Should you visit Sintra or Ericeira?
Should I visit Sintra or Ericeira? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
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.
Ericeira
Beneath an indigo sky, a city perches at the edge of sandstone cliffs that overlook the vast expanse of the Atlantic. A seaside resort and fishing community, Ericeira is located in western Portugal within the municipality of Mafra. A picturesque village, Ericeira is quaint, quiet, and absolutely breathtaking with a population of no more than 10,260. Because of its blue waters and pristine coastlines, it has been named the Surfing Mecca of Europe. The town was a famous summer retreat for the families of Lisbon during the 1940s and 1950s and still remains so today for families beyond Lisbon's borders. Ericeira also has a World Surfing Reserve, the first in Europe and second in the world. Besides the many beaches on Ericeira, including Ribeira d'Ilhas, Pescadores, and Mataduoro, the town also has a park called Parque de Santa Maria as well as an old town center that has a collection of cafes, shops, restaurants, and bars. There are also some important landmarks that can be explored as no more than a brief visit, such as Forte Mil Regos and Casa De Cultura Jaime Lobo E. Silvs. Whether you are a surfer, fisher, or simply a lover of the beach, Ericeira is the perfect place for those who wish to experience the Atlantic like never before.
Which city is cheaper, Ericeira or Sintra?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Sintra is €92, while the average daily cost in Ericeira is €80. 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 city. Below is a breakdown of travel costs for Sintra and Ericeira in more detail.
Accommodation
If you're traveling alone, you may be able to find a budget hotel or hostel for around €45. But for two people in a standard two-person hotel room in Sintra the cost is €90 on average.
Double occupancy rooms typically run around €82 in Ericeira For nicer amenities and a premiere location, you can expect to pay a bit more.
Food
The average traveler spends about €34 per day in Sintra for food, but obviously this is dependent on the type of restaurant and the amount of food ordered. To save money you can grab a lighter lunch or dinner, or you can try fast food or street food.
Ericeira food costs typically run travelers around €20 per day. Eating every meal in a nicer restaurant will drive the cost up, and grabbing fast food or casual meals will help you save money.
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Food
Meals for one day
Sintra €34
Ericeira €20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sintra
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Sintra.
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Sintra Walking Food Tour:
$60
Local Transportation
The cost of a taxi ride in Sintra is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent €17 per person, per day, on local transportation in Sintra.
Ericeira's transportation costs can vary by the type of transport chosen by visitors. Naturally, taxis and private drivers cost much more than public transportation options. On average, visitors spend €20 per person, per day on transportation in Ericeira.
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sintra
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sintra:
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Private Transfer from Sintra City Center to Lisbon City Center:
$30
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Private Transfer To or From Lisbon Airport:
$25
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Lisbon Private Transfer to or from Sintra:
$22
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ericeira
Also for Ericeira, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
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Lisbon Private Transfer to or from Ericeira:
$34
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Ericeira Private Transfer to Lisbon:
$38
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Lisbon: Private Transfer between the Airport & Ericeira Area:
$73
Is it cheaper to fly into Sintra or Ericeira?
Prices for flights to both Ericeira 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.
Entertainment
Entertainment and activities in Sintra typically cost an average of €18 per person, per day. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
Sightseeing, admission tickets, things to do, and other entertainment expenses in Ericeira can vary widely by price. On average, visitors spend around €20 per person, per day on entertainment and sightseeing here.
Tours and Activities in Sintra
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Sintra are as follows:
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2 Tours Private /Day 1 From LISBON To ALGARVE Day 2 From LISBON To SINTRA:
$485
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2 Tours Private /Day 1 From LISBON To FÁTIMA Day 2 From LISBON To SINTRA:
$373
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2 Tours Private /Day 1 From LISBON To SINTRA Day 2 LISBON:
$261
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2 Tours Private/Day 1 From LISBON To FÁTIMA Day 2 LISBON:
$373
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2H Sintra Tour by Tuk Tuk:
$149
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3 Tours Private/Day 1 LISBON To SINTRA Day 2 LISBON to FÁTIMA Day 3 LISBON:
$498
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Archaeological Sintra Tour in a Classical car:
$56
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Cabo da Roca and Praia da Ursa Half Day Tour - IncrediblePortugal Private Tours:
$92
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Cascais & Sintra Tour in electric car:
$224
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Discover SINTRA`s hidden gems on our walking tour:
$30
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ECO FRIENDLY TOUR - The Unknown Side of Sintra:
$71
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Economic Tour - Pena Palace (2-4pax):
$27
Tours and Activities in Ericeira
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ericeira.
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2h Sunset BTT tour:
$41
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ERICEIRA | LIZANDRO RIVER AND SEA BTT TOUR 2h30 HOURS:
$44
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2h30 World Surf Reserve BTT tour:
$45
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2h30 Hours E-Bike Tour To Mafra:
$56
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Ericeira to Cabo da Roca Bike Tour:
$93
Alcohol
The average person spends about €14 on alcoholic beverages in Sintra per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
Alcoholic beverages can often be a significant portion of a traveler's budget, and the costs can vary greatly from person to person. In Ericeira, the average amount that a visitor spends on alcoholic beverages per day is €14.
Sample the Local Flavors in Sintra
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Sintra:
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Ericeira & Mafra’s Wonders - Rural Beach & Wine Tour:
$117
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Sintra Brewery Tour & Beer Tasting Experience:
$121
When comparing the travel costs between Sintra and Ericeira, 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.
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