Which place is cheaper, San Sebastian or Sintra?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Sintra or San Sebastian?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Sintra or San Sebastian? 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 San Sebastian?
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.
San Sebastian
San Sebastián is a city in northern Spain very well known for its summertime fun in the sun. While the streets are cool and happening at night, they take on a different charm by day. Beautiful beaches line the city's edge, right next to elegant historic architecture and churches, topping charts as some of the best city beaches in Europe. The food, too, is said to be some of the best with traditional Basque cuisine as well as the popular pintxo (tapas) bites. San Sebastián is a place of lively culture, teeming with beauty, flavors, and colors.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Portugal, The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySintra €115San Sebastian €90
The average daily cost (per person) in Sintra is €115, while the average daily cost in San Sebastian is €90. 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 San Sebastian in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSintra €57San Sebastian €40
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSintra €114San Sebastian €80
Compare Hotels in Sintra and San Sebastian
Looking for a hotel in Sintra or San Sebastian? 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 San Sebastian Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sintra €21San Sebastian €14
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 San Sebastian
Some specific examples of transportation prices in San Sebastian:
- Private Transfer from the Airport to San Sebastian City: $84
- Private Transfer from San Sebastian city to Pamplona Airport : $245
- Private Transfer from San Sebastian Airport to Pamplona city: $247
- Private Transfer from San Sebastian city to Bilbao Airport: $268
- Private Transfer from San Sebastian to Bilbao: $268
- San Sebastián-Bilbao city or airport private transfer: $273
- Private Transfer from San Sebastian to Vitoria: $291
Is it cheaper to fly into Sintra or San Sebastian?
Prices for flights to both San Sebastian 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 €42San Sebastian €31
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
Typical Food Prices in San Sebastian
Some typical examples of dining costs in San Sebastian are as follows:
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Dinner for 2€55
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Lunch for 2€10
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Lunch for 2€31
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Sebastian
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in San Sebastian.
- San Sebastian Walking and Food Tour: $104
- Insider Best Culinary Gems Guided Food Tour in San Sebastian: $109
- Basque Cuisine Cooking Class with Market Visit: $148
- Full Day San Sebastian Food Tour : $150
- I travel for Food Tour in San Sebastian: $152
- Authentic Basque Cooking Class in the Old Town: $152
- Private San Sebastian Walking Food Tour: $158
- Michelin Star Secrets Cooking Class in San Sebastian: $213
- Food tour in San Sebastian and Visit to a Gastronomical Club: $224
- History and flavors of San Sebastian for Dinner with Eskerne Falcón: $235
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sintra €23San Sebastian €33
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in San Sebastian
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in San Sebastian are as follows:
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Valle de los Caídos Monument€6.00
Tours and Activities in San Sebastian
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for San Sebastian are as follows:
- San Sebastian Walking Tour With Pintxo And Drink: $16
- Guided tour of San Sebastián: $19
- Walking Tour in San Sebastian: $43
- Electric scooter city tour: $45
- City tour, bike ride: $45
- San Sebastian : Private Custom Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $49
- City tour, by electric bicycle: $50
- Private Walking Tour in San Sebastian with Pintxo and Drink: $54
- San Sebastián City Bike tour : $54
- Private Guided Sightseeing Bike Tour of San Sebastian: $60
- Hondarribia, S.Juan & S.Pedro Small Group Tour from San Sebastian: $60
- Small-Group Electric Bike Tour in San Sebastián : $61
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySintra €17San Sebastian €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 San Sebastian
Also in San Sebastian, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Ultimate San Sebastian Pintxos & Wine Tour (Evening): $141
- Getaria Txakoli Wine Tour with Hotel Pick-up from San Sebastian: $148
- Best quality food & wine tasting tour in San Sebastian. : $191
- Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries Visit with Tasting from San Sebastian: $240
- Rioja Wine Tour: Winery, Tasting & Lunch from San Sebastian: $251
- Full Rioja Wine Tour with Lunch from San Sebastian Private Tour: $298
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sintra and San Sebastian, we can see that Sintra is more expensive. And not only is San Sebastian much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to San Sebastian would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in San Sebastian 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 Sintra would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sintra than you might in San Sebastian.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Sintra Expensive? and Is San Sebastian Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sintra or San Sebastian?
San Sebastian has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Sintra. When comparing the sizes of Sintra and San Sebastian, 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 San Sebastian?
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 San Sebastian in the Summer?
Both San Sebastian and Sintra are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to San Sebastian in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Sintra is a little warmer than San Sebastian. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sintra in July average around 23°C (73°F), and San Sebastian averages at about 20°C (68°F).
It's quite sunny in San Sebastian. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sintra. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than San Sebastian during summer. Sintra gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while San Sebastian receives 209 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Sintra usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Sintra gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySintra 23°C (73°F)San Sebastian 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Sintra or San Sebastian in the Autumn?
Both San Sebastian and Sintra during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to San Sebastian for the shopping scene during these months.
In October, Sintra is generally a little warmer than San Sebastian. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 19°C (66°F), and San Sebastian fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
It's quite sunny in Sintra. In the autumn, Sintra often gets more sunshine than San Sebastian. Sintra gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 144 hours of full sun.
San Sebastian gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Sintra usually gets less rain in October than San Sebastian. Sintra gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSintra 19°C (66°F)San Sebastian 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Sintra or San Sebastian in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Sintra and San Sebastian. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to San Sebastian because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Sintra is a little warmer than San Sebastian in the winter. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 12°C (53°F) in January, and San Sebastian fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).
Sintra usually receives more sunshine than San Sebastian during winter. Sintra gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while San Sebastian receives 85 hours of full sun in the winter.
San Sebastian 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 San Sebastian. Sintra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySintra 12°C (53°F)San Sebastian 8°C (47°F)
Should I visit Sintra or San Sebastian in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Sintra as well as San Sebastian. Additionally, the beaches are the main draw to San Sebastian this time of year.
In the spring, Sintra is a little warmer than San Sebastian. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sintra in April average around 16°C (60°F), and San Sebastian averages at about 12°C (54°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 San Sebastian. Sintra gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 141 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in San Sebastian. Sintra usually gets less rain in April than San Sebastian. Sintra gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSintra 16°C (60°F)San Sebastian 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for San Sebastian and Sintra
| Sintra | San Sebastian | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (53°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (58°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (74°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 155 mm (6.1 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (59°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 184 mm (7.2 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.