Which place is cheaper, Catania or Sintra?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Sintra or Catania?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Sintra or Catania? 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 Catania?
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.
Catania
Located on the east coast of Sicily, Catania is at the base of Mount Etna, which is the largest volcano in Europe. It's also the island's second largest city and a major transportation center for the area. With almost one million residents in the metropolitan area, the city serves as an important economic base and university town for Sicily. It's a vibrant city with a young population, a lively downtown, and an excellent nightlife. The city has an abundance of Sicilian Baroque architecture and the downtown area, where much of it is this architecture is concentrated, has been declared a World Heritage Site.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Portugal, The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, and The Best Walking Tours in Italy.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySintra €115Catania €120
The average daily cost (per person) in Sintra is €115, while the average daily cost in Catania 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 Catania in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSintra €57Catania €65
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSintra €114Catania €130
Compare Hotels in Sintra and Catania
Looking for a hotel in Sintra or Catania? 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 Catania Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sintra €21Catania €20
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 Catania
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Catania:
- Sicily: Catania Airport Bus Transfer to Giardini Naxos: $5.99
- Catania International Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Syracuse: $6.63
- Catania International Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Taormina: $7.49
- Sicily: Catania Airport Bus Transfer to Licata: $9.84
- Private Transfer from Catania Airport (CTA) to Siracusa Port: $44
- Catania Airport: Private Transfer to Catania and Acireale: $52
- Mt Etna: Winter Trekking Tour with Optional Catania Transfer: $52
- Private Transfer from Catania Airport (CTA) to Messina Port: $61
- From Catania Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Catania: $63
- PRIVATE TRANSFER from CATANIA to TAORMINA (and VICEVERSA): $69
- Catania Private Transfer (Taormina, Siracusa, Noto, Messina, Naxos, Etna, etc): $71
- Taxi Catania Airport with transfer to Syracuse or Taormina: $76
Is it cheaper to fly into Sintra or Catania?
Prices for flights to both Catania 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 €42Catania €41
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 Catania
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Catania.
- Catania Street Food Tour: Fish Market & City Centre: $38
- Catania Street Food Tour: $52
- Cooking class & visit to the Catania Historical market: $59
- Patisserie Food tour: $60
- Guided Street Food Tour with Tastings: $63
- Food tour of Catania by night: $64
- Catania Street Food Tour: $67
- Guided Street Food Tour with Tastings: $73
- Aci Trezza boat tour with dinner on board: $85
- Cooking Class Tiramisù: $95
- Cooking Class Arancini in Catania: $96
- Cooking class Pizza: $96
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sintra €23Catania €19
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 Catania
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Catania are as follows:
- One-way tickets to travel between airport and city: $2.69
- Benedictine Monastery of Guided tour in English: $11
- Heart of the City Guided Walking Tour: $21
- The heart of the City - Guided tour in Italian: $21
- Underground Catania Tickets and Guided Tour: $21
- the heart of the City - Guided Walking Tour: $21
- City Highlights Walking Tour: $24
- City Highlights Tour with Guide: $27
- Food Tasting Tour in an ancient church: $35
- Tasting tour in the ancient church of Piazza Scammacca: $35
- Pozzo di Gaspare Farm Guided Tour with Tastings: $37
- 2 hours guided tour of Catania: $40
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySintra €17Catania €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 Catania
Also in Catania, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Volcanic Wine Tasting in a Metropolitan Market: $48
- Wine Tasting in the South Slope of Etna: $50
- Etna: Urban Winery, Vineyards Walk & Wine Tasting at Sunset: $62
- Wine tour in Catania: $102
- Mt Etna and Wine tasting tour from Catania: $116
- Full-Day Etna and Wine Tour from Catania: $126
- From Mt.Etna picnic and wine tasting: $128
- Guided Tour of Etna with Wine Tasting & Appetizers: $139
- Etna trekking and wine tasting: $147
- Tour Etna & Wine Tasting: $158
- Etna Tour and Lunch in a Winery with Wine Tasting: $265
- From Catania/Taormina: Mount Etna Private Wine Tasting Tour: $433
When comparing the travel costs between Sintra and Catania, we can see that Catania 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 Catania Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sintra or Catania?
Catania has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Sintra. When comparing the sizes of Sintra and Catania, 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 Catania?
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 Catania in the Summer?
Both Catania and Sintra are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Catania for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Sintra is cooler than Catania. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sintra in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Catania averages at about 26°C (79°F).
It's quite sunny in Catania. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sintra. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Catania during summer. Sintra gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Catania receives 325 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Sintra usually receives less rain than Catania. Sintra gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Catania receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySintra 23°C (73°F)Catania 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Catania in the Autumn?
Both Catania and Sintra during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Catania in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.
In October, Sintra is generally around the same temperature as Catania. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 19°C (66°F), and Catania fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).
It's quite sunny in Sintra. In the autumn, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Catania. Sintra gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Catania receives 189 hours of full sun.
Catania gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Sintra usually gets less rain in October than Catania. Sintra gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Catania receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSintra 19°C (66°F)Catania 19°C (67°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Catania in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Sintra and Catania. Furthermore, most visitors come to Catania for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Sintra is a little warmer than Catania in the winter. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 12°C (53°F) in January, and Catania fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).
Sintra usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Catania during winter. Sintra gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Catania receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.
Sintra gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Sintra usually receives more rain than Catania. Sintra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Catania receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySintra 12°C (53°F)Catania 10°C (51°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Catania in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Sintra as well as Catania. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Catania because of the beaches and the activities around the city.
In the spring, Sintra is around the same temperature as Catania. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sintra in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Catania averages at about 15°C (58°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Catania. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sintra this time of the year. In the spring, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Catania. Sintra gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Catania receives 204 hours of full sun.
Sintra usually gets more rain in April than Catania. Sintra gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Catania receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSintra 16°C (60°F)Catania 15°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Catania and Sintra
| Sintra | Catania | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (53°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (58°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (74°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 128 mm (5 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (59°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 87 mm (3.4 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.