A Travel Price Comparison for Portugal Albufeira vs. Sintra-Cascais National Park for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Albufeira or Sintra-Cascais National Park?

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

Should I visit Albufeira or Sintra-Cascais National Park? 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: Albufeira or Sintra-Cascais National Park?

Albufeira

Located in the Algarve region in the south of Portugal, Albufeira was once a small fishing village which has since evolved into a popular destination for tourists attracted by the area's beaches, pleasant climate, and fresh seafood.

Sintra-Cascais National Park

The Sintra-Cascais Natural Park is located on the west coast of Portugal and is often called the place where "the land ends and the sea begins". The UNESCO listed park is famous for being home to Cabo da Roca, a seaside cliff that is actually the westernmost part of Europe. Sintra-Cascais is interesting due to their large diversity in landscape which includes sand dunes, lakes, forests, and ocean cliffs.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Portugal, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Portugal, The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal.


Which place is cheaper, Sintra-Cascais National Park or Albufeira?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Albufeira is €148, while the average daily cost in Sintra-Cascais National Park is €142. 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 Albufeira and Sintra-Cascais National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Albufeira 74
    Sintra-Cascais National Park 63
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Albufeira 148
    Sintra-Cascais National Park 126
Compare Hotels in Albufeira and Sintra-Cascais National Park

Looking for a hotel in Albufeira or Sintra-Cascais National Park? 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 Albufeira


Hotels in Sintra-Cascais National Park


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: Albufeira Hotel Prices and Sintra-Cascais National Park Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Albufeira 34
    Sintra-Cascais National Park 61

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Albufeira

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Albufeira:

  • Faro Airport Private Transfer - Albufeira (Departure): $27
  • Transfer Vilamoura - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $29
  • Car or Van Transfer from Vilamoura Area to Faro Airport FAO: $29
  • Private Transfer from Résidence Pierre Vilamoura to Faro (FAO) Airport: $37
  • Transfer Quarteira - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $41
  • Transfer Alcantarilha - Boavista Golf (Lagos): $43
  • Stork Transfers - Private Transfer From Albufeira to Faro Airport (up to 4 pax): $45
  • Transfer Tavira - Benamor Golf (Conceição): $46
  • Private Transfer from Apartamentos Pescadores (Albufeira) to Faro (FAO) Airport: $47
  • Private Transfer from Vilas Guerreiro (Olhos de Água) to Faro (FAO) Airport: $47
  • Private Transfer from Villa Guerreiro (Albufeira) to Faro (FAO) Airport: $47
  • Private Transfer from Olhos de Água to Faro (FAO) Airport: $47

Is it cheaper to fly into Albufeira or Sintra-Cascais National Park?

Prices for flights to both Sintra-Cascais National Park and Albufeira 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
    Albufeira 48
    Sintra-Cascais National Park 41

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Albufeira

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

  • A Portuguese Dinner and Cocktail Experience with pick up: $49
  • Portuguese Dinner and Cocktail Experience with Pick up: $52
  • Dinner at the Vineyards in Lagoa: $60
  • Algarve Bike and Food Tour with Sea Food and Wine Tasting: $61
  • Sunset Safari with Traditional Dinner : $65
  • 6-Hour Sunset Dinner Catamaran Cruise from Albufeira: $74
  • Sunset Tour - Champagne and Traditional Dinner: $75
  • Half-Day-Orange Picking &Jam Cooking/Lunch with the Orange Farmer: $109

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Albufeira 39
    Sintra-Cascais National Park 27

Tours and Activities in Albufeira

Here are a few actual costs in Albufeira for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • From Portugal eSIM Tourist Data Plan: $4.79
  • Castro Verde Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.87
  • Old Town History Walking Tour: $20
  • Quarteira Town & Gypsy Market Tour with Beach Bliss: $21
  • Authentic Algarve: Loulé Town Tour and Markets: $21
  • Albufeira Old Town: In-App Adventure Hunt: $21
  • Albufeira The Strip: In-App Adventure Hunt: $21
  • Private Tuk-Tuk Tour of Albufeira: $22
  • Benagil Coastline Tour - Allboat: $30
  • Benagil Caves Boat Cruise: $32
  • Caves and Dolphin Watching Cruise from Albufeira: $32
  • From Algarve Coastline Sunset Cruise: $32

