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

Should you visit Sintra or Cannes?

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

Should I visit Sintra or Cannes? 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 Cannes?

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.

Cannes

While Cannes was once little more than a small fishing village, today it is a popular, glamorous seaside town frequented by celebrities. It's the place to see and be seen, particularly during the Cannes Film Festival in the month of May. During this time the city comes alive with celebrities from all over the world. While Cannes has its share of exclusive clubs, bars and restaurants, there are alternatives for budget travelers, so don't shy away. There's a beautiful area, Le Suquet, which is nice to visit with its cobblestone streets and stunning views. It's also fun to pass some time people watching by the marina. You never know who you'll spot. At night, the city comes to life with casinos and luxurious restaurants and clubs that give the area a vibe of exclusivity.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Portugal, The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best Bicycle Tours in France, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in France.


Which place is cheaper, Cannes 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 Cannes is €170. 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 Cannes in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sintra 57
    Cannes 75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sintra 114
    Cannes 150
Compare Hotels in Sintra and Cannes

Looking for a hotel in Sintra or Cannes? 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 Cannes


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 Cannes Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sintra 21
    Cannes 16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sintra

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sintra:

  • Estoril, Cascais or Sintra Private Transfer to Lisbon: $30
  • Private Transfer To & From Lisbon: $35
  • Lisbon: Private Transfer to Sintra: $47
  • Ericeira Private Transfer to/from Lisbon: $66
  • Private Transfer From Lisbon Airport to/from Cascais: $84
  • 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 Nazaré: $132
  • Private San Francisco Transfer: $232
  • Transfer From Lisbon To Albufeira Algarve: $269

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cannes

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cannes:

  • Nice Airport Private Departure Transfer from Cannes, Monaco or Eze: $60
  • Copenhagen: One Way Transfer to & from International Airport: $71
  • Private round-trip transfer from Cannes to Nice for up to 7 people: $82
  • Round-Trip Boat Transfer to Saint Tropez: $91
  • Private Transfer from Cannes Cruise Port to Nice City Hotels: $108
  • Private Direct Transfer From Cannes to Nice: $111
  • Departure Transfer: Cannes to Nice Airport NCE in Business Car: $118
  • Cannes city to Nice Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $130
  • Cannes Airport (CEQ) to Nice Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $130
  • Cannes hotels to Nice Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $131
  • From 1-Way Private Transfer to Nice Airport: $141
  • Private Transfer from Cannes Cruise Port to Monaco City Hotels: $153

Is it cheaper to fly into Sintra or Cannes?

Prices for flights to both Cannes 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
    Cannes 78

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 Cannes

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

  • Taste Cannes – A Full French Riviera Food Tour by Do Eat Better: $126

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sintra 23
    Cannes 30

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

Tours and Activities in Cannes

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

  • Cannes Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $12
  • From Ferry Tickets to Sainte-Marguerite Island: $22
  • Cannes Walking Tour with Little Souvenir: $24
  • Explore Guided walking Tour with a local guide: $46
  • Cruise to Corniche d'Or from Cannes: $52
  • Guided Tour in Cannes by a Screenwriter: History, Glamour & Cinema: $60
  • Cap d'Antibes: Kayaking adventure, picnic & aperitif, and snorkeling: $63
  • 2-Hour Gyropod Tour: $63
  • Scenic Coves RIB Boat Tour: $65
  • CannesVisiTour, Grand Tour: 2 Hours: $65
  • Parasailing Experience for Couples, Family & Friends: $70
  • Half Day Tour in Cannes, Antibes and St Paul de Vence: $78

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sintra 17
    Cannes 18

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 Cannes

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Cannes:

  • Bar Crawl Madness 4 Bars, Wild Games &VIP Club Entry: $12
  • St Paul de Vence, Antibes & Wine Tasting from Cannes: $142
  • Grasse, Valbonne & Gourdon: Day Tour with Wine Tasting: $153
  • Countryside and Wine Tasting Full-day tour from Cannes: $156
  • Provence Wine Tour - Small Group Tour from Cannes: $206
  • French Riviera: Provencal Wine Tour: $834
  • Wine Tasting, Cannes, Famous Designers and Perfume Factory: $1,398


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sintra and Cannes, we can see that Cannes 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 Cannes would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cannes 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 Cannes Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Sintra or Cannes?

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

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 Cannes in the Summer?

Both Cannes and Sintra are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Cannes for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Sintra is generally around the same temperature as Cannes. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 23°C (73°F), and Cannes fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In July, Sintra usually receives less rain than Cannes. Sintra gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Sintra 23°C (73°F) 
    Cannes 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Cannes in the Autumn?

Both Cannes and Sintra during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Cannes in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Sintra is a little warmer than Cannes in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Cannes fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Cannes gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Sintra usually gets less rain in October than Cannes. Sintra gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Sintra 19°C (66°F) 
    Cannes 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Cannes in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Sintra and Cannes. Also, most visitors come to Cannes for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Sintra is a little warmer than Cannes. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sintra in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Cannes averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Sintra gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Sintra usually receives more rain than Cannes. Sintra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Sintra 12°C (53°F) 
    Cannes 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Cannes in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Sintra as well as Cannes. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Cannes because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Sintra is generally a little warmer than Cannes. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 16°C (60°F), and Cannes fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Sintra usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Cannes. Sintra gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Sintra 16°C (60°F) 
    Cannes 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Cannes and Sintra

Sintra Cannes
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 9°C (48°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 9°C (49°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Mar 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 11°C (51°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 13°C (56°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 16°C (62°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 20°C (68°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in) 21°C (69°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 10°C (49°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)