Which place is cheaper, Sintra-Cascais National Park or Malaga?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Malaga 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 Malaga 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: Malaga or Sintra-Cascais National Park?
Malaga
Malaga is a port city in the southern part of Spain. It is the 6th largest city in Spain and the southernmost large city in Europe. Malaga lies on the Mediterranean on the Costa del Sol, only 62 miles east of the Strait of Gibraltar, and 80 miles north of Africa. Malaga's history dates back about 2,800 years, which makes it one of the oldest cities in the world. The archaeological remains and monuments from the Phoenician, Roman, Arabic and Christian eras make the historic center of the city an "open museum", displaying its history of more than 3,000 years. Because of its important cultural infrastructure and the artistic heritage, Malaga has been nominated for the European Capital of Culture. Malaga's most important economic contributors include tourism, technology, and construction, but transportation and logistics are becoming increasingly important factors as well.
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 Budget Tours to Spain, The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Portugal, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Portugal.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMalaga €140Sintra-Cascais National Park €142
The average daily cost (per person) in Malaga is €140, while the average daily cost in Sintra-Cascais National Park is €142. 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 Malaga and Sintra-Cascais National Park in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMalaga €75Sintra-Cascais National Park €63
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMalaga €150Sintra-Cascais National Park €126
Compare Hotels in Malaga and Sintra-Cascais National Park
Looking for a hotel in Malaga 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.
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: Malaga Hotel Prices and Sintra-Cascais National Park Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Malaga €31Sintra-Cascais National Park €61
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Malaga
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Malaga:
- Malaga hotels to Malaga Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $19
- Malaga Port to Malaga Airport (AGP) - Departure Private Transfer: $19
- Private Transfer from Malaga hotels to Malaga Cruise Port: $19
- Private Transfer from Malaga Cruise Port to Málaga Airport (AGP): $19
- Private Transfer from Málaga Airport (AGP) to Malaga Cruise Port: $19
- Malaga Cruise Port to Malaga Hotels - Arrival Private Transfer : $19
- Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) to Malaga Port - Arrival private Transfer: $19
- Private Transfer from Malaga City Center to Malaga Airport (AGP): $31
- Private Transfer: Malaga to Malaga Airport (AGP): $33
- Private One Way Airport Transfer (Malaga Airport To/From Malaga): $34
- Malaga Airport (AGP) to Malaga - Arrival Private Transfer: $36
- Malaga to Malaga Airport (AGP) - Departure Private Transfer: $36
Is it cheaper to fly into Malaga or Sintra-Cascais National Park?
Prices for flights to both Sintra-Cascais National Park and Malaga 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 dayMalaga €35Sintra-Cascais National Park €41
Typical Food Prices in Malaga
Some typical examples of dining costs in Malaga are as follows:
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Dinner for 2€30
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Dinner for 2€44
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Breakfast for 2€8.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Malaga
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Malaga.
- Dinner and Show at Alegría Flamenco & Restaurant in Malaga: $65
- Malaga Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $86
- Malaga Tapas Cooking Class: $89
- Sardines On Skewers Show Cooking in Malaga beach: $147
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Malaga €31Sintra-Cascais National Park €27
Typical Entertainment Prices in Malaga
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Malaga are as follows:
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Entrance to Castillos€7.10
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Concert€31
Tours and Activities in Malaga
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Malaga are as follows:
- Skip the Line: Picasso's Birthplace Museum Entrance Ticket: $4.36
- Guided Walking Tour of the Old Town of Frigiliana: $5.45
- Sightseeing Outdoor Escape Game in Malaga: $7.08
- Ronda Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.95
- Malaga Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
- Skip the Line: Centre Pompidou in Malaga Ticket: $9.82
- Museo Carmen Thyssen de Malaga Entrance Ticket: $12
- Skip the Line: Malaga Automobile and Fashion Museum Entrance Ticket: $13
- Guided tour in Ronda: $13
- Andalucia's City Of Dreams: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Ronda: $15
- Essential Malaga City Tour: $16
- Tour around the Central Market of Malaga: $16
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMalaga €22Sintra-Cascais National Park €13
Sample the Local Flavors in Malaga
Also in Malaga, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Malaga Nightlife Pub Crawl Tour with Drinks and Clubs Entry: $17
- Guided Cellar Tour and wine tasting: $35
- Frigiliana Small-Group Hike and Wine Tasting Tour from Malaga: $60
- Sun and Wine Route - Small group, wine tasting and lunch included: $76
- Malaga Food Walking Tour with Tapas & Wine Tasting: $98
- Ronda Tour & Winery Experience with Wine Tasting from Malaga: $109
- Malaga Tapas and Wine Tour: $136
When comparing the travel costs between Malaga and Sintra-Cascais National Park, we can see that Sintra-Cascais National Park 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 Malaga Expensive? and Is Sintra-Cascais National Park Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Malaga 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 Malaga or Sintra-Cascais National Park in the Summer?
Both Sintra-Cascais National Park and Malaga are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Malaga for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Malaga is generally around the same temperature as Sintra-Cascais National Park. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 25°C (77°F), and Sintra-Cascais National Park fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
It's quite sunny in Sintra-Cascais National Park. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Malaga. Malaga usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sintra-Cascais National Park during summer. Malaga gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Sintra-Cascais National Park receives 352 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Malaga usually receives less rain than Sintra-Cascais National Park. Malaga 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.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMalaga 25°C (77°F)Sintra-Cascais National Park 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Malaga or Sintra-Cascais National Park in the Autumn?
Both Sintra-Cascais National Park and Malaga during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Malaga in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Malaga is around the same temperature as Sintra-Cascais National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Sintra-Cascais National Park fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
In Sintra-Cascais National Park, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Malaga. In the autumn, Malaga often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sintra-Cascais National Park. Malaga gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sintra-Cascais National Park receives 213 hours of full sun.
Malaga usually gets less rain in October than Sintra-Cascais National Park. Malaga gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Sintra-Cascais National Park receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMalaga 19°C (67°F)Sintra-Cascais National Park 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Malaga or Sintra-Cascais National Park in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Malaga and Sintra-Cascais National Park. Most visitors come to Malaga for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.
In the winter, Malaga is around the same temperature as Sintra-Cascais National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Malaga in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Sintra-Cascais National Park averages at about 12°C (53°F).
Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Sintra-Cascais National Park during winter. Malaga gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Sintra-Cascais National Park receives 144 hours of full sun in the winter.
Sintra-Cascais National Park receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Malaga usually receives less rain than Sintra-Cascais National Park. Malaga gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Sintra-Cascais National Park receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMalaga 12°C (54°F)Sintra-Cascais National Park 12°C (53°F)
Should I visit Malaga or Sintra-Cascais National Park in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Malaga as well as Sintra-Cascais National Park. The spring months attract visitors to Malaga because of the beaches and the natural beauty.
In April, Malaga is generally around the same temperature as Sintra-Cascais National Park. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 16°C (60°F), and Sintra-Cascais National Park fluctuates around 16°C (60°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 Malaga this time of the year. In the spring, Malaga often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sintra-Cascais National Park. Malaga gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sintra-Cascais National Park receives 235 hours of full sun.
Malaga usually gets less rain in April than Sintra-Cascais National Park. Malaga gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Sintra-Cascais National Park receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMalaga 16°C (60°F)Sintra-Cascais National Park 16°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Sintra-Cascais National Park and Malaga
| Malaga | Sintra-Cascais National Park | |||
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| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (54°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (57°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Aug | 25°C (78°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (74°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (60°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Dec | 13°C (55°F) | 102 mm (4 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.