Which place is cheaper, Malaga or Sintra?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Sintra or Malaga?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Sintra or Malaga? 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 Malaga?
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.
Malaga
Malaga is a port city in the southern part of Spain. It is the 6th largest city in Spain and the southernmost large city in Europe. Malaga lies on the Mediterranean on the Costa del Sol, only 62 miles east of the Strait of Gibraltar, and 80 miles north of Africa. Malaga's history dates back about 2,800 years, which makes it one of the oldest cities in the world. The archaeological remains and monuments from the Phoenician, Roman, Arabic and Christian eras make the historic center of the city an "open museum", displaying its history of more than 3,000 years. Because of its important cultural infrastructure and the artistic heritage, Malaga has been nominated for the European Capital of Culture. Malaga's most important economic contributors include tourism, technology, and construction, but transportation and logistics are becoming increasingly important factors as well.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Portugal, The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best Budget Tours to Spain, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySintra €115Malaga €140
The average daily cost (per person) in Sintra is €115, while the average daily cost in Malaga 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 Malaga in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSintra €57Malaga €75
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSintra €114Malaga €150
Compare Hotels in Sintra and Malaga
Looking for a hotel in Sintra or Malaga? 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 Malaga Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sintra €21Malaga €31
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 Malaga
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Malaga:
- Malaga hotels to Malaga Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $19
- Malaga Port to Malaga Airport (AGP) - Departure Private Transfer: $19
- Private Transfer from Malaga hotels to Malaga Cruise Port: $19
- Private Transfer from Malaga Cruise Port to Málaga Airport (AGP): $19
- Private Transfer from Málaga Airport (AGP) to Malaga Cruise Port: $19
- Malaga Cruise Port to Malaga Hotels - Arrival Private Transfer : $19
- Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) to Malaga Port - Arrival private Transfer: $19
- Private Transfer from Malaga City Center to Malaga Airport (AGP): $31
- Private Transfer: Malaga to Malaga Airport (AGP): $33
- Private One Way Airport Transfer (Malaga Airport To/From Malaga): $34
- Malaga Airport (AGP) to Malaga - Arrival Private Transfer: $36
- Malaga to Malaga Airport (AGP) - Departure Private Transfer: $36
Is it cheaper to fly into Sintra or Malaga?
Prices for flights to both Malaga 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 €42Malaga €35
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
Typical Food Prices in Malaga
Some typical examples of dining costs in Malaga are as follows:
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Dinner for 2€30
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Dinner for 2€44
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Breakfast for 2€8.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Malaga
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Malaga.
- Dinner and Show at Alegría Flamenco & Restaurant in Malaga: $65
- Malaga Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $86
- Malaga Tapas Cooking Class: $89
- Sardines On Skewers Show Cooking in Malaga beach: $147
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sintra €23Malaga €31
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Malaga
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Malaga are as follows:
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Entrance to Castillos€7.10
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Concert€31
Tours and Activities in Malaga
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Malaga are as follows:
- Skip the Line: Picasso's Birthplace Museum Entrance Ticket: $4.36
- Guided Walking Tour of the Old Town of Frigiliana: $5.45
- Sightseeing Outdoor Escape Game in Malaga: $7.08
- Ronda Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.95
- Malaga Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
- Skip the Line: Centre Pompidou in Malaga Ticket: $9.82
- Museo Carmen Thyssen de Malaga Entrance Ticket: $12
- Skip the Line: Malaga Automobile and Fashion Museum Entrance Ticket: $13
- Guided tour in Ronda: $13
- Andalucia's City Of Dreams: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Ronda: $15
- Essential Malaga City Tour: $16
- Tour around the Central Market of Malaga: $16
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySintra €17Malaga €22
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 Malaga
Also in Malaga, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Malaga Nightlife Pub Crawl Tour with Drinks and Clubs Entry: $17
- Guided Cellar Tour and wine tasting: $35
- Frigiliana Small-Group Hike and Wine Tasting Tour from Malaga: $60
- Sun and Wine Route - Small group, wine tasting and lunch included: $76
- Malaga Food Walking Tour with Tapas & Wine Tasting: $98
- Ronda Tour & Winery Experience with Wine Tasting from Malaga: $109
- Malaga Tapas and Wine Tour: $136
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sintra and Malaga, we can see that Malaga 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 Malaga would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Malaga 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 Malaga Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sintra or Malaga?
Malaga has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Sintra. When comparing the sizes of Sintra and Malaga, 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 Malaga?
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 Malaga in the Summer?
Both Malaga and Sintra are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Malaga because of the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Sintra is around the same temperature as Malaga. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sintra in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Malaga averages at about 25°C (77°F).
It's quite sunny in Malaga. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sintra. Sintra usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Malaga during summer. Sintra gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Malaga receives 348 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Sintra usually receives more rain than Malaga. Sintra gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySintra 23°C (73°F)Malaga 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Malaga in the Autumn?
Both Malaga and Sintra during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Malaga this time of year.
In October, Sintra is generally around the same temperature as Malaga. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 19°C (66°F), and Malaga fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).
In Malaga, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Sintra. In the autumn, Sintra often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Malaga. Sintra gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Malaga receives 213 hours of full sun.
Sintra usually gets more rain in October than Malaga. Sintra gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSintra 19°C (66°F)Malaga 19°C (67°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Malaga in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Sintra and Malaga. Also, many travelers come to Malaga for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
Sintra is around the same temperature as Malaga in the winter. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 12°C (53°F) in January, and Malaga fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
Sintra usually receives less sunshine than Malaga during winter. Sintra gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Malaga receives 171 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 Malaga. Sintra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySintra 12°C (53°F)Malaga 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Malaga in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Sintra as well as Malaga. Also, many visitors come to Malaga in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Sintra is around the same temperature as Malaga. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sintra in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Malaga averages at about 16°C (60°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Malaga. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sintra this time of the year. In the spring, Sintra often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Malaga. Sintra gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Malaga receives 220 hours of full sun.
Sintra usually gets more rain in April than Malaga. Sintra gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSintra 16°C (60°F)Malaga 16°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Malaga and Sintra
| Sintra | Malaga | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (53°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (58°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (74°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (59°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 102 mm (4 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.