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

Should you visit Arachova or Sintra?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Arachova or Sintra, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Arachova or Sintra?

Arachova

A mountain town in the western part of Boeotia, Greece, Arachova has become a popular tourist destination for its traditions, proximity to Delphi, and its location in the mountains. The panoramic views of the valley, picturesque cobblestone streets, signature bell tower, and mazes of curious architecture all add to the allure of the place. Local customs are celebrated annually in honor of the patron Saint George on April 23rd.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Greece, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Greece, The Best Budget Tours to Portugal, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal.


Which place is cheaper, Sintra or Arachova?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Arachova is €112, while the average daily cost in Sintra is €115. 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 Arachova and Sintra in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Arachova 50
    Sintra 57
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Arachova 100
    Sintra 114
Compare Hotels in Arachova and Sintra

Looking for a hotel in Arachova or Sintra? 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 Arachova


Hotels in Sintra


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Arachova 51
    Sintra 21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sintra

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sintra:

  • Algarve vs Lisbon: Private Transfer to/from Algarve /Lisbon: $513
  • Estoril, Cascais or Sintra Private Transfer to Lisbon: $27
  • Lisbon Airport Transfer to Cascais / Sintra / Estoril: $51
  • Lisbon Airport: Cascais/Estoril/Sintra Private Transfer: $57
  • Lisbon transfer, national and Iberian trips: $86
  • Private Guided Transfer in Sintra and Lisbon: $87
  • Private Transfer Lisbon & Cascais by Van or Car: $73
  • Private transfer from Sintra to Porto with 2 hours for sightseeing: $289
  • TRANSFER Cascais to Lisbon Airport: $82
  • Tours and Transfers: $89
  • Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(3pax): $98
  • Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(8pax): $109

Is it cheaper to fly into Arachova or Sintra?

Prices for flights to both Sintra and Arachova 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
    Arachova 29
    Sintra 42

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sintra

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

  • Private Portuguese Cooking Lesson and Meal with a Lisbon Local: $220

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Arachova 28
    Sintra 23

Tours and Activities in Sintra

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

  • Discover Enchanted A Fairy-Tale Free Tour: $1.28
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $3.74
  • Sintra Myths and Legends Interpretative Center Entry Ticket: $4.28
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Pena Palace In-app Audio Tour (WITHOUT A TICKET): $7.44
  • Sintra Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.65
  • Monserrate Palace and Park Skip-the-Line Ticket: $13
  • Sintra Sightseeing Train Tour: $13
  • National Palace of Sintra and Gardens Fast Track Ticket: $14
  • National Sintra Palace Ticket & Optional Audio Guide: $16
  • Hop-on Hop-off Tour in Sintra: $16
  • Castle of the Moors E-Ticket & Optional Audio Guide: $18

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Arachova 6.43
    Sintra 17

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: $60
  • Hiking and Wine Tasting Experience: $71
  • Half Day in Sintra and Cabo da Roca with Wine Tasting: $82
  • Wine Tasting Tour: $82
  • Private tour wine tasting in Setubal: $96
  • Excursion from Lisbon to Setúbal: Nature, Beach and Wine Tasting: $125
  • Private Tour Sétubal, Palmela, Arrábida with wine tasting: $175
  • Hidden Gems: Sintra & Cascais Private Tour with Wine Tasting: $181
  • From Lisbon Private Tour to Porto with Port Wine Tasting: $235


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


Which is Bigger, Arachova or Sintra?

Sintra has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Arachova. When comparing the sizes of Arachova and Sintra, 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 Arachova or Sintra?

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 Arachova or Sintra in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Arachova and Sintra. Many visitors come to Arachova in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Arachova is a little warmer than Sintra in the summer. The daily temperature in Arachova averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Sintra fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sintra this time of the year. In Arachova, it's very sunny this time of the year. Arachova usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sintra during summer. Arachova gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Sintra receives 352 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Arachova usually receives more rain than Sintra. Arachova gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Sintra receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Arachova 27°C (81°F) 
    Sintra 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Arachova or Sintra in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Arachova as well as Sintra. Most visitors come to Arachova for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere during these months.

In the autumn, Arachova is around the same temperature as Sintra. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Arachova in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Sintra averages at about 19°C (66°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sintra. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Arachova this time of the year. In the autumn, Arachova often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sintra. Arachova gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sintra receives 213 hours of full sun.

Arachova usually gets less rain in October than Sintra. Arachova gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Sintra receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Arachova 19°C (67°F) 
    Sintra 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Arachova or Sintra in the Winter?

Both Sintra and Arachova are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Arachova because of the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Arachova is generally cooler than Sintra. Daily temperatures in Arachova average around 10°C (51°F), and Sintra fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Arachova usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sintra during winter. Arachova gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Sintra receives 144 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sintra. In January, Arachova usually receives less rain than Sintra. Arachova gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Sintra receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Arachova 10°C (51°F) 
    Sintra 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Arachova or Sintra in the Spring?

Both Sintra and Arachova during the spring are popular places to visit. The small town charm are the main draw to Arachova this time of year.

Arachova is around the same temperature as Sintra in the spring. The daily temperature in Arachova averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Sintra fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In Sintra, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Arachova. In the spring, Arachova often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sintra. Arachova gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sintra receives 235 hours of full sun.

Arachova usually gets less rain in April than Sintra. Arachova gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Sintra receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Arachova 16°C (60°F) 
    Sintra 16°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Sintra and Arachova

Arachova Sintra
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)