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

Should you visit Cape Sounion or Sintra?

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

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Sintra? 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: Cape Sounion or Sintra?

Cape Sounion

Cape Sounion encompasses the southernmost tip of the Attica peninsula of Greece with views of the sea wherever you go. The land of the mythological god Poseidon, Sounion's striking promontory houses his temple that still stands today. It overlooks the Aegean Sea, which was named for King Aegeus of Athens. Aegeus had leapt off of these very cliffs thinking his son Theseus had been killed by the Minotaur of Crete. The promontory and temple are very significant to Greek mythology and history, and was even referenced in Homer's poem, the Odyssey.

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 Coach Bus Tours in Greece, The Best Adventure Tours to Greece, The Best Budget Tours to Portugal, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal.


Which place is cheaper, Sintra or Cape Sounion?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Cape Sounion is €158, 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 Cape Sounion and Sintra in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cape Sounion 99
    Sintra 57
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cape Sounion 198
    Sintra 114
Compare Hotels in Cape Sounion and Sintra

Looking for a hotel in Cape Sounion 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 Cape Sounion


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.
    Cape Sounion 26
    Sintra 21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sintra

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sintra:

  • Tuk Tuk Transfer With Sintra Pena Ticket From Meeting Point: $73
  • Transfer from Lisbon Airport to Sintra: $53
  • Transfer Sintra to Lisbon Airport: $71
  • Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(8pax): $109
  • Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(3pax): $98
  • Tours and Transfers: $89
  • TRANSFER Cascais to Lisbon Airport: $82
  • Private transfer from Sintra to Porto with 2 hours for sightseeing: $289
  • Private Transfer Lisbon & Cascais by Van or Car: $73
  • Private Guided Transfer in Sintra and Lisbon: $87
  • Lisbon transfer, national and Iberian trips: $86
  • Lisbon Airport: Cascais/Estoril/Sintra Private Transfer: $57

Is it cheaper to fly into Cape Sounion or Sintra?

Prices for flights to both Sintra and Cape Sounion 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
    Cape Sounion 41
    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.
    Cape Sounion 19
    Sintra 23

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
    Cape Sounion 23
    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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cape Sounion and Sintra, we can see that Cape Sounion is more expensive. And not only is Sintra much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Sintra would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sintra 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 Cape Sounion would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cape Sounion than you might in Sintra.

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


Which is Bigger, Cape Sounion or Sintra?

Sintra has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Cape Sounion. When comparing the sizes of Cape Sounion 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 Cape Sounion 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 Cape Sounion or Sintra in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cape Sounion as well as Sintra. The summer months attract visitors to Cape Sounion because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Cape Sounion is a little warmer than Sintra. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cape Sounion in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Sintra averages at about 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sintra. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cape Sounion this time of the year. In the summer, Cape Sounion often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sintra. Cape Sounion gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sintra receives 352 hours of full sun.

Cape Sounion usually gets more rain in July than Sintra. Cape Sounion gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Sintra receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Sintra in the Autumn?

Both Sintra and Cape Sounion are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Cape Sounion this time of year.

In October, Cape Sounion is generally around the same temperature as Sintra. Daily temperatures in Cape Sounion average around 19°C (67°F), and Sintra fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Sintra. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cape Sounion. Cape Sounion usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sintra during autumn. Cape Sounion gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Sintra receives 213 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Cape Sounion usually receives less rain than Sintra. Cape Sounion gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Sintra receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Sintra in the Winter?

Both Sintra and Cape Sounion during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Cape Sounion for the museums and the cuisine.

Cape Sounion is cooler than Sintra in the winter. The daily temperature in Cape Sounion averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Sintra fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the winter, Cape Sounion often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sintra. Cape Sounion gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sintra receives 144 hours of full sun.

Sintra gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Cape Sounion usually gets less rain in January than Sintra. Cape Sounion gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Sintra receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Sintra in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cape Sounion and Sintra. Many visitors come to Cape Sounion in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Cape Sounion is around the same temperature as Sintra. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cape Sounion in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Sintra averages at about 16°C (60°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sintra this time of the year. In Cape Sounion, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cape Sounion usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sintra during spring. Cape Sounion gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Sintra receives 235 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cape Sounion usually receives less rain than Sintra. Cape Sounion gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Sintra receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for Sintra and Cape Sounion

Cape Sounion 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)