Which place is cheaper, Zadar or Sintra?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Sintra or Zadar?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Sintra or Zadar? 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 Zadar?
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.
Zadar
You'll find Zadar in northern Dalmatia, Croatia. It is located on the Adriatic Sea and is the center of Zadar County. It is both the historic center for the region and the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Zadar. There are a handful of sights around town, most of which can be explored on foot.
The climate for the city is a mix between humid subtropical and a Mediterranean climate. The winters are usually mild and wet, and the summers are humid and warm. The hottest months are July and August when temperatures can exceed 30 degrees Celsius. Average yearly rainfall usually exceeds 917 mm. Fall months often remain warm and temperatures are often around 30 degrees Celsius as well. In general, the temperatures rarely drop below freezing, even during the coldest month of January. The rainiest months are October and November, although winter is considered the wet season. July is usually the driest month. Water temperatures are around 25 degrees Celsius in July and August and it may be possible to swim any time between May and October.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Portugal, The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best Tours for Seniors to Croatia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Croatia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySintra €115Zadar €89
The average daily cost (per person) in Sintra is €115, while the average daily cost in Zadar is €89. 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 Zadar in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSintra €57Zadar €51
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSintra €114Zadar €102
Compare Hotels in Sintra and Zadar
Looking for a hotel in Sintra or Zadar? 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 Zadar Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sintra €21Zadar €9.50
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sintra
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sintra:
- Estoril, Cascais or Sintra Private Transfer to Lisbon: $27
- Lisbon Airport Transfer to Cascais / Sintra / Estoril: $51
- Transfer from Lisbon Airport to Sintra: $53
- Lisbon Airport: Cascais/Estoril/Sintra Private Transfer: $57
- Transfer Sintra to Lisbon Airport: $71
- Tuk Tuk Transfer With Sintra Pena Ticket From Meeting Point: $73
- Private Transfer Lisbon & Cascais by Van or Car: $73
- TRANSFER Cascais to Lisbon Airport: $82
- Lisbon transfer, national and Iberian trips: $86
- Private Guided Transfer in Sintra and Lisbon: $87
- Tours and Transfers: $89
- Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(3pax): $98
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zadar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zadar:
- Private Transfer from Borik Zadar to Zadar Airport (ZAD): $37
- Private Transfer from Zadar Airport (ZAD) to Borik Zadar: $37
- Private Transfer from Zadar city to Zadar Airport: $41
- Private Transfer from Zadar Hotels to Zadar Airport: $41
- Private Transfer to/from Zadar Airport: $46
- Private Transfer from Zadar Airport to Zadar : $49
- Transfer from Zadar Airport to Zadar City: $49
- Split Airport (SPU) to Zadar hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $55
- Zadar hotels to Split Airport (SPU) - Departure Private Transfer: $55
- Transfer from Zadar airport to Vir: $63
- Private Transfer from Biograd Na Moru to Zadar Airport (ZAD): $68
- Private Transfer from Zadar Airport (ZAD) to Biograd Na Moru: $68
Is it cheaper to fly into Sintra or Zadar?
Prices for flights to both Zadar 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 €42Zadar €28
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 Zadar
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zadar.
- Small Group Cooking Class: $39
- Private City Tour and Cooking Class: $96
- Gourmet Sunset dinner on board: $218
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sintra €23Zadar €19
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 Zadar
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Zadar are as follows:
- Old Town Walking Tour: $16
- Zadar historical guided tour: $16
- Zadar Historical Guided Walking Tour: $16
- Old Town Highlights Guided Walking Tour: $18
- Group History Walking Tour in Zadar Old Town: $20
- Guided City Walking Tour: $21
- The Ultimate Zadar Walking Tour: $22
- Early Morning Walking Tour of the Old Town: $24
- Old Town Evening Group Guided Walking Tour: $24
- Zadar City Tour 120min Walk: $24
- Early Morning Walking Tour of the Old Town in Zadar: $26
- Evening Walking Tour of the Old Town: $26
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySintra €17Zadar €12
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 Zadar
Also in Zadar, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting, & Old Town Tour: $52
- Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting, Boat Ride & Zadar Old Town: $53
- Craft Gin and exclusive brandies in unique distillery: $60
- Wine Tasting with Finger Food: $64
- Private City and Wine Tour in Zadar with Eco Tuk Tuk: $98
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sintra and Zadar, we can see that Sintra is more expensive. And not only is Zadar much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Zadar would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Zadar 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 Zadar.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Sintra Expensive? and Is Zadar Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sintra or Zadar?
Zadar has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Sintra. When comparing the sizes of Sintra and Zadar, 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 Zadar?
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 Zadar in the Summer?
Both Zadar and Sintra are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Zadar this time of year.
In the summer, Sintra is cooler than Zadar. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sintra in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Zadar averages at about 26°C (80°F).
It's quite sunny in Zadar. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sintra. Sintra usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Zadar during summer. Sintra gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Sintra usually receives less rain than Zadar. Sintra gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySintra 23°C (73°F)Zadar 26°C (80°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Zadar in the Autumn?
Both Zadar and Sintra during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Zadar for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Sintra is generally around the same temperature as Zadar. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 19°C (66°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
In Zadar, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Sintra. In the autumn, Sintra often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Zadar. Sintra gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 200 hours of full sun.
Sintra usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Zadar. Sintra gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSintra 19°C (66°F)Zadar 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Zadar in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Sintra and Zadar. Also, many visitors come to Zadar in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Sintra is a little warmer than Zadar in the winter. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 12°C (53°F) in January, and Zadar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).
Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Zadar during winter. Sintra gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.
Sintra gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Sintra usually receives more rain than Zadar. Sintra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySintra 12°C (53°F)Zadar 8°C (47°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Zadar in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Sintra as well as Zadar. Also, most visitors come to Zadar for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.
In the spring, Sintra is around the same temperature as Zadar. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sintra in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Zadar averages at about 15°C (59°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zadar. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sintra this time of the year. In the spring, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Zadar. Sintra gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 212 hours of full sun.
Sintra usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Zadar. Sintra gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSintra 16°C (60°F)Zadar 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Zadar and Sintra
| Sintra | Zadar | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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) |
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.