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Albufeira 26
    Sintra-Cascais National Park 13

Sample the Local Flavors in Albufeira

Also in Albufeira, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • 3 Hours Pub Crawl in Albufeira with Professional Party Makers: $32
  • Sunset Wine Tasting With BBQ in Porches: $49
  • Exclusive Wine Tasting Experience in Porches (Algarve): $49
  • Porches Algarve Vineyard Tour and Wine Tasting Experience: $53
  • Half Day Safari Tour with Wine Tasting: $58
  • Winery Tour with Wine Tasting and Tapas: $63
  • Small-Group Wine Tour & Silves Exploration (from Albufeira): $67
  • Wine Tour and Tasting - Semi-Private from Albufeira: $71
  • Albufeira Coast Tour w/ Wine tasting & Chicken lunch: $74
  • Albufeira Coast Tour with Wine Tasting and Chicken PiriPiri Lunch: $75
  • From Private Lagos Tour Whith Wine Tasting: $92
  • Lagos and Ponta Da Piedade Private Tour & Algarvian Wine Tasting: $106


When comparing the travel costs between Albufeira and Sintra-Cascais National Park, we can see that Albufeira 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 Albufeira Expensive? and Is Sintra-Cascais National Park Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Albufeira or Sintra-Cascais National Park?

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 Albufeira or Sintra-Cascais National Park in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Albufeira and Sintra-Cascais National Park. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Albufeira this time of year.

In July, Albufeira is generally around the same temperature as Sintra-Cascais National Park. Daily temperatures in Albufeira average around 25°C (78°F), and Sintra-Cascais National Park fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In July, Albufeira usually receives less rain than Sintra-Cascais National Park. Albufeira gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Sintra-Cascais National Park receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Albufeira 25°C (78°F) 
    Sintra-Cascais National Park 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Albufeira or Sintra-Cascais National Park in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Albufeira as well as Sintra-Cascais National Park. Many travelers come to Albufeira for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Albufeira is around the same temperature as Sintra-Cascais National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Albufeira averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Sintra-Cascais National Park fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

Albufeira usually gets less rain in October than Sintra-Cascais National Park. Albufeira gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Sintra-Cascais National Park receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Albufeira 19°C (67°F) 
    Sintra-Cascais National Park 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Albufeira or Sintra-Cascais National Park in the Winter?

Both Sintra-Cascais National Park and Albufeira are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Albufeira in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In the winter, Albufeira is around the same temperature as Sintra-Cascais National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Albufeira in January average around 11°C (52°F), and Sintra-Cascais National Park averages at about 12°C (53°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sintra-Cascais National Park. In January, Albufeira usually receives less rain than Sintra-Cascais National Park. Albufeira gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Sintra-Cascais National Park receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Albufeira 11°C (52°F) 
    Sintra-Cascais National Park 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Albufeira or Sintra-Cascais National Park in the Spring?

Both Sintra-Cascais National Park and Albufeira during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Albufeira for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Albufeira is generally around the same temperature as Sintra-Cascais National Park. Daily temperatures in Albufeira average around 15°C (60°F), and Sintra-Cascais National Park fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Albufeira usually gets less rain in April than Sintra-Cascais National Park. Albufeira gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Sintra-Cascais National Park receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Albufeira 15°C (60°F) 
    Sintra-Cascais National Park 16°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Sintra-Cascais National Park and Albufeira

Albufeira Sintra-Cascais National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 11°C (52°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Feb 12°C (54°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Mar 14°C (56°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 15°C (60°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
May 19°C (65°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 25°C (78°F) 1 mm (0 in) 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Aug 26°C (78°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 15°C (58°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)


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