Which place is cheaper, Sintra or Ios?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Should I visit Ios 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.
Ios is an island in the south of Greece, located in the Cyclades group of islands in the Mediterranean Sea. It is a peaceful beach getaway by day, and a lively party scene by night. While its main town is the hub for nightlife, it is also a charming place during the day, typical of a traditional Greek village with shops and cafes against a backdrop of whitewashed buildings and turquoise waters.
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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best 3-Day Tours in Greece, The Best Budget Tours to Portugal, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Ios is €91, 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 Ios and Sintra in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Ios 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.
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.
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ios:
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sintra:
Prices for flights to both Sintra and Ios 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.
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Sintra.
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Ios are as follows:
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Sintra are as follows:
Also in Ios, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Sintra:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ios and Sintra, we can see that Sintra is more expensive. And not only is Ios much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ios would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ios 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 Ios.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ios Expensive? and Is Sintra Expensive?.
Sintra has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Ios. When comparing the sizes of Ios 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.