Which place is cheaper, Aix-en-Provence or Sintra?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Sintra or Aix-en-Provence?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Sintra or Aix-en-Provence? 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: Sintra or Aix-en-Provence?
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.
Aix-en-Provence
Aix-en-Provence is a city in the south of France about 20 miles north of Marseille. It was the birthplace of Post-Impressionist painter Paul Cezanne. A walking trail links sites including his childhood home, Jas de Bouffan, and his former studio, Atelier Cezanne. The white limestone mountain Sainte-Victoire overlooking the city as well as the surrounding countryside were frequent subjects of his works. The city is all class with its flourishing boulevards and public squares are lined with 17th- and 18th-century mansions, punctuated by gurgling moss-covered fountains. Haughty stone lions guard its grandest avenue, cafe-laced cours Mirabeau, where fashionable Aixois relax on terraces sipping espresso. While Aix-en-Provence is a student hub, its upscale appeal make it more unique and charming to visit than some university towns.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Portugal, The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in France, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in France.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySintra €115Aix-en-Provence €138
The average daily cost (per person) in Sintra is €115, while the average daily cost in Aix-en-Provence is €138. 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 Sintra and Aix-en-Provence in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSintra €57Aix-en-Provence €81
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSintra €114Aix-en-Provence €162
Compare Hotels in Sintra and Aix-en-Provence
Looking for a hotel in Sintra or Aix-en-Provence? 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: Sintra Hotel Prices and Aix-en-Provence Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sintra €21Aix-en-Provence €33
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aix-en-Provence
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aix-en-Provence:
- Aix TGV transfer to Marseille Port or Airport or Aix city: $93
- Marseille Cruise Port Transfer to Aix en Provence: $118
- Aix en Provence Transfer to Marseille Cruise port: $118
- Marseille Airport Transfer From/To Cassis Van 7 pax: $269
- Aix en Provence: Guided Driving Tour with Hotel Transfer: $1,390
Is it cheaper to fly into Sintra or Aix-en-Provence?
Prices for flights to both Aix-en-Provence and Sintra 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 daySintra €42Aix-en-Provence €33
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
Typical Food Prices in Aix-en-Provence
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Aix-en-Provence:
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Dinner for 2€47
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Aix-en-Provence
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Aix-en-Provence.
- NO DIET CLUB - Best food tour in Aix en Provence (En / Fr): $62
- Food Tour: $102
- Aix-en-Provence Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $104
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sintra €23Aix-en-Provence €22
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
Tours and Activities in Aix-en-Provence
Here are a few actual costs in Aix-en-Provence for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
- Scavenger Hunt and Self-Guided Tour: $9.84
- Provencal Market Walking Tour with Tastings: $37
- Provençal Farmers market tour: $38
- Guided Tour in Historical Old City: $60
- Guided Foodie Tour with Tastings: $70
- E-Bike tour of Sainte Victoire Mountain, Aix-en-Provence: $70
- E-Bike Tour of Mount Sainte-Victoire: $73
- Gourmet & Cultural Tour Aix En Provence English / Espanol: $73
- An Aix-traordinary Walking City Tour of Aix-en-Provence: $75
- 2-Hour Foodie Tour with 10 Tastings in Aix-en-Provence: $76
- Time flies by on this Aixquisite Walking Tour of Aix-en-Provence : $76
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySintra €17Aix-en-Provence €14
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Aix-en-Provence
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Aix-en-Provence:
- Half day Wine Tour in Côtes de Provence Sainte-Victoire from Aix en Provence: $93
- Half Day Wine Tour in Coteaux d'Aix: $96
- Half day Wine Tour in Côteaux Aix from Aix en Provence: $98
- Half day Wine Tour in Bandol & Cassis from Aix en Provence: $104
- From Wine Tour in Cezanne Countryside: $106
- Provence small group half-day wine tour from Aix: $107
- Cotes de Provence Wine Tour from Aix-en-Provence: $108
- Aix en Provence: Delicious Food and Wine Tour: $117
- Full Day Wine Tour in Luberon with Tasting: $143
- Full day Wine Tour around Luberon from Aix en Provence: $151
- Provence Day Trip with Cassis Village Boat Ride and Local Wine Tasting from Aix: $164
- From Provence Region Tour with Wine Tasting: $166
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sintra and Aix-en-Provence, we can see that Aix-en-Provence 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 Aix-en-Provence would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Aix-en-Provence 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 Sintra Expensive? and Is Aix-en-Provence Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sintra or Aix-en-Provence?
Aix-en-Provence has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Sintra. When comparing the sizes of Sintra and Aix-en-Provence, 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 Sintra or Aix-en-Provence?
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 Sintra or Aix-en-Provence in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Sintra and Aix-en-Provence. Also, many visitors come to Aix-en-Provence in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Sintra is generally around the same temperature as Aix-en-Provence. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 23°C (73°F), and Aix-en-Provence fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aix-en-Provence this time of the year. In Sintra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sintra usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Aix-en-Provence during summer. Sintra gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Aix-en-Provence receives 366 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Sintra usually receives less rain than Aix-en-Provence. Sintra gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySintra 23°C (73°F)Aix-en-Provence 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Aix-en-Provence in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Sintra as well as Aix-en-Provence. Also, most visitors come to Aix-en-Provence for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
Sintra is a little warmer than Aix-en-Provence in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Aix-en-Provence fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aix-en-Provence. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sintra this time of the year. In the autumn, Sintra often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Aix-en-Provence. Sintra gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Aix-en-Provence receives 205 hours of full sun.
Sintra usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Aix-en-Provence. Sintra gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSintra 19°C (66°F)Aix-en-Provence 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Aix-en-Provence in the Winter?
Both Aix-en-Provence and Sintra are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Aix-en-Provence because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Sintra is much warmer than Aix-en-Provence. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sintra in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Aix-en-Provence averages at about 7°C (44°F).
Sintra usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Aix-en-Provence during winter. Sintra gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Aix-en-Provence receives 150 hours of full sun in the winter.
It's quite rainy in Sintra. In January, Sintra usually receives more rain than Aix-en-Provence. Sintra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySintra 12°C (53°F)Aix-en-Provence 7°C (44°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Aix-en-Provence in the Spring?
Both Aix-en-Provence and Sintra during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to Aix-en-Provence this time of year.
In April, Sintra is generally a little warmer than Aix-en-Provence. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 16°C (60°F), and Aix-en-Provence fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).
In Aix-en-Provence, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Sintra. In the spring, Sintra often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Aix-en-Provence. Sintra gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Aix-en-Provence receives 245 hours of full sun.
Sintra usually gets more rain in April than Aix-en-Provence. Sintra gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSintra 16°C (60°F)Aix-en-Provence 13°C (56°F)
Typical Weather for Aix-en-Provence and Sintra
| Sintra | Aix-en-Provence | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (53°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (58°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (74°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (59°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 56 mm (2.2 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.