Which place is cheaper, Valencia or Sintra?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Sintra or Valencia?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Sintra or Valencia? 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 Valencia?
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.
Valencia
Valencia is a port city that sits on Spain's southeastern Orange Blossom coast, where the Turia River meets the Mediterranean Sea. As the nation's third-largest city, it is continually innovative in the arts and sciences with some futuristic architecture including a planetarium, oceanarium, and an interactive museum. The nightlife and daytime culture both thrive in their own ways, bustling with limitless opportunities for sight-seeing and entertainment. While the city is surrounded by fertile farmland, its center is a modern metropolis, skirted by beautiful beaches.
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 from Madrid, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona.
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Sintra Prices
Portugal PricesValencia Prices
Spain Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySintra €146Valencia €153
The average daily cost (per person) in Sintra is €146, while the average daily cost in Valencia is €153. 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 Valencia in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSintra €57Valencia €58
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSintra €114Valencia €116
Compare Hotels in Sintra and Valencia
Looking for a hotel in Sintra or Valencia? 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 Valencia Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sintra €21Valencia €18
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sintra
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sintra:
- Ericeira Private Transfer to/from Lisbon: $66
- Estoril, Cascais or Sintra Private Transfer to Lisbon: $30
- Lisbon: Private Transfer to Sintra: $47
- Private San Francisco Transfer: $232
- Private Transfer From Lisbon Airport to/from Cascais: $84
- Private Transfer To & From Lisbon: $35
- 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 Faro Algarve: $299
- Transfer From Lisboa To Portimão Algarve: $299
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Valencia
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Valencia:
- Arrival Transfer Valencia Airport VLC to Valencia City by Sedan: $40
- Barcelona to Montserrat Monastery: Tour, Transfers & Basilica: $45
- Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Valencia HTL-APT (VLC): $48
- Valencia Airport (VLC) to Valencia Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer : $57
- Private Transfer from Valencia Cruise Port to Valencia hotels: $57
- Private Transfer from Valencia Hotels to Valencia Cruise Port: $57
- Private arrival OR departure transfer in Valencia (hotel OR airport pick-up): $78
- Private Transfer: Valencia to VLC Airport in Business Car: $88
- Private Transfer: VLC Airport to Valencia in Business Car: $94
- Valencia City, Airport, Cruise Terminal Private Transfer: $96
- Private Transfer: Valencia Airport VLC to Valencia in Luxury Van: $99
- Private Transfer: Valencia to Valencia Airport VLC in Luxury Van: $99
Is it cheaper to fly into Sintra or Valencia?
Prices for flights to both Valencia 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
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Food Meals for one daySintra €73Valencia €70
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 Valencia
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Valencia.
- Make Valencian 'Pizza' in Ruzafa: $72
- Authentic Paella Dinner in Valencia : $73
- Valencian paella cooking class, tapas and visit to Ruzafa market.: $76
- Valencian Paella Cooking Class, Tapas & Sangria - Evening : $76
- Valencia Evening Cruise with Dinner and Drinks: $77
- Paella Cooking Class, Wine Tasting & Central Market in Valencia: $78
- Valencia Morning Food Tour with Central Market by Food Lover Tour: $78
- Seafood paella cooking class, tapas and visit to Ruzafa market.: $82
- Valencia Food Tour: Tapas, Drinks and Delights with a Local: $102
- Any Day is Sunday: Paella Cooking Class with Tapas and Sangria: $117
- Tapas Dinner and Flamenco Show in Valencia: $117
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sintra €23Valencia €29
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Valencia
Here are a few typical costs in Valencia for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Flamenco Tour€16
Tours and Activities in Valencia
Here are a few actual costs in Valencia for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Self Guided Tour in Valencia with 100 Captivating Audio Stories: $3.57
- Valencia El Cabañal Secrets: Exploration Game and Tour: $5.96
- Valencia Exploration Game and City Tour on your Phone: $8.35
- In Love with A Self-Guided Tour of its Landmarks: $9.99
- 2 Hours Self Guided Audio Tour in Valencia: $12
- Between Two Gates: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in Valencia: $12
- Valencia Uncovered GPS App Walking Tour Mobile Game: $14
- Valencia City Highlights in Guided Bike or E-Bike Tour: $18
- Essential Walking Tour of Valencia: $18
- Valencia Family Tour Guided tour in Italian: $18
- Valencia Guided City Tour: $18
- Guided walking tour of the city of Valencia : $18
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySintra €17Valencia €20
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 Valencia
Also in Valencia, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Gourmet Tapas and Wine Tour in Valencia: $54
- Wine tasting tour : $115
- Small Group - Half-Day Wine Tour: $117
- Cheese Factory Workshop with Wine Tasting in Requena, Valencia: $118
- Two wineries tour with wine tasting : $137
- Horseback riding and wine tour (private tour): $179
When comparing the travel costs between Sintra and Valencia, we can see that Valencia 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 Valencia Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sintra or Valencia?
Valencia has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Sintra. When comparing the sizes of Sintra and Valencia, 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 Valencia?
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 Valencia in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Sintra and Valencia. Also, many visitors come to Valencia in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Sintra is around the same temperature as Valencia. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sintra in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Valencia averages at about 25°C (76°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Valencia this time of the year. In Sintra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Valencia during summer. Sintra gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Valencia receives 303 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Sintra usually receives less rain than Valencia. Sintra gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Valencia receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySintra 23°C (73°F)Valencia 25°C (76°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Valencia in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Sintra as well as Valencia. Also, most visitors come to Valencia for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In October, Sintra is generally around the same temperature as Valencia. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 19°C (66°F), and Valencia fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sintra this time of the year. In the autumn, Sintra often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Valencia. Sintra gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valencia receives 198 hours of full sun.
Sintra usually gets less rain in October than Valencia. Sintra gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Valencia receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSintra 19°C (66°F)Valencia 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Valencia in the Winter?
Both Valencia and Sintra are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Valencia because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Sintra is around the same temperature as Valencia in the winter. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 12°C (53°F) in January, and Valencia fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
Sintra usually receives less sunshine than Valencia during winter. Sintra gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Valencia receives 162 hours of full sun in the winter.
It's quite rainy in Sintra. In January, Sintra usually receives more rain than Valencia. Sintra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Valencia receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySintra 12°C (53°F)Valencia 12°C (53°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Valencia in the Spring?
Both Valencia and Sintra during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Valencia this time of year.
In the spring, Sintra is around the same temperature as Valencia. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sintra in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Valencia averages at about 15°C (60°F).
In Valencia, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Sintra. In the spring, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Valencia. Sintra gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valencia receives 213 hours of full sun.
Sintra usually gets more rain in April than Valencia. Sintra gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Valencia receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSintra 16°C (60°F)Valencia 15°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Valencia and Sintra
| Sintra | Valencia | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (53°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (58°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (74°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (59°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 45 mm (1.8 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.