Which place is cheaper, Hvar or Sintra?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Sintra or Hvar?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Sintra or Hvar? 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 Hvar?
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.
Hvar
Hvar is a Croatian island full of mountains, vegetation, beaches, vineyards, shops, restaurants, and also people! Hvar Town is the main city on the island, but there are many other small villages throughout. The best time to visit Hvar is between May and September, although keep in mind it can get busy during this period.
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 in Croatia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Croatia.
-
Sintra Prices
Portugal PricesHvar Prices
Croatia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySintra €146Hvar €131
The average daily cost (per person) in Sintra is €146, while the average daily cost in Hvar is €131. 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 Hvar in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSintra €57Hvar €38
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSintra €114Hvar €76
Compare Hotels in Sintra and Hvar
Looking for a hotel in Sintra or Hvar? 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 Hvar Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sintra €21Hvar €47
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 Hvar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hvar:
- Speedboat Transfer from Hvar Town to Split Airport: $585
- Private Transfer to Dubrovnik with Korčula Stopover: $3,394
Is it cheaper to fly into Sintra or Hvar?
Prices for flights to both Hvar 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 daySintra €73Hvar €66
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 Hvar
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hvar.
- Traditional Hvar Cooking Classes, Dinners & 'Poje' Field Tour!: $167
- Hvar Hidden Gems Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $205
- Hvar Hidden Gems Small Group Half Day Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $208
- Private Hvar Wine Tasting Tour with Traditional Dinner/Lunch: $256
- Hvar Small Group Wine Tour and Authentic Dalmatian Dinner: $298
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sintra €23Hvar €7.51
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 Hvar
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Hvar are as follows:
- 50 Shades of Blue: Blue Cave & 5 Islands Boat Tour from Hvar: $12
- Local Delicacies Tasting Experience in Hvar Town: $24
- 1-Hour Battle Archery Game in Hvar Adventure Park: $24
- Private Multi-Activity Experience in Adventure Park Hvar Jelsa: $27
- Stand Up Paddle school - learn to SUP and make your first SUP tour: $30
- 1-Hour Private Paintball Adventure in Park Hvar Jelsa: $32
- Timeless Old Town Walking Tour with Local Guide: $41
- Pakleni Islands Self-Guided Kayaking Tour: $53
- Private Half-Day Kayak Experience in Hvar and Pakleni Islands: $54
- Romantic Sunset Sailing Experience On A Comfort Yacht: $68
- Red Rocks and Pakleni Islands Boat Tour with Swim: $70
- Hvar Island Self-Guided E-Bike Tour: $70
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one daySintra €17Hvar €9.21
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 Hvar
Also in Hvar, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Wine Tasting Round Trip from Hvar - Family Winery at a Hilltop: $93
- Hvar Island E-Bike Tour with Wine Tasting and Starters: $115
- Private Hvar Island Bike Tour and Wine Tasting: $117
- Hvar Wine Tasting Experience: $129
- Hvar Wine tasting small group experience: $131
- Private Hvar Wine Tasting Tour : $173
- Private Best Beaches Boat Tour with Wine Tasting: $1,001
When comparing the travel costs between Sintra and Hvar, we can see that Sintra 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 Hvar Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sintra or Hvar?
Sintra has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Hvar. When comparing the sizes of Sintra and Hvar, 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 Hvar?
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 Hvar in the Summer?
Both Hvar and Sintra are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Hvar for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Sintra is cooler than Hvar. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sintra in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Hvar averages at about 26°C (80°F).
It's quite sunny in Hvar. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sintra. Sintra usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hvar during summer. Sintra gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Sintra usually receives less rain than Hvar. Sintra gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulySintra 23°C (73°F)Hvar 26°C (80°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Hvar in the Autumn?
Both Hvar and Sintra during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Hvar because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Sintra is generally around the same temperature as Hvar. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 19°C (66°F), and Hvar fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
In Hvar, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Sintra. In the autumn, Sintra often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hvar. Sintra gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 200 hours of full sun.
Sintra usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Hvar. Sintra gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSintra 19°C (66°F)Hvar 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Hvar in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Sintra and Hvar. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Hvar this time of year.
Sintra is a little warmer than Hvar in the winter. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 12°C (53°F) in January, and Hvar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).
Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Hvar during winter. Sintra gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 128 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 Hvar. Sintra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySintra 12°C (53°F)Hvar 8°C (47°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Hvar in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Sintra as well as Hvar. Additionally, many travelers come to Hvar for the beaches and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Sintra is around the same temperature as Hvar. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sintra in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Hvar averages at about 15°C (59°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hvar. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sintra this time of the year. In the spring, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Hvar. Sintra gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 212 hours of full sun.
Sintra usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Hvar. Sintra gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilSintra 16°C (60°F)Hvar 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Hvar and Sintra
| Sintra | Hvar | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (53°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (58°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (74°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (59°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 100 mm (3.9 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.