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

Should you visit Barcelona or Sintra-Cascais National Park?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Barcelona and Sintra-Cascais National Park can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

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

Barcelona

Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain with a population of over 1.5 million people. It's also the capital of Catalonia and is located on the northeastern part of the Mediterranean coast. Barcelona is one of the country's most popular travel destinations because of its rich history, interesting architecture, and vibrant culture. Barcelona hosted the 1992 Summer Olympic games and that had a strong influence over tourism in the area. Many different neighborhoods were renovated and rebuilt. Modern design became the norm in many parts of the city, although there is still an old city feel and many efforts at preservation.

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 Contiki Tours to Spain, The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Portugal, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Portugal.


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

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Barcelona is €156, 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 Barcelona and Sintra-Cascais National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Barcelona 96
    Sintra-Cascais National Park 63
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Barcelona 192
    Sintra-Cascais National Park 126
Compare Hotels in Barcelona and Sintra-Cascais National Park

Looking for a hotel in Barcelona 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 Barcelona


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

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Barcelona 19
    Sintra-Cascais National Park 61
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Barcelona

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Barcelona are as follows:


  • 10 Trip Metro Ticket
    7.80
  • Airport Bus
    5.00
  • Metro
    2.10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Barcelona

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Barcelona:

  • One-Way Shared Transfer to/from Airport and City: $9.84
  • Roca Village Shopping Mall Transfers: $13
  • Private Transfer from Barcelona Airport to Barcelona Center Port : $17
  • Transfer departure Shuttle Barcelona City to Barcelona Port: $18
  • Barcelona Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) Private Transfer: $25
  • Transfer arrival Shuttle Barcelona Airport to La Pineda: $27
  • Transfer to Montserrat Monastery from Barcelona: $27
  • Taxi - Cab - Private transfer from Barcelona City Centre to Barcelona airport: $28
  • Barcelona Private Airport Arrival Transfer to City Cente: $29
  • Private Transfer: El-Prat Airport (BCN) to Barcelona City Center: $31
  • Book Barcelona City to Cruise Port Private Transfer: $31
  • Barcelona Airport Departure Transfers: $31

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

Prices for flights to both Sintra-Cascais National Park and Barcelona 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
    Barcelona 33
    Sintra-Cascais National Park 41
Typical Food Prices in Barcelona

Some typical examples of dining costs in Barcelona are as follows:


  • Hot Cocoa & Churro
    4.15
  • Sandwich
    1.70
  • Baguette & Horchata
    3.80
  • Tapas on the beach
    8.28
  • Gelatto
    2.50

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Barcelona

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

  • Barcelona Street Food Tour with Local Market & City Center Visit: $21
  • Barcelona Guided Street Food Tour and Gothic Quarter Visit: $21
  • Flamenco at El Patio Andaluz with Optional Dinner: $27
  • Walking Tour + Flamenco + Tapas Dinner (choose options): $27
  • Hard Rock Cafe Barcelona with Set Lunch or Dinner: $30
  • La Barceloneta: Tapas Food Tour: $37
  • Barcelona La Barceloneta Tapas Food Tour: $38
  • Barcelona Street Food Tour: Local Market & Gothic Quarter with Expert Guide: $43
  • Boqueria Market & Barrio Gotico Street Food Tour: $56
  • Wine Tasting and Tapas 5-Course Pairing Dinner: $59
  • Paella Cooking Experience & Wine: $59
  • Paella Cooking Experience and Wine in Barcelona: $60

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Barcelona 33
    Sintra-Cascais National Park 27
Typical Entertainment Prices in Barcelona

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Barcelona are as follows:


  • Picasso Walking Tour and Museum Pass
    42
  • Souvenir Gaudi Book
    8.55
  • Admission to Museo Picasso
    6.00

Tours and Activities in Barcelona

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

  • Self-Guided Tours 150+ Captivating Audio Stories: $2.14
  • History & Legends Comedy Tour: Barcelona Gothic Quarter: $2.94
  • Gaudí Free Tour in English: $3.21
  • Barcelona Free Tour: Gaudi Highlights and La Sagrada Famila: $3.21
  • Alternative Free Tour of the Raval: $3.21
  • Gothic Quarter Free Walking Tour in English: $3.21
  • Gaudí Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Sagrada Familia Comedy Tour: $3.26
  • Barcelona Gothic Quarter: History&Legends Comedy Tour: $3.26
  • Self-Guided Tours 150+ Captivating Audio Stories: $3.26
  • Barcelona Gaudi and Sagrada Familia Tour: $3.27
  • Sagrada Familia Exterior Free Tour: Stories, Secrets & Symbolism: $3.27

