A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Alicante vs. Sintra-Cascais National Park for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Alicante or Sintra-Cascais National Park?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Alicante and Sintra-Cascais National Park can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Alicante or Sintra-Cascais National Park?

Alicante

Alicante is a gorgeous coastal city in the Costa Blanca region, on the east coast of Spain. The region is famous for its white sandy beaches, the party-haven of Benidorm and the stunning palm tree-lined boulevard in the city of Alicante. I have been visiting Alicante for close to 20 years, so, it has become almost a second home to me. Here are my top tips to have the best vacation in Alicante.

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 3-Week Tours in Spain, The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Portugal, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Portugal.


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

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Alicante is €127, 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 Alicante and Sintra-Cascais National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Alicante 42
    Sintra-Cascais National Park 63
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Alicante 84
    Sintra-Cascais National Park 126
Compare Hotels in Alicante and Sintra-Cascais National Park

Looking for a hotel in Alicante 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 Alicante


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

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alicante

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Alicante:

  • Alicante Airport(ALC) to Alicante City: Arrival Private Transfer: $33
  • Alicante to Alicante Airport (ALC)- Departure Private Transfer: $33
  • Private Transfer - Alicante Cruise Port to Alicante Airport (ALC): $39
  • Private Transfer - Alicante Airport (ALC) to Alicante Cruise Port: $39
  • Private Transfer: Alicante Airport (ALC) to Alicante: $47
  • Roundtrip Transfer Airport-Hotel in Alicante cars of up to 8 passengers: $55
  • Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to Monforte del Cid: $55
  • Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to Gran Alacant: $63
  • Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to San Vicente del Raspeig: $63
  • Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to Arenales del Sol: $63
  • Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to El Plantio Golf Resort: $63
  • Private Transfer from El Plantio Golf Resort to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $63

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

Prices for flights to both Sintra-Cascais National Park and Alicante 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
    Alicante 72
    Sintra-Cascais National Park 41

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Alicante

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

  • Secret Flavors Food Tour: $31
  • Paella and Sangria Cooking Workshop: $60
  • Paella and Sangría Cooking Workshop: $64
  • Central Market Guided Food Tour with Tapas Bars: $70
  • Alicante Food Tour: $71
  • Fuse Spanish With Italian For Dinner In Mutxamel: $89
  • Alicante PRIVATE Food Tour With Locals: 10 Food & Drink Tastings Included: $136
  • Cooking Class with Private Chef and Local Wine: $176
  • Alicante cooking class with a private chef: $180

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Alicante 53
    Sintra-Cascais National Park 27
Typical Entertainment Prices in Alicante

Here are a few typical costs in Alicante for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Food and Tapas Tour (for 2)
    54
  • Catamaran Cruise (for 2)
    67
  • Wine Tasting Tour (for 2)
    120
  • Walking Tour (for 2)
    60

Tours and Activities in Alicante

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

  • Tour of Alicante Bullring & Bullfighting Museum with Audioguide: $9.81
  • Tour de historias y leyendas del Castillo de Santa Bárbara: $13
  • Alicante Discovery Tour from Benidorm: $28
  • Seven Secrets of Alicante Discovery Tour: $31
  • Alicante Historic Small Group Tour with Tapas Tasting: $32
  • Alicante Food and Tapas Tour with a Local Guide : $32
  • City. Discover Alicante by E-Bike & walking tour: $32
  • Calas and Beaches E-Bike Tour with Snorkeling: $32
  • City and Beach Bike Tour: $32
  • Alicante City & Beach Bike Tour : $33
  • 2-Hour Late Afternoon Catamaran Cruise: $34
  • Highlights Bike Tour: $34

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Alicante

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

  • Santa Bárbara Castle Wine Tasting with Cold Cuts: $28
  • Vineyards of Wine Tasting Tour: $73
  • Alicante Wine Tour with Wine Tasting : $74
  • Private Tour of Vinalopó Castles and Wine Tasting: $82
  • Food Walking Tour with Wine Tasting and Tapas: $144
  • Alicante Wine Tasting and Tapas for Foodies: $147
  • Total Alicante walking tour, tapas and wine tasting: $267


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



When is the best time to visit Alicante 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 Alicante or Sintra-Cascais National Park in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Alicante and Sintra-Cascais National Park. The summer months attract visitors to Alicante because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Alicante is generally around the same temperature as Sintra-Cascais National Park. Daily temperatures in Alicante average around 25°C (77°F), and Sintra-Cascais National Park fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sintra-Cascais National Park this time of the year. In Alicante, it's very sunny this time of the year. Alicante usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sintra-Cascais National Park during summer. Alicante gets 341 hours of sunny skies, while Sintra-Cascais National Park receives 352 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Alicante usually receives less rain than Sintra-Cascais National Park. Alicante gets 4 mm (0.2 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
    Alicante 25°C (77°F) 
    Sintra-Cascais National Park 23°C (73°F)

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Alicante as well as Sintra-Cascais National Park. The shopping scene are the main draw to Alicante this time of year.

Alicante is around the same temperature as Sintra-Cascais National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Alicante averages around 20°C (68°F) in October, and Sintra-Cascais National Park fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sintra-Cascais National Park. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Alicante this time of the year. In the autumn, Alicante often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sintra-Cascais National Park. Alicante gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sintra-Cascais National Park receives 213 hours of full sun.

Alicante usually gets less rain in October than Sintra-Cascais National Park. Alicante gets 66 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
    Alicante 20°C (68°F) 
    Sintra-Cascais National Park 19°C (66°F)

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

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

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

Alicante usually receives more sunshine than Sintra-Cascais National Park during winter. Alicante gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Sintra-Cascais National Park receives 144 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sintra-Cascais National Park. In January, Alicante usually receives less rain than Sintra-Cascais National Park. Alicante gets 20 mm (0.8 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
    Alicante 11°C (52°F) 
    Sintra-Cascais National Park 12°C (53°F)

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

Both Sintra-Cascais National Park and Alicante during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Alicante in the spring for the beaches.

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

In Sintra-Cascais National Park, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Alicante. In the spring, Alicante often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sintra-Cascais National Park. Alicante gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sintra-Cascais National Park receives 235 hours of full sun.

Alicante usually gets less rain in April than Sintra-Cascais National Park. Alicante gets 34 mm (1.3 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
    Alicante 16°C (60°F) 
    Sintra-Cascais National Park 16°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Sintra-Cascais National Park and Alicante

Alicante Sintra-Cascais National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 11°C (52°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Mar 14°C (57°F) 25 mm (1 in) 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Aug 26°C (78°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Oct 20°C (68°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)


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