A Travel Price Comparison for Portugal Sintra vs. Madeira Islands for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Sintra or Madeira Islands?

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

Should I visit Sintra or Madeira Islands? 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 Madeira Islands?

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.

Madeira Islands

Madeira, Portugal is an archipelago consisting of four islands, each covered with lush vegetation and mountainous landscapes. Madeira is famous for its fresh fish and namesake Madeira wine, which can be found throughout the main island. This area is the perfect blend of relaxing beaches and thrill-inducing activities such as paragliding and mountain biking. Portuguese is the main language here, although English is spoken widely by those in the tourism industry.

Which place is cheaper, Madeira Islands 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 Madeira Islands is €0.00. 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 Madeira Islands in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sintra 57
    Madeira Islands -
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sintra 114
    Madeira Islands 0.00
Compare Hotels in Sintra and Madeira Islands

Looking for a hotel in Sintra or Madeira Islands? 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 Madeira Islands


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 Madeira Islands Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sintra 21
    Madeira Islands -

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sintra

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sintra:

  • Tuk Tuk Transfer With Sintra Pena Ticket From Meeting Point: $74
  • Transfer from Lisbon Airport to Cascais, Sintra or Estoril: $98
  • Transfer Sintra to Lisbon Airport: $73
  • Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(8pax): $111
  • Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(3pax): $100
  • Transfer Airport Lisboa - Cascais ( round trip): $134
  • Transfer Aeroporto de Lisboa para Sintra: $54
  • Tours and Transfers: $91
  • TRANSFER Cascais to Lisbon Airport: $84
  • Private transfer from Sintra to Porto with 2 hours for sightseeing: $296
  • Private Transfer Lisbon & Cascais by Executive Van or Car: $75
  • Private Guided Transfer in Sintra and Lisbon: $89

Is it cheaper to fly into Sintra or Madeira Islands?

Prices for flights to both Madeira Islands 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
    Madeira Islands -

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sintra

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

  • Half-Day Ericeira Walking Food Tour: $56
  • Portuguese Traditional Cuisine: DINNER OR TAPAS : $95
  • Portuguese Cooking Workshop in Cascais (group of 4 min): $95
  • Private Portuguese Cooking Lesson and Meal with a Lisbon Local: $220

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sintra 23
    Madeira Islands -

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 : $66
  • Sintra & Cascais in one day Renault 4L Tour (Full day): $167
  • 1 Hour Private Sintra Sightseeing Tour by Renault 4L : $33
  • 1 Hour Private Tuk-Tuk Tour in Sintra: $39
  • 1 Hour Sightseeing Tour in Sintra with Tuktuk : $33
  • 19th Century Photography Experience: $33
  • 1h sight seeing - Sintra Mountain Tour (price per car) - max 4persons: $122
  • 2 Hour Private Picnic and Photoshoot Experience in Lisbon area: $167
  • 2 Hours Sintra Experience Renault 4L Tour : $78
  • 3 Hour Sintra Village and Beaches Tuktuk Tour: $145
  • 4 hour Private MTB Enduro Trail Tour in Sintra Mountain: $134
  • 4x4 Tours in Portuguese Classic Jeeps (UMM) around Sintra: $112

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sintra 17
    Madeira Islands -

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: $61
  • Wine Tasting Tour: $84
  • Sintra and Cabo da Roca with Wine Tasting (Colares) Half Day: $84
  • Private tour wine tasting in Setubal: $94
  • Private Tour Sétubal, Palmela, Arrábida with wine tasting: $133
  • Hidden Gems: Sintra & Cascais Private Tour with Wine Tasting: $184
  • From Lisbon Private Tour to Porto with Port Wine Tasting: $240
  • Ericeira & Mafra’s Wonders - Rural Beach & Wine Tour : $268


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

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


Which has a larger population, Sintra or Madeira Islands?

Madeira Islands has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Sintra. When comparing the sizes of Sintra and Madeira Islands, 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.