Which place is cheaper, Gran Canaria or Sintra?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Sintra or Gran Canaria?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Sintra or Gran Canaria? 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 Gran Canaria?
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.
Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria is one of Spain's Canary Islands, located just off the coast of northwestern Africa. It is the third largest of the islands, and is known for its variety of volcanic beaches. This island is sometimes called a "Miniature Continent" due to the different climates and variety of landscapes found, which allow for a range of activities like hiking, biking, surfing, and scuba diving.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Portugal, The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain, and The Best Adventure Tours to Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySintra €115Gran Canaria €125
The average daily cost (per person) in Sintra is €115, while the average daily cost in Gran Canaria is €125. 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 Gran Canaria in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSintra €57Gran Canaria €63
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSintra €114Gran Canaria €126
Compare Hotels in Sintra and Gran Canaria
Looking for a hotel in Sintra or Gran Canaria? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sintra €21Gran Canaria €46
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 Gran Canaria
Also for Gran Canaria, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Vecindario to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $31
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to La Garita: $31
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to Agüimes: $31
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Ingenio to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $31
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to Vecindario : $31
- El Salobre: Horse Riding Adventure with Transfer Options: $32
- Private Transfer from Gran Canaria Port to Gran Canaria Airport: $33
- Playa del Ingles to Gran Canaria Airport(LPA)- Departure Transfer: $33
- Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) to Playa del Ingles - Arrival Transfer: $33
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from San Agustín to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $41
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to San Agustín: $41
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to Costa Meloneras: $41
Is it cheaper to fly into Sintra or Gran Canaria?
Prices for flights to both Gran Canaria 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 €42Gran Canaria €34
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sintra €23Gran Canaria €20
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 Gran Canaria
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Gran Canaria.
- Walking tour Vegueta (old town Las Palmas): $7.49
- Walking tour old town Las Palmas Vegueta: $7.64
- Las Palmas: Old Town Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour: $8.45
- Agüimes: Cocodrilo Park Zoo Entry Ticket: $11
- Banana Plantation Guided Tour & Tasting: $13
- Angry Birds Activity Park Entry Ticket: $14
- Holiday World Maspalomas Wooland Ticket: $14
- Skip the Line: Holiday World Maspalomas Wooland Ticket: $14
- Maspalomas: Bowling Session Entry Ticket at Holiday World: $15
- Taurito: Lago Taurito Water Park Entrance Ticket: $17
- Puerto de Mogan: Friday Market Experience: $24
- Winery Tour, Wine Museum, and Tasting: $24
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySintra €17Gran Canaria €7.14
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 Gran Canaria
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Gran Canaria:
- Spanish Tapas and Wine Tasting Tour in Mogan: $52
- Spanish Cured Meats & Wine Tasting Tour in Mogan: $60
- Gran Canaria Picnic Experience & Wine Tasting: $102
When comparing the travel costs between Sintra and Gran Canaria, we can see that Gran Canaria 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 Gran Canaria Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sintra or Gran Canaria?
Gran Canaria has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Sintra. When comparing the sizes of Sintra and Gran Canaria, 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 Gran Canaria?
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 Gran Canaria in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Sintra as well as Gran Canaria.
In July, Sintra is generally around the same temperature as Gran Canaria. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 23°C (73°F), and Gran Canaria fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gran Canaria. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sintra this time of the year. In the summer, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Gran Canaria. Sintra gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gran Canaria receives 293 hours of full sun.
Sintra usually gets more rain in July than Gran Canaria. Sintra gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Gran Canaria receives 0 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySintra 23°C (73°F)Gran Canaria 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Gran Canaria in the Autumn?
Both Gran Canaria and Sintra are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.
Sintra is cooler than Gran Canaria in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Gran Canaria fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
It's quite sunny in Gran Canaria. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sintra. Sintra usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Gran Canaria during autumn. Sintra gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Gran Canaria receives 213 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Sintra usually receives more rain than Gran Canaria. Sintra gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Gran Canaria receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSintra 19°C (66°F)Gran Canaria 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Gran Canaria in the Winter?
Both Gran Canaria and Sintra during the winter are popular places to visit.
In the winter, Sintra is much colder than Gran Canaria. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sintra in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Gran Canaria averages at about 18°C (64°F).
In the winter, Sintra often gets less sunshine than Gran Canaria. Sintra gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gran Canaria receives 187 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Sintra. Sintra usually gets more rain in January than Gran Canaria. Sintra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Gran Canaria receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySintra 12°C (53°F)Gran Canaria 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Gran Canaria in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Sintra and Gran Canaria.
In April, Sintra is generally cooler than Gran Canaria. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 16°C (60°F), and Gran Canaria fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gran Canaria 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 Gran Canaria during spring. Sintra gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Gran Canaria receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Sintra usually receives more rain than Gran Canaria. Sintra gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Gran Canaria receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSintra 16°C (60°F)Gran Canaria 19°C (66°F)
Typical Weather for Gran Canaria and Sintra
| Sintra | Gran Canaria | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (53°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (58°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (74°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (59°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 31 mm (1.2 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.