A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sintra vs. Plitvice Lakes National Park for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Sintra or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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

Should I visit Sintra or Plitvice Lakes National Park? 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park

One of the most beautiful natural sights in Europe, Plitvice Lakes National Park is an area of green forests laced with a system of interconnected turquoise lakes. It was set aside as a national park in 1949, and was later designated an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.

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 in Croatia, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Plitvice Lakes National Park or Sintra?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Sintra Prices
    Portugal Prices
    Plitvice Lakes National Park Prices
    Croatia Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Sintra 146
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 154

The average daily cost (per person) in Sintra is €146, while the average daily cost in Plitvice Lakes National Park is €154. 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sintra 57
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sintra 114
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 120
Compare Hotels in Sintra and Plitvice Lakes National Park

Looking for a hotel in Sintra or Plitvice Lakes National Park? 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sintra 21
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 26

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 Plitvice Lakes National Park

Also for Plitvice Lakes National Park, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • From Plitvice Lakes to Zagreb private one-way transfer: $179

Is it cheaper to fly into Sintra or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Prices for flights to both Plitvice Lakes National Park 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
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 69

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
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 34

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 Plitvice Lakes National Park

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Plitvice Lakes National Park.

  • 90-Minute Rastoke Guided Walking Tour: $8.35
  • Plitvice Lakes National Park Admission Ticket: $15
  • Plitvice Lakes Group Walking Tour with Local Guide: $39
  • Plitvice Lakes guided tour: $41
  • Plitvice Lakes Guided Tour: $41
  • Plitvice Lakes Tour: Secured Tickets, Train & Boat Ride: $42
  • Private Guided Fairy Tale Tour in Ogulin: $48
  • Zeljava Airbase: History and Adventure Tour: $60
  • Quad adventure: $86
  • 2 hour Guided Buggy Tour in Plitvice lakes: $118
  • Rakovica Private Countryside Bike Tour with Barac Caves: $143
  • 3,5 hours Guided Buggy Tour in Plitvice lakes: $154

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sintra 17
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 14

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 Plitvice Lakes National Park, we can see that Plitvice Lakes National Park 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Sintra or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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 Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Sintra as well as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Also, many travelers come to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Sintra is around the same temperature as Plitvice Lakes National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Plitvice Lakes National Park. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sintra this time of the year. In the summer, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Sintra gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 266 hours of full sun.

Sintra usually gets less rain in July than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Sintra gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Sintra 23°C (73°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Autumn?

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Sintra are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Plitvice Lakes National Park in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Sintra is a little warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sintra in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park averages at about 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sintra. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park during autumn. Sintra gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 133 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Sintra usually receives more rain than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Sintra gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Sintra 19°C (66°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Winter?

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Sintra during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the cuisine during these months.

Plitvice Lakes National Park can be very cold during winter. In January, Sintra is generally much warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 12°C (53°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

In the winter, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Sintra gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 54 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sintra. Sintra usually gets more rain in January than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Sintra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Sintra 12°C (53°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 1°C (35°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Sintra and Plitvice Lakes National Park. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Plitvice Lakes National Park because of the natural beauty.

Sintra is a little warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In Sintra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park during spring. Sintra gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Sintra usually receives around the same amount of rain as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Sintra gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Sintra 16°C (60°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Plitvice Lakes National Park and Sintra

Sintra Plitvice Lakes National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 1°C (35°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 4°C (39°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 8°C (47°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 20°C (69°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 22°C (71°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 8°C (46°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 3°C (37°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)