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Barcelona 17
    Sintra-Cascais National Park 13

Sample the Local Flavors in Barcelona

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Barcelona:

  • Barcelona Pub Crawl by King - Bar & Nightclub Hopping Tour: $14
  • Barcelona Pub Crawl by KING - Nightlife Party Experience: $16
  • Estrella Damm Brewery Guided Tour with Tasting: $16
  • Night Pub Crawl Tour in Barcelona: $16
  • Barcelona Bar Crawl: 4+ Venues, Free shots, Free Club Entry: $19
  • Estrella Damm Old Brewery Tour with Tasting: $21
  • Estrella Damm Old Brewery Barcelona Guided Tour with Beer Tasting: $22
  • Nightlife Tour - Barcelona Bar Crawl with Flamingos: $23
  • Barcelona Bar Crawl: $26
  • Barcelona Weekend Pub Crawl with 1.5 hour open bar@Hostel: $27
  • Catalan Nightlife Pub Crawl Tour & VIP Club Entry: $29
  • Barcelona Art & Wine Tour: $31


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



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

Both Sintra-Cascais National Park and Barcelona are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Barcelona in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Barcelona is around the same temperature as Sintra-Cascais National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Barcelona averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Sintra-Cascais National Park fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Sintra-Cascais National Park. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Barcelona. Barcelona usually receives less sunshine than Sintra-Cascais National Park during summer. Barcelona gets 308 hours of sunny skies, while Sintra-Cascais National Park receives 352 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Barcelona usually receives more rain than Sintra-Cascais National Park. Barcelona gets 22 mm (0.9 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
    Barcelona 23°C (73°F) 
    Sintra-Cascais National Park 23°C (73°F)

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

Both Sintra-Cascais National Park and Barcelona during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Barcelona for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Barcelona is around the same temperature as Sintra-Cascais National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Barcelona in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Sintra-Cascais National Park averages at about 19°C (66°F).

In Sintra-Cascais National Park, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Barcelona often gets less sunshine than Sintra-Cascais National Park. Barcelona gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sintra-Cascais National Park receives 213 hours of full sun.

Barcelona usually gets more rain in October than Sintra-Cascais National Park. Barcelona gets 94 mm (3.7 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
    Barcelona 17°C (63°F) 
    Sintra-Cascais National Park 19°C (66°F)

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Barcelona and Sintra-Cascais National Park. The winter months attract visitors to Barcelona because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Barcelona is generally cooler than Sintra-Cascais National Park. Daily temperatures in Barcelona average around 9°C (48°F), and Sintra-Cascais National Park fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Barcelona usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sintra-Cascais National Park during winter. Barcelona gets 146 hours of sunny skies, while Sintra-Cascais National Park receives 144 hours of full sun in the winter.

Sintra-Cascais National Park receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Barcelona usually receives less rain than Sintra-Cascais National Park. Barcelona gets 44 mm (1.7 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
    Barcelona 9°C (48°F) 
    Sintra-Cascais National Park 12°C (53°F)

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

The spring brings many poeple to Barcelona as well as Sintra-Cascais National Park. The beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Barcelona this time of year.

Barcelona is cooler than Sintra-Cascais National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Barcelona averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Sintra-Cascais National Park fluctuates around 16°C (60°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 Barcelona this time of the year. In the spring, Barcelona often gets less sunshine than Sintra-Cascais National Park. Barcelona gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sintra-Cascais National Park receives 235 hours of full sun.

Barcelona usually gets less rain in April than Sintra-Cascais National Park. Barcelona gets 51 mm (2 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
    Barcelona 13°C (55°F) 
    Sintra-Cascais National Park 16°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Sintra-Cascais National Park and Barcelona

Barcelona Sintra-Cascais National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Mar 11°C (52°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 51 mm (2 in) 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
May 16°C (61°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Jun 20°C (67°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Sep 21°C (70°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Oct 17°C (63°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 13°C (55°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Dec 10°C (49°F) 50 mm (2 in) 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)