Which place is cheaper, Annecy or Sintra?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Sintra or Annecy?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Sintra or Annecy? 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 Annecy?
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.
Annecy
Annecy is an alpine town in southeastern France, where Lake Annecy feeds into the Thiou River. It's known for its Vieille Ville (old town), with cobbled streets, winding canals and pastel-colored houses. Annecy is situated on a stunning aqua clear lake between the Northern alps of France. Only thirty minutes away from Geneva, Switzerland, this French-Swiss town is unlike any other. Another nickname for this city is the Venice of France because the small center of the city is filled with water passages lined with beautiful flower boxes. The city is romantic because the waterways filled with lights that illuminate the bricks and you feel as if you are in a whole other world with no one around you. The purity of the lake and the beauty of its setting compels Anneciens outdoors - in good weather it seems everyone is hanging out in pavement cafes, mountain-gazing along the lakefront, swimming in the lake, or just aimlessly cycling around it.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Portugal, The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySintra €115Annecy €178
The average daily cost (per person) in Sintra is €115, while the average daily cost in Annecy is €178. 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 Annecy in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSintra €57Annecy €92
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSintra €114Annecy €184
Compare Hotels in Sintra and Annecy
Looking for a hotel in Sintra or Annecy? 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 Annecy Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sintra €21Annecy €37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sintra
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sintra:
- Algarve vs Lisbon: Private Transfer to/from Algarve /Lisbon: $513
- Private transfer from Sintra to Porto with 2 hours for sightseeing: $289
- Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(8pax): $109
- Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(3pax): $98
- Tours and Transfers: $89
- Private Guided Transfer in Sintra and Lisbon: $87
- Lisbon transfer, national and Iberian trips: $86
- TRANSFER Cascais to Lisbon Airport: $82
- Private Transfer Lisbon & Cascais by Van or Car: $73
- Tuk Tuk Transfer With Sintra Pena Ticket From Meeting Point: $73
- Transfer Sintra to Lisbon Airport: $71
- Lisbon Airport: Cascais/Estoril/Sintra Private Transfer: $57
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Annecy
Also for Annecy, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private transfer from Geneva airport to Annecy: $295
- Lyon : Luxury private transfer to Annecy in Van: $374
Is it cheaper to fly into Sintra or Annecy?
Prices for flights to both Annecy 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 €42Annecy €58
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 Annecy
For Annecy, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Annecy Traditional Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience : $104
- All Inclusive Food Tour of Annecy Old Town with Local Guide: $148
- Private Market Tour and Modern French Cooking and Meal with a Local in Annecy: $188
- Private Walking Food Tour: $348
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sintra €23Annecy €41
Tours and Activities in Sintra
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Sintra are as follows:
- E-Bike Rental Self Guide Tour in Sintra and Cabo da Roca : $64
- Half Day Private Wine and Traditional Tile Making Tour: $157
- 1h sight seeing - Sintra Mountain Tour (price per car) - max 4persons: $119
- 2 Hour Private Picnic and Photoshoot Experience in Lisbon area: $149
- 2 Hours Romantic experience for two by sailboat in Cascais: $297
- 2 hours Private Sailing Experience in Cascais: $297
- 3 Hour Sintra Village and Beaches Tuktuk Tour: $125
- 4 hour Private MTB Enduro Trail Tour in Sintra Mountain: $171
- 4 hour Private MTB Enduro Trail Tour in Sintra Mountain: $153
- 4x4 Tours in Portuguese Classic Jeeps (UMM) around Sintra: $153
- Amazing Sintra tour: $91
- Cascais Private Walking Tour with a Professional Guide: $260
Tours and Activities in Annecy
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Annecy.
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
- City Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $5.35
- City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
- Self-Guided Walking Tour with Smartphone App: $12
- Yakapedaler : bike rental tour with the Annecy lac: $21
- Full-day private tour from Geneva to Annecy: $40
- 1-Hour Segway Discovery Tour: $43
- Annecy Segway Tour - 1h: $44
- Annecy Segway Tour - 1h30: $55
- Annecy 2-Hour Segway Tour: $64
- Annecy Segway Tour - 2h: $66
- Traditional Food Group Walking Tour: $102
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySintra €17Annecy €34
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 Annecy
Also in Annecy, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Wine Tour with private driver: $850
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sintra and Annecy, we can see that Annecy 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 Annecy would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Annecy 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 Annecy Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sintra or Annecy?
Annecy has a larger population, and is about 88% larger than the population of Sintra. When comparing the sizes of Sintra and Annecy, 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 Annecy?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Sintra or Annecy in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Sintra as well as Annecy. Additionally, many travelers come to Annecy for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Sintra is around the same temperature as Annecy. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sintra in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Annecy averages at about 22°C (71°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Annecy. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sintra this time of the year. In the summer, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Annecy. Sintra gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Annecy receives 285 hours of full sun.
Sintra usually gets less rain in July than Annecy. Sintra gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySintra 23°C (73°F)Annecy 22°C (71°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Annecy in the Autumn?
Both Annecy and Sintra are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Annecy in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Sintra is generally a little warmer than Annecy. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 19°C (66°F), and Annecy fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sintra. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Annecy during autumn. Sintra gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Annecy receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Sintra usually receives around the same amount of rain as Annecy. Sintra gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSintra 19°C (66°F)Annecy 14°C (56°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Annecy in the Winter?
Both Annecy and Sintra during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Annecy for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Annecy can be very cold during winter. Sintra is much warmer than Annecy in the winter. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 12°C (53°F) in January, and Annecy fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).
In the winter, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Annecy. Sintra gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Annecy receives 62 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Sintra. Sintra usually gets more rain in January than Annecy. Sintra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySintra 12°C (53°F)Annecy 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Annecy in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Sintra and Annecy. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Annecy because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Sintra is a little warmer than Annecy. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sintra in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Annecy averages at about 11°C (53°F).
In Sintra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Annecy during spring. Sintra gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Annecy receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Sintra usually receives around the same amount of rain as Annecy. Sintra gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSintra 16°C (60°F)Annecy 11°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Annecy and Sintra
| Sintra | Annecy | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (53°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 55 mm (2.1 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (58°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 11°C (53°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 85 mm (3.4 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (74°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (59°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 57 mm (2.3 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.