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

Should you visit Antalya or Sintra?

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

Should I visit Antalya 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: Antalya or Sintra?

Antalya

Antalya is the largest city along Turkey's Mediterranean coast and the eighth largest city in the country with over one million people in the metropolitan area. The city dates back to about 200 BC when it was settled by the Attalid Dynasty of Pergamon and soon conquered by the Romans. The city was ruled by several different groups and most recently was transferred to Italian suzerainty following World War I. It became part of Turkey following the War of Independence. The city has seen an influx of development in recent years and it has grown into a tourism mecca with more than 12 million visitors in 2014.

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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey, The Best Anzac Day Tours in Turkey, The Best Budget Tours to Portugal, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal.


Which place is cheaper, Sintra or Antalya?

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 Antalya is $130, while the average daily cost in Sintra is $172. 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 Antalya and Sintra in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Antalya $43
    Sintra $66
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Antalya $86
    Sintra $132
Compare Hotels in Antalya and Sintra

Looking for a hotel in Antalya 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 Antalya


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: Antalya Hotel Prices and Sintra Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Antalya $86
    Sintra $24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Antalya

Also for Antalya, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Lara Pirate Boat Trip to Duden Waterfalls with Transfer: $8.60
  • Land of Legends Night Show Transfer & Boat Parade: $9.15
  • Land of Legends Night Show in Antalya – Round Transfer Included: $14
  • Family Rafting at Koprulu Canyon w/Lunch and Hotel Transfer: $15
  • Alanya to Antalya Land of Legends Night Show Transfer: $15
  • Transfer Land of Legends Tour with night show: $15
  • Antalya Waterfall Boat Tour With Lunch & Soft Drinks & Transfer: $16
  • Antalya or Kemer: Land of Legends Roundtrip Night Transfer: $16
  • Antalya Scuba Diving With Transfer From Belek,Lara,Kemer Hotels: $18
  • Kemer/Belek/Lara: Turkish Bath & Massage with Hotel Transfer: $21
  • Private Departure Transfer: Kundu / Lara Region Hotels to Antalya Airport: $22
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Antalya Airport to Lara and Kundu Hotels: $22

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sintra

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sintra:

  • Transfer From Lisbon To Albufeira Algarve: $269
  • Transfer From Lisboa to Nazaré: $132
  • Transfer From Lisboa To Portimão Algarve: $299
  • Transfer From Lisboa To Faro Algarve: $299
  • Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(8pax): $119
  • Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(3pax): $107
  • Tours and Transfers: $98
  • TRANSFER Cascais to Lisbon Airport: $89
  • Private Transfer To & From Lisbon: $35
  • Private Transfer From Lisbon Airport to/from Cascais: $84
  • Private San Francisco Transfer: $232
  • Lisbon: Private Transfer to Sintra: $47

Is it cheaper to fly into Antalya or Sintra?

Prices for flights to both Sintra and Antalya 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
    Antalya $35
    Sintra $86

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Antalya

For Antalya, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Belek/Antalya/Kemer: Suluada Sunset Boat Tour with Dinner: $45
  • Kunefe Cooking Class with Local Chef in Old Town: $53
  • Suluada Island Cruise with Dinner and Sunset: $59
  • Giza Pyramids Sound and Light Show with Dinner: $80
  • Turkish Baklava Cooking Class with a Local Host: $80
  • Turkish Cooking Class with a Local Host: $82

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.
    Antalya $36
    Sintra $27

Tours and Activities in Antalya

For Antalya, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Antalya/Kemer: Adrasan Suluada Island Boat Tours with Lunch: $8.75
  • Antalya Scavenger Hunt And Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.98
  • Antalya Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Antalya City Tour : OLYMPOS CABLE CAR, WATERFALLS & BOAT TRIP: $11
  • Self-Guided Audio City Tour on Your Phone: $12
  • Antalya’s Old Town: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • Horse, Camel, and Donkey Riding Experience at the Farm in the Antalya Region: $13
  • Antalya Outdoor Adventure: Rafting, Jeep & Quad w/Lunch: $13
  • Old City Tour w/Cable Car, Boat, Waterfall & Lunch: $15
  • Antalya Old Town Guided Walking Tour of City Highlights : $15
  • Boat Cruise with Lunch, Foam Party, and DJ: $15
  • Full-Day Rafting Tour with Lunch and Transportation: $17

