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

Should you visit Sintra or Avignon?

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

Should I visit Sintra or Avignon? 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 Avignon?

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.

Avignon

Avignon is a beautiful medieval walled city southeast of Paris. Often referred to as the City of Popes due to the large number of popes who have resided there over the years, Avignon boasts a wonderful history of art and culture. Located on the leafy banks of the Rhone, it is probably best-known these days for the children's song - Sur le pont d'Avignon. But for several decades in the 14th century it was the capital of Christendom, after Pope Clement V moved his court here to avoid the chaos in Rome. The legacy of that papal schism can be seen today in the city's Unesco-protected architecture, including the vast Palais des Papes. And nearby Chateauneuf-du-Pape, site of a now-ruined castle built by a later pope, still produces acclaimed red wines. The city's intact ramparts and pedestrianized center lend Avignon a small-town, medieval feel. Yet each summer, the city goes totally 21st century, as thousands of visitors descend for a contemporary performing arts extravaganza, the Festival d'Avignon. History surrounds you, sharing its secrets as you roam Avignon's quiet, shaded, cobblestone streets. Decorated with gorgeous fountains, avenues and squares, although Avignon is quite a big township, you'll see that this beautiful walled city still maintains its small town charm.

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 in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Avignon 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 Avignon is €700. 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 Avignon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sintra 57
    Avignon 647
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sintra 114
    Avignon 1,294
Compare Hotels in Sintra and Avignon

Looking for a hotel in Sintra or Avignon? 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 Avignon


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 Avignon Hotel Prices.

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sintra

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sintra:

  • Tuk Tuk Transfer With Sintra Pena Ticket From Meeting Point: $73
  • Transfer from Lisbon Airport to Sintra: $53
  • Transfer Sintra to Lisbon Airport: $71
  • Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(8pax): $109
  • Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(3pax): $98
  • Tours and Transfers: $89
  • TRANSFER Cascais to Lisbon Airport: $82
  • Private transfer from Sintra to Porto with 2 hours for sightseeing: $289
  • Private Transfer Lisbon & Cascais by Van or Car: $73
  • Private Guided Transfer in Sintra and Lisbon: $87
  • Lisbon transfer, national and Iberian trips: $86
  • Lisbon Airport: Cascais/Estoril/Sintra Private Transfer: $57

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Avignon

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

  • Arrival Private Transfer Avignon Airport AVN to Avignon City by Business Car: $91
  • Departure Private Transfer Avignon City to Avignon Airport AVN by Business Car: $91
  • Private Departure Transfer from Avignon to Marseille Airport MRS: $117
  • Arrival Priate Transfer Avignon Airport AVN to Avignon City by Luxury Van: $132
  • Departure Private Transfer Avignon City to Avignon Airport AVN by Luxury Van: $132
  • Transfer Vaison la Romaine and surroundings to Avignon: $164
  • Transfer Avignon to Vaison la Romaine and surroundings: $164
  • Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) to Avignon - Round-Trip Transfer: $233
  • Arrival Private Transfer Avignon Airport AVN to Avignon City by Luxury Minibus: $241
  • Departure Private Transfer Avignon City to Avignon Airport AVN by Luxury Minibus: $241
  • Transfert Avignon Marseille : $273
  • Private transfer Marseille - Avignon: $428

Is it cheaper to fly into Sintra or Avignon?

Prices for flights to both Avignon 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
    Avignon 33

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 Avignon

For Avignon, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Avignon Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience : $98
  • Cooking workshop with an exceptional chef in Avignon: $207
  • Cooking lessons: $213
  • Cooking Class and Lunch with a Local Chef: $403

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sintra 23
    Avignon 15

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 Avignon

For Avignon, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Glanum Archaeological Site Entrance Ticket: $9.82
  • Avignon Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $9.84
  • Ticket for the Gourmet Journey at Maison Brotte: $17
  • All About Avignon Tour: $21
  • Around The Palace Tour: $31
  • La Noctambule du Pape Night Tour: $37
  • Chocolate and Wine Pairing Experience in Châteauneuf-du-Pape: $44
  • A Tour in Provence in a typical French motorized bike : the Solex: $46
  • Half-Day Tour from St Rémy-de-Provence by Electric Bike with Carrière de Lumiere: $49
  • City Walking Tour with Popes Palace Entry: $74
  • Avignon Walking Tour including Pope's Palace: $75
  • Lavender Beauty Small Group Half Day Tour from Avignon: $76

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sintra 17
    Avignon 16

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 Avignon

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

  • Wine tasting in Sablet: $3.26
  • THE CUBE: Private Tour Of Semi-Gravity Cubist Cellar with Wine Tasting: $11
  • Provence and Wine Tasting by E-Bike from Saint-Rémy-de-Provence: $65
  • E-bike tour and wine tasting from Vaison la Romaine: $65
  • Half-Day Provence Pont du Gard and Wine Tasting Tour from Avignon: $87
  • From Morning Wine Tour to Châteauneuf du Pape: $95
  • Morning Wine Tour to Chateauneuf du Pape from Avignon: $97
  • From Afternoon Wine Tour Châteauneuf du Pape: $102
  • Afternoon Wine Tour to Chateauneuf du Pape from Avignon: $104
  • Roman heritages and Chateauneuf du Pape Wine Tour from Avignon: $131
  • Chateauneuf-du-Pape Prestige Wine Tour from Avignon: $152
  • 8 Hours Private Wine Tour in Châteauneuf du Pape: $164


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


Which is Bigger, Sintra or Avignon?

Avignon has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Sintra. When comparing the sizes of Sintra and Avignon, 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 Avignon?

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 Avignon in the Summer?

Both Avignon and Sintra during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Avignon because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Sintra is generally around the same temperature as Avignon. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 23°C (73°F), and Avignon fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In Avignon, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Sintra. In the summer, Sintra often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Avignon. Sintra gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Avignon receives 354 hours of full sun.

Sintra usually gets less rain in July than Avignon. Sintra gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Sintra 23°C (73°F) 
    Avignon 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Avignon in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Sintra and Avignon. Also, the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Avignon this time of year.

Sintra is a little warmer than Avignon in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Avignon fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In Sintra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Avignon during autumn. Sintra gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Avignon receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Avignon receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Sintra usually receives less rain than Avignon. Sintra gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Sintra 19°C (66°F) 
    Avignon 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Avignon in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Sintra as well as Avignon. Also, many travelers come to Avignon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Sintra is much warmer than Avignon. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sintra in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Avignon averages at about 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Sintra often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Avignon. Sintra gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Avignon receives 146 hours of full sun.

Sintra receives a lot of rain in the winter. Sintra usually gets more rain in January than Avignon. Sintra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Sintra 12°C (53°F) 
    Avignon 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Avignon in the Spring?

Both Avignon and Sintra are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Avignon in the spring for the small town charm.

In April, Sintra is generally a little warmer than Avignon. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 16°C (60°F), and Avignon fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

It's quite sunny in Avignon. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sintra. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Avignon during spring. Sintra gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Avignon receives 218 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Sintra usually receives more rain than Avignon. Sintra gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Sintra 16°C (60°F) 
    Avignon 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Avignon and Sintra

Sintra Avignon
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 7°C (44°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 10°C (50°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 13°C (56°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 60 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 21°C (69°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (74°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in) 20°C (69°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 16°C (61°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 11°C (51°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 7°C (45°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)