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

Should you visit Sintra or Toulon?

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

Should I visit Sintra or Toulon? 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 Toulon?

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.

Toulon

Located between Marseille and Nice, Toulon is in the western portion of the French Riviera and in the southeast of Provence. It's economy is heavily reliant on a French naval base in the area. This base is responsible for the creation of thousands of jobs. The city is also a significant tourist destination, with over 150,000 visitors every year.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Portugal, The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best Luxury Tours to France, and The Best Budget Tours to France.


Which place is cheaper, Toulon 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 Toulon is €138. 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 Toulon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sintra 57
    Toulon 79
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sintra 114
    Toulon 158
Compare Hotels in Sintra and Toulon

Looking for a hotel in Sintra or Toulon? 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 Toulon


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 Toulon Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sintra 21
    Toulon 7.14

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 Toulon

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Toulon:

  • Private Transfer from Toulon Cruise Port to Marseille city Hotels: $292
  • Private Transfer from Toulon Port to Marseille Airport (MRS): $292

Is it cheaper to fly into Sintra or Toulon?

Prices for flights to both Toulon 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
    Toulon 52

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 Toulon

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Toulon.

  • Culinary Heritage Guided Walking Food Tour: $112
  • Toulon Food Tour – A Full French Meal Experience by Do Eat Better: $114

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sintra 23
    Toulon 13

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 Toulon

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

  • Little Train City Tour: $12
  • Bandol: family vineyard tour and tasting: $24
  • Guided Tour in Port & Old City: $60
  • Toulon Private Tour: $305
  • Toulon - Old Town Private Walking Tour: $529

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sintra 17
    Toulon 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

Sample the Local Flavors in Toulon

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Toulon:

  • Cellar Visit & Bandol Wine Tasting (in French): $14
  • Private Vineyard Tour and Wine Tasting in Bandol: $89
  • Half Day Wine Tour in Côtes de Provence : $113


When comparing the travel costs between Sintra and Toulon, 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 Toulon Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Sintra or Toulon?

Toulon has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Sintra. When comparing the sizes of Sintra and Toulon, 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 Toulon?

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 Toulon in the Summer?

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

Sintra is around the same temperature as Toulon in the summer. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Toulon fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Toulon. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sintra. Sintra usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Toulon during summer. Sintra gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Toulon receives 366 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Sintra usually receives around the same amount of rain as Toulon. Sintra gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Sintra or Toulon in the Autumn?

Both Toulon and Sintra during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Toulon in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Sintra is a little warmer than Toulon. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sintra in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Toulon averages at about 16°C (61°F).

In Toulon, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Sintra. In the autumn, Sintra often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Toulon. Sintra gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulon receives 205 hours of full sun.

Sintra usually gets less rain in October than Toulon. Sintra gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Sintra 19°C (66°F) 
    Toulon 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Toulon in the Winter?

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

In January, Sintra is generally much warmer than Toulon. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 12°C (53°F), and Toulon fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Sintra usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Toulon during winter. Sintra gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Toulon receives 150 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 Toulon. Sintra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Sintra 12°C (53°F) 
    Toulon 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Toulon in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Sintra as well as Toulon. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Toulon because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Sintra is a little warmer than Toulon in the spring. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Toulon fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Toulon. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sintra this time of the year. In the spring, Sintra often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Toulon. Sintra gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulon receives 245 hours of full sun.

Sintra usually gets more rain in April than Toulon. Sintra gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Typical Weather for Toulon and Sintra

Sintra Toulon
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 7°C (44°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Mar 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 10°C (50°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 13°C (56°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 21°C (69°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (74°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in) 20°C (69°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 16°C (61°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 11°C (51°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 7°C (45°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)