Which place is cheaper, Sintra or Pamukkale?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Pamukkale or Sintra?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Pamukkale and Sintra can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Pamukkale or Sintra?
Pamukkale
Pamukkale is in southeastern Aegean Turkey and is historically a spa town that has been in existence since the 2nd century BC. It is popular with tourists for its beautiful hot springs and travertines, or pools that are coated in a very unique calcium covering. The area is very rich in mineral content and the water, which has been flowing for thousands of years, has deposited calcium in each pool. This unique whiteness creates an unworldly beauty that draws visitors from around the world. If you're visiting during the summer months when the sun is out in full force, don't forget the sunscreen, as the white reflects the light and you can end up with a sunburn quite quickly. You'll also want to make sure you have sunglasses available because the glare can be quite extreme.
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 Tours for Seniors to Turkey, The Best G Adventures Tours to Turkey, The Best Budget Tours to Portugal, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPamukkale $156Sintra $124
The average daily cost (per person) in Pamukkale is $156, 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 Pamukkale and Sintra in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPamukkale $56Sintra $61
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPamukkale $112Sintra $122
Compare Hotels in Pamukkale and Sintra
Looking for a hotel in Pamukkale 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: Pamukkale Hotel Prices and Sintra Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Pamukkale $35Sintra $22
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pamukkale
Also for Pamukkale, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers to Pamukkale Saraykoy Hotels: $81
- Antalya: Guided Pamukkale Tour w/Lunch/Transfer: $84
- Pamukkale Hot Air Balloon w/Flight Certificates,Champagne Toast & Hotel Transfer: $90
- Private Denizli Pamukkale Airport Transfer Service: $98
- Pamukkale - Karahayit Transfer from Denizli Cardak Airport: $100
- Transfer from Denizli Airport to Pamukkale Karahayit Hotels: $102
- Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers to Denizli City Hotels: $104
- Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers to Pamukkale Karahayit Hotels: $104
- Pamukkale Saraykoy Hotels to Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers: $109
- Pamukkale to Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport-Departure Transfer: $125
- Denizli City Hotels to Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers: $136
- City of Pamukkale/Denizli: Antalya Airport Private Transfer: $165
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sintra
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sintra:
- Algarve vs Lisbon: Private Transfer to/from Algarve /Lisbon: $513
- Private transfer from Sintra to Porto with 2 hours for sightseeing: $289
- Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(8pax): $109
- Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(3pax): $98
- Tours and Transfers: $89
- Private Guided Transfer in Sintra and Lisbon: $87
- Lisbon transfer, national and Iberian trips: $86
- TRANSFER Cascais to Lisbon Airport: $82
- Private Transfer Lisbon & Cascais by Van or Car: $73
- Tuk Tuk Transfer With Sintra Pena Ticket From Meeting Point: $73
- Transfer Sintra to Lisbon Airport: $71
- Lisbon Airport: Cascais/Estoril/Sintra Private Transfer: $57
Is it cheaper to fly into Pamukkale or Sintra?
Prices for flights to both Sintra and Pamukkale 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 dayPamukkale $69Sintra $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.Pamukkale $54Sintra $25
Typical Entertainment Prices in Pamukkale
For Pamukkale, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Entrance fees Travertines & Pool$2.01
Tours and Activities in Pamukkale
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Pamukkale.
- Antalya: Pamukkale Guided Tour With Optional Balloon Flight: $37
- Pamukkale City Highlights Small Group Guided Tour with Lunch: $40
- Full Day Pamukkale City Tour From Pamukkale And Karahayit Hotels: $45
- Pamukkale Paragliding Experience By Local Expert Pilots: $48
- From Antalya: Pamukkale and Hierapolis Tour with Lunch: $48
- Shared Pamukkale Group Tour from Pamukkale: $57
- From Bodrum: Pamukkale & Hierapolis Guided Tour with Lunch: $63
- Kusadasi or Selcuk: Pamukkale Guided Group Tour: $67
- Pamukkale Tour From Pamukkale : $71
- Antalya: Full-Day Pamukkale Tour: $80
- Shared Cultural Tour in Pamukkale and Hierapolis: $81
- Pamukkale and Hierapolis Tour: $85
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPamukkale $15Sintra $19
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 Pamukkale and Sintra, we can see that Pamukkale is more expensive. And not only is Sintra much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Sintra would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sintra 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 Pamukkale would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Pamukkale than you might in Sintra.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Pamukkale Expensive? and Is Sintra Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Pamukkale or Sintra?
Sintra has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Pamukkale. When comparing the sizes of Pamukkale 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 Pamukkale 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 Pamukkale or Sintra in the Summer?
Both Sintra and Pamukkale during the summer are popular places to visit.
In the summer, Pamukkale is a little warmer than Sintra. Typically, the summer temperatures in Pamukkale in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Sintra averages at about 23°C (73°F).
In Sintra, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Pamukkale. In the summer, Pamukkale often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sintra. Pamukkale gets 356 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sintra receives 352 hours of full sun.
Pamukkale usually gets less rain in July than Sintra. Pamukkale gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Sintra receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPamukkale 28°C (82°F)Sintra 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Pamukkale or Sintra in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Pamukkale and Sintra.
In October, Pamukkale is generally around the same temperature as Sintra. Daily temperatures in Pamukkale average around 19°C (67°F), and Sintra fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sintra this time of the year. In Pamukkale, it's very sunny this time of the year. Pamukkale usually receives more sunshine than Sintra during autumn. Pamukkale gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Sintra receives 213 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Pamukkale usually receives less rain than Sintra. Pamukkale gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Sintra receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPamukkale 19°C (67°F)Sintra 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Pamukkale or Sintra in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Pamukkale as well as Sintra.
Pamukkale is cooler than Sintra in the winter. The daily temperature in Pamukkale averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Sintra fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
In the winter, Pamukkale often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sintra. Pamukkale gets 137 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sintra receives 144 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Sintra. Pamukkale receives a lot of rain in the winter. Pamukkale usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Sintra. Pamukkale gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Sintra receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPamukkale 9°C (48°F)Sintra 12°C (53°F)
Should I visit Pamukkale or Sintra in the Spring?
Both Sintra and Pamukkale are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.
In the spring, Pamukkale is around the same temperature as Sintra. Typically, the spring temperatures in Pamukkale in April average around 17°C (62°F), and Sintra averages at about 16°C (60°F).
It's quite sunny in Sintra. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pamukkale. Pamukkale usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sintra during spring. Pamukkale gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Sintra receives 235 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Pamukkale usually receives less rain than Sintra. Pamukkale gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Sintra receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPamukkale 17°C (62°F)Sintra 16°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Sintra and Pamukkale
| Pamukkale | Sintra | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 9°C (48°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Feb | 10°C (50°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Mar | 13°C (55°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (62°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| May | 21°C (70°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Jun | 26°C (78°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 3 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 (76°F) | 12 mm (0.5 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 | 14°C (58°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Dec | 10°C (51°F) | 129 mm (5.1 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.