Which place is cheaper, Sintra-Cascais National Park or Heraklion?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Heraklion 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 Heraklion 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: Heraklion or Sintra-Cascais National Park?
Heraklion
The largest city on the island of Crete, Heraklion on first glance is almost completely modern - a frenzy of traffic, concrete, and dust. Do not expect pristine beaches and glittering waves (those can be found on other parts of Crete). Heraklion is first and foremost a city. Once you get past its grittiness, you will find that there are some attractive features beneath first impressions. The antiquity of the place lies embedded in the modern and is presented in one of the best museums in Greece, the food is excellent, and the people are friendly and welcoming. And though the sea is not great for swimming, its presence along the Venetian port will take you to another time if you need a break from Heraklion's bustling center.
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 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Portugal, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Portugal.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHeraklion €158Sintra-Cascais National Park €142
The average daily cost (per person) in Heraklion is €158, 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 Heraklion and Sintra-Cascais National Park in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHeraklion €81Sintra-Cascais National Park €63
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHeraklion €162Sintra-Cascais National Park €126
Compare Hotels in Heraklion and Sintra-Cascais National Park
Looking for a hotel in Heraklion 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.
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: Heraklion Hotel Prices and Sintra-Cascais National Park Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Heraklion €31Sintra-Cascais National Park €61
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Heraklion
Also for Heraklion, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- One-Way Shared Transfer From or To Heraklion Air - Hersonissos: $16
- Acqua Plus Water Park Admission with Optional Transfer: $32
- Private Transfer in Crete: $33
- Transfer Heraklion Airport to KOKKINI HANI area up to 7 customers: $44
- Transfer Heraklion Airport to AMMOUDARA HERAKLION area up to 7: $47
- Crete Private Transfer from Heraklion to Hersonissos: $51
- Transfer Heraklion Airport to ANISSARAS area up to 7 customers: $61
- VIP Private Transfer: Heraklion - Analipsi Hotels & Villas: $62
- Transfer Heraklion Airport to HERSONISSOS area up to 7 customers: $62
- Transfer Heraklion Airport to KOUTOULOUFARI area up to 7 : $62
- Transfer Heraklion Airport to AGIA PELAGIA area up to 7 customers: $62
- Transfer Heraklio Airport to ANALIPSI area up to 7 customers: $62
Is it cheaper to fly into Heraklion or Sintra-Cascais National Park?
Prices for flights to both Sintra-Cascais National Park and Heraklion 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
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Food Meals for one dayHeraklion €52Sintra-Cascais National Park €41
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Heraklion
For Heraklion, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Troy Dinner-Show: $33
- Spectacular Dinner-Show: $44
- From Village Cretan Night, Live Dancers & dinner: $48
- Cretan Night with Dinner & Live Show: $49
- Crete: Olive Oil Festival, Farm Dinner, Live Show & Pickup: $59
- Cretan Farm with scenic view: Olive Mill Festival & dinner: $64
- Amazing Sunset Safari Route with Dinner: $84
- Cook with Locals | Cretan cooking Class at Archanes (transfer - lunch included): $86
- Crete: Land Rover Safari with Sunset Viewing, Dinner, & Wine: $90
- Full-Day Jeep Safari Tour with Cooking Lesson: $97
- Food tour tasting walking tour: $123
- E-bike Food Tour Tasting in Heraklion : $125
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Heraklion €38Sintra-Cascais National Park €27
Tours and Activities in Heraklion
For Heraklion, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Heraklion Area: CRETAquarium Admission Ticket: $8.56
- CRETAquarium Entrance Ticket in Crete: $8.73
- Mobile Self-Guided Audio Sightseeing Tour: $11
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- Crete: Palace of Knossos E-Ticket and Optional Audio Guide: $11
- Herakleion: City Self-Guided Game & Tour: $12
- Heraklion Market & CretAquarium *Skip the line: $16
- Heraklion City Tour - Aquarium: $17
- Knossos Palace: E-ticket with Audio and Heraklion City Tour: $18
- Party Bike 1 hour Experience in Malia : $19
- Knossos Self-Guided Treasure Hunt & Tour KIDS: $21
- Minoan Day Experience: $22
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHeraklion €26Sintra-Cascais National Park €13
Sample the Local Flavors in Heraklion
Also in Heraklion, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Wine Tasting E-Bike Tour: $95
- Ecobike Wine Tasting Tour in Heraklion: $115
- Ecobike Tour with Wine Tasting: $118
- Luxury Private Wine Tasting Experience in Haralabakis Winery: $119
- Half Day Small Group Wine Tour with wine Tastings: $125
- Half Day Semi Private Wine Tour with Tastings: $134
- Semi Private Heraklion Valley Wine Tour with Lunch: $159
- The Gourmet Wine Tour of Heraklion area: $180
- Private SUV Wine Tour with Lunch: $183
- Full Day Private Crete Wine Tour Experience from Heraklion : $190
- Full day Knossos Palace, Local Distillery, Lunch @ Archanes: $192
