Which place is cheaper, Alicante or Sintra?
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 Sintra or Alicante?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Sintra or Alicante? 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: Sintra or Alicante?
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.
Alicante
Alicante is a gorgeous coastal city in the Costa Blanca region, on the east coast of Spain. The region is famous for its white sandy beaches, the party-haven of Benidorm and the stunning palm tree-lined boulevard in the city of Alicante. I have been visiting Alicante for close to 20 years, so, it has become almost a second home to me. Here are my top tips to have the best vacation in Alicante.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Portugal, The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best 2-Week Tours from Madrid, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Barcelona.
-
Sintra Prices
Portugal PricesAlicante Prices
Spain Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySintra €146Alicante €179
The average daily cost (per person) in Sintra is €146, while the average daily cost in Alicante is €179. 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 Sintra and Alicante in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSintra €57Alicante €42
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSintra €114Alicante €84
Compare Hotels in Sintra and Alicante
Looking for a hotel in Sintra or Alicante? 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: Sintra Hotel Prices and Alicante Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sintra €21Alicante -
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alicante
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Alicante:
- Algar Waterfalls with Transfer from Alicante and Benidorm: $60
- Canelobre Caves and Busot Tour with Transfer from Alicante: $61
- Alicante to Alicante Airport (ALC)- Departure Private Transfer: $63
- Alicante Airport(ALC) to Alicante City - Arrival Private Transfer: $63
- Alicante : Highest DE Spain cave with transfer included: $63
- Alicante; Cuevas del Canelobre and Busot Local Guide with Transfer: $68
- Private Transfer from Alicante Ciudad to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $73
- Alicante; Wine Tour Wine Tasting, Food and Transfer: $75
- Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to Torrellano: $76
- Alicante and Benidorm: Guadalest Castle Tour including Transfer: $78
- Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to Gran Alacant: $81
- Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to Mutxamel: $81
Is it cheaper to fly into Sintra or Alicante?
Prices for flights to both Alicante and Sintra 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 daySintra €73Alicante €124
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Alicante
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Alicante.
- Evening Spanish Tapas Cooking Class with Drinks in Alicante: $43
- Alicante Paella Cooking Class, Tapas, Drinks and Marketplace: $58
- Paella & Sangria Cooking Class in Alicante with Market Visit: $58
- Fuse Spanish With Italian For Dinner In Mutxamel: $98
- Make and enjoy a real Neapolitan pizza in Spain: $104
- Alicante PRIVATE Food Tour With Locals: 10 Food & Drink Tastings Included: $162
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sintra €23Alicante €53
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
- Castle of the Moors Skip-the-Line Ticket: $14
- Monserrate Palace & Park 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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Alicante
Here are a few typical costs in Alicante for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
-
Food and Tapas Tour (for 2)€54
-
Catamaran Cruise (for 2)€67
-
Wine Tasting Tour (for 2)€120
-
Walking Tour (for 2)€60
Tours and Activities in Alicante
Here are a few actual costs in Alicante for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Alicante Secret Society Exploration Game and Tour: $5.95
- Museum of Illusions Alicante Entrance ticket: $23
- Hot Spots Urban Tour with Advice Art and Activities: $31
- Shared Walking Tour Experience in Alicante Spain : $35
- Alicante Food and Tapas Tour with a Local Guide : $35
- Alicante Historic Small Group Tour with Tapas Tasting: $35
- Tuk Tuk Tour in Alicante: $36
- Alicante City & Beach Bike Tour : $36
- City Bike Tour in Alicante: $42
- Alicante E-Bike Coast Tour with Román Fishpond and Snorkeling: $42
- Alicante Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $57
- Guadalest and Algar Waterfalls Tour from Alicante or Benidorm: $59
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one daySintra €17Alicante -
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Alicante
Also in Alicante, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Alicante Wine Tasting and Tapas Club: $42
- Guided tour of Vinalopó Castles and Wine Tasting: $89
- Alicante Wine Tasting and Tapas for Foodies: $161
- Wine tasting and tapas premium in Alicante : $179
- Total Alicante walking tour, tapas and wine tasting: $292
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sintra and Alicante, we can see that Alicante is more expensive. And not only is Sintra much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Sintra would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sintra 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 Alicante would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Alicante than you might in Sintra.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Sintra Expensive? and Is Alicante Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sintra or Alicante?
Alicante has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Sintra. When comparing the sizes of Sintra and Alicante, 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 Sintra or Alicante?
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 Sintra or Alicante in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Sintra and Alicante. Also, many travelers come to Alicante for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Sintra is around the same temperature as Alicante. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sintra in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Alicante averages at about 25°C (77°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Alicante this time of the year. In Sintra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sintra usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Alicante during summer. Sintra gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Alicante receives 341 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Sintra usually receives more rain than Alicante. Sintra gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Alicante receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulySintra 23°C (73°F)Alicante 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Alicante in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Sintra as well as Alicante. Also, many visitors come to Alicante in the autumn for the shopping scene.
In October, Sintra is generally around the same temperature as Alicante. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 19°C (66°F), and Alicante fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Alicante. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sintra this time of the year. In the autumn, Sintra often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Alicante. Sintra gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Alicante receives 225 hours of full sun.
Sintra usually gets more rain in October than Alicante. Sintra gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Alicante receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSintra 19°C (66°F)Alicante 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Alicante in the Winter?
Both Alicante and Sintra are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Alicante for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Sintra is around the same temperature as Alicante in the winter. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 12°C (53°F) in January, and Alicante fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
Sintra usually receives less sunshine than Alicante during winter. Sintra gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Alicante receives 178 hours of full sun in the winter.
It's quite rainy in Sintra. In January, Sintra usually receives more rain than Alicante. Sintra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Alicante receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySintra 12°C (53°F)Alicante 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Alicante in the Spring?
Both Alicante and Sintra during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Alicante because of the beaches.
In the spring, Sintra is around the same temperature as Alicante. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sintra in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Alicante averages at about 16°C (60°F).
In Alicante, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Sintra. In the spring, Sintra often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Alicante. Sintra gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Alicante receives 243 hours of full sun.
Sintra usually gets more rain in April than Alicante. Sintra gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Alicante receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilSintra 16°C (60°F)Alicante 16°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Alicante and Sintra
| Sintra | Alicante | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (53°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (58°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (74°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (59°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 34 mm (1.3 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.