Which place is cheaper, Santiago de Compostela or Sintra?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Sintra or Santiago de Compostela?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Sintra or Santiago de Compostela? 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 Santiago de Compostela?
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.
Santiago de Compostela
Santiago de Compostela is the capital city of northwest Spain's Galicia region. Its famous cathedral marks the culmination of the Way of Saint James pilgrimage route, and is the alleged burial site of the apostle himself. The pilgrimage route begins in the Pyrenees, 500 miles away, though travelers can decide to join the journey at certain points in between, depending on how far they want to walk and how much they want to see.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Portugal, The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySintra €115Santiago de Compostela €91
The average daily cost (per person) in Sintra is €115, while the average daily cost in Santiago de Compostela is €91. 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 Santiago de Compostela in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSintra €57Santiago de Compostela €37
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSintra €114Santiago de Compostela €74
Compare Hotels in Sintra and Santiago de Compostela
Looking for a hotel in Sintra or Santiago de Compostela? 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 Santiago de Compostela Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sintra €21Santiago de Compostela €38
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sintra
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sintra:
- Algarve vs Lisbon: Private Transfer to/from Algarve /Lisbon: $513
- Estoril, Cascais or Sintra Private Transfer to Lisbon: $27
- Lisbon Airport Transfer to Cascais / Sintra / Estoril: $51
- Lisbon Airport: Cascais/Estoril/Sintra Private Transfer: $57
- Lisbon transfer, national and Iberian trips: $86
- Private Guided Transfer in Sintra and Lisbon: $87
- Private Transfer Lisbon & Cascais by Van or Car: $73
- Private transfer from Sintra to Porto with 2 hours for sightseeing: $289
- TRANSFER Cascais to Lisbon Airport: $82
- Tours and Transfers: $89
- Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(3pax): $98
- Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(8pax): $109
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santiago de Compostela
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santiago de Compostela:
- Departure Private Transfer Santiago de Compostela to SCQ Airport by Business Car: $38
- Airport Transfer Santiago de Compostela: $45
- Santiago de Compostela Private Transfer from the city centre to SCQ Airport: $51
- Santiago de Compostela Private Transfer from the city centre to SCQ Airport: $51
- Santiago de Compostela Private Transfer from SCQ Airport to City centre: $51
- Airport transfer Santiago de Compostela: $71
- Santiago de Compostela Private Transfer to SCQ Airport by Van: $91
- Arrival Private Transfer Santiago de Compostela Airport to City Center by Minivan: $91
Is it cheaper to fly into Sintra or Santiago de Compostela?
Prices for flights to both Santiago de Compostela 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 €42Santiago de Compostela €19
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 Santiago de Compostela
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Santiago de Compostela:
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Raspberries€3.50
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Ice Cream€2.00
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Cookie€1.00
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Kebab€7.25
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Dinner & Tapas (for 2)€28
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Tuna Empanada€3.50
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Fruit Shake€3.50
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Crepe€4.00
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sintra €23Santiago de Compostela €39
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 Santiago de Compostela
Here are a few actual costs in Santiago de Compostela for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Old Town of Santiago de Compostela Walking Tour: $1.09
- Secrets of A Self-Guided Tour: $9.99
- Secrets of Private Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
- Old town walking tour with an Official Guide: $11
- Guided Tour of the Old Town with an Official Guide: $11
- Hostal de los Reyes Católicos Tour: $13
- Land of Legends & Meigas Night Tour: $13
- Night Tour Land of Legends and Meigas: $13
- Queimada Experience Show and Tasting: $16
- Museum Tour of Galician Culture: $16
- Santiago: Cathedral & Museum Tour & Pórtico of Glory Option: $16
- Santiago de Compostela Cathedral and Museum Guided Tour: $16
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySintra €17Santiago de Compostela €23
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
Typical Alcohol Prices in Santiago de Compostela
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Santiago de Compostela from other travelers:
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1 Pint Beer€2.00
Sample the Local Flavors in Santiago de Compostela
Also in Santiago de Compostela, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Cheese and Wine Tasting Experience: $31
- Cheese and Wine Tasting Experience: $32
- Albariño Wine Tasting with Winery Tour: $33
- Premium Porto Santiago Compostela tour lunch & wine tasting: $214
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sintra and Santiago de Compostela, we can see that Sintra is more expensive. And not only is Santiago de Compostela much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Santiago de Compostela would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Sintra Expensive? and Is Santiago de Compostela Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sintra or Santiago de Compostela?
Santiago de Compostela has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Sintra. When comparing the sizes of Sintra and Santiago de Compostela, 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 Santiago de Compostela?
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 Santiago de Compostela in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Sintra and Santiago de Compostela. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Santiago de Compostela this time of year.
In the summer, Sintra is a little warmer than Santiago de Compostela. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sintra in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Santiago de Compostela averages at about 19°C (66°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Santiago de Compostela this time of the year. In Sintra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during summer. Sintra gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 248 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Sintra usually receives less rain than Santiago de Compostela. Sintra gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySintra 23°C (73°F)Santiago de Compostela 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Santiago de Compostela in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Sintra as well as Santiago de Compostela. Also, many travelers come to Santiago de Compostela for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Sintra is generally a little warmer than Santiago de Compostela. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 19°C (66°F), and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sintra this time of the year. In the autumn, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela. Sintra gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santiago de Compostela receives 155 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Santiago de Compostela. Sintra usually gets less rain in October than Santiago de Compostela. Sintra gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSintra 19°C (66°F)Santiago de Compostela 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Santiago de Compostela in the Winter?
Both Santiago de Compostela and Sintra are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Santiago de Compostela in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Sintra is a little warmer than Santiago de Compostela in the winter. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 12°C (53°F) in January, and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during winter. Sintra gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 103 hours of full sun in the winter.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Santiago de Compostela. It's quite rainy in Sintra. In January, Sintra usually receives less rain than Santiago de Compostela. Sintra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySintra 12°C (53°F)Santiago de Compostela 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Santiago de Compostela in the Spring?
Both Santiago de Compostela and Sintra during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Santiago de Compostela for the natural beauty during these months.
In the spring, Sintra is a little warmer than Santiago de Compostela. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sintra in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Santiago de Compostela averages at about 13°C (55°F).
It's quite sunny in Sintra. In the spring, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela. Sintra gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santiago de Compostela receives 167 hours of full sun.
Sintra usually gets less rain in April than Santiago de Compostela. Sintra gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSintra 16°C (60°F)Santiago de Compostela 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Santiago de Compostela and Sintra
| Sintra | Santiago de Compostela | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (53°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (58°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (74°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (59°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 128 mm (5 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.