Which place is cheaper, Cordoba or Sintra?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Sintra or Cordoba?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Sintra or Cordoba? 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 Cordoba?
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.
Cordoba
Cordoba is a Spanish city located in the southern province of Andalusia. With a culture embedded in Islamic heritage, the city is home to many architectural gems, the most significant being La Mezquita. Andalucía's major river, the Guadalquivir, flows just below the Mezquita, and the riverfront streets are bustling with lively restaurants and bars. Other popular centers of activity include the Jewish Quarter, Muslim Quarter, and the Old City.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Portugal, The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Barcelona.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySintra €115Cordoba €127
The average daily cost (per person) in Sintra is €115, while the average daily cost in Cordoba is €127. 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 Cordoba in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSintra €57Cordoba €68
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSintra €114Cordoba €136
Compare Hotels in Sintra and Cordoba
Looking for a hotel in Sintra or Cordoba? 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 Cordoba Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sintra €21Cordoba €28
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 Cordoba
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cordoba:
- Guided tour of Medina Azahara with transfer from Córdoba: $27
- Medina Azahara Cordoba, with Transfer by Bus: $34
- Private transfer in Cordoba from Airport or Train Station: $72
- Private Transfer IN or OUT in Upscale Vehicle with Professional Driver: $132
- Cordoba to Granada Private Transfer: $241
- Private Transfer from Córdoba to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $295
Is it cheaper to fly into Sintra or Cordoba?
Prices for flights to both Cordoba 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 €42Cordoba €34
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
Typical Food Prices in Cordoba
Some typical examples of dining costs in Cordoba are as follows:
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Ice Cream€1.80
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cordoba
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cordoba.
- Paella and Salmorejo 2-Hour Cooking Class in Córdoba: $49
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sintra €23Cordoba €25
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Cordoba
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Cordoba are as follows:
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Garden Entrance Fee€6.00
Tours and Activities in Cordoba
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Cordoba are as follows:
- Córdoba Scavenger Hunt and City Highlights Walking Tour: $8.95
- Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba Guided Tour : $15
- Medina azahara night experience without transportation: $15
- Cordoba's Authentic Patios: 2-Hour Tour with Tickets: $15
- Patios tour in Cordoba: $16
- Cordoba Jewish Quartier Guided Tour: $16
- Visit in Spanish to the Cathedral Mosque. Does not include entrance ticket: $19
- Guided Tour to the Popular Patios of Cordoba: $20
- Alcazar of Cordoba Small Group Tour with Skip the Line Ticket: $20
- Cordoba Old Town Evening Walking Tour: $20
- Authentic Patios of Cordoba Guided Tour: $20
- Alcazar Skip the Line Guided Tour: $20
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySintra €17Cordoba €37
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 Cordoba
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Cordoba:
- Evening Wine Tasting Córdoba: $26
- Evening Local Wine Tasting in Córdoba: $39
When comparing the travel costs between Sintra and Cordoba, we can see that Cordoba 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 Cordoba Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sintra or Cordoba?
Cordoba has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Sintra. When comparing the sizes of Sintra and Cordoba, 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 Cordoba?
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 Cordoba in the Summer?
Both Cordoba and Sintra are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Cordoba for the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Sintra is generally cooler than Cordoba. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 23°C (73°F), and Cordoba fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
It's quite sunny in Cordoba. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sintra. Sintra usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cordoba during summer. Sintra gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Cordoba receives 358 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Sintra usually receives around the same amount of rain as Cordoba. Sintra gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Cordoba receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySintra 23°C (73°F)Cordoba 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Cordoba in the Autumn?
Both Cordoba and Sintra during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Cordoba because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
Sintra is around the same temperature as Cordoba in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Cordoba fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
In Cordoba, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Sintra. In the autumn, Sintra often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cordoba. Sintra gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cordoba receives 202 hours of full sun.
Sintra usually gets more rain in October than Cordoba. Sintra gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Cordoba receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSintra 19°C (66°F)Cordoba 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Cordoba in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Sintra and Cordoba. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Cordoba this time of year.
In the winter, Sintra is a little warmer than Cordoba. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sintra in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Cordoba averages at about 10°C (50°F).
Sintra usually receives less sunshine than Cordoba during winter. Sintra gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Cordoba receives 162 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 Cordoba. Sintra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Cordoba receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySintra 12°C (53°F)Cordoba 10°C (50°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Cordoba in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Sintra as well as Cordoba. Also, many travelers come to Cordoba for the natural beauty.
In April, Sintra is generally around the same temperature as Cordoba. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 16°C (60°F), and Cordoba fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cordoba. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sintra this time of the year. In the spring, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Cordoba. Sintra gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cordoba receives 203 hours of full sun.
Sintra usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Cordoba. Sintra gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Cordoba receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSintra 16°C (60°F)Cordoba 16°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Cordoba and Sintra
| Sintra | Cordoba | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (53°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (58°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (74°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (59°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 84 mm (3.3 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.