A Travel Price Comparison for Portugal Sintra vs. Ericeira for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Sintra or Ericeira?

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

Should I visit Sintra or Ericeira? 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 Ericeira?

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.

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.


Which place is cheaper, Ericeira or Sintra?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Sintra is €146, while the average daily cost in Ericeira is €118. 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 Ericeira in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sintra 57
    Ericeira 51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sintra 114
    Ericeira 102
Compare Hotels in Sintra and Ericeira

Looking for a hotel in Sintra or Ericeira? 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 Ericeira


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sintra 21
    Ericeira 25

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sintra

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sintra:

  • Transfer From Lisboa to nazaré: $132
  • Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(8pax): $120
  • Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(3pax): $108
  • Tours and Transfers: $98
  • TRANSFER Cascais to Lisbon Airport: $90
  • Private Transfer From Lisbon Airport to/from Cascais: $84
  • Transfer in Cascais to Lisbon Airport: $66
  • Ericeira Private Transfer to/from Lisbon: $66
  • Lisbon Airport: Cascais/Estoril/Sintra Private Transfer: $62
  • Surf Lesson with transfer: $60
  • Transfer from Lisbon Airport to Sintra: $58
  • Estoril, Cascais or Sintra Private Transfer to Lisbon: $30

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.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Sintra 73
    Ericeira 44

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
  • Boho Chic Picnic Dinner with Water Views: $109
  • Ericeira Private Tour: 10 Tastings Food Tour: $124

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ericeira

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

  • Ericeira Private Tour: 10 Tastings Food Tour: $120

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sintra 23
    Ericeira 26

Tours and Activities in Sintra

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Sintra are as follows:

  • Sintra & Cascais in one day Renault 4L Tour (Full day): $144
  • "Exclusive Sintra, Cabo da Roca & Cascais Private Tour": $138
  • 1 Hour Private Sintra Sightseeing Tour by Renault 4L: $40
  • 1 Hour Sightseeing Tour in Sintra with Tuktuk: $63
  • 1 Hour Sightseeing Tour in Sintra with Tuktuk : $66
  • 1-Hour Guided Tuk-Tuk Tour in Sintra: $54
  • 19th Century Photography Experience: $48
  • 1H Tuk Tuk Tour through the historic center to the Peña Palace: $44
  • 2 Hours Sintra Experience Renault 4L Tour: $63
  • 3 Hour Sintra Village and Beaches Tuktuk Tour: $156
  • 4 hour tour | Sintra, Quinta da Regaleira, Cabo da Roca: $66
  • 4 hours Group Tour: Sintra, Regaleira, and Cabo da Roca: $40

Tours and Activities in Ericeira

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

  • Surf School Experience & Equipment Rental: $58
  • Highlights & Culinary Kickstart of Ericeira | PRIVATE Tour: $108
  • Tour por Mafra, Ericeira, Azenhas do Mar e Cabo da Roca: $161
  • Lisbon: Wellington's Defensive Lines Tour: $444

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sintra 17
    Ericeira 17

Sample the Local Flavors in Sintra

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Sintra:

  • Wine Tasting with 4 Portuguese Wines - Ericeira: $36
  • Half-Day Tour in Cascais / Sintra with Brunch and Wine Tasting: $84
  • Wine Tasting Tour: $90
  • Half Day in Sintra and Cabo da Roca with Wine Tasting: $90
  • Arrábida & Sesimbra Tour Wine Tasting, Nature & Beaches: $92
  • From Sintra, Mafra, or Ericeira: Hike and Wine Tour: $98
  • Tour Mafra, Ericeira with wine tasting in Adega de Lisboa: $174
  • Hidden Gems: Sintra & Cascais Private Tour with Wine Tasting: $195
  • PRIVATE TOUR WINE TASTING QUINTA BACALHÔA & JOSÉ MARIA FONSECA (Setubal Region): $234


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sintra and Ericeira, we can see that Sintra is more expensive. And not only is Ericeira much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ericeira would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ericeira and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Sintra would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sintra than you might in Ericeira.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Sintra Expensive? and Is Ericeira Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Sintra or Ericeira?

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

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 Ericeira in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Sintra as well as Ericeira.

In July, Sintra is generally around the same temperature as Ericeira. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 23°C (73°F), and Ericeira fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ericeira. 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 Ericeira. Sintra gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ericeira receives 352 hours of full sun.

Sintra usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Ericeira. Sintra gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Ericeira receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Sintra 23°C (73°F) 
    Ericeira 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Ericeira in the Autumn?

Both Ericeira and Sintra are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.

Sintra is around the same temperature as Ericeira in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Ericeira fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Ericeira. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sintra. Sintra usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ericeira during autumn. Sintra gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Ericeira receives 213 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Sintra usually receives around the same amount of rain as Ericeira. Sintra gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Ericeira receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Sintra 19°C (66°F) 
    Ericeira 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Ericeira in the Winter?

Both Ericeira and Sintra during the winter are popular places to visit.

In the winter, Sintra is around the same temperature as Ericeira. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sintra in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Ericeira averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In the winter, Sintra often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ericeira. Sintra gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ericeira receives 144 hours of full sun.

Ericeira gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Sintra. Sintra usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Ericeira. Sintra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Ericeira receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Sintra 12°C (53°F) 
    Ericeira 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Ericeira in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Sintra and Ericeira.

In April, Sintra is generally around the same temperature as Ericeira. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 16°C (60°F), and Ericeira fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ericeira this time of the year. In Sintra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sintra usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ericeira during spring. Sintra gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Ericeira receives 235 hours of full sun in the spring.

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


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Sintra 16°C (60°F) 
    Ericeira 16°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Ericeira and Sintra

Sintra Ericeira
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Mar 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 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) 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in) 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)