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

Should you visit Sintra or Catania?

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

Should I visit Sintra or Catania? 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 Catania?

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.

Catania

Located on the east coast of Sicily, Catania is at the base of Mount Etna, which is the largest volcano in Europe. It's also the island's second largest city and a major transportation center for the area. With almost one million residents in the metropolitan area, the city serves as an important economic base and university town for Sicily. It's a vibrant city with a young population, a lively downtown, and an excellent nightlife. The city has an abundance of Sicilian Baroque architecture and the downtown area, where much of it is this architecture is concentrated, has been declared a World Heritage Site.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Portugal, The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, and The Best Walking Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Catania 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 Catania is €150. 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 Catania in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sintra 57
    Catania 65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sintra 114
    Catania 130
Compare Hotels in Sintra and Catania

Looking for a hotel in Sintra or Catania? 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 Catania


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 Catania Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sintra 21
    Catania 20

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 Catania

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Catania:

  • PRIVATE TRANSFER from CATANIA to TAORMINA (or VICEVERSA): $76
  • PRIVATE TRANSFER from CATANIA to SIRACUSA (or VICEVERSA): $76
  • Catania Private Transfer (Taormina, Siracusa, Noto, Messina, Naxos, Etna, etc): $77
  • Private Transfer from Catania to Taormina or vice versa: $83
  • Catania Airport CTA Arrival Private Transfer to Syracuse by Sedan: $89
  • Private Transfer from Catania to Ragusa with Tour options: $90
  • Private One-way Transfer From Catania Airport To Catania: $90
  • Private Transfer from Catania Airport to Siracusa or Taormina : $91
  • Private Transfer Catania Airport ⇄ Syracuse Ortigia: $91
  • Private Transfer from Catania to Syracuse with Tour options: $96
  • Private Transfer from Catania Airport to Locations in Southern Sicily: $102
  • Private Transfer from CATANIA AIRPORT to SOUTH OF SICILY: $104

Is it cheaper to fly into Sintra or Catania?

Prices for flights to both Catania 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
    Catania 70

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 Catania

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

  • The Sweet Side of Sicily – A Food Tour by Do Eat Better: $66
  • Catania Sicilian Street Food Tour: Small Group by Do Eat Better: $74
  • Street food tour of Catania by night: $83
  • Cooking lesson in Catania with lunch or dinner: $113
  • the Magic and secrets of Sicilian Cooking Classes: $154
  • Cesarine: Home Cooking Class & Meal with a Local in Catania: $173
  • Cooking Class in Taormina with Lunch Included: $184

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sintra 23
    Catania 19

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 Catania

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

  • Catania Walking Tour with Audio and Written Guide by a Local: $6.58
  • Catania : Private Custom Walking Tour With A Guide (Private Tour): $54
  • Half Day Catania Gastronomic and Cultural Tour from Taormina: $60
  • Etna Morning Jeep Tour: $68
  • CATANIA : Etna Sunset Tour with Free Pick-Up from Catania: $70
  • Etna Morning Tour from Catania: $72
  • Mt. Etna Sunset Experience - Breathtaking Adventure from Catania: $72
  • Half Day Guided Tour in Mount Etna (3000 meters): $73
  • Typical Pottery Experience with local Artisans in Catania: $75
  • Catania Street Food Walking Tour and Market Adventure: $76
  • Etna Morning Experience: $77
  • Bike tour of Catania by e-bike: $78

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sintra 17
    Catania 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 Catania

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

  • Sicilian Villages Wine Tasting, Oil and Ricotta, Lunch Included: $96
  • Mt Etna and Wine tasting tour from Catania: $127
  • Castelmola and Etna Wine Tasting Tour from Messina: $167
  • Tour Etna & Wine Tasting: $173
  • Etna trekking and wine tasting: $184
  • Private visit to the cellars of Etna with wine tasting: $222
  • Etna private tour with wine cellar gambino lunch and wine tasting: $281
  • Etna Tour and Lunch in a Winery with Wine Tasting: $299


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


Which is Bigger, Sintra or Catania?

Catania has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Sintra. When comparing the sizes of Sintra and Catania, 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 Catania?

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 Catania in the Summer?

Both Catania and Sintra are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Catania for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Sintra is cooler than Catania. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sintra in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Catania averages at about 26°C (79°F).

It's quite sunny in Catania. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sintra. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Catania during summer. Sintra gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Catania receives 325 hours of full sun in the summer.

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


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Sintra 23°C (73°F) 
    Catania 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Catania in the Autumn?

Both Catania and Sintra during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Catania in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

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

It's quite sunny in Sintra. In the autumn, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Catania. Sintra gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Catania receives 189 hours of full sun.

Catania gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Sintra usually gets less rain in October than Catania. Sintra gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Catania receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Sintra or Catania in the Winter?

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

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

Sintra usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Catania during winter. Sintra gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Catania receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

Sintra gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Sintra usually receives more rain than Catania. Sintra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Catania receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


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

Should I visit Sintra or Catania in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Sintra as well as Catania. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Catania because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Sintra is around the same temperature as Catania. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sintra in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Catania averages at about 15°C (58°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Catania. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sintra this time of the year. In the spring, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Catania. Sintra gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Catania receives 204 hours of full sun.

Sintra usually gets more rain in April than Catania. Sintra gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Catania receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Sintra 16°C (60°F) 
    Catania 15°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Catania and Sintra

Sintra Catania
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 10°C (51°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 12°C (54°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 15°C (58°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 19°C (65°F) 18 mm (0.7 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 23°C (73°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in) 24°C (74°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 19°C (67°F) 128 mm (5 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 12°C (53°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)