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

Should you visit Bodrum or Sintra?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Bodrum and Sintra 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: Bodrum or Sintra?

Bodrum

Bodrum is a city on the Bodrum Peninsula, stretching from Turkey's southwest coast into the Aegean Sea. The city features twin bays with views of Bodrum Castle. This medieval fortress was built partly with stones from the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, completed in the 4th century B.C. The city is also a gateway for nearby beach towns and resorts. Although more than a million tourists flock to its beaches, boutique hotels, trendy restaurants, and clubs each summer, the town of Bodrum (ancient Halicarnassus) never seems to lose its cool. More than any other Turkish seaside getaway, it has an enigmatic elegance that pervades it. The evocative castle and the ancient ruins around town also help keep Bodrum a discerning step above the rest.

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 The Best Anzac Day Tours in Turkey, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Turkey, The Best Budget Tours to Portugal, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal.


Which place is cheaper, Sintra or Bodrum?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Bodrum is $92, while the average daily cost in Sintra is $124. 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 Bodrum and Sintra in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bodrum $48
    Sintra $61
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bodrum $96
    Sintra $122
Compare Hotels in Bodrum and Sintra

Looking for a hotel in Bodrum 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 Bodrum


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: Bodrum Hotel Prices and Sintra Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bodrum $24
    Sintra $22

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bodrum

Also for Bodrum, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Bodrum to Bodrum Milas Airport (BJV) - Departure Private Transfer: $19
  • İzmir Airport - Kuşadası / İzmir Center : Private Transfer: $24
  • Bodrum to Bodrum Milas Airport (BJV) - Departure Private Transfer: $25
  • Boat Cruise with Lunch and Optional Hotel Transfer: $27
  • From Ferry Transfer to Kos: $27
  • Turkish Bath and Spa Expereince with Hotel Transfers: $30
  • From Private Village Tour with Lunch and Transfers: $34
  • Bodrum Traditional Turkish Bath Experience With Hotel Transfer: $35
  • Independent Day Trip to Kos Island from Bodrum with Transfers: $36
  • Bodrum Milas Airport (BJV) to Bodrum Round-Trip Private Transfer: $37
  • From Kos: A day ride to Bodrum with comfortable transfer: $39
  • Bodrum Quad Safari Tour With Free Hotel Transfer By Locals: $40

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sintra

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sintra:

  • Algarve vs Lisbon: Private Transfer to/from Algarve /Lisbon: $513
  • Private transfer from Sintra to Porto with 2 hours for sightseeing: $289
  • Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(8pax): $109
  • Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(3pax): $98
  • Tours and Transfers: $89
  • Private Guided Transfer in Sintra and Lisbon: $87
  • Lisbon transfer, national and Iberian trips: $86
  • TRANSFER Cascais to Lisbon Airport: $82
  • Private Transfer Lisbon & Cascais by Van or Car: $73
  • Tuk Tuk Transfer With Sintra Pena Ticket From Meeting Point: $73
  • Transfer Sintra to Lisbon Airport: $71
  • Lisbon Airport: Cascais/Estoril/Sintra Private Transfer: $57

Is it cheaper to fly into Bodrum or Sintra?

Prices for flights to both Sintra and Bodrum 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
    Bodrum $24
    Sintra $45

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bodrum

For Bodrum, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Cooking Class in Authentic Etrim Village: $44
  • Christmas Dinner at Karnas Vineyards: $104
  • Farmers Market visit & Turkish Cooking Class: $125
  • Bodrum Market Visit and Cooking Class: $128
  • Bodrum Vineyard Tour with Dinner and Wine Pairing: $128
  • Food and Wine pairing Dinner at Karnas Vineyards Bodrum: $131
  • Bodrum Cooking Class: $174
  • Private Sunset Boat Tour in Bodrum With Dinner: $221
  • Shore Excursions - Istanbul by Night: Turkish Food Tour: $252
  • Private Vineyard Tour with Dinner Under the Stars in Karnas: $291
  • From Private Sunset Boat Tour with Dinner & Swimming: $320
  • Private Sunset Boat Tour with Dinner: $368

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.
    Bodrum $31
    Sintra $25

Tours and Activities in Bodrum

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Bodrum.

