Which place is cheaper, Marbella or Sintra?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Sintra or Marbella?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Sintra or Marbella? 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 Marbella?
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.
Marbella
Marbella is a city in southern Spain in the province of Malaga. It is part of the Costa del Sol (Coast of the Sun) and is located on the Mediterranean Sea between Malaga and the Strait of Gibraltar. It is one of the most important tourist cities in the area and receives many national and international tourists year round due to its climate and tourism structures. Marbella is a bit of a glamorous city due to its beauty and resort-type environment. The old town with its narrow cobbled streets and flower-filled plazas is packed with shops and art galleries selling boutique clothes and accessories, and handmade wares. The city has significant archaeological and historical heritage and many events and performances throughout the year.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Portugal, The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySintra €115Marbella €117
The average daily cost (per person) in Sintra is €115, while the average daily cost in Marbella is €117. 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 Marbella in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSintra €57Marbella €61
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSintra €114Marbella €122
Compare Hotels in Sintra and Marbella
Looking for a hotel in Sintra or Marbella? 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 Marbella Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sintra €21Marbella €24
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Marbella
Also for Marbella, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Vip Transfer from Malaga Airport to Fuengirola or Marbella: $21
- Private Transfer from Fuengirola to Malaga (AGP) airport: $64
- Private Transfer from Alhaurín El Grande to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $68
- Costa del Sol: Private 1-Way Transfer to/from Malaga Airport: $75
- Private Transfer from Coín to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $80
- Private Transfer from Torre del Mar to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $97
- Private Transfer from Lomas De Cabopino to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $97
- Private Transfer from Marbesa to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $97
- Private Transfer from Vélez-Málaga to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $97
- TRANSFER MALAGA AIRPORT from OR to MARBELLA-PRICE ALL INCLUSIVE: $104
- Private Transfer from Los Monteros to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $107
- Private Transfer from Algarrobo to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $109
Is it cheaper to fly into Sintra or Marbella?
Prices for flights to both Marbella 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 €42Marbella €38
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 Marbella
For Marbella, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Food Tour: $87
- The Mediterranean Diet & Lifestyle Cooking Class.: $180
- Gourmet Cooking Class & Culture in the rural Montes de Malaga.: $191
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sintra €23Marbella €19
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 Marbella
For Marbella, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Discover the Old Town through a Self-Guided Tour: $4.60
- Marbella Old Town Walking Tour : $15
- Sightseeing Walking Tour: $21
- Guided tour and olive oil tasting in Alhaurin el Grande (Málaga) : $22
- Marbella Old Town: Group Tour with a True Local: $24
- Marbella Old Town group tour with a True Local: $24
- group walking Tour: $26
- Explore Marbella Old Town: Tapas Tasting Adventure: $27
- Marbella like a Local: Customized Guided Tour: $32
- Bike City Tour Marbella: $32
- Dolphin Watching Adventure in Estepona Bay: $38
- 2 h Estepona Bay Tour: $47
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySintra €17Marbella €5.71
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 Marbella
Also in Marbella, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Manilva & Gaucin Wine Tour from the Costa del Sol: $152
- From Manilva Sunset Wine Tasting Tour with Tapas: $159
- Ronda Full Day Wine Tour from Marbella: $195
- From Antequera Wine Tour with Tastings and Lunch: $213
- From Axarquia Wine Tour with Wine Pairing Lunch: $234
- Full-Day Private Ronda Wine Tour Experience from Marbella: $262
- VIP Ronda Wine Tour and Tasting and Gourmet Lunch Experience with Winemaker: $272
When comparing the travel costs between Sintra and Marbella, we can see that Marbella 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 Marbella Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sintra or Marbella?
Marbella has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Sintra. When comparing the sizes of Sintra and Marbella, 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 Marbella?
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 Marbella in the Summer?
Both Marbella and Sintra during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Marbella in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Sintra is around the same temperature as Marbella. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sintra in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Marbella averages at about 25°C (77°F).
In Marbella, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Sintra. In the summer, Sintra often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Marbella. Sintra gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marbella receives 348 hours of full sun.
Sintra usually gets more rain in July than Marbella. Sintra gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Marbella receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySintra 23°C (73°F)Marbella 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Marbella in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Sintra and Marbella. Also, most visitors come to Marbella for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In October, Sintra is generally around the same temperature as Marbella. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 19°C (66°F), and Marbella fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marbella 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 Marbella during autumn. Sintra gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Marbella receives 213 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Sintra usually receives more rain than Marbella. Sintra gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Marbella receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSintra 19°C (66°F)Marbella 19°C (67°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Marbella in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Sintra as well as Marbella. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Marbella because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.
Sintra is around the same temperature as Marbella in the winter. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 12°C (53°F) in January, and Marbella fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
In the winter, Sintra often gets less sunshine than Marbella. Sintra gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marbella receives 171 hours of full sun.
Sintra receives a lot of rain in the winter. Sintra usually gets more rain in January than Marbella. Sintra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Marbella receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySintra 12°C (53°F)Marbella 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Marbella in the Spring?
Both Marbella and Sintra are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Marbella this time of year.
In the spring, Sintra is around the same temperature as Marbella. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sintra in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Marbella averages at about 16°C (60°F).
It's quite sunny in Marbella. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sintra. Sintra usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Marbella during spring. Sintra gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Marbella receives 220 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Sintra usually receives more rain than Marbella. Sintra gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Marbella receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSintra 16°C (60°F)Marbella 16°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Marbella and Sintra
| Sintra | Marbella | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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.