Which place is cheaper, Sintra-Cascais National Park or Portimao?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Portimao 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 Portimao 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: Portimao or Sintra-Cascais National Park?
Portimao
The second biggest city in the Alrgarve region of Portugal, Portimao sits on the coast where the Arade River meets the Atlantic Ocean. It is renowned for its fresh fish restaurants and is also a popular destination for beachgoers at the Praia da Rocha to the south of the city.
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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Portugal, The Best Bicycle Tours in Portugal, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Portugal, and The Best Adventure Tours to Portugal.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPortimao €152Sintra-Cascais National Park €142
The average daily cost (per person) in Portimao is €152, 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 Portimao and Sintra-Cascais National Park in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPortimao €78Sintra-Cascais National Park €63
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPortimao €156Sintra-Cascais National Park €126
Compare Hotels in Portimao and Sintra-Cascais National Park
Looking for a hotel in Portimao 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: Portimao Hotel Prices and Sintra-Cascais National Park Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Portimao €37Sintra-Cascais National Park €61
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Portimao
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Portimao:
- Transfer Lagoa - Alamos Golf (Portimão): $34
- Transfer Armação de Pêra - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $34
- Transfer Ferragudo - Alamos Golf (Portimão): $34
- Transfer Lagoa - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $41
- Transfer Ferragudo - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $41
- Transfer Carvoeiro - Alamos Golf (Portimão): $47
- Transfer Alvor - Boavista Golf (Lagos): $49
- Transfer Ferragudo - Boavista Golf (Lagos): $49
- Private Transfer from Armaçao de Pera to Faro (FAO) Airport: $55
- Transfer Alvor - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $58
- Transfer Portimão - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $59
- Transfer Lagoa - Boavista Golf (Lagos): $60
Is it cheaper to fly into Portimao or Sintra-Cascais National Park?
Prices for flights to both Sintra-Cascais National Park and Portimao 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 dayPortimao €45Sintra-Cascais National Park €41
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Portimao
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Portimao.
- Algarve wine tour and mountain top trip with lunch or dinner at sunset time: $147
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Portimao €41Sintra-Cascais National Park €27
Tours and Activities in Portimao
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Portimao are as follows:
- Stand Up Paddleboard tour in Benagil: $14
- From Portimão to Paradise 60 minutes Sunrise Tour: $15
- SUP - Stand Up Paddle Algarve Adventure: $16
- From Portimão to Paradise 90 minutes Sunrise Tour: $22
- From Portimão to Paradise 90 minutes Sunset Tour: $22
- Kayak Tour around Benagil to see Sunset or Sunrise: $22
- Express Tour - Benagil Cave: $22
- From Portimão Early Birds Benagil Tour By Traditional Boat: $24
- Portimão: Benagil Caves Speedboat Tour: $24
- Portimão to Benagil: Adrenaline Wave - 90Mins Cave Tour: $25
- 2 Hours Cruise Portimão to Benagil Cave & Marinha Beach: $27
- Benagil Cave Kayak Self-Guided Tour: $27
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPortimao €30Sintra-Cascais National Park €13
Sample the Local Flavors in Portimao
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Portimao:
- Algarve Wine Tasting & Music Experience: $60
- Algarve Wine Tour of Two Wine Estates: $74
- Algarve wine tour of 2 wine estates and lunch at the countryside: $154
- Alentejo Wine Tour from the Algarve: $210
When comparing the travel costs between Portimao and Sintra-Cascais National Park, we can see that Portimao 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 Portimao Expensive? and Is Sintra-Cascais National Park Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Portimao 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 Portimao or Sintra-Cascais National Park in the Summer?
Both Sintra-Cascais National Park and Portimao are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Portimao for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Portimao is around the same temperature as Sintra-Cascais National Park. Typically, the summer temperatures in Portimao in July average around 25°C (78°F), and Sintra-Cascais National Park averages at about 23°C (73°F).
In July, Portimao usually receives less rain than Sintra-Cascais National Park. Portimao gets 1 mm (0 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 JulyPortimao 25°C (78°F)Sintra-Cascais National Park 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Portimao or Sintra-Cascais National Park in the Autumn?
Both Sintra-Cascais National Park and Portimao during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Portimao in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Portimao is generally around the same temperature as Sintra-Cascais National Park. Daily temperatures in Portimao average around 19°C (67°F), and Sintra-Cascais National Park fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
Portimao usually gets less rain in October than Sintra-Cascais National Park. Portimao gets 67 mm (2.6 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 OctoberPortimao 19°C (67°F)Sintra-Cascais National Park 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Portimao or Sintra-Cascais National Park in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Portimao and Sintra-Cascais National Park. Most visitors come to Portimao for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.
Portimao is around the same temperature as Sintra-Cascais National Park in the winter. The daily temperature in Portimao averages around 11°C (52°F) in January, and Sintra-Cascais National Park fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
Sintra-Cascais National Park receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Portimao usually receives less rain than Sintra-Cascais National Park. Portimao gets 78 mm (3.1 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 JanuaryPortimao 11°C (52°F)Sintra-Cascais National Park 12°C (53°F)
Should I visit Portimao or Sintra-Cascais National Park in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Portimao as well as Sintra-Cascais National Park. The spring months attract visitors to Portimao because of the beaches and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Portimao is around the same temperature as Sintra-Cascais National Park. Typically, the spring temperatures in Portimao in April average around 15°C (60°F), and Sintra-Cascais National Park averages at about 16°C (60°F).
Portimao usually gets less rain in April than Sintra-Cascais National Park. Portimao gets 38 mm (1.5 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 AprilPortimao 15°C (60°F)Sintra-Cascais National Park 16°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Sintra-Cascais National Park and Portimao
| Portimao | Sintra-Cascais National Park | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 11°C (52°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Feb | 12°C (54°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (56°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (60°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| May | 19°C (65°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Jun | 23°C (73°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (78°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (78°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (58°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (53°F) | 94 mm (3.7 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.