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

Should you visit Sintra or Cannes?

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

Should I visit Sintra or Cannes? 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 Cannes?

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.

Cannes

While Cannes was once little more than a small fishing village, today it is a popular, glamorous seaside town frequented by celebrities. It's the place to see and be seen, particularly during the Cannes Film Festival in the month of May. During this time the city comes alive with celebrities from all over the world. While Cannes has its share of exclusive clubs, bars and restaurants, there are alternatives for budget travelers, so don't shy away. There's a beautiful area, Le Suquet, which is nice to visit with its cobblestone streets and stunning views. It's also fun to pass some time people watching by the marina. You never know who you'll spot. At night, the city comes to life with casinos and luxurious restaurants and clubs that give the area a vibe of exclusivity.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Portugal, The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best Bicycle Tours in France, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in France.


Which place is cheaper, Cannes 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 Cannes is €137. 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 Cannes in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sintra 57
    Cannes 75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sintra 114
    Cannes 150
Compare Hotels in Sintra and Cannes

Looking for a hotel in Sintra or Cannes? 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 Cannes


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 Cannes Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sintra 21
    Cannes 16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sintra

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sintra:

  • Estoril, Cascais or Sintra Private Transfer to Lisbon: $27
  • Lisbon Airport Transfer to Cascais / Sintra / Estoril: $51
  • Transfer from Lisbon Airport to Sintra: $53
  • Lisbon Airport: Cascais/Estoril/Sintra Private Transfer: $57
  • Transfer Sintra to Lisbon Airport: $71
  • Tuk Tuk Transfer With Sintra Pena Ticket From Meeting Point: $73
  • Private Transfer Lisbon & Cascais by Van or Car: $73
  • TRANSFER Cascais to Lisbon Airport: $82
  • Lisbon transfer, national and Iberian trips: $86
  • Private Guided Transfer in Sintra and Lisbon: $87
  • Tours and Transfers: $89
  • Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(3pax): $98

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cannes

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cannes:

  • Copenhagen: One Way Transfer to & from International Airport: $71
  • Round-Trip Boat Transfer to Saint Tropez: $78
  • Private Transfer from Cannes Port to Nice Cote Airport (NCE): $82
  • Cannes Hotels to Nice Intl Airport NCE Departure Private Transfer: $87
  • Private Transfer from Cannes Cruise Port to Monaco City Hotels: $91
  • Mandelieu to St Tropez Round Trip Ferry Transfer: $95
  • Private Direct Transfer From Cannes to Nice: $101
  • Departure Transfer: Cannes to Nice Airport NCE in Business Car: $103
  • Private Transfer: Cannes to Nice Airport NCE in Luxury Van: $116
  • Private One-way Transfer From Cannes to Nice, 2h Stop in Antibes: $124
  • Transfer Nice Airport French Riviera: $125
  • From 1-Way Private Transfer to Nice Airport: $128

Is it cheaper to fly into Sintra or Cannes?

Prices for flights to both Cannes 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
    Cannes 45

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sintra 23
    Cannes 30

Tours and Activities in Sintra

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Sintra are as follows:

  • Discover Enchanted A Fairy-Tale Free Tour: $1.28
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $3.74
  • Sintra Myths and Legends Interpretative Center Entry Ticket: $4.28
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Pena Palace In-app Audio Tour (WITHOUT A TICKET): $7.44
  • Sintra Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.65
  • Monserrate Palace and Park Skip-the-Line Ticket: $13
  • Sintra Sightseeing Train Tour: $13
  • National Palace of Sintra and Gardens Fast Track Ticket: $14
  • National Sintra Palace Ticket & Optional Audio Guide: $16
  • Hop-on Hop-off Tour in Sintra: $16
  • Castle of the Moors E-Ticket & Optional Audio Guide: $18

Tours and Activities in Cannes

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Cannes are as follows:

  • Cannes Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $9.84
  • Explore Guided walking Tour with a local guide: $37
  • Cannes Discovery: walking Tour Led by a Local Expert: $38
  • Scenic Coves RIB Boat Tour: $48
  • Boat and Snorkeling Tour: $48
  • Cannes Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $52
  • Guided Tour in Cannes by a Screenwriter: History, Glamour & Cinema: $55
  • 1 or 2-Hour Gyropod Tour: $58
  • Exclusive 2 hours City Tour in Cannes in a Vintage Bus: $64
  • City Tour in Cannes aboard our Classic French Bus!: $65
  • Half Day Tour in Cannes, Antibes and St Paul de Vence: $65
  • Cannes 2.5-Hour E-bike Tour: $74

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sintra 17
    Cannes 18

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 Cannes

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

  • St Paul de Vence, Antibes & Wine Tasting from Cannes: $130
  • Grasse, Valbonne & Gourdon: Day Tour with Wine Tasting: $139
  • French Riviera: Provencal Wine Tours: $759
  • Wine Tasting, Cannes, Coco Chanel, Perfume Factory & Grasse: $1,273


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


Which is Bigger, Sintra or Cannes?

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

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Sintra or Cannes in the Summer?

Both Cannes and Sintra are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Cannes for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

In July, Sintra usually receives less rain than Cannes. Sintra gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Sintra 23°C (73°F) 
    Cannes 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Cannes in the Autumn?

Both Cannes and Sintra during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Cannes in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Sintra is a little warmer than Cannes in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Cannes fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Cannes gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Sintra usually gets less rain in October than Cannes. Sintra gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Sintra 19°C (66°F) 
    Cannes 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Cannes in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Sintra and Cannes. Also, most visitors come to Cannes for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Sintra is a little warmer than Cannes. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sintra in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Cannes averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Sintra gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Sintra usually receives more rain than Cannes. Sintra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Sintra 12°C (53°F) 
    Cannes 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Cannes in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Sintra as well as Cannes. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Cannes because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

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

Sintra usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Cannes. Sintra gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Typical Weather for Cannes and Sintra

Sintra Cannes
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 9°C (48°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 9°C (49°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Mar 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 11°C (51°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 13°C (56°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 16°C (62°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 20°C (68°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in) 21°C (69°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 10°C (49°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)