Which place is cheaper, Portimao or Sintra?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Sintra or Portimao?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Sintra or Portimao? 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 Portimao?
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.
Portimao
The second biggest city in the Alrgarve region of Portugal, Portimao sits on the coast where the Arade River meets the Atlantic Ocean. It is renowned for its fresh fish restaurants and is also a popular destination for beachgoers at the Praia da Rocha to the south of the city.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Portugal, The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best G Adventures Tours to Portugal, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Lisbon.
-
Sintra Prices
Portugal PricesPortimao Prices
Portugal Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySintra €146Portimao €185
The average daily cost (per person) in Sintra is €146, while the average daily cost in Portimao is €185. 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 Portimao in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSintra €57Portimao €78
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSintra €114Portimao €156
Compare Hotels in Sintra and Portimao
Looking for a hotel in Sintra or Portimao? 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 Portimao Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sintra €21Portimao €37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sintra
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sintra:
- Estoril, Cascais or Sintra Private Transfer to Lisbon: $29
- Cascais Municipal Aerodrome (CAT) to Lisbon - Arrival Transfer: $62
- Ericeira Private Transfer to/from Lisbon: $64
- Private Transfer From Lisbon Airport to/from Cascais: $82
- TRANSFER Cascais to Lisbon Airport: $87
- Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(3pax): $105
- Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(8pax): $117
- Transfer From Lisboa to Nazaré: $128
- Transfer From Lisbon To Evora: $146
- Private San Francisco Transfer: $226
- Transfer From Lisbon To Albufeira Algarve: $262
- Transfer From Lisboa To Portimão Algarve: $292
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Portimao
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Portimao:
- Carvoeiro Private Transfer to Faro Airport: $87
- Private Transfer from Guia to Faro (FAO) Airport: $87
- Private Transfer from Praia dos Salgados to Faro (FAO) Airport: $98
- Private Transfer from Carvoeiro to Faro (FAO) Airport: $107
- Private Transfer from Ferragudo to Faro (FAO) Airport: $121
- Private Transfer from Alvor to Faro (FAO) Airport: $134
- Private Transfer from Alvor to Faro Airport (1-4 pax): $140
- Private Transfer from Estombar to Faro (FAO) Airport: $155
- Private Transfer from Monte Ruivo to Faro (FAO) Airport: $241
- Private Transfer from Aljezur to Faro (FAO) Airport: $269
- Transfer From Portimão Algarve To Lisboa: $292
Is it cheaper to fly into Sintra or Portimao?
Prices for flights to both Portimao 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 €73Portimao €78
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sintra
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Sintra.
- Lisbon Countryside Food Tour on a Vintage Car: $93
- Ericeira Private Tour: 10 Tastings Food Tour: $145
- Boho Chic Picnic Dinner with Water Views: $214
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Portimao
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Portimao.
- Algarve wine tour and mountain top trip with lunch or dinner at sunset time: $172
- Algarve Vineyard Sunset Dinner for Two with Cataplana & Wine: $233
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sintra €23Portimao €41
Tours and Activities in Sintra
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Sintra are as follows:
- Cascais Self-Guided City Walking Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $5.83
- Spy Nest in Estoril: Self-Guided Cold War Puzzle Adventure: $5.94
- Byron Queens Mist and Mysteries Self Guided Tour of Sintra: $8.99
- Glorious Eden: A Sintra Walking Tour of Portugal's Royal Mountain: $12
- A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Cascais: $12
- Almada’s Tale: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
- Sintra Pena Park Ticket Audio Self Guided Tour: $20
- Sintra National Palace Ticket: $20
- Sintra Moorish Castle Entry Tickets: $21
- Sintra National Palace E-Ticket with Audio Guide: $23
- Sintra Walking Tour: $29
- Pena Palace and Park Tickets: $32
Tours and Activities in Portimao
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Portimao are as follows:
- Algarve Coast RIB Adventure Explore Benagil Caves and More: $14
- Portimão: Benagil Caves Speedboat Tour: $17
- Express Tour - Benagil Cave: $17
- Portimão to Benagil: Adrenaline Wave 90 Minutes Cave Tour: $17
- Benagil Cave Sunset Cruise: $17
- Mini Golf Adventure in Alvor: $17
- Benagil Cave Boat Tour - Catamarans or Rib - 2 H From Portimão: $19
- Sunset Experience: $22
- Benagil Caves & Coastline Cruise: $22
- Benagil Kayak Tour Adventure & Sea Caves: $23
- Kayak Tour with local guide in Benagil: $26
- Benagil Caves Boat Tour from Portimão – Small Group: $29
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one daySintra €17Portimao €30
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: $82
- Lisbon Region Wine Tour: Mafra & Ericeira + Hotel Pick-Up: $192
- PRIVATE TOUR WINE TASTING QUINTA BACALHÔA & JOSÉ MARIA FONSECA (Setubal Region): $227
Sample the Local Flavors in Portimao
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Portimao:
- Portimão Pub Crawl: 6 Drinks, Fun Games & VIP Club Entry: $35
- Lagos, Portimão & Carvoeiro: Wine Tasting, Tapas & Music Tour: $76
- Vilamoura, Albufeira & Porches: Wine Tasting, Tapas & Music Tour: $76
- Jeep Safari with Winery Visit and Wine Tasting: $78
- Algarve wine tour and farmer's lunch at wine estate: $202
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sintra and Portimao, we can see that Portimao 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 Portimao would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Portimao 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 Portimao Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sintra or Portimao?
Portimao has a larger population, and is about 47% larger than the population of Sintra. When comparing the sizes of Sintra and Portimao, 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 Portimao?
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 Portimao in the Summer?
Both Portimao and Sintra are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Portimao because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Sintra is generally around the same temperature as Portimao. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 23°C (73°F), and Portimao fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).
In July, Sintra usually receives more rain than Portimao. Sintra gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Portimao receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulySintra 23°C (73°F)Portimao 25°C (78°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Portimao in the Autumn?
Both Portimao and Sintra during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Portimao this time of year.
Sintra is around the same temperature as Portimao in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Portimao fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).
Sintra usually gets more rain in October than Portimao. Sintra gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Portimao receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSintra 19°C (66°F)Portimao 19°C (67°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Portimao in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Sintra and Portimao. Also, many travelers come to Portimao for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
In the winter, Sintra is around the same temperature as Portimao. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sintra in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Portimao averages at about 11°C (52°F).
Sintra gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Sintra usually receives more rain than Portimao. Sintra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Portimao receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySintra 12°C (53°F)Portimao 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Portimao in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Sintra as well as Portimao. Also, many visitors come to Portimao in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.
In April, Sintra is generally around the same temperature as Portimao. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 16°C (60°F), and Portimao fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).
Sintra usually gets more rain in April than Portimao. Sintra gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Portimao receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilSintra 16°C (60°F)Portimao 15°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Portimao and Sintra
| Sintra | Portimao | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (53°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (58°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (74°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (59°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 94 mm (3.7 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.