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

Should you visit Sintra or Olympos?

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

Should I visit Sintra or Olympos? 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 Olympos?

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.

Olympos

Olympos was an ancient city in Lycia, situated in a river valley near the coast. Its ruins are located south of the modern town Cirali in the Kumluca district of Antalya Province, Turkey. An important Lycian city in the 2nd century BC, Olympos is more famous these days for being the beach resort of choice for backpackers. Staying in an Olympos 'tree house' at one of the dozen-or-so camps that line the path to the ruins and beach has long been the stuff of travel legend. The former hippy-trail hot-spot has been considerably renovated in past years and during summer can be pretty overcrowded. Olympos offers good value and an up-for-it party atmosphere in a lovely setting.

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 Turkey, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Turkey.


Which place is cheaper, Olympos 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 Olympos is €78. 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 Olympos in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sintra 57
    Olympos 29
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sintra 114
    Olympos 58
Compare Hotels in Sintra and Olympos

Looking for a hotel in Sintra or Olympos? 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 Olympos


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 Olympos Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sintra 21
    Olympos 20

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 Olympos

Also for Olympos, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Suluada Boat Trip With Lunch & Transfer From Belek,Antalya,Kemer: $11
  • Suluada ( Maldives ) Boat Trip with Lunch and Transfer: $12
  • Mega Star Party Boat Trip From Kemer With Lunch And Transfer: $12
  • Kemer Full Day Pirate Boat Trip with Lunch and Optional Transfer: $14
  • Kemer Pirate Boat Trip with transfer from Belek: $17
  • Kemer Pirate Boat Trip With Lunch & Free Hotel Transfer: $20
  • Land of Legends Night Show with Round Transfer from Kemer: $20
  • Kemer Mega Star Boat Trip With Hotel Transfer and Lunch : $20
  • Kemer Suluada Boat Tour (Maldives of Turkey) With Hotel Transfer: $20
  • Suluada Boat Tour From Antalya (Maldives of Turkey) with Lunch & Hotel Transfer: $23
  • Land of Legends Night Show Roundtrip Transfer from Kemer: $27
  • Scuba Diving Tour in Kemer with Lunch and Transfer: $35

Is it cheaper to fly into Sintra or Olympos?

Prices for flights to both Olympos 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
    Olympos 34

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 Olympos

For Olympos, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Sunset Party Boat GONSTER : with Dinner, Wine ,Beer & Soft Drinks: $48
  • Fire of Anatolia Dance Show Dinner and Transfer from Kemer: $103

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sintra 23
    Olympos 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 Olympos

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Olympos.

  • Kemer Turkish Bath Experience With Oil Massage: $15
  • Kemer Quad Safari Experience at Goynuk Canyon: $18
  • Day Tour to Suluada by Boat : $18
  • Medusa 3 Islands Boat Tour from Kemer Foam Party and Free Lunch: $20
  • Full Day Rafting Experience From Kemer: $20
  • Goynuk Canyon Party Bus Tour with optional Water Adventure: $20
  • Sea, Sun, and Flavor: Adrasan Boat Tour + Free Lunch Included!: $24
  • Kemer Boat Tour from Antalya with Swim,Foam Party&Lunch Included: $28
  • Kemer Turkish Bath Experience With Oil Massage : $30
  • Kemer Rafting, Jeep Safari, Zipline, Buggy Safari Combo Tour: $35
  • Quad Off Road Safari Tour Kemer: $37
  • 9 Hours Rafting, Buggy Safari and Zipline Adventure from Kemer: $38

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sintra 17
    Olympos 12

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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sintra and Olympos, we can see that Sintra is more expensive. And not only is Olympos much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Olympos would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Olympos and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Sintra would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sintra than you might in Olympos.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Sintra Expensive? and Is Olympos Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Sintra or Olympos?

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 Olympos in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Sintra as well as Olympos.

Sintra is cooler than Olympos in the summer. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Olympos fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Olympos. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sintra this time of the year. In the summer, Sintra often gets less sunshine than Olympos. Sintra gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Olympos receives 385 hours of full sun.

Sintra usually gets less rain in July than Olympos. Sintra gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Olympos receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Sintra 23°C (73°F) 
    Olympos 27°C (80°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Olympos in the Autumn?

Both Olympos and Sintra are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.

In the autumn, Sintra is around the same temperature as Olympos. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sintra in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Olympos averages at about 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Olympos. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sintra. Sintra usually receives less sunshine than Olympos during autumn. Sintra gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Olympos receives 249 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Sintra usually receives more rain than Olympos. Sintra gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Olympos receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Sintra 19°C (66°F) 
    Olympos 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Olympos in the Winter?

Both Olympos and Sintra during the winter are popular places to visit.

In January, Sintra is generally around the same temperature as Olympos. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 12°C (53°F), and Olympos fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the winter, Sintra often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Olympos. Sintra gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Olympos receives 147 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sintra. Sintra usually gets more rain in January than Olympos. Sintra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Olympos receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Sintra 12°C (53°F) 
    Olympos 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Olympos in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Sintra and Olympos.

Sintra is around the same temperature as Olympos in the spring. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Olympos fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Olympos 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 Olympos during spring. Sintra gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Olympos receives 250 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Sintra usually receives more rain than Olympos. Sintra gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Olympos receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Sintra 16°C (60°F) 
    Olympos 16°C (61°F)

Typical Weather for Olympos and Sintra

Sintra Olympos
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 11°C (53°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 13°C (56°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 16°C (61°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 20°C (68°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 24°C (75°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 27°C (80°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 27°C (80°F) 9 mm (0.4 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) 20°C (68°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 16°C (61°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)