A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nafplio vs. Sintra for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Nafplio or Sintra?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Nafplio 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.

Where Should I go: Nafplio or Sintra?

Nafplio

The destination of Nafplio exists as a historic seaport town on the Peloponnese peninsula. From prevailing as a major port under royal succession in the Middle Ages to standing under the Republic of Venice, Ottoman Empire, and finally becoming capital of the First Hellenic Republic and then the Kingdom of Greece, this place has seen it all. Nafplio is now the capital of the region of Argolis.

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 Luxury Tours to Greece, The Best Budget Tours to Greece, The Best Budget Tours to Portugal, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal.


Which place is cheaper, Sintra or Nafplio?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Nafplio is €112, 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 Nafplio and Sintra in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nafplio 50
    Sintra 57
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nafplio 100
    Sintra 114
Compare Hotels in Nafplio and Sintra

Looking for a hotel in Nafplio 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 Nafplio


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: Nafplio Hotel Prices and Sintra Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nafplio 46
    Sintra 21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nafplio

Also for Nafplio, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Athens: Bus Transfer to/from Nafplio: $16

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 Nafplio or Sintra?

Prices for flights to both Sintra and Nafplio 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
    Nafplio 34
    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.
    Nafplio 22
    Sintra 23

Tours and Activities in Nafplio

For Nafplio, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Nafplio Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour: $11
  • Highlights Walking Tour: $59
  • City Walking Tour: $86
  • Mycenae-Nafplio-Epidaurus Private Full Day Tour with Sedan: $91
  • From Nafplion: Mycenae, Corinth Canal and Epidavros Day Tour: $182
  • Visit Ancient Corinth Mycenae Nafplio Canal Private Tour 8H: $188
  • Mycenae Epidavrous Nafplio Isthmus Canal Full Day Tour 8 H: $199
  • From Hydra Island Private-Tour to Nafplio, Epidaurus&Mycenae: $385
  • Argolis: Full-Day Private Peloponnese Tour from Athens: $427
  • From Athens: Peloponnese Full Day Private Tour & Audio Tour: $503
  • Peloponnese: Mycenae Nafplio Epidaurus Private Tour & Audio: $503
  • Athens: Corinth, Epidaurus, Mycenae and Nafplio Day Tour: $524

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
    Nafplio 6.86
    Sintra 17

Sample the Local Flavors in Nafplio

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Nafplio:

  • Nafplion: Nemea Vineyards Wine Tour: $171
  • "Wine tasting Tour in Nemea and Visit tour in Nafplio": $295

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 Nafplio and Sintra, we can see that Sintra 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 Nafplio Expensive? and Is Sintra Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Nafplio or Sintra?

Sintra has a larger population, and is about 80% larger than the population of Nafplio. When comparing the sizes of Nafplio 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 Nafplio 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 Nafplio or Sintra in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nafplio as well as Sintra. The summer months attract visitors to Nafplio because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Nafplio is around the same temperature as Sintra. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nafplio in July average around 25°C (76°F), and Sintra averages at about 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 Nafplio this time of the year. In the summer, Nafplio often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sintra. Nafplio gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sintra receives 352 hours of full sun.

Nafplio usually gets less rain in July than Sintra. Nafplio gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Sintra receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nafplio 25°C (76°F) 
    Sintra 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Nafplio or Sintra in the Autumn?

Both Sintra and Nafplio are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Nafplio this time of year.

In October, Nafplio is generally around the same temperature as Sintra. Daily temperatures in Nafplio average around 19°C (66°F), and Sintra fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Sintra. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nafplio. Nafplio usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sintra during autumn. Nafplio gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Sintra receives 213 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Nafplio. In October, Nafplio usually receives more rain than Sintra. Nafplio gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Sintra receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nafplio 19°C (66°F) 
    Sintra 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Nafplio or Sintra in the Winter?

Both Sintra and Nafplio during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Nafplio for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Nafplio is cooler than Sintra in the winter. The daily temperature in Nafplio averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Sintra fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the winter, Nafplio often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sintra. Nafplio gets 135 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Nafplio. Nafplio usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Sintra. Nafplio gets 113 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Sintra receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nafplio 10°C (51°F) 
    Sintra 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Nafplio or Sintra in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nafplio and Sintra. Many visitors come to Nafplio in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Nafplio is around the same temperature as Sintra. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nafplio in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Sintra averages at about 16°C (60°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sintra this time of the year. In Nafplio, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nafplio usually receives less sunshine than Sintra during spring. Nafplio gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Sintra receives 235 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Nafplio usually receives less rain than Sintra. Nafplio gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Sintra receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nafplio 15°C (58°F) 
    Sintra 16°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Sintra and Nafplio

Nafplio Sintra
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 113 mm (4.4 in) 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 102 mm (4 in) 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 15°C (58°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
May 18°C (65°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 7 mm (0.3 in) 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 25°C (76°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 142 mm (5.6 in) 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 154 mm (6.1 in) 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)