER Cascais to Lisbon Airport: $89
  • Tours and Transfers: $98
  • Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(3pax): $107
  • Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(8pax): $119
  • Transfer From Lisboa To Faro Algarve: $299
  • Transfer From Lisboa To Portimão Algarve: $299

Is it cheaper to fly into Aegina or Sintra?

Prices for flights to both Sintra and Aegina 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
    Aegina 59
    Sintra 73

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sintra

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

  • Lisbon Countryside Food Tour on Vintage Car: $103
  • Boho Chic Picnic Dinner with Water Views: $109
  • DINNER OR TAPAS in a Poruguese Home : $113
  • Authentic Portuguese Cooking Experience: $120
  • Pastel de Nata or Portuguese Cooking Class in Sintra with Locals: $140

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Aegina 13
    Sintra 23

Tours and Activities in Sintra

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

  • Sintra Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $4.49
  • Spy Nest in Estoril: Self-Guided Cold War Puzzle Adventure: $7.15
  • Pena Palace and Park Entrance Ticket: $12
  • Frigate D. Fernando II e Glória Warship Entry Ticket: $12
  • Almada’s Tale: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • Convent of the Capuchos Fast Track Entry Ticket: $13
  • Monserrate Palace & Park Ticket: $14
  • Castle of the Moors Skip-the-Line Ticket: $14
  • National Palace and Gardens Skip-the-Line Ticket: $15
  • National Sintra Palace E-Ticket and Audio Guide: $17
  • Palace of Monserrate Skip-the-Ticket-Line Entry Ticket: $18
  • Pena Palace Entry Visit Ticket Experience: $20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Aegina 8.57
    Sintra 17

Sample the Local Flavors in Sintra

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Sintra:

  • Half-Day Tour in Cascais / Sintra with Brunch and Wine Tasting: $84
  • Wine Tasting Tour: $89
  • Half Day in Sintra and Cabo da Roca with Wine Tasting: $90
  • From Sintra, Mafra, or Ericeira: Hike and Wine Tour: $100
  • Lisbon Region Wine Tour: Mafra & Ericeira + Hotel Pick-Up: $197
  • PRIVATE TOUR WINE TASTING QUINTA BACALHÔA & JOSÉ MARIA FONSECA (Setubal Region): $233
  • Hidden Gems: Sintra & Cascais Private Tour with Wine Tasting: $316


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

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


Which is Bigger, Aegina or Sintra?

Sintra has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Aegina. When comparing the sizes of Aegina and Sintra, 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 Aegina or Sintra?

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 Aegina or Sintra in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Aegina and Sintra. The summer months attract visitors to Aegina because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Aegina is a little warmer than Sintra. Typically, the summer temperatures in Aegina in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Sintra averages at about 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sintra this time of the year. In Aegina, it's very sunny this time of the year. Aegina usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sintra during summer. Aegina gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Sintra receives 352 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Aegina usually receives more rain than Sintra. Aegina gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Sintra receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Aegina 27°C (81°F) 
    Sintra 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Aegina or Sintra in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Aegina as well as Sintra. The shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Aegina this time of year.

In October, Aegina is generally around the same temperature as Sintra. Daily temperatures in Aegina average around 19°C (67°F), and Sintra fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sintra. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aegina this time of the year. In the autumn, Aegina often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sintra. Aegina gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sintra receives 213 hours of full sun.

Aegina usually gets less rain in October than Sintra. Aegina gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Sintra receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Aegina 19°C (67°F) 
    Sintra 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Aegina or Sintra in the Winter?

Both Sintra and Aegina are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Aegina for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Aegina is cooler than Sintra in the winter. The daily temperature in Aegina averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Sintra fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Aegina usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sintra during winter. Aegina gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Sintra receives 144 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sintra. In January, Aegina usually receives less rain than Sintra. Aegina gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Sintra receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Aegina 10°C (51°F) 
    Sintra 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Aegina or Sintra in the Spring?

Both Sintra and Aegina during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Aegina in the spring for the beaches and the small town charm.

In the spring, Aegina is around the same temperature as Sintra. Typically, the spring temperatures in Aegina in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Sintra averages at about 16°C (60°F).

In Sintra, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Aegina. In the spring, Aegina often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sintra. Aegina gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sintra receives 235 hours of full sun.

Aegina usually gets less rain in April than Sintra. Aegina gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Sintra receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Aegina 16°C (60°F) 
    Sintra 16°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Sintra and Aegina

Aegina Sintra
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)