A Travel Price Comparison for Portugal Sintra vs. Setubal for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Sintra or Setubal?

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

Should I visit Sintra or Setubal? 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 Setubal?

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.

Setubal

Setubal is a busy working port and major commercial fishing center. Setubal is a city that has always had a close connection to the seas, and this is celebrated along the newly rejuvenated waterfront, which encompasses the colorful fishing harbor, the popular urban park and the Troia Peninsula ferry terminal. Within the charming historic center is a maze of narrow alleys, hidden plazas, and family-owned shops, along with Portugal's largest fish market. Setubal is primarily an industrial city, but is situated in a region of immense beauty; to the east is the stunning Serra da Arrabida, to the north is historic Palmela, while to the south are the paradise beaches of the Troia Peninsula. Setubal may not be a conventional holiday destination, but there is a surprising amount to see and do within the city and the surrounding region.

Which place is cheaper, Setubal 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 Setubal is €123. 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 Setubal in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sintra 57
    Setubal 59
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sintra 114
    Setubal 118
Compare Hotels in Sintra and Setubal

Looking for a hotel in Sintra or Setubal? 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 Setubal


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 Setubal Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sintra 21
    Setubal 54

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sintra

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sintra:

  • Algarve vs Lisbon: Private Transfer to/from Algarve /Lisbon: $444
  • Private transfer from Sintra to Porto with 2 hours for sightseeing: $296
  • Transfer Airport Lisboa - Cascais ( round trip): $134
  • Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(8pax): $111
  • Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(3pax): $100
  • Transfer from Lisbon Airport to Cascais, Sintra or Estoril: $98
  • Tours and Transfers: $91
  • Private Guided Transfer in Sintra and Lisbon: $89
  • TRANSFER Cascais to Lisbon Airport: $84
  • Private Transfer Lisbon & Cascais by Executive Van or Car: $75
  • Tuk Tuk Transfer With Sintra Pena Ticket From Meeting Point: $74
  • Transfer Sintra to Lisbon Airport: $73

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Setubal

Also for Setubal, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Boat Transfer to Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach with Return: $22
  • Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach Taxi Boat Transfer Round Trip: $22
  • Sesimbra Private Transfer to / From Lisbon: $53
  • Transfer Sesimbra to Lisbon Airport: $83
  • Transfers (Lisbon - Évora) / (Évora - Lisbon): $150
  • Paragliding experience near Lisbon with transfers from Lisbon: $150

Is it cheaper to fly into Sintra or Setubal?

Prices for flights to both Setubal 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
    Setubal 35

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sintra

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Sintra.

  • Half-Day Ericeira Walking Food Tour: $56
  • Portuguese Traditional Cuisine: DINNER OR TAPAS : $95
  • Portuguese Cooking Workshop in Cascais (group of 4 min): $95
  • Private Portuguese Cooking Lesson and Meal with a Lisbon Local: $220

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sintra 23
    Setubal 12

Tours and Activities in Sintra

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

  • E-Bike Rental Self Guide Tour in Sintra and Cabo da Roca : $66
  • Sintra & Cascais in one day Renault 4L Tour (Full day): $167
  • 1 Hour Private Sintra Sightseeing Tour by Renault 4L : $33
  • 1 Hour Private Tuk-Tuk Tour in Sintra: $39
  • 1 Hour Sightseeing Tour in Sintra with Tuktuk : $33
  • 19th Century Photography Experience: $33
  • 1h sight seeing - Sintra Mountain Tour (price per car) - max 4persons: $122
  • 2 Hour Private Picnic and Photoshoot Experience in Lisbon area: $167
  • 2 Hours Sintra Experience Renault 4L Tour : $78
  • 3 Hour Sintra Village and Beaches Tuktuk Tour: $145
  • 4 hour Private MTB Enduro Trail Tour in Sintra Mountain: $134
  • 4x4 Tours in Portuguese Classic Jeeps (UMM) around Sintra: $112

Tours and Activities in Setubal

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Setubal.

