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

Should you visit Izmir or Sintra-Cascais National Park?

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-Cascais National Park. 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-Cascais National Park?

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-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 G Adventures Tours to Turkey, The Best 3-Day Tours from Istanbul, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Portugal, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Portugal.


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

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Izmir is $105, 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 Izmir and Sintra-Cascais National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Izmir $60
    Sintra-Cascais National Park $68
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Izmir $120
    Sintra-Cascais National Park $136
Compare Hotels in Izmir and Sintra-Cascais National Park

Looking for a hotel in Izmir 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 Izmir


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

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Izmir $30
    Sintra-Cascais National Park $66

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

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

Prices for flights to both Sintra-Cascais National Park 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Izmir $24
    Sintra-Cascais National Park $44

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Izmir $21
    Sintra-Cascais National Park $29

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Izmir $8.86
    Sintra-Cascais National Park $14

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


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Izmir and Sintra-Cascais National Park, we can see that Sintra-Cascais National Park 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-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 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-Cascais National Park Expensive?.



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

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-Cascais National Park in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Izmir and Sintra-Cascais National Park.

Izmir is a little warmer than Sintra-Cascais National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Izmir averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Sintra-Cascais National Park fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sintra-Cascais National Park 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-Cascais National Park during summer. Izmir gets 378 hours of sunny skies, while Sintra-Cascais National Park receives 352 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Izmir usually receives less rain than Sintra-Cascais National Park. Izmir gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Sintra-Cascais National Park receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Izmir 28°C (82°F) 
    Sintra-Cascais National Park 23°C (73°F)

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Izmir as well as Sintra-Cascais National Park.

In the autumn, Izmir is around the same temperature as Sintra-Cascais National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Izmir in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Sintra-Cascais National Park averages at about 19°C (66°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 Izmir this time of the year. In the autumn, Izmir often gets more sunshine than Sintra-Cascais National Park. Izmir gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sintra-Cascais National Park receives 213 hours of full sun.

Izmir usually gets less rain in October than Sintra-Cascais National Park. Izmir gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Sintra-Cascais National Park receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Izmir 19°C (67°F) 
    Sintra-Cascais National Park 19°C (66°F)

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

Both Sintra-Cascais National Park and Izmir are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.

In January, Izmir is generally cooler than Sintra-Cascais National Park. Daily temperatures in Izmir average around 9°C (48°F), and Sintra-Cascais National Park fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Izmir usually receives less sunshine than Sintra-Cascais National Park during winter. Izmir gets 131 hours of sunny skies, while Sintra-Cascais National Park receives 144 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sintra-Cascais National Park. It's quite rainy in Izmir. In January, Izmir usually receives more rain than Sintra-Cascais National Park. Izmir gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Sintra-Cascais National Park receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


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

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

Both Sintra-Cascais National Park and Izmir during the spring are popular places to visit.

Izmir is around the same temperature as Sintra-Cascais National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Izmir averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Sintra-Cascais National Park fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In Sintra-Cascais National Park, 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-Cascais National Park. Izmir gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sintra-Cascais National Park receives 235 hours of full sun.

Izmir usually gets less rain in April than Sintra-Cascais National Park. Izmir gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Sintra-Cascais National Park receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Izmir 16°C (61°F) 
    Sintra-Cascais National Park 16°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Sintra-Cascais National Park and Izmir

Izmir Sintra-Cascais National Park
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)


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