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

Should you visit Dubrovnik or Sintra-Cascais National Park?

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

Should I visit Dubrovnik or Sintra-Cascais National Park? 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: Dubrovnik or Sintra-Cascais National Park?

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik, the "Pearl of the Adriatic", is a beautiful walled city in southern Croatia that sits on the edge of the Adriatic Sea. It's a small city, with only about 40,000 residents, but it's become one of the most significant tourist destinations in the Mediterranean. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The city was historically built on maritime trade, which is not surprising given its location near major Italian and Greek ports such as Venice, Bari, Corfu, and Trieste. It was a center of language and literature and was the home of many important poets, playwrights, painters, and scientists during the 15th and 16th centuries. Today its economy is dependent on tourism and it is one of the most popular destinations in the region. People visit the city for its impressive history, beautiful setting, great weather, and interesting architecture.

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 2-Week Tours from Split, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Croatia, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Portugal, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Portugal.


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

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Dubrovnik is $103, while the average daily cost in Sintra-Cascais National Park is $152. 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 Dubrovnik and Sintra-Cascais National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dubrovnik $53
    Sintra-Cascais National Park $68
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dubrovnik $106
    Sintra-Cascais National Park $136
Compare Hotels in Dubrovnik and Sintra-Cascais National Park

Looking for a hotel in Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik


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

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dubrovnik $13
    Sintra-Cascais National Park $66
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Dubrovnik

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Dubrovnik:


  • Bus Around Town
    $1.52

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dubrovnik

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

  • Shared Airport Transfer to/from City Center: $16
  • Porter Service, Baggage Transfer, Baggage pick up & delivery.: $16
  • Night Transfer from Dubrovnik Old Port to New Port by Karaka Boat: $22
  • Transfer from Dubrovnik airport to Dubrovnik: $22
  • Private transfer from Dubrovnik airport to Dubrovnik city: $22
  • Bus transfer between Dubrovnik and Herceg Novi: $22
  • Private transfer from Dubrovnik to Dubrovnik airport: $24
  • Return transfer to Dubrovnik airport: $24
  • Dubrovnik Luxury Airport Transfers: $26
  • Airport Private Transfer Dubrovnik: $27
  • From Dubrovnik Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Dubrovnik: $28
  • Dubrovnik Cruise Port to Dubrovnik Arrival Private Transfer: $28

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

Prices for flights to both Sintra-Cascais National Park and Dubrovnik 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
    Dubrovnik $35
    Sintra-Cascais National Park $44
Typical Food Prices in Dubrovnik

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Dubrovnik:


  • Seafood Dinner (for 2)
    $31

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dubrovnik

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

  • Sunset Dinner Cruise around the Old Town: $80
  • Secrets of traditional Dalmatian cuisine with a cooking class: $128
  • Old Town Food Tour: $143
  • Dubrovnik Old Town Food Tour: Small-Group Experience: $147
  • Konavle Wine& History&food Tour: $165
  • Cooking Classes Traditional Meals of Konavle region: $179
  • Traditional Dalmatian Cooking Class from Dubrovnik: $198
  • Traditional Cooking Class in Dubrovnik Countryside: $202
  • Authentic Garden to Table Cooking Class in Dubrovnik Countryside : $208
  • Pelješac Full-Day Wine and Food Tour from Dubrovnik: $209
  • Private Dinner with Wine and Homemade Tapas: $214
  • Dubrovnik Food Tour with Friendly Local Guide: $229

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dubrovnik $20
    Sintra-Cascais National Park $29
Typical Entertainment Prices in Dubrovnik

For Dubrovnik, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Boat to Lokrum Island (for 2)
    $14
  • Dubrovnik City Wall Tour (for 2)
    $56
  • Dubrovnik Cable Car (for 2)
    $48

Tours and Activities in Dubrovnik

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

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Selfguided tour of the old town of Dubrovnik: $5.35
  • Self-guided tour of the old town of Dubrovnik: $5.46
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.42
  • Dubrovnik Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
  • Medieval Adventure City Game: $6.94
  • Time Travel Adventure Outdoor Escape Game in Dubrovnik: $7.09
  • Historic Center Self-Guided Audio Tour (ENG): $7.70
  • Old Town Highlights Tour with Audio Guide: $8.56
  • Private Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour in Dubrovnik Old Town: $8.74

