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

Should you visit Sintra or Aveiro?

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

Should I visit Sintra or Aveiro? 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 Aveiro?

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.

Aveiro

Aveiro has great canals that are lined by houses. Because of this ambiance, the town has earned its nickname the "Portuguese Venice." While it's similar, don't put too much into the name. The town is also known for it's colorful boats, referred to as moliceiros, that ride along the canals and under the bridges.

While the canals are lovely, most visitors actually come for the beaches. Aveiro's beaches are known for their clean and pristine sand. The shore is referred to as the Silver Coast, and has comfortably warm water, which is another major draw to the area.

Aveiro is comfortable year around because it's winters are mild and warm and its summer is somewhat cool. The winter months get the most rain and the summer is usually the driest. If you're there during the fall and winter, the winds will be strong making it the best time for surfing, sailing, and other water sports.

Which place is cheaper, Aveiro 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 Aveiro is €80. 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 Aveiro in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sintra 57
    Aveiro 46
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sintra 114
    Aveiro 92
Compare Hotels in Sintra and Aveiro

Looking for a hotel in Sintra or Aveiro? 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 Aveiro


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 Aveiro Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sintra 21
    Aveiro 8.57

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sintra

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sintra:

  • Algarve vs Lisbon: Private Transfer to/from Algarve /Lisbon: $444
  • Private transfer from Sintra to Porto with 2 hours for sightseeing: $296
  • Transfer Airport Lisboa - Cascais ( round trip): $134
  • Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(8pax): $111
  • Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(3pax): $100
  • Transfer from Lisbon Airport to Cascais, Sintra or Estoril: $98
  • Tours and Transfers: $91
  • Private Guided Transfer in Sintra and Lisbon: $89
  • TRANSFER Cascais to Lisbon Airport: $84
  • Private Transfer Lisbon & Cascais by Executive Van or Car: $75
  • Tuk Tuk Transfer With Sintra Pena Ticket From Meeting Point: $74
  • Transfer Sintra to Lisbon Airport: $73

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aveiro

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

  • Aveiro Private Transfer:To/From the Oporto Airport: $131

Is it cheaper to fly into Sintra or Aveiro?

Prices for flights to both Aveiro 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
    Aveiro 28

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sintra

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

  • Half-Day Ericeira Walking Food Tour: $56
  • Portuguese Traditional Cuisine: DINNER OR TAPAS : $95
  • Portuguese Cooking Workshop in Cascais (group of 4 min): $95
  • Private Portuguese Cooking Lesson and Meal with a Lisbon Local: $220

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sintra 23
    Aveiro 8.57

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 : $66
  • Sintra & Cascais in one day Renault 4L Tour (Full day): $167
  • 1 Hour Private Sintra Sightseeing Tour by Renault 4L : $33
  • 1 Hour Private Tuk-Tuk Tour in Sintra: $39
  • 1 Hour Sightseeing Tour in Sintra with Tuktuk : $33
  • 19th Century Photography Experience: $33
  • 1h sight seeing - Sintra Mountain Tour (price per car) - max 4persons: $122
  • 2 Hour Private Picnic and Photoshoot Experience in Lisbon area: $167
  • 2 Hours Sintra Experience Renault 4L Tour : $78
  • 3 Hour Sintra Village and Beaches Tuktuk Tour: $145
  • 4 hour Private MTB Enduro Trail Tour in Sintra Mountain: $134
  • 4x4 Tours in Portuguese Classic Jeeps (UMM) around Sintra: $112

Tours and Activities in Aveiro

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Aveiro.

  • Aveiro Privat City Tour w/ Local Boat 1 H Cruise & Egg Sweet: $98
  • Half Day Tour with Boat Ride: $109
  • Aveiro Tour: $142
  • From Lisbon: Aveiro, Moliceiro Boat and Coimbra Tour: $142
  • From Porto Private Tour Half Day in Aveiro and Costa Nova: $278
  • Private Tour Bairrada & Aveiro: $599
  • From Porto: e-Bike Tour in Aveiro, Boat Trip and Costa Nova!: $1,088

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sintra 17
    Aveiro 17

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: $61
  • Wine Tasting Tour: $84
  • Sintra and Cabo da Roca with Wine Tasting (Colares) Half Day: $84
  • Private tour wine tasting in Setubal: $94
  • Private Tour Sétubal, Palmela, Arrábida with wine tasting: $133
  • Hidden Gems: Sintra & Cascais Private Tour with Wine Tasting: $184
  • From Lisbon Private Tour to Porto with Port Wine Tasting: $240
  • Ericeira & Mafra’s Wonders - Rural Beach & Wine Tour : $268


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

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


Which is Bigger, Sintra or Aveiro?

Aveiro has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Sintra. When comparing the sizes of Sintra and Aveiro, 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 Aveiro?

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 Aveiro in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Sintra as well as Aveiro.

In July, Sintra is generally a little warmer than Aveiro. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 23°C (73°F), and Aveiro fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aveiro. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sintra this time of the year. In the summer, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Aveiro. Sintra gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Aveiro receives 308 hours of full sun.

Sintra usually gets less rain in July than Aveiro. Sintra gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Aveiro receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Sintra 23°C (73°F) 
    Aveiro 21°C (69°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Aveiro in the Autumn?

Both Aveiro and Sintra are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.

Sintra is a little warmer than Aveiro in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Aveiro fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sintra. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Aveiro during autumn. Sintra gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Aveiro receives 184 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Aveiro. In October, Sintra usually receives less rain than Aveiro. Sintra gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Aveiro receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Sintra 19°C (66°F) 
    Aveiro 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Aveiro in the Winter?

Both Aveiro and Sintra during the winter are popular places to visit.

In the winter, Sintra is a little warmer than Aveiro. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sintra in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Aveiro averages at about 10°C (50°F).

In the winter, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Aveiro. Sintra gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Aveiro receives 124 hours of full sun.

Aveiro gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Sintra. Sintra usually gets less rain in January than Aveiro. Sintra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Aveiro receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Sintra 12°C (53°F) 
    Aveiro 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Aveiro in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Sintra and Aveiro.

In April, Sintra is generally a little warmer than Aveiro. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 16°C (60°F), and Aveiro fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aveiro this time of the year. In Sintra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Aveiro during spring. Sintra gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Aveiro receives 217 hours of full sun in the spring.

Aveiro receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Sintra usually receives less rain than Aveiro. Sintra gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Aveiro receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Sintra 16°C (60°F) 
    Aveiro 14°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Aveiro and Sintra

Sintra Aveiro
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 10°C (50°F) 171 mm (6.7 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 169 mm (6.7 in)
Mar 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 12°C (54°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 14°C (56°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 16°C (60°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 19°C (66°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 21°C (69°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 20°C (69°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in) 20°C (67°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 17°C (62°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 13°C (55°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 176 mm (6.9 in)