Which place is cheaper, Nantes or Sintra?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Sintra or Nantes?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Sintra or Nantes? 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 Nantes?
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.
Nantes
Nantes is a city in western France, located on the Loire River, 31 miles from the Atlantic coast. The city is the sixth largest in France, with almost 600,000 inhabitants within the Urban area. Together with Saint-Nazaire, a seaport located on the Loire estuary, Nantes forms the main metropolis of north-western France. The city has a unique architectural heritage with its magnificent Chateau des ducs de Bretagne - a Renaissance-style castle nestled in a fortress, a medieval quarter and one of the highest cathedrals of France. It has been transformed in the last 20 years probably more than any other city in France. It is not only a vibrant and young metropolis often rewarded for its top-quality of life, but a city where art has literally been integrated in all possible aspects, making it a true example of how artists can turn a city upside down.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Portugal, The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySintra €115Nantes €108
The average daily cost (per person) in Sintra is €115, while the average daily cost in Nantes is €108. 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 Nantes in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSintra €57Nantes €60
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSintra €114Nantes €120
Compare Hotels in Sintra and Nantes
Looking for a hotel in Sintra or Nantes? 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 Nantes Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sintra €21Nantes €36
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 Nantes
Also for Nantes, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Nantes Airport (NTE) to Nantes hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $26
- Nantes to Nantes Airport (NTE) - Departure Private Transfer: $26
- Private Transfer from Airports to Nantes: $33
- Nantes Airport (NTE) to Nantes - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $52
- Nantes Private Transfer from Nantes city centre to Nantes Airport: $65
- Nantes Private Transfer from Nantes Airport to City centre: $65
- Private Transfer from Nantes Hotels to La Rochelle Cruise Port: $88
- Private Transfer from Nantes Airport (NTE) to La Rochelle Port: $88
- Private Transfer from Nantes Atlantique Airport NTE to Puy du Fou Park: $174
Is it cheaper to fly into Sintra or Nantes?
Prices for flights to both Nantes 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 daySintra €42Nantes €27
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 Nantes
For Nantes, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Nantes Traditional Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience : $104
- All Inclusive Food Tour of Nantes Old Town with Local Guide: $145
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sintra €23Nantes €13
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 Nantes
For Nantes, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
- City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
- Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $6.42
- Nantes Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.54
- Guided treetop adventure course in the heart of Nantes: $31
- Private custom tour with a local guide: $50
- Nantes : Private Walking Tour With A Local : $51
- Welcome to Private Tour with a Local: $51
- Nantes Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $52
- Panoramic Tour by Electric Bike: $59
- PANORAMA TOUR OF NANTES by electric bike: $60
- Nantes : Must-see Attractions Walking Tour: $75
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one daySintra €17Nantes €6.43
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 Nantes
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Nantes:
- Château du Bois-Huaut: Cellar Tour and Wine Tasting Class: $35
When comparing the travel costs between Sintra and Nantes, we can see that Sintra 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 Nantes Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sintra or Nantes?
Nantes has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Sintra. When comparing the sizes of Sintra and Nantes, 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 Nantes?
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 Nantes in the Summer?
Both Nantes and Sintra during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Nantes in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Sintra is generally a little warmer than Nantes. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 23°C (73°F), and Nantes fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).
In Nantes, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Sintra. In the summer, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Nantes. Sintra gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 267 hours of full sun.
Sintra usually gets less rain in July than Nantes. Sintra gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulySintra 23°C (73°F)Nantes 19°C (67°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Nantes in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Sintra and Nantes. Also, most visitors come to Nantes for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
Sintra is a little warmer than Nantes in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Nantes fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).
In Sintra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Nantes during autumn. Sintra gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 141 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Sintra usually receives around the same amount of rain as Nantes. Sintra gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSintra 19°C (66°F)Nantes 13°C (56°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Nantes in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Sintra as well as Nantes. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Nantes because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Sintra is much warmer than Nantes. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sintra in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Nantes averages at about 6°C (42°F).
In the winter, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Nantes. Sintra gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 72 hours of full sun.
Sintra receives a lot of rain in the winter. Sintra usually gets more rain in January than Nantes. Sintra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySintra 12°C (53°F)Nantes 6°C (42°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Nantes in the Spring?
Both Nantes and Sintra are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Nantes this time of year.
In April, Sintra is generally a little warmer than Nantes. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 16°C (60°F), and Nantes fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sintra. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Nantes during spring. Sintra gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 187 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Sintra usually receives more rain than Nantes. Sintra gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilSintra 16°C (60°F)Nantes 11°C (51°F)
Typical Weather for Nantes and Sintra
| Sintra | Nantes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (53°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (58°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (74°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (59°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 84 mm (3.3 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.