- Knossos, Olive Mill, Winery - Distillery with Tastings & Lunch : $196
When comparing the travel costs between Heraklion and Sintra-Cascais National Park, we can see that Heraklion 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 Heraklion Expensive? and Is Sintra-Cascais National Park Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Heraklion 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 Heraklion or Sintra-Cascais National Park in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Heraklion as well as Sintra-Cascais National Park. Many visitors come to Heraklion in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Heraklion is generally around the same temperature as Sintra-Cascais National Park. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 25°C (78°F), and Sintra-Cascais National Park fluctuates around 23°C (73°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 Heraklion this time of the year. In the summer, Heraklion often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sintra-Cascais National Park. Heraklion gets 366 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sintra-Cascais National Park receives 352 hours of full sun.
Heraklion usually gets less rain in July than Sintra-Cascais National Park. Heraklion gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Sintra-Cascais National Park receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHeraklion 25°C (78°F)Sintra-Cascais National Park 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Heraklion or Sintra-Cascais National Park in the Autumn?
Both Sintra-Cascais National Park and Heraklion are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Heraklion for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.
Heraklion is around the same temperature as Sintra-Cascais National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 20°C (68°F) in October, and Sintra-Cascais National Park fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
It's quite sunny in Sintra-Cascais National Park. Heraklion usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sintra-Cascais National Park during autumn. Heraklion gets 199 hours of sunny skies, while Sintra-Cascais National Park receives 213 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Sintra-Cascais National Park. Heraklion gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Sintra-Cascais National Park receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHeraklion 20°C (68°F)Sintra-Cascais National Park 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Heraklion or Sintra-Cascais National Park in the Winter?
Both Sintra-Cascais National Park and Heraklion during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Heraklion because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Heraklion is around the same temperature as Sintra-Cascais National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Heraklion in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Sintra-Cascais National Park averages at about 12°C (53°F).
In the winter, Heraklion often gets less sunshine than Sintra-Cascais National Park. Heraklion gets 121 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sintra-Cascais National Park receives 144 hours of full sun.
Sintra-Cascais National Park gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Heraklion usually gets less rain in January than Sintra-Cascais National Park. Heraklion gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Sintra-Cascais National Park receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHeraklion 12°C (54°F)Sintra-Cascais National Park 12°C (53°F)
Should I visit Heraklion or Sintra-Cascais National Park in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Heraklion and Sintra-Cascais National Park. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Heraklion this time of year.
In April, Heraklion is generally around the same temperature as Sintra-Cascais National Park. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 16°C (61°F), and Sintra-Cascais National Park fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sintra-Cascais National Park this time of the year. In Heraklion, it's very sunny this time of the year. Heraklion usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sintra-Cascais National Park during spring. Heraklion gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Sintra-Cascais National Park receives 235 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Sintra-Cascais National Park. Heraklion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Sintra-Cascais National Park receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHeraklion 16°C (61°F)Sintra-Cascais National Park 16°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Sintra-Cascais National Park and Heraklion
| Heraklion | Sintra-Cascais National Park | |||
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| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (54°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Feb | 12°C (54°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (56°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| May | 19°C (67°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Jun | 23°C (74°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (78°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Aug | 25°C (77°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Oct | 20°C (68°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 17°C (63°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Dec | 14°C (58°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.