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

Should you visit Sintra or Ezcaray?

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

Should I visit Sintra or Ezcaray? 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 Ezcaray?

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.

Ezcaray

Ezcaray, Spain is a great place to go if you are looking for a scenic, relaxing, and peaceful destination. It is located in the Sierra de la Demanda mountains on the banks of the Oja river. Because of the mountain range nearby, it is also a great place for mountaineers. Ezcaray is a small town with big charm and momentous possibilities. It is located right at the base of the San Lorenzo peak in the Oja valley in the La Rioja region of Spain. The town has a population of less than 2,000, so it is a far cry from big city life, but that's part of what makes it such a gem to visit. Some say it is one of the best locations to get an authentic feel of real Spain without the big touristy populations. Its sheer beauty has also been compared to something out of a fairy tale.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Portugal, The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best Luxury Tours to Spain, and The Best Budget Tours to Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Ezcaray 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 Ezcaray is €111. 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 Ezcaray in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sintra 57
    Ezcaray 56
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sintra 114
    Ezcaray 112
Compare Hotels in Sintra and Ezcaray

Looking for a hotel in Sintra or Ezcaray? 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 Ezcaray


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 Ezcaray Hotel Prices.

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sintra

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sintra:

  • Tuk Tuk Transfer With Sintra Pena Ticket From Meeting Point: $73
  • Transfer from Lisbon Airport to Sintra: $53
  • Transfer Sintra to Lisbon Airport: $71
  • Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(8pax): $109
  • Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(3pax): $98
  • Tours and Transfers: $89
  • TRANSFER Cascais to Lisbon Airport: $82
  • Private transfer from Sintra to Porto with 2 hours for sightseeing: $289
  • Private Transfer Lisbon & Cascais by Van or Car: $73
  • Private Guided Transfer in Sintra and Lisbon: $87
  • Lisbon transfer, national and Iberian trips: $86
  • Lisbon Airport: Cascais/Estoril/Sintra Private Transfer: $57

Is it cheaper to fly into Sintra or Ezcaray?

Prices for flights to both Ezcaray 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
    Ezcaray 39

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sintra 23
    Ezcaray 21

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sintra 17
    Ezcaray 19

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


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


Which is Bigger, Sintra or Ezcaray?

Sintra has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Ezcaray. When comparing the sizes of Sintra and Ezcaray, 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 Ezcaray?

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 Ezcaray in the Summer?

Both Ezcaray and Sintra during the summer are popular places to visit.

Sintra is a little warmer than Ezcaray in the summer. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Ezcaray fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Sintra. In the summer, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Ezcaray. Sintra gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ezcaray receives 188 hours of full sun.

Sintra usually gets less rain in July than Ezcaray. Sintra gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Ezcaray receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Sintra 23°C (73°F) 
    Ezcaray 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Ezcaray in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Sintra and Ezcaray.

In the autumn, Sintra is a little warmer than Ezcaray. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sintra in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Ezcaray averages at about 16°C (62°F).

In Sintra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Ezcaray during autumn. Sintra gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Ezcaray receives 125 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Ezcaray receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Sintra usually receives less rain than Ezcaray. Sintra gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Ezcaray receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Sintra 19°C (66°F) 
    Ezcaray 16°C (62°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Ezcaray in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Sintra as well as Ezcaray.

In January, Sintra is generally a little warmer than Ezcaray. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 12°C (53°F), and Ezcaray fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the winter, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Ezcaray. Sintra gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ezcaray receives 77 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Ezcaray. Sintra receives a lot of rain in the winter. Sintra usually gets less rain in January than Ezcaray. Sintra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Ezcaray receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Sintra 12°C (53°F) 
    Ezcaray 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Ezcaray in the Spring?

Both Ezcaray and Sintra are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

Sintra is a little warmer than Ezcaray in the spring. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Ezcaray fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sintra. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Ezcaray during spring. Sintra gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Ezcaray receives 117 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ezcaray. In April, Sintra usually receives less rain than Ezcaray. Sintra gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Ezcaray receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Sintra 16°C (60°F) 
    Ezcaray 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Ezcaray and Sintra

Sintra Ezcaray
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 9°C (48°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 10°C (50°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Mar 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 11°C (51°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 18°C (64°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in) 19°C (66°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 16°C (62°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 10°C (50°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)