Which city is cheaper, Portimao or Sintra?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
A Travel Price Comparison for Portugal Sintra vs. Portimao for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons
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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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySintra €115Portimao €152
The average daily cost (per person) in Sintra is €115, while the average daily cost in Portimao is €152. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Sintra and Portimao in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSintra €57Portimao €78
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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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sintra €21Portimao €37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sintra
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sintra:
- Lisbon Private Transfer to or from Sintra: $22
- Private Transfer To or From Lisbon Airport: $25
- Private Transfer from Sintra City Center to Lisbon City Center: $30
- To/ From Lisbon Airport: Cascais or Sintra Private Transfer: $40
- Lisbon Airport: Cascais/Estoril/Sintra Private Transfer: $51
- Half-Day Sintra Tour from Lisbon with Transfers: $169
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Portimao
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Portimao:
- Transfer Portimão - Alamos Golf (Portimão) Pending: $36
- Transfer Praia da Rocha - Alamos Golf (Portimão): $36
- Transfer Portimão - Alto Golf Pestana (Alvor): $36
- Transfer Praia da Rocha - Alto Golf Pestana (Alvor): $36
- Faro Shared Transfer to or from Portimão: $38
- Faro Private Transfer to or from Portimão: $44
- Transfer Portimão - Boavista Golf (Lagos): $52
- Transfer Praia da Rocha - Boavista Golf (Lagos): $52
- Transfer Portimão - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $62
- Transfer Praia da Rocha - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $66
- Faro Airport Private Transfer to or from Portimão/Praia da Rocha: $88
- Airport Transfer: $94
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
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Food Meals for one daySintra €42Portimao €45
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sintra
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Sintra.
- Sintra Walking Food Tour: $60
- Lisbon: Sintra Food Tour and Wine Tasting with Scenic Drive: $148
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Portimao
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Portimao.
- Portimão - Food Tour: $96
Entertainment
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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:
- Sintra Myths and Legends Interactive Centre Admission Ticket: $4.35
- Monserrate Palace and Park Skip-the-Line Ticket: $9.13
- Sightseeing Train Tour: $9.13
- Castle of the Moors Fast Track Ticket: $9.13
- Castle of the Moors Skip-the-Line Entrance Ticket: $9.95
- Monserrate Palace and Park Skip-the-Line Ticket: $9.95
- Queluz National Palace & Gardens Skip-the-Line Ticket: $11
- National Palace of Sintra Skip-the-Line Ticket: $12
- Hop-on Hop-off Tour in Sintra: $15
- Pena Palace & Chalet of Edla Admission Ticket: $17
- Economic Tour - Pena Palace (2-4pax): $27
- National Palace of Sintra Tickets: Skip the line Entry: $27
Tours and Activities in Portimao
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Portimao are as follows:
- 2 Hours Portimão Walking Tour: $20
- Benagil Caves Tours: $25
- 1 Hour - Express tour to Benagil Cave: $28
- Tour to Benagil caves and others: $31
- Morning Caves Expedition Tour from Portimao: $35
- Benagil Boat Tour with Local Guide: $35
- Benagil Caves Tour from Portimao: $37
- Sunset Benagil Tour - relax your vacations: $37
- Benagil Cave and Marinha Beach Boat Tour from Portimao: $37
- 2.5-Hour Cruise to Benagil Caves From Portimão: $37
- Magical Benagil Cave Cruise: $38
- Algarve Jeep Safari tours: $38
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySintra €17Portimao €30
Sample the Local Flavors in Sintra
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Sintra:
- From Lisbon: Sintra, Pena Palace, Cascais and Wine Tasting: $91
- Ericeira & Mafra’s Wonders - Rural Beach & Wine Tour: $117
- Sintra Brewery Tour & Beer Tasting Experience: $121
- Full-Day Tour from Lisbon with Wine Tasting: $237
Sample the Local Flavors in Portimao
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Portimao:
- Portimão & Carvoeiro: Algarve Wine Tour in a VW T2 Van: $57
- Algarve Wine Tour of Two Wine Estates: $72
- Algarve wine tour of two wine estates and lunch at hystorical town of Silves: $112
- Algarve Wine Tour and Mountain Discovery With Lunch at Mountain Top: $144
- Alentejo Wine Tour from the Algarve: $207
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.
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. Temperatures in Sintra average around 23°C (73°F), and Portimao stays 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.
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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 temperature in Sintra is usually 19°C (66°F) in October, and Portimao stays 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.
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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.
In the winter, Sintra is around the same temperature as Portimao. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sintra in January are around 12°C (53°F), and Portimao is 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.
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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. Temperatures in Sintra average around 16°C (60°F), and Portimao stays 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.
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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) |
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