A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sintra vs. Podgorica for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Sintra or Podgorica?

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

Should I visit Sintra or Podgorica? 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 Podgorica?

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.

Podgorica

Podgorica is Montenegro's capital city, and also its largest. Dating back to the Ottoman Empire, World War II destroyed much of this history, but there are a few Turkish remnants worth visiting. Podgorica's central location often makes the city a good starting point for day trips to coastal cities or mountain resorts.

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 Montenegro, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Montenegro.


Which place is cheaper, Podgorica 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 Podgorica is €105. 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 Podgorica in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sintra 57
    Podgorica 46
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sintra 114
    Podgorica 92
Compare Hotels in Sintra and Podgorica

Looking for a hotel in Sintra or Podgorica? 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 Podgorica


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 Podgorica Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sintra 21
    Podgorica 20

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 Podgorica

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Podgorica:

  • Private transfer from Podgorica airport to Podgorica city: $26
  • Private Transfer to Budva: $39
  • Podgorica Airport (TGD) to Kotor Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $47
  • Private transfer to Tivat: $53
  • Private transfer to Kotor: $53
  • From One-Way Private Transfer to/from Virpazar: $57
  • Private Transfer from Podgorica Airport (TGD) to Petrovac : $58
  • Private Airport Transfer from Podgorica airport to Budva: $68
  • Podgorica airport: Private Transfer to/from Budva: $75
  • Private transfers from Podgorica Airport and city to Budva: $75
  • Private transfers from Podgorica Airport and city to Bar: $75
  • Transfer from Podgorica Airport to Budva: $87

Is it cheaper to fly into Sintra or Podgorica?

Prices for flights to both Podgorica 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
    Podgorica 41

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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sintra 23
    Podgorica 21

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

Tours and Activities in Podgorica

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Podgorica are as follows:

  • Skip The Line: National Park Skadar Lake - Tickets: $8.17
  • Skadar lake - Falcon kayak tour: $13
  • Lake Skadar: Guided Sightseeing Boat Tour with Refreshments: $16
  • Two Hours Sightseeing Lake Cruise at Montenegro National Park: $16
  • Podgorica City Walking Tour: $22
  • Lake Skadar: Guided Panoramic Boat Tour to Kom Monastery : $22
  • Lake Skadar: Early-morning Birdwatching and Photography Tour: $27
  • From Virpazar: Guided Lake Skadar cruise and Crnojevića River: $33
  • Book Your Tour Podgorica by walk: $36
  • Book Your Donkey Farm Tour: $57
  • Book Your Tour Ostrog Monastery: $65
  • Cultural Bike Tour of Podgorica;Discovering the Ancient Treasures: $71

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sintra 17
    Podgorica 20

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 Podgorica

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Podgorica:

  • Private Wine Tasting Activity at Lipovac Winery: $27
  • Book Your Wine Tour: $77
  • Podgorica Car Trip - Architecture, History, Wine tasting, Churches, Doclea city: $93
  • Podgorica Car Trip, Doclea city, Wine tasting, Niagara falls: $106
  • Wine tasting in the family winery, feel the spirit: $120
  • Montenegro: Nature, Locals & Wine Tour: $128
  • Skadar lake boat ride through "Montenegrin Amazon", wine tasting & Niagara falls: $196


When comparing the travel costs between Sintra and Podgorica, 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 Podgorica Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Sintra or Podgorica?

Podgorica has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Sintra. When comparing the sizes of Sintra and Podgorica, 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 Podgorica?

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 Podgorica in the Summer?

Both Podgorica and Sintra are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.

Sintra is cooler than Podgorica in the summer. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Podgorica fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

It's quite sunny in Podgorica. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sintra. Sintra usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Podgorica during summer. Sintra gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Podgorica receives 341 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Sintra usually receives less rain than Podgorica. Sintra gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Podgorica receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Sintra 23°C (73°F) 
    Podgorica 26°C (80°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Podgorica in the Autumn?

Both Podgorica and Sintra during the autumn are popular places to visit.

In the autumn, Sintra is a little warmer than Podgorica. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sintra in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Podgorica averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In Podgorica, 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 Podgorica. Sintra gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Podgorica receives 203 hours of full sun.

Podgorica gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Sintra usually gets less rain in October than Podgorica. Sintra gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Podgorica receives 166 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Sintra 19°C (66°F) 
    Podgorica 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Podgorica in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Sintra and Podgorica.

In January, Sintra is generally much warmer than Podgorica. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 12°C (53°F), and Podgorica fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Podgorica during winter. Sintra gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Podgorica receives 121 hours of full sun in the winter.

Podgorica receives a lot of rain in the winter. Sintra gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Sintra usually receives less rain than Podgorica. Sintra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Podgorica receives 192 mm (7.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Sintra 12°C (53°F) 
    Podgorica 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Podgorica in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Sintra as well as Podgorica.

Sintra is around the same temperature as Podgorica in the spring. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Podgorica fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sintra this time of the year. In the spring, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Podgorica. Sintra gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Podgorica receives 194 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Podgorica. Sintra usually gets less rain in April than Podgorica. Sintra gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Podgorica receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Sintra 16°C (60°F) 
    Podgorica 14°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Podgorica and Sintra

Sintra Podgorica
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 6°C (42°F) 192 mm (7.6 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
Mar 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 11°C (51°F) 159 mm (6.3 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 14°C (58°F) 144 mm (5.7 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 19°C (67°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 23°C (73°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 26°C (80°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in) 22°C (72°F) 121 mm (4.8 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 166 mm (6.5 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 11°C (53°F) 239 mm (9.4 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 7°C (45°F) 217 mm (8.5 in)