Which place is cheaper, Granada 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 Granada?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Sintra or Granada? 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 Granada?
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.
Granada
Granada is a city of southern Spain located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in the autonomous community of Andalucia. Perhaps the most notable feature of the city is its medieval architecture that dates to the Moorish occupation of Spain. Each example stands from another time and place, strong fortresses and castles against the backdrop of lumbering mountains. Yet they are surrounded by a city thriving with modern day quirks. From castles and fortresses to bars, restaurants, and cafes, Granada is a unique setting for an otherworldly getaway.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Portugal, The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best 10-Day Tours from Barcelona, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Madrid.
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Sintra Prices
Portugal PricesGranada Prices
Spain Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySintra €146Granada €150
The average daily cost (per person) in Sintra is €146, while the average daily cost in Granada 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 Granada in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSintra €57Granada €59
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSintra €114Granada €118
Compare Hotels in Sintra and Granada
Looking for a hotel in Sintra or Granada? 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 and Granada Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sintra €21Granada €22
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Granada
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Granada are as follows:
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7 Trip Bus Pass€5.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Granada
Also for Granada, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer from Granada City Center to Granada Airport(GRX): $33
- Granada Airport Private Departure Transfer: $49
- Granada Airport to Granada City Private Arrival Transfer: $49
- Private Luxury Airport Transfer: $53
- Private Transfers in Granada and Andalusia: $57
- Private Transfer Granada City to Granada Airport GRX by Sedan: $60
- Private Transfer Granada to Granada Train Station by Luxury van: $71
- Via Ferrata Moclín with Transfers: $94
- Granada City to Malaga Airport (AGP) - Departure Private Transfer: $135
- Granada airport private arrival transfer, Mercedes Sedan: $155
- From Granada; Private transfer to Sierra Nevada (all hotels): $188
- Granada Private Intercity Transfer to Malaga: $191
Is it cheaper to fly into Sintra or Granada?
Prices for flights to both Granada 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 €73Granada €64
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
Typical Food Prices in Granada
For Granada, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Sangria€2.50
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Sandwich to go€3.00
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Bocadillo & Drink€6.25
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Granada
For Granada, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Flamenco Show with Dinner at Jardines de Zoraya: $63
- Dinner with Paella on a Terrace in the Albayzín and Live Flamenco: $68
- Sacromonte Caves Flamenco Show with Dinner: $68
- The Granada Morning Food Tour: $76
- Walking Food Tour: $82
- Spanish Cooking Class in Granada: $90
- Food Tour in Granada: $116
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sintra €23Granada €28
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 Granada
For Granada, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Granada Walking Tour - The Ideal Way to Discover the City: $1.78
- Sacromonte Caves Museum Admission Ticket: $5.87
- Church of San Nicolas and Tower Access Ticket: $5.87
- Granada City Train 1 or 2-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Ticket: $8.46
- Monastery of San Jerónimo Entry Ticket: $12
- Royal Chapel of Granada Entry Ticket: $12
- Cathedral of Granada Entry Ticket: $12
- Basilica of San Juan de Dios Ticket & Audio Guide: $12
- Monastery of La Cartuja Entry Ticket: $12
- Moorish Monuments Entrance Tickets: $15
- Historic Center and Lower Albaicin Walking Tour: $15
- Alhambra Night Visit Entry Ticket: $16
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySintra €17Granada €24
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 Granada
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Granada:
- Winefulness wine tasting, mindfulness, and senses that awaken: $47
- Traditional Tapas and Wine Tour: $81
- Granada Tapas and wine tour!: $81
When comparing the travel costs between Sintra and Granada, we can see that Granada 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 Granada Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sintra or Granada?
Granada has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Sintra. When comparing the sizes of Sintra and Granada, 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 Granada?
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 Granada in the Summer?
Both Granada and Sintra during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Granada this time of year.
Sintra is around the same temperature as Granada in the summer. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Granada fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
In Granada, 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 Granada. Sintra gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Granada receives 348 hours of full sun.
Sintra usually gets more rain in July than Granada. Sintra gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Granada receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySintra 23°C (73°F)Granada 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Granada in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Sintra and Granada. Furthermore, many travelers come to Granada for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Sintra is around the same temperature as Granada. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sintra in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Granada averages at about 19°C (67°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Granada 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 Granada during autumn. Sintra gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Granada receives 213 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Sintra usually receives more rain than Granada. Sintra gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Granada receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSintra 19°C (66°F)Granada 19°C (67°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Granada in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Sintra as well as Granada. Additionally, many visitors come to Granada in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Sintra is generally around the same temperature as Granada. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 12°C (53°F), and Granada fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
In the winter, Sintra often gets less sunshine than Granada. Sintra gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Granada receives 171 hours of full sun.
Sintra receives a lot of rain in the winter. Sintra usually gets more rain in January than Granada. Sintra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Granada receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySintra 12°C (53°F)Granada 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Granada in the Spring?
Both Granada and Sintra are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Granada for the natural beauty during these months.
Sintra is around the same temperature as Granada in the spring. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Granada fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
It's quite sunny in Granada. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sintra. Sintra usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Granada during spring. Sintra gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Granada receives 220 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Sintra usually receives more rain than Granada. Sintra gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Granada receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSintra 16°C (60°F)Granada 16°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Granada and Sintra
| Sintra | Granada | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (53°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (58°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (74°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (59°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 102 mm (4 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.