A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sintra vs. Almeria for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Sintra or Almeria?

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

Should I visit Sintra or Almeria? 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 Almeria?

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.

Almeria

Almeria is a city (and province) in the Andalusia region of Spain. It is located in the southeast area of Spain on the Mediterranean Sea. Almeria is a charming area rich in history. Though it is not as well known as some more popular cities in the area, such as Granada, Seville, or Malaga, its popularity has increased significantly over the years with the growth of its holiday areas. Almeria has over 62 miles of untamed coastline, something that is hard to find on the Mediterranean, and has outstandingly beautiful landscapes, which stands out even in an area of natural beauty. The spectacular beaches with warm waters of the Mediterranean, abundant historic and cultural sites, and large tourist centers makes Almeria a great travel destination.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Portugal, The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Barcelona.


Which place is cheaper, Almeria or Sintra?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Sintra is €115, while the average daily cost in Almeria is €99. 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 Almeria in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sintra 57
    Almeria 44
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sintra 114
    Almeria 88
Compare Hotels in Sintra and Almeria

Looking for a hotel in Sintra or Almeria? 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 Almeria


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sintra 21
    Almeria 20

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 Almeria

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Almeria:

  • Private Transfer from Almeria Airport to / from Almeria Spain: $42
  • Tabernas: transfer + ticket Fort Bravo or Minihollywood: $62
  • Almería Private Transfer from the city centre or Cabo de Gata to Almería Airport: $66
  • Almería Private Transfer from Almería Airport to City centre or Cabo de Gata: $66
  • Transfers desde Aeropuerto de Almería (LEI) a Vera Playa - 4 pasajeros: $125

Is it cheaper to fly into Sintra or Almeria?

Prices for flights to both Almeria 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 42
    Almeria 40

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Almeria

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

  • Spanish Paella Private Online Cooking Class: $40

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sintra 23
    Almeria 16

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 Almeria

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

  • Convent of the Puras Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket: $5.35
  • Almería: Cathedral Entry Ticket: $7.49
  • Almería: Cathedral and Convent of the Puras Entry Ticket: $9.62
  • Spanish Civil War Shelters Ticket and Official Tour: $11
  • Almería: Legends and Mysteries Evening Walking Tour: $11
  • Shelters of Spanish Civil War | Spanish Tour: $14
  • History and Hidden Corners Essential Walking Tour: $14
  • Andalusia: Almeria Cathedral Entry with Guided Tour: $16
  • Almería: Guided City Discovery Tour: $16
  • Alcazaba Guided Tour: $16
  • Fort Bravo Entrance Ticket: $21
  • From Tabernas Desert 4WD Tour: $37

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sintra 17
    Almeria 4.29

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 Almeria

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Almeria:

  • Almería Visit to Eco Winery Cortijo El Cura and wine tasting: $24
  • Almería Wine tour and tasting in English in Bio Winery: $24


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sintra and Almeria, we can see that Sintra is more expensive. And not only is Almeria much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Almeria would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Almeria 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 Almeria.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Sintra Expensive? and Is Almeria Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Sintra or Almeria?

Almeria has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Sintra. When comparing the sizes of Sintra and Almeria, 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 Almeria?

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 Almeria in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Sintra and Almeria. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Almeria because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Sintra is generally cooler than Almeria. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 23°C (73°F), and Almeria fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Almeria 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 Almeria during summer. Sintra gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Almeria receives 343 hours of full sun in the summer.

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


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Sintra 23°C (73°F) 
    Almeria 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Almeria in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Sintra as well as Almeria. Additionally, the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Almeria this time of year.

Sintra is around the same temperature as Almeria in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Almeria fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Almeria. 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 Almeria. Sintra gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Almeria receives 220 hours of full sun.

Sintra usually gets more rain in October than Almeria. Sintra gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Almeria receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Sintra 19°C (66°F) 
    Almeria 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Almeria in the Winter?

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

In the winter, Sintra is around the same temperature as Almeria. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sintra in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Almeria averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Sintra usually receives less sunshine than Almeria during winter. Sintra gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Almeria receives 186 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Sintra. In January, Sintra usually receives more rain than Almeria. Sintra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Almeria receives 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Sintra 12°C (53°F) 
    Almeria 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Almeria in the Spring?

Both Almeria and Sintra during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Almeria in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Sintra is generally around the same temperature as Almeria. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 16°C (60°F), and Almeria fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In Almeria, 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 Almeria. Sintra gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Almeria receives 235 hours of full sun.

Sintra usually gets more rain in April than Almeria. Sintra gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Almeria receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Sintra 16°C (60°F) 
    Almeria 16°C (61°F)

Typical Weather for Almeria and Sintra

Sintra Almeria
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 13°C (56°F) 18 mm (0.7 in)
Mar 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 14°C (58°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 16°C (61°F) 26 mm (1 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 12 mm (0.5 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) 26°C (78°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in) 24°C (76°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 16°C (61°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 13°C (56°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)