Which place is cheaper, Plitvice Lakes National Park or Sintra?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Sintra or Plitvice Lakes National Park?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Sintra or Plitvice Lakes National Park? 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park?
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.
Plitvice Lakes National Park
One of the most beautiful natural sights in Europe, Plitvice Lakes National Park is an area of green forests laced with a system of interconnected turquoise lakes. It was set aside as a national park in 1949, and was later designated an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.
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 Croatia, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Croatia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySintra €115Plitvice Lakes National Park €125
The average daily cost (per person) in Sintra is €115, while the average daily cost in Plitvice Lakes National Park is €125. 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSintra €57Plitvice Lakes National Park €60
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSintra €114Plitvice Lakes National Park €120
Compare Hotels in Sintra and Plitvice Lakes National Park
Looking for a hotel in Sintra or Plitvice Lakes National Park? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sintra €21Plitvice Lakes National Park €26
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sintra
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sintra:
- Algarve vs Lisbon: Private Transfer to/from Algarve /Lisbon: $513
- Private transfer from Sintra to Porto with 2 hours for sightseeing: $289
- Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(8pax): $109
- Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(3pax): $98
- Tours and Transfers: $89
- Private Guided Transfer in Sintra and Lisbon: $87
- Lisbon transfer, national and Iberian trips: $86
- TRANSFER Cascais to Lisbon Airport: $82
- Private Transfer Lisbon & Cascais by Van or Car: $73
- Tuk Tuk Transfer With Sintra Pena Ticket From Meeting Point: $73
- Transfer Sintra to Lisbon Airport: $71
- Lisbon Airport: Cascais/Estoril/Sintra Private Transfer: $57
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Plitvice Lakes National Park
Also for Plitvice Lakes National Park, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From Zadar: Round-Trip Transfer to Plitvice Lakes: $42
- From Plitvice Lakes to Zagreb private one-way transfer: $150
- Plitvice lakes Guiding with Transfer: $182
- Private Transfer from Plitvička Jezera to Zagreb Airport (ZAG): $232
- Private Transfer from Plitvička Jezera to Zadar Airport (ZAD): $271
Is it cheaper to fly into Sintra or Plitvice Lakes National Park?
Prices for flights to both Plitvice Lakes National Park 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 €42Plitvice Lakes National Park €40
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sintra €23Plitvice Lakes National Park €34
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 Plitvice Lakes National Park
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Plitvice Lakes National Park.
- Plitvice Lakes: National Park Official Entry Ticket: $11
- Plitvice Lakes National Park Admission Ticket: $14
- Half day tour around Plitvice Lakes: $29
- Plitvice Lakes Guided Tour: $36
- Plitvice Lakes: Guided Walking Tour and Boat Ride: $36
- Plitvice lakes: Guided walking tour with a boat ride: $37
- Private Guided Fairy Tale Tour in Ogulin: $38
- Plitvice Guided Tour- Tickets only RESERVED: $44
- From Split and Trogir: Plitvice Lakes Economy Group Tour: $48
- Abandoned military airbase Zeljava -2h guided tour: $55
- From Split: Plitvice Lakes Guided tour: $70
- Plitvice Lakes National Park - Inspiration Buggy Tour: $75
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySintra €17Plitvice Lakes National Park €14
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
When comparing the travel costs between Sintra and Plitvice Lakes National Park, we can see that Plitvice Lakes National Park 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Sintra or Plitvice Lakes National Park?
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 Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Sintra as well as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Also, many travelers come to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
Sintra is around the same temperature as Plitvice Lakes National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Plitvice Lakes National Park. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sintra this time of the year. In the summer, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Sintra gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 266 hours of full sun.
Sintra usually gets less rain in July than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Sintra gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySintra 23°C (73°F)Plitvice Lakes National Park 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Autumn?
Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Sintra are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Plitvice Lakes National Park in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Sintra is a little warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sintra in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park averages at about 13°C (55°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sintra. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park during autumn. Sintra gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 133 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Sintra usually receives more rain than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Sintra gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSintra 19°C (66°F)Plitvice Lakes National Park 13°C (55°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Winter?
Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Sintra during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the cuisine during these months.
Plitvice Lakes National Park can be very cold during winter. In January, Sintra is generally much warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 12°C (53°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).
In the winter, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Sintra gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 54 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Sintra. Sintra usually gets more rain in January than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Sintra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySintra 12°C (53°F)Plitvice Lakes National Park 1°C (35°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Sintra and Plitvice Lakes National Park. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Plitvice Lakes National Park because of the natural beauty.
Sintra is a little warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
In Sintra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park during spring. Sintra gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Sintra usually receives around the same amount of rain as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Sintra gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSintra 16°C (60°F)Plitvice Lakes National Park 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Plitvice Lakes National Park and Sintra
| Sintra | Plitvice Lakes National Park | |||
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| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (53°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 1°C (35°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (58°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (74°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (59°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 62 mm (2.4 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.