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

Should you visit Sintra or Imperia?

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

Should I visit Sintra or Imperia? 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 Imperia?

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.

Imperia

Located in the region of Liguria, Imperia is a coastal city on Italy's northwest shoreline. Formed in 1923 by Mussolini with the combining of two major ports and several villages, Imperia today exists as a popular summer destination for visitors. It is known for its cultivation of flowers and olives as well as number of historic churches.

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


Which place is cheaper, Imperia 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 Imperia is €133. 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 Imperia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sintra 57
    Imperia 51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sintra 114
    Imperia 102
Compare Hotels in Sintra and Imperia

Looking for a hotel in Sintra or Imperia? 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 Imperia


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 Imperia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sintra 21
    Imperia 36

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Sintra or Imperia?

Prices for flights to both Imperia 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
    Imperia 61

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sintra 23
    Imperia 13

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
  • Castle of the Moors Skip-the-Line Ticket: $14
  • Monserrate Palace & Park 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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sintra 17
    Imperia 7.50

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


When comparing the travel costs between Sintra and Imperia, 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 Imperia Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Sintra or Imperia?

Imperia has a larger population, and is about 51% larger than the population of Sintra. When comparing the sizes of Sintra and Imperia, 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 Imperia?

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 Imperia in the Summer?

Both Imperia and Sintra are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Imperia this time of year.

In July, Sintra is generally around the same temperature as Imperia. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 23°C (73°F), and Imperia fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).

It's quite sunny in Imperia. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sintra. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Imperia during summer. Sintra gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Imperia receives 295 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Sintra usually receives less rain than Imperia. Sintra gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Sintra 23°C (73°F) 
    Imperia 25°C (76°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Imperia in the Autumn?

Both Imperia and Sintra during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Imperia for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Sintra is around the same temperature as Imperia in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Imperia fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Sintra. In the autumn, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Imperia. Sintra gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Imperia receives 183 hours of full sun.

Sintra usually gets less rain in October than Imperia. Sintra gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Sintra or Imperia in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Sintra and Imperia. Furthermore, many visitors come to Imperia in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Sintra is a little warmer than Imperia. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sintra in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Imperia averages at about 11°C (51°F).

Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Imperia during winter. Sintra gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Imperia receives 127 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 Imperia. Sintra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Sintra 12°C (53°F) 
    Imperia 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Imperia in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Sintra as well as Imperia. Additionally, most visitors come to Imperia for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Sintra is generally around the same temperature as Imperia. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 16°C (60°F), and Imperia fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sintra this time of the year. In the spring, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Imperia. Sintra gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Imperia receives 198 hours of full sun.

Sintra usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Imperia. Sintra gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Typical Weather for Imperia and Sintra

Sintra Imperia
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Mar 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 12°C (54°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 15°C (58°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 21°C (71°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 25°C (76°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in) 22°C (72°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 14°C (58°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 12°C (53°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)