A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kalampaka (Meteora) vs. Sintra for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Kalampaka (Meteora) 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 Kalampaka (Meteora) 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: Kalampaka (Meteora) or Sintra?

Kalampaka (Meteora)

Looking over the town of Kalampaka are some of the largest and most important Eastern Orthodox monasteries in Greece. They sit at the tops of gigantic natural sandstone pillars of rock, jutting of the landscape like meteors from the sky. This place is called Meteora. While the tall mounds of earth are impressive themselves, it is a wonder how man had the ability centuries ago to create the structures that remain on the cliffs today.

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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Greece, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Greece, The Best Budget Tours to Portugal, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal.


Which place is cheaper, Sintra or Kalampaka (Meteora)?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Kalampaka (Meteora) is €134, 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 Kalampaka (Meteora) and Sintra in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kalampaka (Meteora) 65
    Sintra 57
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kalampaka (Meteora) 130
    Sintra 114
Compare Hotels in Kalampaka (Meteora) and Sintra

Looking for a hotel in Kalampaka (Meteora) 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.

Hotels in Kalampaka (Meteora)


Hotels in Sintra


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: Sintra Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kalampaka (Meteora) 37
    Sintra 21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kalampaka (Meteora)

Also for Kalampaka (Meteora), here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Meteora Small Group Hiking tour with Transfer and Monastery Visit: $43
  • Private Transfer From Kalabaka - Meteora To Athens: $274

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sintra

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sintra:

  • Tuk Tuk Transfer With Sintra Pena Ticket From Meeting Point: $73
  • Transfer from Lisbon Airport to Sintra: $53
  • Transfer Sintra to Lisbon Airport: $71
  • Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(8pax): $109
  • Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(3pax): $98
  • Tours and Transfers: $89
  • TRANSFER Cascais to Lisbon Airport: $82
  • Private transfer from Sintra to Porto with 2 hours for sightseeing: $289
  • Private Transfer Lisbon & Cascais by Van or Car: $73
  • Private Guided Transfer in Sintra and Lisbon: $87
  • Lisbon transfer, national and Iberian trips: $86
  • Lisbon Airport: Cascais/Estoril/Sintra Private Transfer: $57

Is it cheaper to fly into Kalampaka (Meteora) or Sintra?

Prices for flights to both Sintra and Kalampaka (Meteora) 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
    Kalampaka (Meteora) 39
    Sintra 42

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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kalampaka (Meteora) 44
    Sintra 23

Tours and Activities in Kalampaka (Meteora)

For Kalampaka (Meteora), here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Varlaam Monastery Greece Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $17
  • Meteora: Self-Guided App-Based Driving Tour: $17
  • Meteora: Hermit Caves Sunset Hiking Experience: $38
  • Sunset Meteora Tour on E-Bike: $40
  • Meteora All Monasteries Tour with Photo Stops: $41
  • 4-Hour Tour Morning Highlights of Meteora on E-Bike: $43
  • Meteora Sunset E-Bike Tour: $44
  • Breath-taking Meteora Sunset Tour: $44
  • Midday Meteora Monastery tour from Kalabaka's train station : $44
  • 4-hours Monasteries Tour: $44
  • Amazing Morning Meteora Monasteries Tour: $44
  • Morning Monastery E-bike Tour: $46

Tours and Activities in Sintra

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Sintra are as follows:

  • E-Bike Rental Self Guide Tour in Sintra and Cabo da Roca : $64
  • Half Day Private Wine and Traditional Tile Making Tour: $157
  • 1h sight seeing - Sintra Mountain Tour (price per car) - max 4persons: $119
  • 2 Hour Private Picnic and Photoshoot Experience in Lisbon area: $149
  • 2 Hours Romantic experience for two by sailboat in Cascais: $297
  • 2 hours Private Sailing Experience in Cascais: $297
  • 3 Hour Sintra Village and Beaches Tuktuk Tour: $125
  • 4 hour Private MTB Enduro Trail Tour in Sintra Mountain: $171
  • 4 hour Private MTB Enduro Trail Tour in Sintra Mountain: $153
  • 4x4 Tours in Portuguese Classic Jeeps (UMM) around Sintra: $153
  • Amazing Sintra tour: $91
  • Cascais Private Walking Tour with a Professional Guide: $260

