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

Should you visit Sintra or Cagliari?

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

Should I visit Sintra or Cagliari? 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 Cagliari?

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.

Cagliari

Cagliari is the capital of the Italian island, Sardinia, located in the Mediterranean Sea. It is best known for its abundance of seafood, beach access, and an array of architecture that reflects both Roman and medieval history.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Portugal, The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Italy, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Cagliari or Sintra?

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 Sintra is €146, while the average daily cost in Cagliari is €145. 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 Cagliari in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sintra 57
    Cagliari 66
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sintra 114
    Cagliari 132
Compare Hotels in Sintra and Cagliari

Looking for a hotel in Sintra or Cagliari? 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 Sintra


Hotels in Cagliari


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 Cagliari Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sintra 21
    Cagliari 31

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cagliari

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

  • Cagliari Elmas Airport (CAG) to Cagliari (Sardegna)Port-Arrival Private Transfer: $50
  • Private Transfer from Cagliari hotels to Cagliari Cruise Port: $60
  • Private Transfer from Cagliari Cruise Port to Cagliari Hotels: $60
  • Transfer / taxi Cagliari Airport - Cagliari city: $84
  • Cagliari Airport (CAG) to Cagliari Cruise Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $100

Is it cheaper to fly into Sintra or Cagliari?

Prices for flights to both Cagliari 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 day
    Sintra 73
    Cagliari 60

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 Cagliari

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

  • Homemade fresh pasta cooking class: $89
  • A Full Meal Sardinian Food Tour with Do Eat Better: $90

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sintra 23
    Cagliari 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

Tours and Activities in Cagliari

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

  • Cagliari Walking Tour with Audio and Written Guide: $6.59
  • Cagliari Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $9.53
  • Cagliari Museum and Stadium Tour with Sardinian Aperitif: $47
  • Boat Tour in Cagliari-Devil's Saddle-4 Swimming Stops–Snorkeling.: $53
  • Boat Tour at Devil's Saddle: 4 Swim Stops, Snorkeling & Prosecco: $54
  • Cagliari Gulf Boat Tour; Swim stops, Snorkeling, Sip & Snacks: $54
  • Boat Tour to Sella del Diavolo: Snorkeling, GoPro & Beer: $54
  • Cagliari : Private Custom Walking Tour with Local Guide: $56
  • Guided Electric Bicycle Tour in Cagliari: $56
  • Cagliari E-Bike Tour: Explore the Historic Old Town: $60
  • Sailing Tour, Snorkeling, and Prosecco Toast: $72
  • Sunset Cruise with Prosecco: $78

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sintra 17
    Cagliari 7.57

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 Cagliari

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

  • WINE TOUR with sommelier in a winery near Cagliari: $101
  • Small-Group Food and Wine Tour from Cagliari: $107


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


Which is Bigger, Sintra or Cagliari?

Cagliari has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Sintra. When comparing the sizes of Sintra and Cagliari, 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 Cagliari?

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 Sintra or Cagliari in the Summer?

Both Cagliari and Sintra during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Cagliari for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Sintra is around the same temperature as Cagliari. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sintra in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Cagliari averages at about 24°C (75°F).

In Cagliari, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Sintra. In the summer, Sintra often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cagliari. Sintra gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cagliari receives 337 hours of full sun.

Sintra usually gets more rain in July than Cagliari. Sintra gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Cagliari receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Sintra 23°C (73°F) 
    Cagliari 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Cagliari in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Sintra and Cagliari. Also, many visitors come to Cagliari in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Sintra is generally around the same temperature as Cagliari. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 19°C (66°F), and Cagliari fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

In Sintra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Cagliari during autumn. Sintra gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Cagliari receives 192 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Sintra usually receives more rain than Cagliari. Sintra gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Cagliari receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Sintra 19°C (66°F) 
    Cagliari 18°C (65°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Cagliari in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Sintra as well as Cagliari. Also, most visitors come to Cagliari for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Sintra is a little warmer than Cagliari in the winter. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 12°C (53°F) in January, and Cagliari fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In the winter, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Cagliari. Sintra gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cagliari receives 131 hours of full sun.

Sintra receives a lot of rain in the winter. Sintra usually gets more rain in January than Cagliari. Sintra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Cagliari receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Sintra 12°C (53°F) 
    Cagliari 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Cagliari in the Spring?

Both Cagliari and Sintra are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Cagliari because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Sintra is a little warmer than Cagliari. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sintra in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Cagliari averages at about 14°C (57°F).

It's quite sunny in Cagliari. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sintra. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Cagliari during spring. Sintra gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Cagliari receives 202 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Sintra usually receives more rain than Cagliari. Sintra gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Cagliari receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Sintra 16°C (60°F) 
    Cagliari 14°C (57°F)

Typical Weather for Cagliari and Sintra

Sintra Cagliari
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 10°C (50°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 10°C (51°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Mar 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 12°C (53°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 14°C (57°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 21°C (70°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 24°C (76°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in) 22°C (71°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 18°C (65°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 14°C (57°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)