A Travel Price Comparison for Portugal Sintra vs. Albufeira for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Sintra or Albufeira?

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

Should I visit Sintra or Albufeira? 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 Albufeira?

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.

Albufeira

Located in the Algarve region in the south of Portugal, Albufeira was once a small fishing village which has since evolved into a popular destination for tourists attracted by the area's beaches, pleasant climate, and fresh seafood.

Which city is cheaper, Albufeira or Sintra?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Sintra is €92, while the average daily cost in Albufeira is €118. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Sintra and Albufeira in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sintra €45
    Albufeira €59
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sintra €90
    Albufeira €118
Compare Hotels in Sintra and Albufeira

Looking for a hotel in Sintra or Albufeira? 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 Sintra


Hotels in Albufeira


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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 Albufeira Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sintra €17
    Albufeira €27

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sintra

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sintra:

  • Half-Day Sintra Tour from Lisbon with Transfers: $169
  • Lisbon Airport: Cascais/Estoril/Sintra Private Transfer: $51
  • Lisbon Private Transfer to or from Sintra: $22
  • Private Transfer from Sintra City Center to Lisbon City Center: $30
  • Private Transfer To or From Lisbon Airport: $25
  • To/ From Lisbon Airport: Cascais or Sintra Private Transfer: $40

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Albufeira

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Albufeira:

  • Albufeira Shared Departure Transfer to Faro: $14
  • Albufeira Private Transfer to Faro: $16
  • Transfer Albufeira - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $19
  • Faro Airport Private Transfer - Albufeira (Departure): $22
  • Faro Shared Transfer to or from Albufeira: $22
  • Private Faro Airport Transfer to Albufeira (up to 4 passangers): $34
  • Transfer Galé - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $36
  • Transfer Albufeira to Faro Airport: $36
  • Departure Transfer Albufeira or Açoteias to Faro Airport FAO by Private Vehicle: $38
  • Stork Transfers - Private Transfer From Albufeira to Faro Airport (up to 4 pax): $41
  • Faro Airport: Private Transfer to Albufeira & Olhos De Água: $43
  • Private Faro Airport Transfer to Albufeira (5 to 8 passangers): $51

Is it cheaper to fly into Sintra or Albufeira?

Prices for flights to both Albufeira 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Sintra €34
    Albufeira €38

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sintra

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Sintra.

  • Sintra Walking Food Tour: $60
  • Lisbon: Sintra Food Tour and Wine Tasting with Scenic Drive: $148

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sintra €18
    Albufeira €31

Tours and Activities in Sintra

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Sintra are as follows:

  • Sintra Myths and Legends Interactive Centre Admission Ticket: $4.35
  • Monserrate Palace and Park Skip-the-Line Ticket: $9.13
  • Sightseeing Train Tour: $9.13
  • Castle of the Moors Fast Track Ticket: $9.13
  • Castle of the Moors Skip-the-Line Entrance Ticket: $9.95
  • Monserrate Palace and Park Skip-the-Line Ticket: $9.95
  • Queluz National Palace & Gardens Skip-the-Line Ticket: $11
  • National Palace of Sintra Skip-the-Line Ticket: $12
  • Hop-on Hop-off Tour in Sintra: $15
  • Pena Palace & Chalet of Edla Admission Ticket: $17
  • Economic Tour - Pena Palace (2-4pax): $27
  • National Palace of Sintra Tickets: Skip the line Entry: $27

Tours and Activities in Albufeira

Here are a few actual costs in Albufeira for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Lagos & Sagres Guided Bus Tour: $25
  • Albufeira Beach Tour: $25
  • Pirate Ship Cruise along the Algarve Coast: $27
  • 'Leaozinho' Pirate Ship Cruise from Albufeira: $30
  • 1.5 Hour Quad Off-Road Tour from Albufeira: $31
  • 2.5-Hour Dolphin Watching and Caves Cruise: $31
  • Dolphins, Benagil Caves and Coastline Boat Tour: $33
  • Private Guided Tuk Tuk Tour with pick-up and drop-off in Albufeira: $33
  • From 2.5-Hour Dolphin and Sea Caves Boat Tour: $34
  • Algarve Kayak and Coastline Tour: $34
  • Abulferia: 3-Hour Yacht Cruise to Benagil: $34
  • Kayaking Tour With Optional Beach BBQ: $34

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sintra €14
    Albufeira €21

Sample the Local Flavors in Sintra

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Sintra:

  • From Lisbon: Sintra, Pena Palace, Cascais and Wine Tasting: $91
  • Ericeira & Mafra’s Wonders - Rural Beach & Wine Tour: $117
  • Sintra Brewery Tour & Beer Tasting Experience: $121
  • Full-Day Tour from Lisbon with Wine Tasting: $237

Sample the Local Flavors in Albufeira

Also in Albufeira, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Small group Wine Tasting Tour from Albufeira: $61
  • sunset wine tasting from Albufeira: $87
  • Half Day Small Group Premium Wine Tour from Albufeira: $93
  • Wine Tour & Walking 7 Hanging Valleys - Coast Algarve: $156
  • From Algarve: Medieval Évora with Lunch and Wine Tasting: $319
  • Algarve Art and Wine Tour from Albufeira: $653

About these numbers

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sintra and Albufeira, we can see that Albufeira 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 Albufeira would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Albufeira than you might in Sintra.


When is the best time to visit Sintra or Albufeira?

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 Albufeira in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Sintra and Albufeira. Furthermore, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Albufeira this time of year.

In the summer, Sintra is around the same temperature as Albufeira. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sintra in July are around 23°C (73°F), and Albufeira is about 25°C (78°F).

In July, Sintra usually receives more rain than Albufeira. Sintra gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Albufeira receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Sintra 23°C (73°F) 
    Albufeira 25°C (78°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Albufeira in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Sintra as well as Albufeira. Additionally, many travelers come to Albufeira for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Sintra is generally around the same temperature as Albufeira. Temperatures in Sintra average around 19°C (66°F), and Albufeira stays around 19°C (67°F).

Sintra usually gets more rain in October than Albufeira. Sintra gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Albufeira receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Sintra 19°C (66°F) 
    Albufeira 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Albufeira in the Winter?

Both Albufeira and Sintra are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Albufeira in the winter for the cuisine.

Sintra is around the same temperature as Albufeira in the winter. The temperature in Sintra is usually 12°C (53°F) in January, and Albufeira stays around 11°C (52°F).

It's quite rainy in Sintra. In January, Sintra usually receives more rain than Albufeira. Sintra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Albufeira receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Sintra 12°C (53°F) 
    Albufeira 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Albufeira in the Spring?

Both Albufeira and Sintra during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Albufeira for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Sintra is around the same temperature as Albufeira. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sintra in April are around 16°C (60°F), and Albufeira is about 15°C (60°F).

Sintra usually gets more rain in April than Albufeira. Sintra gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Albufeira receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Typical Weather for Albufeira and Sintra

Sintra Albufeira
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 14°C (56°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 15°C (60°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 19°C (65°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 23°C (73°F) 8 mm (0.3 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 25°C (78°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 26°C (78°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in) 24°C (75°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 19°C (67°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 15°C (58°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 12°C (53°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)


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Sintra vs. Albufeira Travel Comparison

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