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kalampaka (Meteora) 11
    Sintra 17

Sample the Local Flavors in Kalampaka (Meteora)

Also in Kalampaka (Meteora), these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Meteora Private Guided Wine Tasting Experience from Kalampaka : $76

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 comparing the travel costs between Kalampaka (Meteora) and Sintra, we can see that Kalampaka (Meteora) 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 Kalampaka (Meteora) Expensive? and Is Sintra Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Kalampaka (Meteora) or Sintra?

Sintra has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Kalampaka (Meteora). When comparing the sizes of Kalampaka (Meteora) 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 Kalampaka (Meteora) or Sintra?

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 Kalampaka (Meteora) or Sintra in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Kalampaka (Meteora) as well as Sintra. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kalampaka (Meteora) this time of year.

In July, Kalampaka (Meteora) is generally a little warmer than Sintra. Daily temperatures in Kalampaka (Meteora) average around 26°C (78°F), and Sintra fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sintra. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kalampaka (Meteora) this time of the year. In the summer, Kalampaka (Meteora) often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sintra. Kalampaka (Meteora) gets 330 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sintra receives 352 hours of full sun.

Kalampaka (Meteora) usually gets more rain in July than Sintra. Kalampaka (Meteora) gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Sintra receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Kalampaka (Meteora) 26°C (78°F) 
    Sintra 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Kalampaka (Meteora) or Sintra in the Autumn?

Both Sintra and Kalampaka (Meteora) are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Kalampaka (Meteora) for the natural beauty of the area.

Kalampaka (Meteora) is cooler than Sintra in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kalampaka (Meteora) averages around 17°C (62°F) in October, and Sintra fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Sintra. Kalampaka (Meteora) usually receives less sunshine than Sintra during autumn. Kalampaka (Meteora) gets 165 hours of sunny skies, while Sintra receives 213 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Kalampaka (Meteora) usually receives less rain than Sintra. Kalampaka (Meteora) gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Sintra receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Kalampaka (Meteora) 17°C (62°F) 
    Sintra 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Kalampaka (Meteora) or Sintra in the Winter?

Both Sintra and Kalampaka (Meteora) during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Kalampaka (Meteora) in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

In the winter, Kalampaka (Meteora) is much colder than Sintra. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kalampaka (Meteora) in January average around 6°C (42°F), and Sintra averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In the winter, Kalampaka (Meteora) often gets less sunshine than Sintra. Kalampaka (Meteora) gets 112 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sintra receives 144 hours of full sun.

Sintra gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Kalampaka (Meteora) usually gets less rain in January than Sintra. Kalampaka (Meteora) gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Sintra receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kalampaka (Meteora) 6°C (42°F) 
    Sintra 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Kalampaka (Meteora) or Sintra in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kalampaka (Meteora) and Sintra. Most visitors come to Kalampaka (Meteora) for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Kalampaka (Meteora) is generally cooler than Sintra. Daily temperatures in Kalampaka (Meteora) average around 14°C (56°F), and Sintra fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sintra this time of the year. In Kalampaka (Meteora), it's very sunny this time of the year. Kalampaka (Meteora) usually receives less sunshine than Sintra during spring. Kalampaka (Meteora) gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Sintra receives 235 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Kalampaka (Meteora) usually receives less rain than Sintra. Kalampaka (Meteora) gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Sintra receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Kalampaka (Meteora) 14°C (56°F) 
    Sintra 16°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Sintra and Kalampaka (Meteora)

Kalampaka (Meteora) Sintra
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (42°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Feb 7°C (45°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Mar 10°C (49°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 14°C (56°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Jun 23°C (74°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 26°C (78°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Sep 22°C (71°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Oct 17°C (62°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 11°C (52°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Dec 7°C (44°F) 52 mm (2 in) 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)