Which place is cheaper, Sintra or Izmir?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Izmir or Sintra?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Izmir and Sintra. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Izmir or Sintra?
Izmir
Izmir is a metropolitan city of Turkey and the second most populous city on the Aegean Sea after Athens, Greece. Known as Smyrna in antiquity, it was founded by the Greeks, taken over by the Romans, and rebuilt by Alexander the Great before becoming part of the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century. Most remnants of this past are gone; however, there are a few archaeological sites in addition to beaches, bustling city streets, and colorful markets.
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 G Adventures Tours to Turkey, The Best 3-Day Tours from Istanbul, The Best Budget Tours to Portugal, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIzmir $105Sintra $124
The average daily cost (per person) in Izmir is $105, while the average daily cost in Sintra is $124. 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 Izmir and Sintra in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIzmir $60Sintra $61
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIzmir $120Sintra $122
Compare Hotels in Izmir and Sintra
Looking for a hotel in Izmir 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.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Izmir Hotel Prices and Sintra Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Izmir $30Sintra $22
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Izmir
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Izmir:
- Izmir Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer from/to Izmir City: $21
- Private Transfer from Izmir city Hotels to Izmir Cruise Port: $25
- Izmir Transfer: $25
- Private Transfer - Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport ADB to Izmir Port: $26
- Private Transfer - Izmir Port to Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport ADB: $26
- Private Transfer from Izmir Hotels to Izmir Cruise Port: $28
- Private Airport Transfers: From Göcek to Dalaman Airport: $40
- Izmir Airport (ADB) to Çeşme, Alaçatı - Arrival Private Transfer: $40
- Arrival Transfer Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport ADB to Izmir by Van: $41
- Bodrum Airport Luxury Private Minivan By Meet Transfer : $42
- Izmir Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer from/to Cesme: $43
- Private Transfer: Izmir Airport (ADB) to Izmir : $44
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sintra
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sintra:
- Algarve vs Lisbon: Private Transfer to/from Algarve /Lisbon: $513
- Estoril, Cascais or Sintra Private Transfer to Lisbon: $27
- Lisbon Airport Transfer to Cascais / Sintra / Estoril: $51
- Lisbon Airport: Cascais/Estoril/Sintra Private Transfer: $57
- Lisbon transfer, national and Iberian trips: $86
- Private Guided Transfer in Sintra and Lisbon: $87
- Private Transfer Lisbon & Cascais by Van or Car: $73
- Private transfer from Sintra to Porto with 2 hours for sightseeing: $289
- TRANSFER Cascais to Lisbon Airport: $82
- Tours and Transfers: $89
- Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(3pax): $98
- Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(8pax): $109
Is it cheaper to fly into Izmir or Sintra?
Prices for flights to both Sintra and Izmir 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 dayIzmir $24Sintra $45
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Izmir $21Sintra $25
Tours and Activities in Izmir
Here are a few actual costs in Izmir for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Olive Oil Tasting Experience in Turkey : $3.16
- Quick Tour, Essentials of Izmir With Audio Guide: $6.00
- Mini Group Ephesus & House of Virgin Mary Tour (Max. 10 guests): $25
- Skip Line Private Ephesus- Temple Of Artemis-Virgin Mary Tour: $32
- PRIVATE PHOTO TOUR IN IZMIR - Photo & Video Experience in iZMiR: $49
- Half-Day Izmir City Tour: $55
- Ephesus Tour: $56
- "Ephesus tours" the "house of virgin mary tours" Tours from KUSADASI CRUİSE PORT: $67
- Deluxe Ephesus with Terrace Houses tour from Izmir Hotel , Cruise Ports, Airport: $69
- Ephesus and Virgin Mary's House from Izmir Hotels , Airport ,Cruise Port: $69
- Izmir City Tour: $70
- Best Seller Private Ephesus Tour for Cruisers : $70
Tours and Activities in Sintra
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Sintra are as follows:
- Discover Enchanted A Fairy-Tale Free Tour: $1.28
- Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $3.74
- Sintra Myths and Legends Interpretative Center Entry Ticket: $4.28
- City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
- Pena Palace In-app Audio Tour (WITHOUT A TICKET): $7.44
- Sintra Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.65
- Monserrate Palace and Park Skip-the-Line Ticket: $13
- Sintra Sightseeing Train Tour: $13
- National Palace of Sintra and Gardens Fast Track Ticket: $14
- National Sintra Palace Ticket & Optional Audio Guide: $16
- Hop-on Hop-off Tour in Sintra: $16
- Castle of the Moors E-Ticket & Optional Audio Guide: $18
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayIzmir $8.86Sintra $19
Sample the Local Flavors in Izmir
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Izmir:
- Wine Tasting Tour at Two Wineries in Urla Turkey: $98
- Wine Tour with Metropolis Ancient City: $114
- Ancient Ephesus tour with Mother's Mary House and visit to old village Sirince with wine tasting: $152
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 Izmir and Sintra, we can see that Sintra is more expensive. And not only is Izmir much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Izmir would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Izmir 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 Izmir.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Izmir Expensive? and Is Sintra Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Izmir or Sintra?
Izmir has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Sintra. When comparing the sizes of Izmir 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 Izmir or Sintra?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Izmir or Sintra in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Izmir and Sintra.
Izmir is a little warmer than Sintra in the summer. The daily temperature in Izmir averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Sintra fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sintra this time of the year. In Izmir, it's very sunny this time of the year. Izmir usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sintra during summer. Izmir gets 378 hours of sunny skies, while Sintra receives 352 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Izmir usually receives less rain than Sintra. Izmir gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Sintra receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyIzmir 28°C (82°F)Sintra 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Izmir or Sintra in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Izmir as well as Sintra.
In the autumn, Izmir is around the same temperature as Sintra. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Izmir in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Sintra averages at about 19°C (66°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sintra. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Izmir this time of the year. In the autumn, Izmir often gets more sunshine than Sintra. Izmir gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sintra receives 213 hours of full sun.
Izmir usually gets less rain in October than Sintra. Izmir gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Sintra receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberIzmir 19°C (67°F)Sintra 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Izmir or Sintra in the Winter?
Both Sintra and Izmir are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.
In January, Izmir is generally cooler than Sintra. Daily temperatures in Izmir average around 9°C (48°F), and Sintra fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
Izmir usually receives less sunshine than Sintra during winter. Izmir gets 131 hours of sunny skies, while Sintra receives 144 hours of full sun in the winter.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Sintra. It's quite rainy in Izmir. In January, Izmir usually receives more rain than Sintra. Izmir gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Sintra receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryIzmir 9°C (48°F)Sintra 12°C (53°F)
Should I visit Izmir or Sintra in the Spring?
Both Sintra and Izmir during the spring are popular places to visit.
Izmir is around the same temperature as Sintra in the spring. The daily temperature in Izmir averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Sintra fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
In Sintra, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Izmir. In the spring, Izmir often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sintra. Izmir gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sintra receives 235 hours of full sun.
Izmir usually gets less rain in April than Sintra. Izmir gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Sintra receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilIzmir 16°C (61°F)Sintra 16°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Sintra and Izmir
| Izmir | Sintra | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 9°C (48°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Feb | 10°C (50°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| May | 21°C (69°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (58°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Dec | 11°C (52°F) | 153 mm (6 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.