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

Should you visit Sintra or Vitoria-Gasteiz?

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

Should I visit Sintra or Vitoria-Gasteiz? 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 Vitoria-Gasteiz?

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.

Vitoria-Gasteiz

In the midst of a vast, starry night, medieval cathedrals and ancient buildings are scattered with light across the humming city. This is none other than Vitoria-Gasteiz, a town located in the province of Araba/Alava in northern Spain. Within its border, this city contains Basque Country's House of Parliament, the headquarters of the Government, and the Lehendakari's (Prime Minister's) official residence. In 2012, Vitoria-Gasteiz was awarded the title of European Green Capital and now is one of the top five places to live in Spain. This multicultural city is chock full of amazing national history as well as unique cultural traditions. Vitoria-Gasteiz is also well known for its festivals, including Azkena rock festival, FesTVal, Vitoria-Gasteiz jazz festival, and the Virgen Blanca Festivities. Whether you seek to explore its world-renowned wineries or dine in a chic restaurant, Vitoria-Gasteiz holds an endless amount of possibilities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Portugal, The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best Adventure Tours to Spain, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Vitoria-Gasteiz 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 Vitoria-Gasteiz is €146. 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 Vitoria-Gasteiz in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sintra 57
    Vitoria-Gasteiz 69
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sintra 114
    Vitoria-Gasteiz 138
Compare Hotels in Sintra and Vitoria-Gasteiz

Looking for a hotel in Sintra or Vitoria-Gasteiz? 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 Vitoria-Gasteiz


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 Vitoria-Gasteiz Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sintra 21
    Vitoria-Gasteiz 34

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Sintra or Vitoria-Gasteiz?

Prices for flights to both Vitoria-Gasteiz 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
    Vitoria-Gasteiz 51

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
    Vitoria-Gasteiz 36

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sintra 17
    Vitoria-Gasteiz 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


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sintra and Vitoria-Gasteiz, we can see that Vitoria-Gasteiz is more expensive. And not only is Sintra much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Sintra would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sintra 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 Vitoria-Gasteiz would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Vitoria-Gasteiz than you might in Sintra.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Sintra Expensive? and Is Vitoria-Gasteiz Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Sintra or Vitoria-Gasteiz?

Vitoria-Gasteiz has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Sintra. When comparing the sizes of Sintra and Vitoria-Gasteiz, 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 Vitoria-Gasteiz?

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 Vitoria-Gasteiz in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Sintra as well as Vitoria-Gasteiz.

Sintra is a little warmer than Vitoria-Gasteiz in the summer. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Vitoria-Gasteiz fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sintra this time of the year. In the summer, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Vitoria-Gasteiz. Sintra gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vitoria-Gasteiz receives 188 hours of full sun.

Sintra usually gets less rain in July than Vitoria-Gasteiz. Sintra gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Vitoria-Gasteiz receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Sintra 23°C (73°F) 
    Vitoria-Gasteiz 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Vitoria-Gasteiz in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Sintra is a little warmer than Vitoria-Gasteiz. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sintra in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Vitoria-Gasteiz averages at about 16°C (62°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sintra. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Vitoria-Gasteiz during autumn. Sintra gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Vitoria-Gasteiz receives 125 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Vitoria-Gasteiz. In October, Sintra usually receives less rain than Vitoria-Gasteiz. Sintra gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Vitoria-Gasteiz receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Sintra 19°C (66°F) 
    Vitoria-Gasteiz 16°C (62°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Vitoria-Gasteiz in the Winter?

Both Vitoria-Gasteiz and Sintra during the winter are popular places to visit.

In January, Sintra is generally a little warmer than Vitoria-Gasteiz. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 12°C (53°F), and Vitoria-Gasteiz fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the winter, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Vitoria-Gasteiz. Sintra gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vitoria-Gasteiz receives 77 hours of full sun.

Vitoria-Gasteiz gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Sintra. Sintra usually gets less rain in January than Vitoria-Gasteiz. Sintra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Vitoria-Gasteiz receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Sintra 12°C (53°F) 
    Vitoria-Gasteiz 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Vitoria-Gasteiz in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Sintra and Vitoria-Gasteiz.

Sintra is a little warmer than Vitoria-Gasteiz in the spring. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Vitoria-Gasteiz fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In Sintra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Vitoria-Gasteiz during spring. Sintra gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Vitoria-Gasteiz receives 117 hours of full sun in the spring.

Vitoria-Gasteiz receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Sintra usually receives less rain than Vitoria-Gasteiz. Sintra gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Vitoria-Gasteiz receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Sintra 16°C (60°F) 
    Vitoria-Gasteiz 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Vitoria-Gasteiz and Sintra

Sintra Vitoria-Gasteiz
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 9°C (48°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 10°C (50°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Mar 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 11°C (51°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 18°C (64°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in) 19°C (66°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 16°C (62°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 10°C (50°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)