Which place is cheaper, Lagos 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 Lagos?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Sintra or Lagos? 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 Lagos?
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.
Lagos
A coastal town in the south of Portugal, Lagos is known for its old world charm, plummeting cliffs, and Atlantic beaches. Many come to enjoy a full range of activities from beach-going and watersports to exploring cobbled streets lined with options for shopping and dining. Historic churches and castles add to the charm, as well as a clifftop lighthouse showing the way to Lagos for ships at sea.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Portugal, The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best G Adventures Tours to Portugal, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Lisbon.
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Sintra Prices
Portugal PricesLagos Prices
Portugal Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySintra €146Lagos €143
The average daily cost (per person) in Sintra is €146, while the average daily cost in Lagos is €143. 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 Lagos in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSintra €57Lagos €61
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSintra €114Lagos €122
Compare Hotels in Sintra and Lagos
Looking for a hotel in Sintra or Lagos? 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 Lagos Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sintra €21Lagos €31
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sintra
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sintra:
- Ericeira Private Transfer to/from Lisbon: $66
- Estoril, Cascais or Sintra Private Transfer to Lisbon: $30
- Lisbon: Private Transfer to Sintra: $47
- Private San Francisco Transfer: $232
- Private Transfer From Lisbon Airport to/from Cascais: $84
- Private Transfer To & From Lisbon: $35
- 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 Faro Algarve: $299
- Transfer From Lisboa To Portimão Algarve: $299
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lagos
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lagos:
- From Porto Airport: Transfer to Lagos Central Bus Station: $37
- Transfer Algarve: Transport specialists.: $56
- Faro Airport: Private Transfer to/from Lagos: $67
- Private MiniVan Departure Transfer from Lagos to Faro Airport FAO: $114
- Faro Airport to/from Lagos/Private Transfer max 4 passengers: $129
- Portugal Taxi and Airport Transfer : $143
- Private Transfer from Faro Airport Up to 8 passengers: $144
- Private Transfer from Lagos to Faro (FAO) Airport: $159
- Private Transfer from Budens to Faro (FAO) Airport: $204
- Private Transfer from Sao Sebastiao to Faro (FAO) Airport: $215
- Private Transfer from Sagres to Faro (FAO) Airport: $216
- Private Transfer from Vila do Bispo to Faro (FAO) Airport: $216
Is it cheaper to fly into Sintra or Lagos?
Prices for flights to both Lagos 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 €73Lagos €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 Lagos
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Lagos.
- Classic Food Tour - Lagos: $106
- Traditional Portuguese Cooking Class: $117
- Traditional Portuguese Cooking Class: Grandma’s Secrets & Recipes: $119
- Portuguese Cooking Class: Algarve’s Pork & Seafood Cataplana: $147
- Portuguese Cooking Class: Algarve’s Pork & Seafood Cataplana: $149
- Home-Style Portuguese Cooking Class in Portimao with Pedro: $154
- Market Tour and Cataplana Cooking Class: $176
- Market Tour & Cooking Class: Algarve’s Seafood Cataplana : $179
- Local Market Tour and Portuguese Seafood Cooking Class: $179
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sintra €23Lagos €26
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 Lagos
Here are a few actual costs in Lagos for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Lagos Scavenger Hunt and Sights Private Self-Guided Tour: $4.48
- Portside Tales of Conquest and Conflict: A Lagos Audio Tour: $9.99
- Guided Walking Tour with Brodie from Australia: $18
- Brodie's Historical and Fun Lagos Walking Tour: $18
- Ponta da Piedade:Express grotto tours: $19
- Boat tour through the wonderful caves of Ponta da Piedade : $20
- Ponta da Piedade Rock Formations Guided Boat Tour: $20
- Boat Tours: $21
- Ponta da Piedade Boat Tour to Caves and Beaches with Local Guide: $21
- Tour to inside the Caves /Grottos the Ponta da Piedade -Lagos: $22
- Boat tour Ponta da Piedade with local guides: $22
- Ponta da Piedade 1H15M Boat Guided Tour in Algarve: $23
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySintra €17Lagos €6.79
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 Lagos
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Lagos:
- Guided Gin Distillery Tour With Tasting at Alma Luz: $23
- Small group Wine Tasting Tour from Lagos: $78
- Wine Tasting Off-Road Tour: $93
- Small-Group Day Tour of Silves and Monchique with Wine Tasting: $106
When comparing the travel costs between Sintra and Lagos, 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 Lagos Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sintra or Lagos?
Sintra has a larger population, and is about 39% larger than the population of Lagos. When comparing the sizes of Sintra and Lagos, 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 Lagos?
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 Lagos in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Sintra and Lagos. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Lagos because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
Sintra is around the same temperature as Lagos in the summer. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Lagos fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
Lagos receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Sintra usually receives less rain than Lagos. Sintra gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Lagos receives 243 mm (9.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySintra 23°C (73°F)Lagos 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Lagos in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Sintra as well as Lagos. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Lagos this time of year.
In the autumn, Sintra is cooler than Lagos. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sintra in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Lagos averages at about 26°C (79°F).
It's quite rainy in Lagos. Sintra usually gets less rain in October than Lagos. Sintra gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Lagos receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSintra 19°C (66°F)Lagos 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Lagos in the Winter?
Both Lagos and Sintra are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Lagos for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
In January, Sintra is generally much colder than Lagos. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 12°C (53°F), and Lagos fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
It's quite rainy in Sintra. In January, Sintra usually receives more rain than Lagos. Sintra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Lagos receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySintra 12°C (53°F)Lagos 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Lagos in the Spring?
Both Lagos and Sintra during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Lagos in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.
Sintra is much colder than Lagos in the spring. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Lagos fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
Lagos gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Sintra usually gets less rain in April than Lagos. Sintra gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Lagos receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSintra 16°C (60°F)Lagos 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Lagos and Sintra
| Sintra | Lagos | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (53°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (58°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 202 mm (8 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 316 mm (12.4 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 243 mm (9.6 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (74°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (59°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 15 mm (0.6 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.