Which place is cheaper, Cefalu or Sintra?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Sintra or Cefalu?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Sintra or Cefalu? 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 Cefalu?
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.
Cefalu
Cefalu is a fishing village and beach resort that is located on the northern coast of Sicily, Italy. It sits on the Tyerrhenian Sea and is just 70 kilometers from Palermo and 185 kilometers from Messina. The town has a small population of under 14,000 residents but is a significant tourist destination on the island of Sicily. The city is flooded with millions of tourists every year from around Sicily, elsewhere in Italy, and abroad. During the summer months it is not uncommon for the city's population to triple, putting a lot of pressure on the main streets and roads around town. The city is popular as a beach resort with a youthful vibe and an active nightlife.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Portugal, The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best Adventure Tours to Italy, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySintra €115Cefalu €119
The average daily cost (per person) in Sintra is €115, while the average daily cost in Cefalu is €119. 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 Cefalu in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSintra €57Cefalu €87
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSintra €114Cefalu €174
Compare Hotels in Sintra and Cefalu
Looking for a hotel in Sintra or Cefalu? 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 Cefalu Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sintra €21Cefalu €4.29
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 Cefalu
Also for Cefalu, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Costa Verde HOTEL Cefalù, for Palermo airport, Private Transfer: $87
- Alberi del Paradiso, Cefalù for APT Palermo or vice versa, Private Transfer: $98
- Private transfer from Palermo airport to Cefalù or vice versa: $104
- Club Med Cefalù to Palermo airport or vice versa, Private Transfer: $109
- Le Calette, Cefalù to Palermo airport or vice versa, Private Transfer: $109
- Hotel Kalura, Cefalù for Palermo airport or vice versa, Private Transfer: $109
- Departure Private Transfer Cefalù to Palermo Airport PMO by Business Car or Van: $156
- Transfer Palermo Airport - Cefalù and vice versa: $174
Is it cheaper to fly into Sintra or Cefalu?
Prices for flights to both Cefalu 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 €42Cefalu €28
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 Cefalu
For Cefalu, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Cooking Class in a Sicilian countryhouse: $251
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sintra €23Cefalu €5.71
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 Cefalu
For Cefalu, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Etna tour from Cefalù: $62
- Nebrodi and Halaesa valley jeep tours: $125
- Safari Jeep Wild Adventure: $136
- High Madonie wild jeep adventure: $163
- Madonie wild adventure: $224
- Cefalu Etna wild jeep experience: $272
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySintra €17Cefalu €11
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 Cefalu
Also in Cefalu, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Castelbuono Tour and Wine Tasting in a Medieval Abbey: $49
When comparing the travel costs between Sintra and Cefalu, we can see that Cefalu 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 Cefalu Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sintra or Cefalu?
Sintra has a larger population, and is about 90% larger than the population of Cefalu. When comparing the sizes of Sintra and Cefalu, 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 Cefalu?
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 Cefalu in the Summer?
Both Cefalu and Sintra during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Cefalu because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Sintra is cooler than Cefalu. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sintra in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Cefalu averages at about 26°C (79°F).
In Cefalu, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Sintra. In the summer, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Cefalu. Sintra gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cefalu receives 325 hours of full sun.
Sintra usually gets more rain in July than Cefalu. Sintra gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySintra 23°C (73°F)Cefalu 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Cefalu in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Sintra and Cefalu. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Cefalu this time of year.
In October, Sintra is generally around the same temperature as Cefalu. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 19°C (66°F), and Cefalu fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).
In Sintra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Cefalu during autumn. Sintra gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Cefalu receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Sintra usually receives around the same amount of rain as Cefalu. Sintra gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSintra 19°C (66°F)Cefalu 19°C (67°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Cefalu in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Sintra as well as Cefalu. Also, many travelers come to Cefalu for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Sintra is a little warmer than Cefalu in the winter. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 12°C (53°F) in January, and Cefalu fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).
In the winter, Sintra often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cefalu. Sintra gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cefalu receives 153 hours of full sun.
Sintra receives a lot of rain in the winter. Sintra usually gets more rain in January than Cefalu. Sintra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySintra 12°C (53°F)Cefalu 10°C (51°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Cefalu in the Spring?
Both Cefalu and Sintra are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Cefalu in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Sintra is around the same temperature as Cefalu. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sintra in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Cefalu averages at about 15°C (58°F).
It's quite sunny in Cefalu. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sintra. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Cefalu during spring. Sintra gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Cefalu receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Sintra usually receives more rain than Cefalu. Sintra gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Cefalu 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)Cefalu 15°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Cefalu and Sintra
| Sintra | Cefalu | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (53°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (58°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 23 mm (0.9 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) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (74°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 14 mm (0.5 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 75 mm (2.9 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (59°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 68 mm (2.7 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.