Which place is cheaper, Sintra or Paphos?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Paphos or Sintra?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Paphos or Sintra, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Paphos or Sintra?
Paphos
Located on the southwestern tip of Cyprus, Paphos has many different archaeological sights and it is renowned as the birthplace of the Greek goddess Aphrodite. The town is situated between the coast and the Troodos Mountains and it has grown in recent years as a tourist destination. As such, the local government has made efforts to improve the quality of the tourism infrastructure including investing in hotels, restaurants and transportation. There is also a commercial center to the city as well as a newly built "promenade" that travels from the marina along a long coastal path. This route offers excellent views, especially during the morning or evening hours when the sun is low.
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 Cyprus, The Best Tours for Seniors to Cyprus, The Best Budget Tours to Portugal, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPaphos €97Sintra €115
The average daily cost (per person) in Paphos is €97, 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 Paphos and Sintra in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPaphos €48Sintra €57
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPaphos €96Sintra €114
Compare Hotels in Paphos and Sintra
Looking for a hotel in Paphos 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: Paphos Hotel Prices and Sintra Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Paphos €12Sintra €21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Paphos
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Paphos:
- Private Transfer from Paphos Airport (PFO) to Limassol Port: $25
- From Nicosia Sightseeing Tour with Hotel Transfer: $30
- Paphos to Paphos Int Airport (PFO) - Departure Private Transfer: $31
- Blue Lagoon trip with slide, music & transfer from Paphos: $32
- Private Airport Transfer from Hotel to Paphos Airport in a 4-seater taxi: $42
- Choirokitia & Famagusta Guided Tour with Transfers: $43
- Paphos Airport (PFO) to Paphos city - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $61
- Private Transfer Paphos Airport PFO to Paphos City by Luxury Car: $138
- Private Transfer from Paphos Airport to Larnaca in Minivan(Taxi): $191
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sintra
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sintra:
- Algarve vs Lisbon: Private Transfer to/from Algarve /Lisbon: $513
- Estoril, Cascais or Sintra Private Transfer to Lisbon: $27
- Lisbon Airport Transfer to Cascais / Sintra / Estoril: $51
- Lisbon Airport: Cascais/Estoril/Sintra Private Transfer: $57
- Lisbon transfer, national and Iberian trips: $86
- Private Guided Transfer in Sintra and Lisbon: $87
- Private Transfer Lisbon & Cascais by Van or Car: $73
- Private transfer from Sintra to Porto with 2 hours for sightseeing: $289
- TRANSFER Cascais to Lisbon Airport: $82
- Tours and Transfers: $89
- Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(3pax): $98
- Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(8pax): $109
Is it cheaper to fly into Paphos or Sintra?
Prices for flights to both Sintra and Paphos 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 dayPaphos €38Sintra €42
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Paphos
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Paphos.
