Which place is cheaper, Gran Canaria or Sintra?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Sintra or Gran Canaria?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Sintra or Gran Canaria? 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 Gran Canaria?
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.
Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria is one of Spain's Canary Islands, located just off the coast of northwestern Africa. It is the third largest of the islands, and is known for its variety of volcanic beaches. This island is sometimes called a "Miniature Continent" due to the different climates and variety of landscapes found, which allow for a range of activities like hiking, biking, surfing, and scuba diving.
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 Spain, and The Best Luxury Tours to Spain.
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Sintra Prices
Portugal PricesGran Canaria Prices
Spain Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySintra €146Gran Canaria €150
The average daily cost (per person) in Sintra is €146, while the average daily cost in Gran Canaria 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 Gran Canaria in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSintra €57Gran Canaria €63
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSintra €114Gran Canaria €126
Compare Hotels in Sintra and Gran Canaria
Looking for a hotel in Sintra or Gran Canaria? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sintra €21Gran Canaria €46
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sintra
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sintra:
- Transfer From Lisboa To Portimão Algarve: $299
- Transfer From Lisboa To Faro Algarve: $299
- Transfer From Lisbon To Albufeira Algarve: $269
- Private San Francisco Transfer: $232
- Transfer From Lisboa to Nazaré: $132
- Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(8pax): $119
- Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(3pax): $107
- Tours and Transfers: $98
- TRANSFER Cascais to Lisbon Airport: $89
- Private Transfer From Lisbon Airport to/from Cascais: $84
- Ericeira Private Transfer to/from Lisbon: $66
- Lisbon: Private Transfer to Sintra: $47
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gran Canaria
Also for Gran Canaria, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Agüimes to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $33
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to Agüimes: $33
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Ingenio to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $37
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to Ingenio: $37
- El Salobre: Horse Riding Adventure with Transfer Options: $42
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Costa Meloneras to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $45
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Bahía Feliz to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $45
- Gran Canaria Airport(LPA) to Las Palmas- Arrival Private Transfer: $48
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to Arucas: $48
- Grand Island Tour by Bus with Transfers: $52
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to Vecindario : $56
- Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) to Playa del Ingles - Arrival Transfer: $59
Is it cheaper to fly into Sintra or Gran Canaria?
Prices for flights to both Gran Canaria 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
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Food Meals for one daySintra €73Gran Canaria €59
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 Gran Canaria
For Gran Canaria, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Origen Dinner Show at Sala Scala: $73
- Sunset Tour with Champagne & Optional Dinner.: $81
- Gran Canaria Food Tour with Distillery Visit and Local Lunch: $105
- Sala Scala Gran Canaria Dinner Show : $110
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sintra €23Gran Canaria €20
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 Gran Canaria
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Gran Canaria.
- Walking tour Vegueta (old town Las Palmas): $8.22
- Las Palmas Interactive City Tour: $8.36
- Agüimes: Cocodrilo Park Zoo Entry Ticket: $12
- Holiday World Maspalomas Wooland Ticket: $15
- Angry Birds Activity Park Entry Ticket: $15
- Holiday World Maspalomas Wooland Ticket: $16
- Maspalomas: Bowling Session Entry Ticket at Holiday World: $16
- Banana World Guided Tour & Tasting: $18
- Guided tour of the Banana World : $18
- UD Las Palmas Gran Canaria Stadium Guided Tour: $20
- Puerto de Mogan: Friday Market Experience: $26
- Maspalomas: Tickets to Sioux City Park: $29
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySintra €17Gran Canaria €7.14
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 Gran Canaria
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Gran Canaria:
- Guided Tour at Ron Arehucas Distillery: $13
- Las Palmas: Gourmet Tapas and Wine Tour in the Old Town: $47
- Gourmet Tapas and Wine Tour in the Old Town of Las Palmas: $48
- Spanish Cured Meats & Wine Tasting Tour in Mogan: $58
- Spanish Tapas and Wine Tasting Tour in Mogan: $65
- Private GRAN CANARIA WINE TASTING, TAPAS lunch & best sightseeing: $247
When comparing the travel costs between Sintra and Gran Canaria, we can see that Gran Canaria 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 Gran Canaria Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sintra or Gran Canaria?
Gran Canaria has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Sintra. When comparing the sizes of Sintra and Gran Canaria, 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 Gran Canaria?
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 Gran Canaria in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Sintra as well as Gran Canaria.
In July, Sintra is generally around the same temperature as Gran Canaria. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 23°C (73°F), and Gran Canaria fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gran Canaria. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sintra this time of the year. In the summer, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Gran Canaria. Sintra gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gran Canaria receives 293 hours of full sun.
Sintra usually gets more rain in July than Gran Canaria. Sintra gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Gran Canaria receives 0 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySintra 23°C (73°F)Gran Canaria 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Gran Canaria in the Autumn?
Both Gran Canaria and Sintra are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.
Sintra is cooler than Gran Canaria in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Gran Canaria fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
It's quite sunny in Gran Canaria. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sintra. Sintra usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Gran Canaria during autumn. Sintra gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Gran Canaria receives 213 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Sintra usually receives more rain than Gran Canaria. Sintra gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Gran Canaria receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSintra 19°C (66°F)Gran Canaria 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Gran Canaria in the Winter?
Both Gran Canaria and Sintra during the winter are popular places to visit.
In the winter, Sintra is much colder than Gran Canaria. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sintra in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Gran Canaria averages at about 18°C (64°F).
In the winter, Sintra often gets less sunshine than Gran Canaria. Sintra gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gran Canaria receives 187 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Sintra. Sintra usually gets more rain in January than Gran Canaria. Sintra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Gran Canaria receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySintra 12°C (53°F)Gran Canaria 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Gran Canaria in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Sintra and Gran Canaria.
In April, Sintra is generally cooler than Gran Canaria. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 16°C (60°F), and Gran Canaria fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gran Canaria 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 Gran Canaria during spring. Sintra gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Gran Canaria receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Sintra usually receives more rain than Gran Canaria. Sintra gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Gran Canaria receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSintra 16°C (60°F)Gran Canaria 19°C (66°F)
Typical Weather for Gran Canaria and Sintra
| Sintra | Gran Canaria | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (53°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (58°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (74°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (59°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 31 mm (1.2 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.