Which place is cheaper, Coimbra or Sintra?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Sintra or Coimbra?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Sintra or Coimbra? 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 Coimbra?
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.
Coimbra
Coimbra is located in Central Portugal in the Centro Region. It's the third largest city in the country with about 460,000 people living in the entire region. It is also where you'll find the University of Coimbra, which is one of the oldest universities in Europe and the oldest academic institution in the Portuguese speaking world. During the High Middle Ages, Coimbra served as the nation's capital and there are archaeological structures that date back to the Roman era.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Portugal, The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best G Adventures Tours to Portugal, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Lisbon.
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Sintra Prices
Portugal PricesCoimbra Prices
Portugal Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySintra €146Coimbra €138
The average daily cost (per person) in Sintra is €146, while the average daily cost in Coimbra is €138. 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 Coimbra in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSintra €57Coimbra €44
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSintra €114Coimbra €88
Compare Hotels in Sintra and Coimbra
Looking for a hotel in Sintra or Coimbra? 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 Coimbra Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sintra €21Coimbra €11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sintra
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sintra:
- Transfer in Cascais to Lisbon Airport: $65
- Transfer from Lisbon Airport to Sintra: $58
- Transfer From Lisbon To Albufeira Algarve: $265
- Transfer From Lisboa To Portimão Algarve: $294
- Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(8pax): $117
- Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(3pax): $106
- Tours and Transfers: $96
- TRANSFER Cascais to Lisbon Airport: $88
- Private Transfer From Lisbon Airport to/from Cascais: $89
- Lisbon: Private Transfer to Sintra: $46
- Lisbon Airport: Cascais/Estoril/Sintra Private Transfer: $62
- Estoril, Cascais or Sintra Private Transfer to Lisbon: $29
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Coimbra
Also for Coimbra, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private transfer in Coimbra City : $79
- Transfers Aveiro or Coimbra to Lisbon Airport: $157
- Fátima Private Transfer to/from Lisbon: $159
- Transfer Viseu - Porto: $170
- Private Transfer Coimbra to Aveiro Costa Nova : $173
- Private Transfer from Coimbra to Porto Airport: $212
Is it cheaper to fly into Sintra or Coimbra?
Prices for flights to both Coimbra 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 €73Coimbra €83
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sintra
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Sintra.
- Lisbon Countryside Food Tour on a Vintage Car: $90
- Lisbon Countryside Food Tour on Vintage Car: $101
- Boho Chic Picnic Dinner with Water Views: $107
- Cooking Workshop in Cascais (group of 4 min): $112
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Coimbra
For Coimbra, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Erotic Cabaret Show and Dinner: $64
- Portuguese Cooking Class in Tomar Countryside in a Local Home: $115
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sintra €23Coimbra €18
Tours and Activities in Sintra
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Sintra are as follows:
- E-Bike Self Guided Tour Sintra & Cabo da Roca : $56
- Sintra Castle of the Moors Skip-the-Line Ticket: $27
- "Exclusive Sintra, Cabo da Roca & Cascais Private Tour": $139
- 1 Hour Private Sintra Sightseeing Tour by Renault 4L: $40
- 1 Hour Sightseeing Tour in Sintra with Tuktuk: $64
- 1H Tuk Tuk Tour through the historic center to the Peña Palace: $44
- 2 Hours Sintra Experience Renault 4L Tour: $64
- 2 Hours Sintra Experience Renault 4L Tour : $65
- 3 Hour Sintra Village and Beaches Tuktuk Tour: $156
- 4 hour tour | Sintra, Quinta da Regaleira, Cabo da Roca: $65
- 4 hours Group Tour: Sintra, Regaleira, and Cabo da Roca: $40
- 4x4 Tours in Portuguese Classic Jeeps (UMM) around Sintra: $165
Tours and Activities in Coimbra
For Coimbra, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Coimbra Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $3.52
- Coimbra Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $4.41
- Leiria Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self Guided Tour: $4.41
- Coimbra Top Attractions Walking Tour: $5.89
- Flexible Walking Tour in Historic Center: $8.07
- Coimbra Walking Tour with Audioguide on Your Smartphone: $8.23
- Coimbra’s Timeless Tracks: An Enchanting Train Tour: $8.66
- Pilgrims and Pioneers: A Self-Guided Tour Audio of Tomar: $9.99
- Coimbra’s Jewish Heritage An Audio Tour of the Medieval Town: $9.99
- Self-Guided Tour of Fado Traditions in Coimbra: $9.99
- Coimbra's Historical Highlights: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
- Portugal dos Pequenitos entry ticket: $17
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySintra €17Coimbra €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: $82
- Arrábida & Sesimbra Tour Wine Tasting, Nature & Beaches: $85
- Half Day in Sintra and Cabo da Roca with Wine Tasting: $88
- From Sintra, Mafra, or Ericeira: Hike and Wine Tour: $98
- Tour Mafra, Ericeira with wine tasting in Adega de Lisboa: $171
- Hidden Gems: Sintra & Cascais Private Tour with Wine Tasting: $195
- PRIVATE TOUR WINE TASTING QUINTA BACALHÔA & JOSÉ MARIA FONSECA (Setubal Region): $229
Sample the Local Flavors in Coimbra
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Coimbra:
- Coimbra Food and Wine Tasting Private Guided Walk: $40
- Port Wine Tasting in Coimbra: $71
When comparing the travel costs between Sintra and Coimbra, we can see that Sintra 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 Coimbra Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sintra or Coimbra?
Coimbra has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Sintra. When comparing the sizes of Sintra and Coimbra, 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 Coimbra?
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 Coimbra in the Summer?
Both Coimbra and Sintra during the summer are popular places to visit.
In July, Sintra is generally around the same temperature as Coimbra. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 23°C (73°F), and Coimbra fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
In Coimbra, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Sintra. In the summer, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Coimbra. Sintra gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Coimbra receives 308 hours of full sun.
Sintra usually gets less rain in July than Coimbra. Sintra gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Coimbra receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySintra 23°C (73°F)Coimbra 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Coimbra in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Sintra and Coimbra.
Sintra is around the same temperature as Coimbra in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Coimbra fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).
In Sintra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Coimbra during autumn. Sintra gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Coimbra receives 184 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Coimbra receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Sintra usually receives less rain than Coimbra. Sintra gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Coimbra receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSintra 19°C (66°F)Coimbra 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Coimbra in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Sintra as well as Coimbra.
In the winter, Sintra is around the same temperature as Coimbra. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sintra in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Coimbra averages at about 11°C (51°F).
In the winter, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Coimbra. Sintra gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Coimbra receives 124 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Coimbra. Sintra receives a lot of rain in the winter. Sintra usually gets less rain in January than Coimbra. Sintra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Coimbra receives 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySintra 12°C (53°F)Coimbra 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Coimbra in the Spring?
Both Coimbra and Sintra are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.
In April, Sintra is generally around the same temperature as Coimbra. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 16°C (60°F), and Coimbra fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
It's quite sunny in Coimbra. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sintra. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Coimbra during spring. Sintra gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Coimbra receives 217 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Sintra usually receives less rain than Coimbra. Sintra gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Coimbra receives 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSintra 16°C (60°F)Coimbra 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Coimbra and Sintra
| Sintra | Coimbra | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (53°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (58°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (74°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (59°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 128 mm (5 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 130 mm (5.1 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.