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

Should you visit Sintra or Asilah?

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

Should I visit Sintra or Asilah? 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 Asilah?

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.

Asilah

Spend your summers like the rich and famous with a trip to Asilah, Morocco. With pristine, white buildings and wrought-iron windows, this gorgeous city still holds the traditions from a time when it was under Spanish rule. The town remains rather quiet for most of the year, with a population surge in the summer months. Beaches are packed and there are tourists as far as the eye can see. If you're not a fan of crowds, consider visiting in the spring or fall when the weather is nice, but the tourists are gone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Portugal, The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best Cultural Tours in Morocco, and The Best Budget Tours to Morocco.


Which place is cheaper, Asilah 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 Asilah is €62. 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 Asilah in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sintra 57
    Asilah 27
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sintra 114
    Asilah 54
Compare Hotels in Sintra and Asilah

Looking for a hotel in Sintra or Asilah? 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 Asilah


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 Asilah Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sintra 21
    Asilah 14

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 Asilah

Also for Asilah, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Tangier: Private Transfer to Asilah: $72

Is it cheaper to fly into Sintra or Asilah?

Prices for flights to both Asilah 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
    Asilah 23

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 Asilah

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Asilah:


  • Cookies
    0.47
  • Breakfast for Two
    4.67
  • Tagine Dinner for 2
    7.01

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sintra 23
    Asilah 20

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sintra 17
    Asilah 6.54

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


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sintra and Asilah, we can see that Sintra is more expensive. And not only is Asilah much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Sintra is in Europe and Asilah is in Africa, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Asilah would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Asilah 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 Asilah.

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


Which is Bigger, Sintra or Asilah?

Asilah has a larger population, and is about 10% larger than the population of Sintra. When comparing the sizes of Sintra and Asilah, 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 Asilah?

Sintra has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Asilah experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Sintra or Asilah in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Sintra as well as Asilah. The warm climate attracts visitors to Asilah throughout the year.

In July, Sintra is generally around the same temperature as Asilah. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 23°C (73°F), and Asilah fluctuates around 24°C (74°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Asilah. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sintra this time of the year. In the summer, Sintra often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Asilah. Sintra gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Asilah receives 346 hours of full sun.

Sintra usually gets more rain in July than Asilah. Sintra gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Asilah receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Sintra 23°C (73°F) 
    Asilah 24°C (74°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Asilah in the Autumn?

Both Asilah and Sintra are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Asilah because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

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

It's quite sunny in Asilah. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sintra. Sintra usually receives less sunshine than Asilah during autumn. Sintra gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Asilah receives 235 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Sintra usually receives more rain than Asilah. Sintra gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Asilah receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Sintra or Asilah in the Winter?

Both Asilah and Sintra during the winter are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Asilah year-round.

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

In the winter, Sintra often gets less sunshine than Asilah. Sintra gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Asilah receives 169 hours of full sun.

Asilah gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Sintra. Sintra usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Asilah. Sintra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Asilah receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Sintra or Asilah in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Sintra and Asilah. Asilah attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In April, Sintra is generally around the same temperature as Asilah. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 16°C (60°F), and Asilah fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Asilah 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 Asilah during spring. Sintra gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Asilah receives 251 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Sintra usually receives around the same amount of rain as Asilah. Sintra gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Asilah receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for Asilah and Sintra

Sintra Asilah
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 13°C (56°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Mar 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 14°C (57°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 15°C (60°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 21°C (69°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 24°C (74°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in) 23°C (73°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 16°C (61°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 13°C (56°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)