Tours and Activities in Sintra

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

  • E-Bike Self Guided Tour Sintra & Cabo da Roca : $57
  • 19th Century Photography Experience: $48
  • 2 Hours Guided Tuk Tuk Tour in Sintra: $78
  • 4 hour tour | Sintra, Quinta da Regaleira, Cabo da Roca: $66
  • 4x4 Tours in Portuguese Classic Jeeps (UMM) around Sintra: $167
  • Almada’s Tale: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • Boat tour: charming Cascais Coast to Lisbon lighthouse: $57
  • Cascais Coastal EBike Tour: $66
  • Cascais Coastal Secrets 90 Minute Cruise with Free Wine and Beer: $57
  • Cascais Electric Bike Tour Self-Guided Half-Day Experience: $72
  • Cascais to Lisbon Sunset Cruise with Open Bar: $57
  • Cascais: Glamour and Decay by The Lisbon Coastline - Private Tour: $36

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Antalya $16
    Sintra $20

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 Antalya and Sintra, we can see that Sintra is more expensive. And not only is Antalya much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Antalya would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Antalya 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 Antalya.

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


Which is Bigger, Antalya or Sintra?

Antalya has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Sintra. When comparing the sizes of Antalya 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 Antalya or Sintra?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Antalya or Sintra in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Antalya as well as Sintra. The summer months attract visitors to Antalya because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Antalya is a little warmer than Sintra. Typically, the summer temperatures in Antalya in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Sintra averages at about 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sintra. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Antalya this time of the year. In the summer, Antalya often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sintra. Antalya gets 376 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sintra receives 352 hours of full sun.

Antalya usually gets less rain in July than Sintra. Antalya gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Sintra receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Antalya 28°C (83°F) 
    Sintra 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Antalya or Sintra in the Autumn?

Both Sintra and Antalya are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Antalya this time of year.

In October, Antalya is generally around the same temperature as Sintra. Daily temperatures in Antalya average around 21°C (69°F), and Sintra fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Sintra. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Antalya. Antalya usually receives more sunshine than Sintra during autumn. Antalya gets 251 hours of sunny skies, while Sintra receives 213 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Antalya usually receives less rain than Sintra. Antalya gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Sintra receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Antalya 21°C (69°F) 
    Sintra 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Antalya or Sintra in the Winter?

Both Sintra and Antalya during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Antalya for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Antalya is around the same temperature as Sintra in the winter. The daily temperature in Antalya averages around 11°C (51°F) in January, and Sintra fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the winter, Antalya often gets more sunshine than Sintra. Antalya gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sintra receives 144 hours of full sun.

Sintra gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Antalya. Antalya usually gets more rain in January than Sintra. Antalya gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Sintra receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Antalya 11°C (51°F) 
    Sintra 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Antalya or Sintra in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Antalya and Sintra. Many visitors come to Antalya in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Antalya is around the same temperature as Sintra. Typically, the spring temperatures in Antalya in April average around 16°C (62°F), and Sintra averages at about 16°C (60°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sintra this time of the year. In Antalya, it's very sunny this time of the year. Antalya usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sintra during spring. Antalya gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Sintra receives 235 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Antalya usually receives less rain than Sintra. Antalya gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Sintra receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Antalya 16°C (62°F) 
    Sintra 16°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Sintra and Antalya

Antalya Sintra
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 11°C (51°F) 239 mm (9.4 in) 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Feb 11°C (52°F) 196 mm (7.7 in) 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Mar 13°C (56°F) 103 mm (4.1 in) 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 16°C (62°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
May 20°C (69°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Aug 28°C (83°F) 1 mm (0 in) 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Sep 25°C (77°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Oct 21°C (69°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 16°C (61°F) 134 mm (5.3 in) 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 227 mm (8.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)