Which place is cheaper, Chartres or Sintra?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Sintra or Chartres?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Sintra or Chartres? 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 Chartres?
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.
Chartres
Chartres is a city in north-central France southwest of Paris. It is famed for its massive Cathedrale Notre-Dame. The well-preserved Gothic cathedral, completed in 1220, features 2 towering spires, Romanesque sculptures and elaborate rose windows. The cathedral is unique in that it has two very different steeples – one Gothic, the other Romanesque. Follow them to check out the cathedral's dazzling blue stained-glass windows and its collection of relics, including the Sainte Voile (Holy Veil) said to have been worn by the Virgin Mary when she gave birth to Jesus, which have lured pilgrims since the Middle Ages. The nearby Centre International du Vitrail has workshops and exhibits on stained-glass art. Chartres also had a carefully preserved old city, which is adjacent to the cathedral with staircases and steep streets lined with half-timbered medieval houses leading downhill to the narrow western channel of the Eure River, romantically spanned by footbridges.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Portugal, The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySintra €115Chartres €117
The average daily cost (per person) in Sintra is €115, while the average daily cost in Chartres is €117. 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 Chartres in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSintra €57Chartres €59
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSintra €114Chartres €118
Compare Hotels in Sintra and Chartres
Looking for a hotel in Sintra or Chartres? 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 Chartres Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sintra €21Chartres €26
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sintra
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sintra:
- Algarve vs Lisbon: Private Transfer to/from Algarve /Lisbon: $513
- Private transfer from Sintra to Porto with 2 hours for sightseeing: $289
- Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(8pax): $109
- Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(3pax): $98
- Tours and Transfers: $89
- Private Guided Transfer in Sintra and Lisbon: $87
- Lisbon transfer, national and Iberian trips: $86
- TRANSFER Cascais to Lisbon Airport: $82
- Private Transfer Lisbon & Cascais by Van or Car: $73
- Tuk Tuk Transfer With Sintra Pena Ticket From Meeting Point: $73
- Transfer Sintra to Lisbon Airport: $71
- Lisbon Airport: Cascais/Estoril/Sintra Private Transfer: $57
Is it cheaper to fly into Sintra or Chartres?
Prices for flights to both Chartres 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 €42Chartres €39
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sintra €23Chartres €22
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 Chartres
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Chartres.
- City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySintra €17Chartres €12
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 Chartres, we can see that Chartres 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 Chartres Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sintra or Chartres?
Chartres has a larger population, and is about 67% larger than the population of Sintra. When comparing the sizes of Sintra and Chartres, 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 Chartres?
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 Chartres in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Sintra as well as Chartres. Also, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Chartres this time of year.
In the summer, Sintra is a little warmer than Chartres. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sintra in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Chartres averages at about 20°C (68°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chartres. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sintra this time of the year. In the summer, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Chartres. Sintra gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chartres receives 239 hours of full sun.
Sintra usually gets less rain in July than Chartres. Sintra gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySintra 23°C (73°F)Chartres 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Chartres in the Autumn?
Both Chartres and Sintra are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Chartres for the small town atmosphere.
In October, Sintra is generally a little warmer than Chartres. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 19°C (66°F), and Chartres fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sintra. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Chartres during autumn. Sintra gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Chartres receives 126 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Sintra usually receives more rain than Chartres. Sintra gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSintra 19°C (66°F)Chartres 13°C (56°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Chartres in the Winter?
Both Chartres and Sintra during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Chartres in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.
Chartres can get quite cold in the winter. Sintra is much warmer than Chartres in the winter. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 12°C (53°F) in January, and Chartres fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).
In the winter, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Chartres. Sintra gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chartres receives 56 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Sintra. Sintra usually gets more rain in January than Chartres. Sintra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySintra 12°C (53°F)Chartres 5°C (40°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Chartres in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Sintra and Chartres. Furthermore, most visitors come to Chartres for the small town charm during these months.
In the spring, Sintra is a little warmer than Chartres. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sintra in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Chartres averages at about 11°C (52°F).
In Sintra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Chartres during spring. Sintra gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Chartres receives 173 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Sintra usually receives more rain than Chartres. Sintra gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSintra 16°C (60°F)Chartres 11°C (52°F)
Typical Weather for Chartres and Sintra
| Sintra | Chartres | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (53°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (58°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (74°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 55 mm (2.1 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (59°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 51 mm (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.