Which place is cheaper, Cagliari or Sintra?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Sintra or Cagliari?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Sintra or Cagliari? 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 Cagliari?
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.
Cagliari
Cagliari is the capital of the Italian island, Sardinia, located in the Mediterranean Sea. It is best known for its abundance of seafood, beach access, and an array of architecture that reflects both Roman and medieval history.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Portugal, The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Italy, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Italy.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySintra €115Cagliari €120
The average daily cost (per person) in Sintra is €115, while the average daily cost in Cagliari is €120. 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 Cagliari in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSintra €57Cagliari €66
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSintra €114Cagliari €132
Compare Hotels in Sintra and Cagliari
Looking for a hotel in Sintra or Cagliari? 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 Cagliari Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sintra €21Cagliari €31
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 Cagliari
Also for Cagliari, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Cagliari hotels to Cagliari Cruise Port: $26
- Transfer / taxi Cagliari Airport - Cagliari city: $60
- Cagliari Elmas Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Cagliari: $65
- Private Transfer Cagliari airport City - Orosei city Marina: $513
Is it cheaper to fly into Sintra or Cagliari?
Prices for flights to both Cagliari 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 €42Cagliari €35
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 Cagliari
For Cagliari, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Sardinia Cooking Class: Fresh Handmade Pasta: $75
- Cooking Class and Wine Tasting: $80
- Homemade fresh pasta cooking: $82
- Sardinia Traditional Food Tour: $87
- Sardinian Cooking Class with Meal and Drinks: $96
- Traditional Sardinian Lunch and Cooking Class In Cagliari: $116
- Romantic sunset dinner experience with private chef: $159
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sintra €23Cagliari €17
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 Cagliari
For Cagliari, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Train ticket to travel between airport and city: $1.59
- Pinuccio Sciola Museum: Giardino Sonoro Guided Tour: $8.56
- Conti Vecchi Salt Flats Train and Tour: $13
- Museum of Nuragic Civilization Entry Ticket: $19
- Walking Tour of the Old City: $21
- Climbing Experience beneath the ancient walls: $26
- Underground Cagliari Walking Tour: $27
- Nocturne Karalis, night tour in Cagliari: $27
- walking tour through the alleys of Castello: $30
- Sardinia Escape Experience: Be a detective on the road: $32
- Cagliari sunset tour with aperitif - Lighthouse Capo S.Elia: $37
- 2 hours sightseeing tour by e-bike: $37
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySintra €17Cagliari €7.57
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 Cagliari
Also in Cagliari, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Guided Artisanal Food and Wine Tasting Experience: $48
- WINE TOUR with sommelier in a winery near Cagliari: $66
- Small-Group Food and Wine Tour from Cagliari: $98
- Wine Tour Sardinia: $107
- Wine tour aroud vineyards of Cagliari : $109
- Wine Tasting & Winery Tour: $266
- Full-Day Private Wine Tasting with Lunch: $641
When comparing the travel costs between Sintra and Cagliari, we can see that Cagliari 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 Cagliari Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sintra or Cagliari?
Cagliari has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Sintra. When comparing the sizes of Sintra and Cagliari, 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 Cagliari?
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 Cagliari in the Summer?
Both Cagliari and Sintra during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Cagliari for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Sintra is around the same temperature as Cagliari. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sintra in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Cagliari averages at about 24°C (75°F).
In Cagliari, 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 Cagliari. Sintra gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cagliari receives 337 hours of full sun.
Sintra usually gets more rain in July than Cagliari. Sintra gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Cagliari receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySintra 23°C (73°F)Cagliari 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Cagliari in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Sintra and Cagliari. Also, many visitors come to Cagliari in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In October, Sintra is generally around the same temperature as Cagliari. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 19°C (66°F), and Cagliari fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).
In Sintra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Cagliari during autumn. Sintra gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Cagliari receives 192 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Sintra usually receives more rain than Cagliari. Sintra gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Cagliari receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSintra 19°C (66°F)Cagliari 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Cagliari in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Sintra as well as Cagliari. Also, most visitors come to Cagliari for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Sintra is a little warmer than Cagliari in the winter. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 12°C (53°F) in January, and Cagliari fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
In the winter, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Cagliari. Sintra gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cagliari receives 131 hours of full sun.
Sintra receives a lot of rain in the winter. Sintra usually gets more rain in January than Cagliari. Sintra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Cagliari receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySintra 12°C (53°F)Cagliari 10°C (50°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Cagliari in the Spring?
Both Cagliari and Sintra are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Cagliari because of the beaches and the activities around the city.
In the spring, Sintra is a little warmer than Cagliari. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sintra in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Cagliari averages at about 14°C (57°F).
It's quite sunny in Cagliari. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sintra. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Cagliari during spring. Sintra gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Cagliari receives 202 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Sintra usually receives more rain than Cagliari. Sintra gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Cagliari receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSintra 16°C (60°F)Cagliari 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Cagliari and Sintra
| Sintra | Cagliari | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (53°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (58°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (74°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (59°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 54 mm (2.1 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.