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

Should you visit Sintra or Korcula?

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

Should I visit Sintra or Korcula? 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 Korcula?

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.

Korcula

Korcula is a Croatian island in the Adriatic Sea. It lies just off the Dalmatian coast. This island is known for its dense forest and the ancient Greeks called the island Black Korcula for this reason. Korcula is one of Croatia's most treasured islands. Rich in vineyards, olive groves, and small villages, and harboring a glorious old town, the island of Korcula is the sixth-largest Adriatic island. Quiet coves and small sandy beaches dot the steep southern coast while the northern shore is flatter and with more pebbles. Tradition is alive and kicking on Korcula, with age-old religious ceremonies, folk music, and dances still being performed to the delight of an ever-growing influx of tourists.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Portugal, The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best 2-Week Tours from Dubrovnik, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Split.


Which place is cheaper, Korcula 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 Korcula is €90. 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 Korcula in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sintra 57
    Korcula 58
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sintra 114
    Korcula 116
Compare Hotels in Sintra and Korcula

Looking for a hotel in Sintra or Korcula? 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 Korcula


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 Korcula Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sintra 21
    Korcula 1.40

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sintra

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sintra:

  • Algarve vs Lisbon: Private Transfer to/from Algarve /Lisbon: $513
  • Estoril, Cascais or Sintra Private Transfer to Lisbon: $27
  • Lisbon Airport Transfer to Cascais / Sintra / Estoril: $51
  • Lisbon Airport: Cascais/Estoril/Sintra Private Transfer: $57
  • Lisbon transfer, national and Iberian trips: $86
  • Private Guided Transfer in Sintra and Lisbon: $87
  • Private Transfer Lisbon & Cascais by Van or Car: $73
  • Private transfer from Sintra to Porto with 2 hours for sightseeing: $289
  • TRANSFER Cascais to Lisbon Airport: $82
  • Tours and Transfers: $89
  • Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(3pax): $98
  • Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(8pax): $109

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Korcula

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Korcula:

  • Island Stupe / Moro Beach Transfer: $26
  • Private One Way Transfer from Orebić to Dubrovnik: $205

Is it cheaper to fly into Sintra or Korcula?

Prices for flights to both Korcula 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
    Korcula 28

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 Korcula

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Korcula.

  • Private Half-Day Cooking Workshop Gastronomy in Korcula: $87
  • Korcula walking tour and dinner for Food Lovers: $228
  • Korčula: Island Yacht Cruise with Wine Tasting and Dinner: $321

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sintra 23
    Korcula 11

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 Korcula

Here are a few actual costs in Korcula for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Semi-Submarine Tour: $21
  • Private Korcula Eco Tour with Guide: $27
  • Korčula: 3 Island Hop-on Hop-off Tour Daily Ticket: $32
  • 3 Islands Tour - HopOnHopOff - Daily Ticket : $33
  • Half day Lago di Korcula Half-Day Sea Kayak Tour: $64
  • Bits of History - Half day kayak Tour: $66
  • Small-Group Lumbarda Sunset and Evening Kayaking Experience: $66
  • Lumbarda: Half-Day Kayaking and History Tour: $66
  • Lumbarda: Sunset Kayak Tour: $66
  • Korčula for Early Risers and Coffee Lovers Private Walking Tour: $70
  • 1 Hour Private Walking Tour in Korcula : $75
  • Korčula & Pelješac: Wine & Culture Experience from Dubrovnik: $80

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sintra 17
    Korcula 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 Korcula

Also in Korcula, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Wine Tasting at Black Island Winery: $31
  • Slurp of Grk Wine Tour: $92
  • Day Tour from Dubrovnik - Korčula and Pelješac Wine Tasting: $92
  • Wine Tour Korcula: $98
  • Half-Day Bike Tour in Lumbarda with Wine Tasting: $105
  • Korcula Buggy Safari With Wine Tasting: $107
  • Korcula Bike & Wine Tour: $111
  • Private Korcula wine tour and tasting : $131
  • Wine tour Korčula - private tour: $146
  • Enchanted Forest Hike and Wine Tasting Private Tour: $158
  • Korcula Island Sightseeing Tour Including Wine Tasting: $229


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sintra and Korcula, we can see that Sintra is more expensive. And not only is Korcula much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Korcula would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Korcula 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 Korcula.

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


Which is Bigger, Sintra or Korcula?

Sintra has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Korcula. When comparing the sizes of Sintra and Korcula, 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 Korcula?

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 Korcula in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Sintra and Korcula. Furthermore, most visitors come to Korcula for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Sintra is cooler than Korcula. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sintra in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Korcula averages at about 26°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Korcula 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 Korcula during summer. Sintra gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Korcula receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Sintra usually receives less rain than Korcula. Sintra gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Korcula receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Sintra 23°C (73°F) 
    Korcula 26°C (80°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Korcula in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Sintra as well as Korcula. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Korcula because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Sintra is generally around the same temperature as Korcula. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 19°C (66°F), and Korcula fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Korcula. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sintra this time of the year. In the autumn, Sintra often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Korcula. Sintra gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Korcula receives 200 hours of full sun.

Sintra usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Korcula. Sintra gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Korcula receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Sintra 19°C (66°F) 
    Korcula 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Korcula in the Winter?

Both Korcula and Sintra are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Korcula this time of year.

Sintra is a little warmer than Korcula in the winter. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 12°C (53°F) in January, and Korcula fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Korcula during winter. Sintra gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Korcula receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Sintra. In January, Sintra usually receives more rain than Korcula. Sintra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Korcula receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


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

Should I visit Sintra or Korcula in the Spring?

Both Korcula and Sintra during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Korcula for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Sintra is around the same temperature as Korcula. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sintra in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Korcula averages at about 15°C (59°F).

In Korcula, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Sintra. In the spring, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Korcula. Sintra gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Korcula receives 212 hours of full sun.

Sintra usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Korcula. Sintra gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Korcula receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Sintra 16°C (60°F) 
    Korcula 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Korcula and Sintra

Sintra Korcula
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 8°C (47°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 9°C (48°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Mar 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 11°C (52°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 20°C (67°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 23°C (74°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 26°C (80°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in) 22°C (72°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 13°C (56°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 10°C (49°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)