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

Should you visit Sintra or Rijeka?

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

Should I visit Sintra or Rijeka? 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 Rijeka?

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.

Rijeka

Rijeka is the main seaport city of Croatia. It is located in Kvarner on the Kvarner Bay, which is an inlet of the Adriatic Sea. There are over 100,000 residents, making it Croatia's third largest city. The city's economy is heavily dependent on shipbuilding and maritime transport. There is also the University of Rijeka, which was founded in 1973 with roots dating back to 1632.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Portugal, The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best Adventure Tours to Croatia, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Rijeka 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 Rijeka is €120. 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 Rijeka in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Sintra or Rijeka? 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 Rijeka


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 Rijeka Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sintra 21
    Rijeka 16

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 Rijeka

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rijeka:

  • Direct Bus Transfer to/from Krk: $12

Is it cheaper to fly into Sintra or Rijeka?

Prices for flights to both Rijeka 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
    Rijeka 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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sintra 23
    Rijeka 8.91

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 Rijeka

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Rijeka are as follows:

  • Rijeka Tunnel (TunelRi) Entrance Ticket: $3.51
  • Mreznica River Kayaking Tour from Duga Resa: $54
  • Drava Sup Exploring Adventure: $72
  • DISCOVERING THE UNKNOWN Extended WW2&UNDERGROUND tour: $76
  • TUNNEL ABSEILING PLUS tour the underground: $88
  • From Golden Island of Krk Tour: $101
  • Plitvice Lakes Day Tour from Rijeka, Simple & Safe: $117
  • Pula, Rovinj, and Panoramic Istrian Coast Tour: $133
  • Istria Highlights Tour from Rijeka or Pula: $133
  • Street Art & Lost Place Tour in Rijeka: $176
  • Private Walking Cultural Tour of Rijeka: $257
  • Private Sunset Boat Tour: $690

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sintra 17
    Rijeka 16

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 Rijeka, we can see that Sintra is more expensive. And not only is Rijeka much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Rijeka would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Rijeka 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 Rijeka.

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


Which is Bigger, Sintra or Rijeka?

Rijeka has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Sintra. When comparing the sizes of Sintra and Rijeka, 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 Rijeka?

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 Rijeka in the Summer?

Both Rijeka and Sintra are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Rijeka for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Sintra is generally around the same temperature as Rijeka. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 23°C (73°F), and Rijeka fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Rijeka. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sintra. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Rijeka during summer. Sintra gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 288 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Sintra usually receives less rain than Rijeka. Sintra gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Sintra 23°C (73°F) 
    Rijeka 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Rijeka in the Autumn?

Both Rijeka and Sintra during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Rijeka in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Sintra is a little warmer than Rijeka in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Rijeka fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

It's quite sunny in Sintra. In the autumn, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Rijeka. Sintra gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 167 hours of full sun.

Sintra usually gets less rain in October than Rijeka. Sintra gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Sintra 19°C (66°F) 
    Rijeka 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Rijeka in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Sintra and Rijeka. Also, most visitors come to Rijeka for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Sintra is much warmer than Rijeka. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sintra in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Rijeka averages at about 5°C (41°F).

Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Rijeka during winter. Sintra gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 96 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 Rijeka. Sintra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Sintra 12°C (53°F) 
    Rijeka 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Rijeka in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Sintra as well as Rijeka. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Rijeka because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Sintra is generally a little warmer than Rijeka. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 16°C (60°F), and Rijeka fluctuates around 13°C (56°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 Rijeka. Sintra gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 177 hours of full sun.

Sintra usually gets less rain in April than Rijeka. Sintra gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Sintra 16°C (60°F) 
    Rijeka 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Rijeka and Sintra

Sintra Rijeka
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 5°C (41°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 7°C (44°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 9°C (49°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 13°C (56°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 22°C (71°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 24°C (74°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in) 20°C (68°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 16°C (60°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 10°C (51°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 6°C (44°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)