Which place is cheaper, Girona or Sintra?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Sintra or Girona?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Sintra or Girona? 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 Girona?
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.
Girona
Girona is an ancient town in northeastern Spain, and serves as the capital of the province of the same name in Spain's Catalonia region. It is characterized by narrow medieval alleys, architecture, and an impressive wall that once served to fortify the city.
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 Barcelona, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySintra €115Girona €140
The average daily cost (per person) in Sintra is €115, while the average daily cost in Girona is €140. 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 Girona in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSintra €57Girona €69
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSintra €114Girona €138
Compare Hotels in Sintra and Girona
Looking for a hotel in Sintra or Girona? 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 Girona Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sintra €21Girona €49
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 Girona
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Girona:
- Girona Airport Bus Transfer from/to Barcelona Center: $21
- Palamós to Girona Airport (GRO) - Departure Private Transfer : $33
- Palamós to Barcelona Airport (BNC) Departure Private Transfer: $60
- Girona Airport (GRO) to Costa Brava - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $98
- Transfer from Barcelona to girona Airport: $196
- Private Transfer from Tossa de Mar/ Lloret de Mar to Barcelona: $262
Is it cheaper to fly into Sintra or Girona?
Prices for flights to both Girona 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 €42Girona €41
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 Girona
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Girona.
- The 11 tastings of Girona small-group tour and dinner: $88
- Girona Morning Food Tour & Local Market: $91
- Girona Evening Food Tour & Tapas Bar Experience: $95
- The 11 Tastings of Girona small-group tour and dinner: $96
- Girona Morning Food Tour & Local Market: $97
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sintra €23Girona €24
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
Tours and Activities in Girona
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Girona are as follows:
- Girona self-guided tour app with multilingual audioguide: $4.28
- Audio Tour Imprescindible a tu ritmo: $6.41
- Girona Art Museum: Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket & Audio Guide: $6.42
- Entrance ticket to the Girona Art Museum: $6.54
- Museum of Cinema Entry Ticket: $7.49
- Fábrica-Museo de Anchoas Solés Ticket: $7.74
- Self-guided Audio City Tour on Your Phone: $11
- Girona City Tour Self-guided Audio Tour on Your Phone (no ticket): $11
- Ticket pass to Girona Cathedral, Sant Felix and Girona Art Museum: $13
- Catedral, Art Museum, St Felix Church Ticket & Audio: $29
- E-ticket to Girona's Cathedral, Art Museum & S.t Feliu Church: $29
- Girona History, Legends, and Food Walking Tour with food tasting: $31
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySintra €17Girona €9.69
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 Girona
Also in Girona, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Spanish Wine Tasting in the Costa Brava: $82
- Local Wineries Tour with Breakfast and Wine Tasting: $149
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sintra and Girona, we can see that Girona is more expensive. And not only is Sintra much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Sintra would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sintra 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 Girona would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Girona than you might in Sintra.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Sintra Expensive? and Is Girona Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sintra or Girona?
Girona has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Sintra. When comparing the sizes of Sintra and Girona, 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 Girona?
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 Girona in the Summer?
Both Girona and Sintra are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Girona because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Sintra is around the same temperature as Girona. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sintra in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Girona averages at about 24°C (75°F).
It's quite sunny in Girona. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sintra. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Girona during summer. Sintra gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Girona receives 279 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Sintra usually receives less rain than Girona. Sintra gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Girona receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySintra 23°C (73°F)Girona 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Girona in the Autumn?
Both Girona and Sintra during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Girona this time of year.
In October, Sintra is generally a little warmer than Girona. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 19°C (66°F), and Girona fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
It's quite sunny in Sintra. In the autumn, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Girona. Sintra gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Girona receives 170 hours of full sun.
Sintra usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Girona. Sintra gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Girona receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSintra 19°C (66°F)Girona 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Girona in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Sintra and Girona. Also, many travelers come to Girona for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Sintra is much warmer than Girona in the winter. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 12°C (53°F) in January, and Girona fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).
Sintra usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Girona during winter. Sintra gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Girona receives 148 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 Girona. Sintra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Girona receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySintra 12°C (53°F)Girona 8°C (46°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Girona in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Sintra as well as Girona. Also, many visitors come to Girona in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Sintra is a little warmer than Girona. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sintra in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Girona averages at about 13°C (55°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sintra this time of the year. In the spring, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Girona. Sintra gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Girona receives 177 hours of full sun.
Sintra usually gets less rain in April than Girona. Sintra gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Girona receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSintra 16°C (60°F)Girona 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Girona and Sintra
| Sintra | Girona | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (53°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (58°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 16°C (62°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (74°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (59°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 47 mm (1.9 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.