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

Should you visit Sintra or Hondarribia?

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

Should I visit Sintra or Hondarribia? 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 Hondarribia?

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.

Hondarribia

The characteristic Spanish buildings painted in the brightest, most vibrant of colors only match the true spirit of the town, Hondarribia, Spain. Hondarribia is located on the west shore of Bidasoa river's mouth in Gipuzkoa of Basque Country. The town is rich in its Spanish history, holding both an ancient old quarter with walls and a castle within. Hondarribia is also known for its gorgeous beach of bright blue water across the Bidasoa alongside the fertile, roaming mountain of Jaizkibel. What's more, Hondarribia faces the border of Hendaye, France, so if you are yearning to expand your cultural learning, take a service boat over to Spain's friendly neighbor! No matter if you want to explore the ancient architecture or enjoy the cooling waters of the bay, Hondarribia is definitely a location known for its beauty and activity!

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Portugal, The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Spain, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Hondarribia 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 Hondarribia is €132. 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 Hondarribia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sintra 57
    Hondarribia 70
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sintra 114
    Hondarribia 140
Compare Hotels in Sintra and Hondarribia

Looking for a hotel in Sintra or Hondarribia? 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 Hondarribia


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 Hondarribia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sintra 21
    Hondarribia 32

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 Hondarribia?

Prices for flights to both Hondarribia 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
    Hondarribia 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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sintra 23
    Hondarribia 22

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
    Hondarribia 18

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 Hondarribia, we can see that Hondarribia 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 Hondarribia Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Sintra or Hondarribia?

Sintra has a larger population, and is about 64% larger than the population of Hondarribia. When comparing the sizes of Sintra and Hondarribia, 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 Hondarribia?

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 Hondarribia in the Summer?

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

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

In Hondarribia, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Sintra. In the summer, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Hondarribia. Sintra gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hondarribia receives 209 hours of full sun.

Sintra usually gets less rain in July than Hondarribia. Sintra gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Hondarribia receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Sintra or Hondarribia in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Sintra is a little warmer than Hondarribia. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sintra in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Hondarribia averages at about 16°C (60°F).

In Sintra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Hondarribia during autumn. Sintra gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Hondarribia receives 144 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Hondarribia receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Sintra usually receives less rain than Hondarribia. Sintra gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Hondarribia receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Sintra 19°C (66°F) 
    Hondarribia 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Hondarribia in the Winter?

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

In January, Sintra is generally a little warmer than Hondarribia. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 12°C (53°F), and Hondarribia fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Hondarribia. Sintra gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hondarribia receives 85 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Hondarribia. Sintra receives a lot of rain in the winter. Sintra usually gets less rain in January than Hondarribia. Sintra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Hondarribia receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Sintra 12°C (53°F) 
    Hondarribia 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Hondarribia in the Spring?

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

Sintra is a little warmer than Hondarribia in the spring. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Hondarribia 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 Hondarribia during spring. Sintra gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Hondarribia receives 141 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hondarribia. In April, Sintra usually receives less rain than Hondarribia. Sintra gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Hondarribia receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for Hondarribia and Sintra

Sintra Hondarribia
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 8°C (47°F) 183 mm (7.2 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 9°C (49°F) 147 mm (5.8 in)
Mar 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 10°C (51°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 18°C (64°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in) 18°C (65°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 16°C (60°F) 155 mm (6.1 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 11°C (52°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 9°C (49°F) 184 mm (7.2 in)