A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sintra vs. Corfu for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Sintra or Corfu?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Sintra or Corfu? 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 Corfu?

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.

Corfu

Also known in modern Greek as Kerkira or Kerkyra, Corfu is the northernmost of Greece's Ionian islands, located off the nation's northwest coast in the Adriatic Sea. It has historically seen control of Venetians, French, and British powers, and today draws tourists mainly as a resort destination.

Like many beach destinations in Europe, Corfu can be expensive due to higher tourist demand and limited space on the island. But Greece is still a fairly affordable country compared to other places in Europe, so deals can be found.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Portugal, The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Athens, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Athens.


Which place is cheaper, Corfu or Sintra?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Sintra is €115, while the average daily cost in Corfu is €113. 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 Corfu in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sintra 57
    Corfu 49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sintra 114
    Corfu 98
Compare Hotels in Sintra and Corfu

Looking for a hotel in Sintra or Corfu? 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.

Hotels in Sintra


Hotels in Corfu


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 Corfu Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sintra 21
    Corfu 55

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Corfu

Also for Corfu, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Corfu Airport (CFU) to Corfu Neo Limani Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $20
  • Corfu Neo Limani Cruise Port to Corfu Airport (CFU) - Departure Private Transfer: $20
  • Private Transfer from Corfu Airport CFU to Corfu Neo Limani Port: $20
  • Corfu Airport/Port to Corfu Town Areas Private Transfer: $22
  • Transfer service in Corfu : $22
  • Corfu Private Transfer from/to Airport & Port: $25
  • Private Transfer Aqualand Corfu Water Park: $26
  • Shared Departure Transfer -Corfu Airport to Hotel: $26
  • Shared Arrival Transfer -Corfu Airport to Hotel: $27
  • Shared Transfer: Hotel to Corfu Airport: $29
  • Corfu Airport to Hotel Shared Arrival Transfer: $30
  • Private Airport Transfer with Minivan or Sedan: $32

Is it cheaper to fly into Sintra or Corfu?

Prices for flights to both Corfu 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Sintra 42
    Corfu 31

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 Corfu

For Corfu, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Private Traditional Albanian Lakror Cooking Class in Ksamil: $40
  • Greek Cooking Class & Olive Oil Tasting: $96
  • Corfood bites - Cooking classes by Christos: $98
  • Cooking Class,walk in the market,olive oil tasting.Simply Greece!: $98

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sintra 23
    Corfu 15

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 Corfu

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Corfu.

  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $5.35
  • Corfu Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.56
  • Corfu City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.95
  • Skip the Line: Casa Parlante Historical Museum Tour Ticket in Corfu: $13
  • Corfu Town: Pirate Ship Coastal Cruise: $14
  • Syvota Islands 1 hour Cruise: $16
  • City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $24
  • City Sightseeing Corfu Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $24
  • Royalty Winery tour with tasting at Theotoky Estate in Corfu: $25
  • Corfu Town: Dark Myths and Legends Tour: $26
  • Corfu Town: Dark Myths and Legends Tour: $26
  • Experience the Authentic Taste of Crete, Ntakos: $27

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sintra 17
    Corfu 8.57

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 Corfu

Also in Corfu, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Private Wine Tasting with Local Wine Makers in Sivota: $71
  • Wine Tasting in Kassiopi Corfu: $219
  • Private Corfu Wine Tasting Shore Excursion: $449
  • Private Shore Excursion: Corfu's Highlights & Wine Tasting: $460


When comparing the travel costs between Sintra and Corfu, 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 Corfu Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Sintra or Corfu?

Corfu has a larger population, and is about 3% larger than the population of Sintra. When comparing the sizes of Sintra and Corfu, 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 Corfu?

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 Corfu in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Sintra as well as Corfu. Additionally, many visitors come to Corfu in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Sintra is around the same temperature as Corfu. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sintra in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Corfu averages at about 25°C (76°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Corfu. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sintra this time of the year. In the summer, Sintra often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Corfu. Sintra gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Corfu receives 358 hours of full sun.

Sintra usually gets less rain in July than Corfu. Sintra gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Corfu receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Sintra 23°C (73°F) 
    Corfu 25°C (76°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Corfu in the Autumn?

Both Corfu and Sintra are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Corfu for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Sintra is generally around the same temperature as Corfu. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 19°C (66°F), and Corfu fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sintra. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Corfu during autumn. Sintra gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Corfu receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Corfu. In October, Sintra usually receives less rain than Corfu. Sintra gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Corfu receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Sintra 19°C (66°F) 
    Corfu 18°C (65°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Corfu in the Winter?

Both Corfu and Sintra during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Corfu because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Sintra is a little warmer than Corfu in the winter. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 12°C (53°F) in January, and Corfu fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

In the winter, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Corfu. Sintra gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Corfu receives 112 hours of full sun.

Corfu gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Sintra. Sintra usually gets less rain in January than Corfu. Sintra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Corfu receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Sintra 12°C (53°F) 
    Corfu 10°C (49°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Corfu in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Sintra and Corfu. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Corfu this time of year.

In the spring, Sintra is around the same temperature as Corfu. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sintra in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Corfu averages at about 14°C (58°F).

In Sintra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Corfu during spring. Sintra gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Corfu receives 195 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Sintra usually receives around the same amount of rain as Corfu. Sintra gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Corfu receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Sintra 16°C (60°F) 
    Corfu 14°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Corfu and Sintra

Sintra Corfu
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 10°C (49°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 10°C (50°F) 136 mm (5.4 in)
Mar 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 12°C (53°F) 98 mm (3.9 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 14°C (58°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 18°C (65°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 22°C (72°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 25°C (76°F) 7 mm (0.3 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 18 mm (0.7 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in) 22°C (72°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 18°C (65°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 14°C (58°F) 181 mm (7.1 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 180 mm (7.1 in)