A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sintra vs. Split for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Sintra or Split?

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

Should I visit Sintra or Split? 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 Split?

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.

Split

Spit is a historic city in Central Dalmatia with many opportunities to glimpse its fascinating past in its historic city center. Centuries ago the city grew up around a Diocletian palace that was used as refuge by the locals.

Today, as you wander around the historic center, you can see the remains of the Roman walls, temples, and squares. Despite it's appeal to tourists, Split is much more than just a tourist destination. It is larger than you might initially realize and it spreads well beyond the historic center. There is a population of about 300,000 in the larger area and it is an economic center for the region.

Split has a beautiful climate with mild winters, countless sunny days, and a generally pleasant temperature. As such, there are many opportunities to enjoy yourself outdoors, whether by participating in sports or walking around the city's quaint streets. Winters in Split are also quite mild, but there may be one snowy day, on average, every year. This rare snowfall can cause a significant disruption in the flow of traffic.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Portugal, The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best Walking Tours in Croatia, and The Best Luxury Tours to Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Split 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 Split is €109. 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 Split in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sintra 57
    Split 73
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sintra 114
    Split 146
Compare Hotels in Sintra and Split

Looking for a hotel in Sintra or Split? 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 Split


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 Split Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sintra 21
    Split 14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sintra

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sintra:

  • Tuk Tuk Transfer With Sintra Pena Ticket From Meeting Point: $73
  • Transfer from Lisbon Airport to Sintra: $53
  • Transfer Sintra to Lisbon Airport: $71
  • Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(8pax): $109
  • Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(3pax): $98
  • Tours and Transfers: $89
  • TRANSFER Cascais to Lisbon Airport: $82
  • Private transfer from Sintra to Porto with 2 hours for sightseeing: $289
  • Private Transfer Lisbon & Cascais by Van or Car: $73
  • Private Guided Transfer in Sintra and Lisbon: $87
  • Lisbon transfer, national and Iberian trips: $86
  • Lisbon Airport: Cascais/Estoril/Sintra Private Transfer: $57

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Split

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

  • Diocletian's Palace & Trogir Old Town with Transfer: $15
  • Split Airport Transfers > Marina Kastela Marina Baotic ACI Trogir: $22
  • Private One-way Split Airport Transfer To/From Split: $25
  • Private Transfer from Split Airport (SPU) to Cruise Port of Split: $27
  • Private Taxi Transfer from Split airport to Split City Area: $30
  • Split Airport Taxi Transfers > Split City Area: $33
  • Luxury private transfer: Split airport to Split: $35
  • Airport Private Transfer to Split : $38
  • Airport Private Transfer from Split: $38
  • Private Transfer from Split Airport (SPU) to Trogir: $40
  • Private Transfer from Split Airport (SPU) to Slatine (Island Ciovo): $40
  • Private Transfer from Split Airport (SPU) to Marina Aci Trogir : $40

Is it cheaper to fly into Sintra or Split?

Prices for flights to both Split 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
    Split 23

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Split

For Split, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Small Group Food Tour: $37
  • Homemade Dinner under the Stars in Split: $85
  • Food Tour in Split ( Small Group): $96
  • Split Food Tour (Small Group): $98
  • Vegan Food tour of Split with local gastronomy: $102
  • Walking Vegan Food Tour of Split: $104
  • Old Town Food Tour: $107
  • Split Food Tour: Discover Split One Bite At A Time: $131
  • Split Cooking Class - Afternoon Edition Shared Activity: $191
  • Private Authentic Wine & Food tour from Split: $240
  • Culinary Experience – Cooking Class & Walking Tour Split: $251

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sintra 23
    Split 3.71

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 : $64
  • Half Day Private Wine and Traditional Tile Making Tour: $157
  • 1h sight seeing - Sintra Mountain Tour (price per car) - max 4persons: $119
  • 2 Hour Private Picnic and Photoshoot Experience in Lisbon area: $149
  • 2 Hours Romantic experience for two by sailboat in Cascais: $297
  • 2 hours Private Sailing Experience in Cascais: $297
  • 3 Hour Sintra Village and Beaches Tuktuk Tour: $125
  • 4 hour Private MTB Enduro Trail Tour in Sintra Mountain: $171
  • 4 hour Private MTB Enduro Trail Tour in Sintra Mountain: $153
  • 4x4 Tours in Portuguese Classic Jeeps (UMM) around Sintra: $153
  • Amazing Sintra tour: $91
  • Cascais Private Walking Tour with a Professional Guide: $260

Tours and Activities in Split

For Split, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Emanuel Vidović Gallery Entrance Ticket: $6.42
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.42
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Split Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
  • Entry Ticket to the Cellars of Diocletian's Palace: $8.56
  • Split's Old Town and Marjan Hill: A Self Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Split's Old Town and Marjan Hill: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Roman Ruins Sightseeing Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Sightseeing Split's Roman Ruins: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $9.36
  • Split's Legacy: In-App Audio Tour of Serene Seas & Stones: $11

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sintra 17
    Split 7.95

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 Split

Also in Split, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • From Krka Waterfalls & Swimming & Wine tasting: $24
  • From Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting Tour: $26
  • Tower Pub Crawl in Split: $29
  • Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting tour from Split: $31
  • Split/Trogir: Krka National Park Day Trip with Wine Tasting: $38
  • Wine Tasting and Sunset Klis Fortress Tour from Split: $38
  • Krka National Park Tour with tour Guide & Wine tasting from Split & Trogir: $46
  • Split&Sip: Educational wine tasting: $51
  • Wine Tasting in the Diocletian's Palace: $53
  • Wine Tasting in the Diocletian’s Palace: $55
  • Diocletian's Palace Walking and Wine Tasting Tour: $71
  • From Split/Trogir: Mostar and Medjugorje Tour with Wine Tasting: $74


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


Which is Bigger, Sintra or Split?

Split has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Sintra. When comparing the sizes of Sintra and Split, 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 Split?

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 Split in the Summer?

Both Split and Sintra during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Split because of the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Sintra is cooler than Split. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sintra in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Split averages at about 26°C (80°F).

In Split, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Sintra. In the summer, Sintra often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Split. Sintra gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 345 hours of full sun.

Sintra usually gets less rain in July than Split. Sintra gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Split receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Sintra 23°C (73°F) 
    Split 26°C (80°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Split in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Sintra and Split. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Split this time of year.

In October, Sintra is generally around the same temperature as Split. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 19°C (66°F), and Split fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Split 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 Split during autumn. Sintra gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Sintra usually receives around the same amount of rain as Split. Sintra gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Split receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Sintra 19°C (66°F) 
    Split 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Split in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Sintra as well as Split. Additionally, many travelers come to Split for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Sintra is a little warmer than Split in the winter. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 12°C (53°F) in January, and Split fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Split. Sintra gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 128 hours of full sun.

Sintra receives a lot of rain in the winter. Sintra usually gets more rain in January than Split. Sintra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Split receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Sintra 12°C (53°F) 
    Split 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Split in the Spring?

Both Split and Sintra are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Split in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Sintra is around the same temperature as Split. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sintra in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Split averages at about 15°C (59°F).

It's quite sunny in Split. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sintra. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Split during spring. Sintra gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Sintra usually receives around the same amount of rain as Split. Sintra gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Split receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Sintra 16°C (60°F) 
    Split 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Split and Sintra

Sintra Split
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 8°C (47°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 9°C (48°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Mar 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 11°C (52°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 20°C (67°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 23°C (74°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 26°C (80°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in) 22°C (72°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 13°C (56°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 10°C (49°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)