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

Should you visit Sintra or Urbino?

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

Should I visit Sintra or Urbino? 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 Urbino?

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.

Urbino

Located in central Italy, Urbino is a remote and less-traveled walled town, tucked away in the hills of Le Marche. Under the ambitious and honorable rule of Duke Federico da Montefeltro in 1444 to 1482, Urbino thrived in culture because the Duke so deeply appreciated art and literature. Known as one of the original sites of Renaissance culture in the 15th century, Urbino experienced a large influx of scholars and artists. Today, Urbino is still known as the pinnacle of Renaissance art and architecture.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Portugal, The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best 2-Week Tours in Italy, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Urbino 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 Urbino is €118. 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 Urbino in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sintra 57
    Urbino 53
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sintra 114
    Urbino 106
Compare Hotels in Sintra and Urbino

Looking for a hotel in Sintra or Urbino? 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 Urbino


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 Urbino Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sintra 21
    Urbino 44

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sintra

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sintra:

  • Algarve vs Lisbon: Private Transfer to/from Algarve /Lisbon: $513
  • Private transfer from Sintra to Porto with 2 hours for sightseeing: $289
  • Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(8pax): $109
  • Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(3pax): $98
  • Tours and Transfers: $89
  • Private Guided Transfer in Sintra and Lisbon: $87
  • Lisbon transfer, national and Iberian trips: $86
  • TRANSFER Cascais to Lisbon Airport: $82
  • Private Transfer Lisbon & Cascais by Van or Car: $73
  • Tuk Tuk Transfer With Sintra Pena Ticket From Meeting Point: $73
  • Transfer Sintra to Lisbon Airport: $71
  • Lisbon Airport: Cascais/Estoril/Sintra Private Transfer: $57

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Urbino

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

  • Private Transfer from Borgo Maggiore to Rimini (RMI) Airport: $108

Is it cheaper to fly into Sintra or Urbino?

Prices for flights to both Urbino 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
    Urbino 39

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sintra 23
    Urbino 15

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 Urbino

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

  • San Marino: A Self Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Entrance Ticket - Titanus Museum: Multimedia Experience: $8.68
  • San Marino Scavenger Hunt and Sightseeing Tour: $8.97
  • Private Guided Tour with Aperitif in Winebar in San Marino: $92
  • Guided group tour of Ducal Palace and National Gallery: $94
  • E-BIKE Tour San Marino for couples: $114
  • Private tour with Welcome KIT in San Marino: $136
  • 2-Hour Private Walking Tour with certified guide: $139
  • Private Walking Tour with Ducal Palace Ticket: $150
  • San Marino’s Starlit Stroll: A Christmas Walking Tour: $153
  • Private Tour of San Marino: UNESCO World Heritage Site: $172
  • Guided Tour of San Marino at Sunset with aperitif included: $184

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sintra 17
    Urbino 14

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


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


Which is Bigger, Sintra or Urbino?

Sintra has a larger population, and is about 72% larger than the population of Urbino. When comparing the sizes of Sintra and Urbino, 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 Urbino?

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 Urbino in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Sintra as well as Urbino. Also, most visitors come to Urbino for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Sintra is generally around the same temperature as Urbino. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 23°C (73°F), and Urbino fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Sintra usually gets less rain in July than Urbino. Sintra gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Urbino receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Sintra or Urbino in the Autumn?

Both Urbino and Sintra are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Urbino because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Sintra is a little warmer than Urbino in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Urbino fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In October, Sintra usually receives around the same amount of rain as Urbino. Sintra gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Urbino receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Sintra 19°C (66°F) 
    Urbino 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Urbino in the Winter?

Both Urbino and Sintra during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Urbino this time of year.

It's quite cold in Urbino in the winter. In the winter, Sintra is much warmer than Urbino. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sintra in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Urbino averages at about 3°C (37°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sintra. Sintra usually gets more rain in January than Urbino. Sintra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Urbino receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Sintra 12°C (53°F) 
    Urbino 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Urbino in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Sintra and Urbino. Furthermore, many travelers come to Urbino for the natural beauty.

In April, Sintra is generally a little warmer than Urbino. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 16°C (60°F), and Urbino fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In April, Sintra usually receives more rain than Urbino. Sintra gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Urbino receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Sintra 16°C (60°F) 
    Urbino 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Urbino and Sintra

Sintra Urbino
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 3°C (37°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 5°C (42°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 9°C (49°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 16°C (61°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 20°C (68°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 22°C (71°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in) 19°C (67°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 9°C (49°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 4°C (39°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)