Which place is cheaper, Biarritz or Sintra?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Sintra or Biarritz?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Sintra or Biarritz? 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 Biarritz?
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.
Biarritz
Biarritz is an elegant seaside town on southwestern France's Basque coast that has been a popular resort since European royalty started visiting the area in the 1800s. It is located on France's Atlantic Coast in the Bay of Biscay. Half ritzy coastal resort, half summer surfer's hang-out, the seaside resort of Biarritz has been a favorite seaside getaway ever since Napoleon III and his Spanish-born wife Eugenie arrived during the mid-19th century. To entertain her court, the empress built a grand palace, which is now a luxurious hotel with a Michelin-starred restaurant. Other than this exquisite villa by the sea, the names of the streets in Biarritz also hint at the city's royal past: Avenue de l'Imperatrice, Avenue de la Reine Victoria, and Esplanade Elizabeth II. Mansions decked with steeples and spectacular windows recall the city's 19th-century splendors. Though the royal influence of Biarritz has faded, the city is still a popular tourist destination for those looking for a classic summer holiday. Pristine sandy beaches, beautiful coastal villas, and stylish restaurants offer a sophisticated ambience. Wide seafront promenades and well-placed benches allow visitors to soak up the stunning natural landscape. Biarritz is also the capital of surfing in Europe.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Portugal, The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best Tours for Seniors to France, and The Best Contiki Tours to France.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySintra €115Biarritz €131
The average daily cost (per person) in Sintra is €115, while the average daily cost in Biarritz is €131. 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 Biarritz in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSintra €57Biarritz €74
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSintra €114Biarritz €148
Compare Hotels in Sintra and Biarritz
Looking for a hotel in Sintra or Biarritz? 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 Biarritz Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sintra €21Biarritz €39
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 Biarritz
Also for Biarritz, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Biarritz : Private transfer to/from airport & train Station: $70
- Chauffeured Transfer between Biarritz Airport, Train Station and City Center: $71
- Arrival Private Transfer BIQ Airport to Biarritz by Luxury Vehicle: $85
- Private Transfer from Biarritz city to San Sebastian : $167
- Private Transfer from Biarritz city to San Sebastian Airport: $167
- Private transfer from Biarritz BIQ airport to San Sebastian: $229
- San Sebastian: Optimized transfer to Biarritz & surroundings: $262
- Biarritz : Optimized transfer to/from Bordeaux: $749
Is it cheaper to fly into Sintra or Biarritz?
Prices for flights to both Biarritz 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 €42Biarritz €34
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 Biarritz
For Biarritz, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Biarritz Food Tour Gastronomique- Taste 10 Basque specialties: $76
- Bayonne Food Tour: Journey Through Flavors (with food and drinks): $97
- Traditional Bayonne Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $104
- Basque Country Food Tour: $240
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sintra €23Biarritz €16
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 Biarritz
For Biarritz, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Pierre IBAIALDE: Guided Tour Ham Workshop, tasting: $5.46
- City Exploration Game & Tour on your Phone: $6.36
- Complete Self-guided Audio Tour on your Phone: $8.45
- Walking tours of Biarritz: $22
- E-bike Guided Tour With Sunset local Aperitif Ride: $32
- E-bike Guided Tour to Small California: $37
- Basque tour of Biarritz: $49
- Unusual Guided Tour in a Segway in Biarritz: $59
- Biarritz guided walking & gourmet tour: $74
- Bayonne Food Gastronomic Tour - Taste 10 Basque specialties: $97
- Guided Tapas Tour Hondarribia from Hendaye with Food and Drinks: $108
- Private E-bike Guided Tour: $155
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySintra €17Biarritz €8.05
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 comparing the travel costs between Sintra and Biarritz, we can see that Biarritz is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Sintra Expensive? and Is Biarritz Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sintra or Biarritz?
Biarritz has a larger population, and is about 27% larger than the population of Sintra. When comparing the sizes of Sintra and Biarritz, 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 Biarritz?
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 Biarritz in the Summer?
Both Biarritz and Sintra during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Biarritz this time of year.
In the summer, Sintra is a little warmer than Biarritz. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sintra in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Biarritz averages at about 20°C (68°F).
In Biarritz, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Sintra. In the summer, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Biarritz. Sintra gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Biarritz receives 209 hours of full sun.
Sintra usually gets less rain in July than Biarritz. Sintra gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySintra 23°C (73°F)Biarritz 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Biarritz in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Sintra and Biarritz. Furthermore, many travelers come to Biarritz for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.
In October, Sintra is generally a little warmer than Biarritz. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 19°C (66°F), and Biarritz fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
In Sintra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Biarritz during autumn. Sintra gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Biarritz receives 144 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Biarritz receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Sintra usually receives less rain than Biarritz. Sintra gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSintra 19°C (66°F)Biarritz 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Biarritz in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Sintra as well as Biarritz. Additionally, many visitors come to Biarritz in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Sintra is a little warmer than Biarritz in the winter. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 12°C (53°F) in January, and Biarritz fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).
In the winter, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Biarritz. Sintra gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Biarritz receives 85 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Biarritz. Sintra receives a lot of rain in the winter. Sintra usually gets less rain in January than Biarritz. Sintra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySintra 12°C (53°F)Biarritz 8°C (47°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Biarritz in the Spring?
Both Biarritz and Sintra are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Biarritz for the beaches and the small town charm during these months.
In the spring, Sintra is a little warmer than Biarritz. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sintra in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Biarritz averages at about 12°C (54°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sintra. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Biarritz during spring. Sintra gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Biarritz receives 141 hours of full sun in the spring.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Biarritz. In April, Sintra usually receives less rain than Biarritz. Sintra gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSintra 16°C (60°F)Biarritz 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for Biarritz and Sintra
| Sintra | Biarritz | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (53°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (58°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (74°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 155 mm (6.1 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (59°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 184 mm (7.2 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.