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

Should you visit Sintra or Como?

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

Should I visit Sintra or Como? 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 Como?

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.

Como

At the foot of the jagged cliffs of the Alps lies an expanse of shimmering waters made a golden white by the sun and pockmarked by sailors. Its blue waters beckon you to come forth and dive deep into the mystic body of Lago di Como, or Lake Como. With an area of 146 square kilometers, Lake Como is the third largest lake in Italy, right after Lake Garda and Lake Maggiore. The lake was originally named by the Romans after the city of Comum, now presently called Como. Lake Como is shaped into an inverted "Y," with towns like Como, Lecco, Bellagio, Menaggio and Lierna situated around it.

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 from Rome, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Rome.


Which place is cheaper, Como 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 Como is €258. 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 Como in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sintra 57
    Como 146
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sintra 114
    Como 292
Compare Hotels in Sintra and Como

Looking for a hotel in Sintra or Como? 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 Como


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 Como Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sintra 21
    Como 14

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 Como

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

  • Como to Malpensa Airport Milan (MXP) - Departure Private Transfer: $131
  • Cernobbio to Malpensa Milan Airport (MXP) - Departure Private Transfer: $155
  • Private Transfer up to 8 pax from Como to Milano: $203
  • From Como to Milan hotels - Private Transfer: $209
  • Bellagio to Malpensa Airport Milan (MXP) - Departure Private Transfer: $212
  • Luxury private transfer from Bellagio to Malpensa airport: $238
  • From Milan center : Private 1-Way Transfer to Como: $250
  • Private Transfer: Lake Como to Milan Airport MXP by Luxury Van: $272

Is it cheaper to fly into Sintra or Como?

Prices for flights to both Como 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
    Como 104

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 Como

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

  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Lecco with Show Cooking: $101
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Cernobbio with Show Cooking: $131
  • Cesarine: Como Show Cooking & Dining Experience at Local's Home: $131
  • Experience Cooking Class in Como: $143
  • Neapolitan DOC Pizza Class And Cooking in a Wood Oven at a Local's house: $161
  • Cooking lessons in a nineteenth-century restaurant in the heart of Como: $179
  • Private Cooking Class in Bologna: $180
  • Cesarine: Pizza & Tiramisu Feast in Como: $214
  • Traditional Cooking Class with Views of Lake Como and the Alps : $221
  • Private Cooking Class at a Cesarina's Home in Cernobbio: $227
  • Lecco Bike Tour & Pizza Lunch: $233
  • Lasagna Masterclass in Learn the Art of Traditional Cooking: $233

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sintra 23
    Como -

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 Como

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

  • Como Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $5.12
  • Lake Como Essentials: Culture, Nature, and Villages Tour: $9.53
  • Forte Montecchio Nord Entrance Ticket: $12
  • Lake Self-Guided Walking Tour - Downtown Como: $24
  • Private Stand Up Paddle Boarding Experience in Lake Como Bellagio: $41
  • Boat Tour on Lake Como : 1-hour shared boat tour: $54
  • Guided City Tour & Lake Cruise: $58
  • Boat Tour: Lake Como Shared : $60
  • Lake Como : Shared Boat Tour and Aperitif with Prosecco: $66
  • Nativity Hiking Tour: from Tremezzina to Villa Balbianello: $78
  • Best of Lake Como Experience from Milan, Cruise and Landscapes: $79
  • Como city and its History Exclusive Walking Tour (1 h from Milan): $84

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sintra 17
    Como -

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 Como

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

  • Wine Tasting with Food Pairing at Lake Como: $58
  • Domaso: Wine Tasting at the Winery on Como Lake: $66
  • Lecco Wine Tasting experience: $89
  • Panoramic Wine Tasting in Bellagio area: $143
  • Wine Tastings with Chef Luigi Gandola: $147
  • Top Italian Wine Tasting & Food Como Lake: $179


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


Which is Bigger, Sintra or Como?

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

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 Como in the Summer?

Both Como and Sintra during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Como in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

In Como, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Sintra. In the summer, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Como. Sintra gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 250 hours of full sun.

Sintra usually gets less rain in July than Como. Sintra gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Como receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Sintra or Como in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Sintra and Como. Furthermore, most visitors come to Como for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Sintra is a little warmer than Como in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Como fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

In Sintra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Como during autumn. Sintra gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Como receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Sintra usually receives less rain than Como. Sintra gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Como receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Sintra 19°C (66°F) 
    Como 15°C (58°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Como in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Sintra as well as Como. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Como because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Como can be very cold. In the winter, Sintra is much warmer than Como. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sintra in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Como averages at about 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Como. Sintra gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 119 hours of full sun.

Sintra receives a lot of rain in the winter. Sintra usually gets more rain in January than Como. Sintra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Como receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Sintra 12°C (53°F) 
    Como 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Como in the Spring?

Both Como and Sintra are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Como this time of year.

In April, Sintra is generally a little warmer than Como. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 16°C (60°F), and Como fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sintra. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Como during spring. Sintra gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Sintra usually receives less rain than Como. Sintra gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Como receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Sintra 16°C (60°F) 
    Como 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Como and Sintra

Sintra Como
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 5°C (41°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 6°C (44°F) 60 mm (2.3 in)
Mar 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 10°C (49°F) 85 mm (3.4 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 13°C (55°F) 76 mm (3 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 17°C (62°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 20°C (69°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 22°C (72°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in) 19°C (67°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 15°C (58°F) 103 mm (4 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 9°C (49°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 6°C (42°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)