  • Evora Highlights Walking Tour Audio and GPS Guided: $7.71
  • Évora Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.10
  • Wines tour and tasting with history in Atalaia: $17
  • Museu Nacional Frei Manuel do Cenáculo: E-ticket with Audio: $18
  • Sesimbra : Guided Kayak Tour in Arrábida Natural Park & Caves : $39
  • Boat Tour - Arrábida Coves: $39
  • Half-Day Kayak Tour in Sesimbra: $39
  • Kayak tour from Sesimbra to Ribeira do Cavalo Beach, passing through the caves: $39
  • Ultra Adventure Circuit: $43
  • Small Group Kayak Tour along Sesimbra - Arrábida Natural Park: $44
  • Tour to the caves of Sesimbra: $44
  • Arrábida: Rock Climbing Experience: $47

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sintra 17
    Setubal 10

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: $61
  • Wine Tasting Tour: $84
  • Sintra and Cabo da Roca with Wine Tasting (Colares) Half Day: $84
  • Private tour wine tasting in Setubal: $94
  • Private Tour Sétubal, Palmela, Arrábida with wine tasting: $133
  • Hidden Gems: Sintra & Cascais Private Tour with Wine Tasting: $184
  • From Lisbon Private Tour to Porto with Port Wine Tasting: $240
  • Ericeira & Mafra’s Wonders - Rural Beach & Wine Tour : $268

Sample the Local Flavors in Setubal

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Setubal:

  • Workshop - Wine Tasting 101: $67
  • Monsaraz and Wine Tasting Tour from Évora: $72
  • Alentejo Wine Tour from Évora: $78
  • Half-Day Tour to Arrabida from Sesimbra with Wine Tasting: $84
  • Private Half Day Arrabida Tour with Wine Tasting in Sesimbra: $98
  • Wine Tour, discovering the famous Setúbal Moscatel: $114
  • Private Full Day Evora & Alentejo Wine Tour from Lisbon : $145
  • Private Wine Tour from Lisbon to Arrábida: Wine & Cheese Tasting: $173
  • 4x4 Cork Tour with Lunch & Wine Tasting: $178


When comparing the travel costs between Sintra and Setubal, we can see that Setubal 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 Setubal Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Sintra or Setubal?

Setubal has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Sintra. When comparing the sizes of Sintra and Setubal, 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 Setubal?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Sintra or Setubal in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Sintra as well as Setubal.

Sintra is around the same temperature as Setubal in the summer. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Setubal fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Setubal. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sintra this time of the year. In the summer, Sintra often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Setubal. Sintra gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Setubal receives 352 hours of full sun.

Sintra usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Setubal. Sintra gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Setubal receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Sintra 23°C (73°F) 
    Setubal 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Setubal in the Autumn?

Both Setubal and Sintra are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.

In the autumn, Sintra is around the same temperature as Setubal. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sintra in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Setubal averages at about 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Setubal. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sintra. Sintra usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Setubal during autumn. Sintra gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Setubal receives 213 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Sintra usually receives around the same amount of rain as Setubal. Sintra gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Setubal receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Sintra 19°C (66°F) 
    Setubal 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Setubal in the Winter?

Both Setubal and Sintra during the winter are popular places to visit.

In January, Sintra is generally around the same temperature as Setubal. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 12°C (53°F), and Setubal fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the winter, Sintra often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Setubal. Sintra gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Setubal receives 144 hours of full sun.

Setubal gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Sintra. Sintra usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Setubal. Sintra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Setubal receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Sintra 12°C (53°F) 
    Setubal 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Setubal in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Sintra and Setubal.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Setubal this time of the year. In Sintra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sintra usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Setubal during spring. Sintra gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Setubal receives 235 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Sintra usually receives around the same amount of rain as Setubal. Sintra gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Setubal receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Sintra 16°C (60°F) 
    Setubal 16°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Setubal and Sintra

Sintra Setubal
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Mar 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in) 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)