- From Sunset Drink at Aphrodite's Rock & Folk Dinner: $52
- Sunset Drink at Aphrodite's Rock & Folk Dinner: $54
- Wave Dancer Fireworks, Buffet Dinner & Show Cruise: $66
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.Paphos €12Sintra €23
Tours and Activities in Paphos
Here are a few actual costs in Paphos for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Cruise to Blue Lagoon from Latchi Port: $20
- Paphos/Akamas: Blue Lagoon Bus & Boat Tour with water slide: $21
- Blue Lagoon Cruise with sightseeing departing from LATCHI HARBOUR. Postcode 8840: $22
- Nafsika II Half Day Cruise Swimming to blue lagoon water slide : $24
- From Limassol Experience: $25
- Latchi to Blue Lagoon Glass Bottom+slide Boat Tour: $25
- Full day trip to Blue Lagoon Latchi Akamas with Boat cruise: $27
- Chrysoroyiatissa ,Kykkos ,Omodos Day Tour from Paphos: $27
- From Guided tour of Limassol with Rock of Aphrodite: $29
- Paphos/Akamas: Blue Lagoon Bus & Boat Tour with Water Slide: $30
- Blue Lagoon (Akamas) Cruise: $31
- From Authentic Cyprus Guided Tour with Breakfast: $32
Tours and Activities in Sintra
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Sintra are as follows:
- Discover Enchanted A Fairy-Tale Free Tour: $1.28
- Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $3.74
- Sintra Myths and Legends Interpretative Center Entry Ticket: $4.28
- City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
- Pena Palace In-app Audio Tour (WITHOUT A TICKET): $7.44
- Sintra Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.65
- Monserrate Palace and Park Skip-the-Line Ticket: $13
- Sintra Sightseeing Train Tour: $13
- National Palace of Sintra and Gardens Fast Track Ticket: $14
- National Sintra Palace Ticket & Optional Audio Guide: $16
- Hop-on Hop-off Tour in Sintra: $16
- Castle of the Moors E-Ticket & Optional Audio Guide: $18
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPaphos €9.98Sintra €17
Sample the Local Flavors in Paphos
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Paphos:
- Wine tasting and winery tour at Fikardos Winery: $28
- Troodos Mountains Jeep Tour with Wine Tasting: $64
- Regional Wineries Tour with Wine Tastings: $80
- WINE TOUR from Paphos: $104
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 Paphos and Sintra, we can see that Sintra is more expensive. And not only is Paphos much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Paphos would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Paphos 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 would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sintra than you might in Paphos.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Paphos Expensive? and Is Sintra Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Paphos or Sintra?
Paphos has a larger population, and is about 37% larger than the population of Sintra. When comparing the sizes of Paphos 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 Paphos or Sintra?
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 Paphos or Sintra in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Paphos and Sintra. Many visitors come to Paphos in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.
Paphos is a little warmer than Sintra in the summer. The daily temperature in Paphos averages around 27°C (80°F) in July, and Sintra fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sintra this time of the year. In Paphos, it's very sunny this time of the year. Paphos usually receives more sunshine than Sintra during summer. Paphos gets 388 hours of sunny skies, while Sintra receives 352 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Paphos usually receives less rain than Sintra. Paphos gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Sintra receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPaphos 27°C (80°F)Sintra 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Paphos or Sintra in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Paphos as well as Sintra. Most visitors come to Paphos for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In the autumn, Paphos is a little warmer than Sintra. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Paphos in October average around 21°C (70°F), and Sintra averages at about 19°C (66°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sintra. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Paphos this time of the year. In the autumn, Paphos often gets more sunshine than Sintra. Paphos gets 270 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sintra receives 213 hours of full sun.
Paphos usually gets less rain in October than Sintra. Paphos gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Sintra receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPaphos 21°C (70°F)Sintra 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Paphos or Sintra in the Winter?
Both Sintra and Paphos are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Paphos because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Paphos is generally around the same temperature as Sintra. Daily temperatures in Paphos average around 12°C (53°F), and Sintra fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
Paphos usually receives more sunshine than Sintra during winter. Paphos gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Sintra receives 144 hours of full sun in the winter.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Sintra. In January, Paphos usually receives less rain than Sintra. Paphos gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Sintra receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPaphos 12°C (53°F)Sintra 12°C (53°F)
Should I visit Paphos or Sintra in the Spring?
Both Sintra and Paphos during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Paphos this time of year.
Paphos is around the same temperature as Sintra in the spring. The daily temperature in Paphos averages around 17°C (62°F) in April, and Sintra fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
In Sintra, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Paphos. In the spring, Paphos often gets more sunshine than Sintra. Paphos gets 270 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sintra receives 235 hours of full sun.
Paphos usually gets less rain in April than Sintra. Paphos gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Sintra receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPaphos 17°C (62°F)Sintra 16°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Sintra and Paphos
| Paphos | Sintra | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (53°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Feb | 12°C (54°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Mar | 13°C (56°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (62°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| May | 20°C (69°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (80°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 17°C (62°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Dec | 13°C (56°F) | 76 mm (3 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.