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dubrovnik $15
    Sintra-Cascais National Park $14

Sample the Local Flavors in Dubrovnik

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dubrovnik:

  • Columbo Pub Crawl Dubrovnik: $49
  • Brewery Tour with Food included: $60
  • From Korcula Island Tour with Wine Tasting: $66
  • Day Tour of Korcula Island from Dubrovnik with Wine Tasting: $70
  • Ston and Korcula Island Day Trip from Dubrovnik with Wine Tasting: $75
  • Half-Day Wine Tasting with Snacks and Ston Place Visit: $75
  • Interactive Wine Tour: $80
  • Day trip to Korčula and Pelješac with Wine Tasting: $84
  • Konavle Valley Wine Tour from Dubrovnik with Train Ride and Wine Tasting: $84
  • Interactive Wine Tour in Dubrovnik: $89
  • Day trip to Korčula and Pelješac with Wine Tasting from Koločep: $93
  • Dubrovnik Kayak Tour + Gourmet Snack + Wine Tasting (Small-Group): $97


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

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



When is the best time to visit Dubrovnik or Sintra-Cascais National Park?

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 Dubrovnik or Sintra-Cascais National Park in the Summer?

Both Sintra-Cascais National Park and Dubrovnik during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dubrovnik this time of year.

In the summer, Dubrovnik is around the same temperature as Sintra-Cascais National Park. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dubrovnik in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Sintra-Cascais National Park averages at about 23°C (73°F).

Dubrovnik usually gets more rain in July than Sintra-Cascais National Park. Dubrovnik gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Sintra-Cascais National Park receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dubrovnik 25°C (77°F) 
    Sintra-Cascais National Park 23°C (73°F)

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dubrovnik and Sintra-Cascais National Park. Many travelers come to Dubrovnik for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Dubrovnik is generally around the same temperature as Sintra-Cascais National Park. Daily temperatures in Dubrovnik average around 18°C (64°F), and Sintra-Cascais National Park fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

Dubrovnik gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Dubrovnik usually receives more rain than Sintra-Cascais National Park. Dubrovnik gets 162 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Sintra-Cascais National Park receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dubrovnik 18°C (64°F) 
    Sintra-Cascais National Park 19°C (66°F)

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

The winter brings many poeple to Dubrovnik as well as Sintra-Cascais National Park. Many visitors come to Dubrovnik in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Dubrovnik is cooler than Sintra-Cascais National Park in the winter. The daily temperature in Dubrovnik averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Sintra-Cascais National Park fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

It's quite rainy in Sintra-Cascais National Park. Dubrovnik receives a lot of rain in the winter. Dubrovnik usually gets more rain in January than Sintra-Cascais National Park. Dubrovnik gets 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Sintra-Cascais National Park receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dubrovnik 9°C (48°F) 
    Sintra-Cascais National Park 12°C (53°F)

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

Both Sintra-Cascais National Park and Dubrovnik are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Dubrovnik for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Dubrovnik is cooler than Sintra-Cascais National Park. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dubrovnik in April average around 14°C (57°F), and Sintra-Cascais National Park averages at about 16°C (60°F).

It's quite rainy in Dubrovnik. In April, Dubrovnik usually receives more rain than Sintra-Cascais National Park. Dubrovnik gets 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Sintra-Cascais National Park receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dubrovnik 14°C (57°F) 
    Sintra-Cascais National Park 16°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Sintra-Cascais National Park and Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik Sintra-Cascais National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 139 mm (5.5 in) 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 125 mm (4.9 in) 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Mar 11°C (52°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 14°C (57°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 75 mm (3 in) 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 26 mm (1 in) 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 101 mm (4 in) 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 162 mm (6.4 in) 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 14°C (57°F) 198 mm (7.8 in) 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Dec 11°C (52°F) 178 mm (7 in) 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)