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

Should you visit Interlaken or Sintra-Cascais National Park?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Interlaken and Sintra-Cascais National Park can help you decide which place is right for you.

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

Interlaken

Interlaken is a small city that is located in the Bernese Highlands Region of central Switzerland. It sits pleasantly between two Alpine Lakes, Brienzersee and Thunersee. This scenic setting and its easy accessibility make it a popular base camp for travel into the Bernese Oberland Alps. It has become a top tourist destination in Switzerland and it is also a hub for outdoor sports enthusiasts with plenty of hiking, skiing, paragliding, and other activities in the region.. Interlaken is a great hoping off point to explore many of the nearby mountains, lakes, and valleys, too. It offers easy transportation to most major Swiss cities by train or car.

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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Geneva, The Best 10-Day Tours from Zurich, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Portugal, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Portugal.


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

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Interlaken is $231, 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 Interlaken and Sintra-Cascais National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Interlaken $133
    Sintra-Cascais National Park $68
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Interlaken $266
    Sintra-Cascais National Park $136
Compare Hotels in Interlaken and Sintra-Cascais National Park

Looking for a hotel in Interlaken 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 Interlaken


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

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

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


  • Cable Cars (for 2)
    $66

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Interlaken

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

  • Transfer from/to Hotel - Airport: $160
  • Private Transfer from Interlaken to Zurich: $240
  • From Private One-Way Transfer to Lucerne: $284
  • Private Group transfer Zurich Airport - Interlaken: $1,312

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

Prices for flights to both Sintra-Cascais National Park and Interlaken 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
    Interlaken $64
    Sintra-Cascais National Park $44
Typical Food Prices in Interlaken

For Interlaken, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Tea at Interlaken
    $33

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Interlaken

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

  • Fondue Cooking Class and Cheese Workshop in Switzerland: $143
  • Cheese and Chocolate Full-Day Food Tour: $733

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Interlaken $104
    Sintra-Cascais National Park $29

Tours and Activities in Interlaken

For Interlaken, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Interlaken Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $15
  • Interlaken Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $16
  • Hofstetten bei Brienz: Trauffer Erlebniswelt Ticket: $16
  • Private Lake Thun and Lake Brienz Express Tour from Interlaken: $29
  • Funicular Ticket to Harder Kulm: $42
  • Rope Park Climbing Adventure with Entry Ticket: $46
  • Funicular Ticket from Interlaken to Harder: $86
  • Bollywood Tour Gstaad - Express Tour: $90
  • Funicular Ticket from Interlaken to Harder (Top of Interlaken): $102
  • Interlaken Valley Bike Tour: Rivers, Lakes & Forests: $108
  • Bike Tour of the Interlaken Valley: Rivers, Lakes & Forests: $111
  • Waterfalls Day Tour: $119

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Interlaken $17
    Sintra-Cascais National Park $14


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

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



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

The summer brings many poeple to Interlaken as well as Sintra-Cascais National Park. The summer months attract visitors to Interlaken because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Interlaken is around the same temperature as Sintra-Cascais National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Interlaken averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, 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 Interlaken this time of the year. In the summer, Interlaken often gets less sunshine than Sintra-Cascais National Park. Interlaken gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sintra-Cascais National Park receives 352 hours of full sun.

Interlaken usually gets more rain in July than Sintra-Cascais National Park. Interlaken gets 89 mm (3.5 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
    Interlaken 21°C (70°F) 
    Sintra-Cascais National Park 23°C (73°F)

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

Both Sintra-Cascais National Park and Interlaken are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Interlaken this time of year.

In the autumn, Interlaken is cooler than Sintra-Cascais National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Interlaken in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Sintra-Cascais National Park averages at about 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Sintra-Cascais National Park. Interlaken usually receives less sunshine than Sintra-Cascais National Park during autumn. Interlaken gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Sintra-Cascais National Park receives 213 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Interlaken usually receives less rain than Sintra-Cascais National Park. Interlaken gets 70 mm (2.8 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
    Interlaken 13°C (56°F) 
    Sintra-Cascais National Park 19°C (66°F)

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

Both Sintra-Cascais National Park and Interlaken during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Interlaken for the skiing and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Interlaken. In January, Interlaken is generally much colder than Sintra-Cascais National Park. Daily temperatures in Interlaken average around 3°C (37°F), and Sintra-Cascais National Park fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the winter, Interlaken often gets less sunshine than Sintra-Cascais National Park. Interlaken gets 55 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. Interlaken usually gets less rain in January than Sintra-Cascais National Park. Interlaken gets 77 mm (3 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
    Interlaken 3°C (37°F) 
    Sintra-Cascais National Park 12°C (53°F)

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Interlaken and Sintra-Cascais National Park. Many visitors come to Interlaken in the spring for the natural beauty.

Interlaken is cooler than Sintra-Cascais National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Interlaken averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, 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. Interlaken usually receives less sunshine than Sintra-Cascais National Park during spring. Interlaken gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Sintra-Cascais National Park receives 235 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Interlaken usually receives more rain than Sintra-Cascais National Park. Interlaken gets 79 mm (3.1 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
    Interlaken 12°C (53°F) 
    Sintra-Cascais National Park 16°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Sintra-Cascais National Park and Interlaken

Interlaken Sintra-Cascais National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 77 mm (3 in) 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 12°C (53°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
May 16°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in) 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Aug 21°C (69°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)