Which place is cheaper, Volterra 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 Volterra?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Sintra or Volterra? 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 Volterra?
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.
Volterra
Located in Tuscany, Volterra has an interesting history and impressive sights for travelers who want to see more of the Tuscan region than the popular city of Florence. The town was originally a Neolithic settlement and is believed to have been continuously inhabited since the end of the 8th century BC. It was a bishop's residence during the 5th century and then an episcopal power during the 12th century. It was later conquered by the Florentines but opposition to their rule led to much rebellion.
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.
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Sintra Prices
Portugal PricesVolterra Prices
Italy Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySintra €146Volterra €127
The average daily cost (per person) in Sintra is €146, while the average daily cost in Volterra is €127. 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 Volterra in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSintra €57Volterra €61
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSintra €114Volterra €122
Compare Hotels in Sintra and Volterra
Looking for a hotel in Sintra or Volterra? 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 Volterra Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sintra €21Volterra €4.29
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Sintra or Volterra?
Prices for flights to both Volterra 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 €73Volterra €62
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 Volterra
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Volterra.
- Dinner at the Farm: $79
- Romantic Dinner and Wine Tasting in San Gimignano Winery : $90
- Volterra - Olive oil tasting with lunch or dinner: $124
- Fresh Pasta Cooking Class at a Tuscan Farmhouse: $124
- Pizza Cooking Class in a tuscan farmhouse: $124
- Cooking class in San Gimignano: $144
- Tuscan cooking class with fresh pasta, lunch and wine: $144
- Tuscan Cooking Class: $149
- San Gimignano Romantic Dinner in the Vineyards : $149
- 5 hour cooking class with traditional food: $167
- Homemade Pasta Cooking Class: $167
- Taste Chianti: A Cooking Class with Scenic Hill Views: $178
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sintra €23Volterra €11
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 Volterra
Here are a few actual costs in Volterra for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- San Gimignano Walking Tour with Audioguide on Your Smartphone: $8.34
- Cesani Wine Experience: $36
- Winery Tour with Tastings and Panoramic Views: $41
- Winery Guided Tour and Experience with Tasting: $57
- San Gimignano: Guided winery tour and picnic in the olive trees: $60
- Private Wine, Evo Oil, Balsamic Vinegar Experience & Meal: $66
- Private Wine, Evo Oils & Balsamic Vinegar Experience with Meal: $66
- Cocktail Mixing Experience with finger food: $83
- Tuscany: Volterra Truffle Hunting Experience: $89
- Tuscan Lunch & Winery Tour with Tasting in San Gimignano: $94
- Chianti and Castle Small Group Tour from San Gimignano: $101
- Private Tour in San Gimignano: $167
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySintra €17Volterra €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
Sample the Local Flavors in Volterra
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Volterra:
- Wine Tasting "Santa Chiara": $30
- Wine tasting in San Gimignano: $36
- Wine Tasting in Historic Open-Lounge room: $42
- Casa Emma Wine Tasting : $42
- Visit Best Wineries in Tuscany - Wine Tasting & Tour: $47
- San Gimignano: Vineyard and Cellar Tour with Wine Tasting: $54
- Superior Wine Tasting in San Gimignano: $57
- Vineyard visit with local appetisers and wine tasting: $62
- Lunch with Wine Tasting: $66
- "Gourmet" Wine Tasting at Cesani's: $72
- 5 Wine Tastings in San Gimignano: $78
- Wine Tour with Lunch and Wine Tasting: $78
When comparing the travel costs between Sintra and Volterra, 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 Volterra Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sintra or Volterra?
Sintra has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Volterra. When comparing the sizes of Sintra and Volterra, 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 Volterra?
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 Volterra in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Sintra and Volterra. Also, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Volterra this time of year.
Sintra is around the same temperature as Volterra in the summer. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Volterra fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Volterra this time of the year. In Sintra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Volterra during summer. Sintra gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Volterra receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Sintra usually receives less rain than Volterra. Sintra gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySintra 23°C (73°F)Volterra 23°C (74°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Volterra in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Sintra as well as Volterra. Also, many travelers come to Volterra for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Sintra is a little warmer than Volterra. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sintra in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Volterra averages at about 16°C (61°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sintra this time of the year. In the autumn, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Volterra. Sintra gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Volterra receives 177 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Volterra. Sintra usually gets less rain in October than Volterra. Sintra gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSintra 19°C (66°F)Volterra 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Volterra in the Winter?
Both Volterra and Sintra are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Volterra in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Sintra is generally much warmer than Volterra. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 12°C (53°F), and Volterra fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).
Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Volterra during winter. Sintra gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Volterra receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.
It's quite rainy in Sintra. In January, Sintra usually receives more rain than Volterra. Sintra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySintra 12°C (53°F)Volterra 7°C (45°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Volterra in the Spring?
Both Volterra and Sintra during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Volterra for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.
Sintra is a little warmer than Volterra in the spring. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Volterra fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
It's quite sunny in Sintra. In the spring, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Volterra. Sintra gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Volterra receives 192 hours of full sun.
Sintra usually gets less rain in April than Volterra. Sintra gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSintra 16°C (60°F)Volterra 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Volterra and Sintra
| Sintra | Volterra | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (53°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (58°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (74°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 123 mm (4.8 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (59°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 124 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 85 mm (3.3 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.