  • Muğla: Quick Tour, Essentials of Muğla: $6.00
  • Daily Boat Tour (Orak Island) around Bodrum and Black Island Coves : $19
  • Beaches and Islands Boat Tour with Lunch: $20
  • Orak Island Boat Tour with Swim Stops and Lunch: $24
  • Orakadasi Boat Tour From Bodrum (Maldives of Turkey) With Lunch: $25
  • Bodrum Black island Tour: $26
  • Bodrum Village Tour with Group: $26
  • Blue cruise around Bodrum bays: $28
  • Black Island Boat Tour with Lunch: $30
  • Turkish Bath Experience: $31
  • Boat Tour for Mein Schiff Cruise Passengers: $32
  • Half Day Guided Knidos Ancient City Tour: $35

Tours and Activities in Sintra

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

  • E-Bike Rental Self Guide Tour in Sintra and Cabo da Roca : $64
  • Half Day Private Wine and Traditional Tile Making Tour: $157
  • 1h sight seeing - Sintra Mountain Tour (price per car) - max 4persons: $119
  • 2 Hour Private Picnic and Photoshoot Experience in Lisbon area: $149
  • 2 Hours Romantic experience for two by sailboat in Cascais: $297
  • 2 hours Private Sailing Experience in Cascais: $297
  • 3 Hour Sintra Village and Beaches Tuktuk Tour: $125
  • 4 hour Private MTB Enduro Trail Tour in Sintra Mountain: $171
  • 4 hour Private MTB Enduro Trail Tour in Sintra Mountain: $153
  • 4x4 Tours in Portuguese Classic Jeeps (UMM) around Sintra: $153
  • Amazing Sintra tour: $91
  • Cascais Private Walking Tour with a Professional Guide: $260

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bodrum $14
    Sintra $19

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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bodrum and Sintra, we can see that Sintra is more expensive. And not only is Bodrum much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bodrum would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bodrum and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Sintra would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sintra than you might in Bodrum.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bodrum Expensive? and Is Sintra Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Bodrum or Sintra?

Bodrum has a larger population, and is about 50% larger than the population of Sintra. When comparing the sizes of Bodrum 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 Bodrum or Sintra?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Bodrum or Sintra in the Summer?

Both Sintra and Bodrum during the summer are popular places to visit.

In July, Bodrum is generally a little warmer than Sintra. Daily temperatures in Bodrum average around 27°C (81°F), and Sintra fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Bodrum usually gets less rain in July than Sintra. Bodrum gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Sintra receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Bodrum or Sintra in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bodrum and Sintra.

Bodrum is around the same temperature as Sintra in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bodrum averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Sintra fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In October, Bodrum usually receives less rain than Sintra. Bodrum gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Sintra receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Bodrum or Sintra in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Bodrum as well as Sintra.

In the winter, Bodrum is cooler than Sintra. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bodrum in January average around 10°C (50°F), and Sintra averages at about 12°C (53°F).

It's quite rainy in Sintra. Bodrum receives a lot of rain in the winter. Bodrum usually gets more rain in January than Sintra. Bodrum gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Sintra receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bodrum 10°C (50°F) 
    Sintra 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Bodrum or Sintra in the Spring?

Both Sintra and Bodrum are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

In April, Bodrum is generally around the same temperature as Sintra. Daily temperatures in Bodrum average around 15°C (59°F), and Sintra fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In April, Bodrum usually receives less rain than Sintra. Bodrum gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Sintra receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bodrum 15°C (59°F) 
    Sintra 16°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Sintra and Bodrum

Bodrum Sintra
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (50°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 103 mm (4.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Mar 12°C (53°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Jun 24°C (75°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 14°C (58°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)