Which place is cheaper, Taormina or Sintra?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Sintra or Taormina?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Sintra or Taormina? 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 Taormina?
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.
Taormina
A quaint hillside town on the eastern side of Sicily, Taormina is arguably one of the most popular tourist resorts on the island. It's peak season is the months of July and August when Italian and European tourists alike flock to the beaches. During this time it can be crowded and hot, but if you visit during the spring or fall months you might find the crowds slightly less and the weather more comfortable. The town is popular with package tours, which stay at the beach resorts around Giardini Naxos to the south or Letojanni to the north.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Portugal, The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, and The Best Walking Tours in Italy.
-
Sintra Prices
Portugal PricesTaormina Prices
Italy Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySintra €146Taormina €132
The average daily cost (per person) in Sintra is €146, while the average daily cost in Taormina is €132. 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 Taormina in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSintra €57Taormina €70
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSintra €114Taormina €140
Compare Hotels in Sintra and Taormina
Looking for a hotel in Sintra or Taormina? 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 Taormina Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sintra €21Taormina €4.29
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 Taormina
Also for Taormina, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Roundtrip Transfer from Messina: $45
Is it cheaper to fly into Sintra or Taormina?
Prices for flights to both Taormina 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 daySintra €73Taormina €57
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 €23Taormina €11
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 Taormina
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Taormina.
- From Messina: boat tour discovering Isola bella and Taormina: $217
- Sicily: Best of Taormina and Castelmola Private Tour: $234
- From Taormina or Messina Harbor: Private Godfather Tour: $317
- Best Tour di Taormina, Castelmola, Isola Bella e Messina: $470
- Shore tour from Messina cruise port: Taormina and Castelmola: $540
- Shore tour from Messina port: Taormina & Godfather Places: $599
- 5 Hours Private Tour of Taormina from Messina: $666
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one daySintra €17Taormina €8.57
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 Taormina, 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 Taormina Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sintra or Taormina?
Sintra has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Taormina. When comparing the sizes of Sintra and Taormina, 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 Taormina?
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 Taormina in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Sintra as well as Taormina. Additionally, most visitors come to Taormina for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Sintra is generally cooler than Taormina. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 23°C (73°F), and Taormina fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Taormina. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sintra this time of the year. In the summer, Sintra often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Taormina. Sintra gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Taormina receives 332 hours of full sun.
Sintra usually gets less rain in July than Taormina. Sintra gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Taormina receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulySintra 23°C (73°F)Taormina 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Taormina in the Autumn?
Both Taormina and Sintra are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Taormina because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
Sintra is around the same temperature as Taormina in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Taormina fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sintra. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Taormina during autumn. Sintra gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Taormina receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Taormina. In October, Sintra usually receives less rain than Taormina. Sintra gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Taormina receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSintra 19°C (66°F)Taormina 21°C (69°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Taormina in the Winter?
Both Taormina and Sintra during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Taormina this time of year.
In the winter, Sintra is around the same temperature as Taormina. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sintra in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Taormina averages at about 13°C (55°F).
In the winter, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Taormina. Sintra gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Taormina receives 115 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Sintra. Sintra usually gets more rain in January than Taormina. Sintra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Taormina receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySintra 12°C (53°F)Taormina 13°C (55°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Taormina in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Sintra and Taormina. Also, many travelers come to Taormina for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.
In April, Sintra is generally around the same temperature as Taormina. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 16°C (60°F), and Taormina fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Taormina this time of the year. In Sintra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Taormina during spring. Sintra gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Taormina receives 207 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Sintra usually receives more rain than Taormina. Sintra gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Taormina receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilSintra 16°C (60°F)Taormina 16°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Taormina and Sintra
| Sintra | Taormina | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (53°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (58°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (74°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 128 mm (5 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (59°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 87 mm (3.4 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.