Which place is cheaper, Sintra or Varna?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Varna or Sintra?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Varna and Sintra can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Varna or Sintra?
Varna
Varna is a coastal city on the Black Sea. It's the third largest city in Bulgaria and many people consider it the summer capital of the country. It's a major tourist destination and it can make for a relaxing escape at the beach if you're in Bulgaria during the summer. It is the only city in Bulgaria that cruises visit, and as such, it's tourist infrastructure has grown. In addition to being a tourist destination, Varna is also a business and university center, seaport, and the headquarters of the Bulgarian Navy and merchant marine.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Bulgaria, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Bulgaria, The Best Budget Tours to Portugal, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVarna $65Sintra $124
The average daily cost (per person) in Varna is $65, while the average daily cost in Sintra is $124. 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 Varna and Sintra in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVarna $35Sintra $61
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVarna $70Sintra $122
Compare Hotels in Varna and Sintra
Looking for a hotel in Varna or Sintra? 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: Varna Hotel Prices and Sintra Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Varna $9.33Sintra $22
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Varna
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Varna:
- Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Varna City: $22
- Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Saints Constantine and Helena: $25
- Private Transfer from Golden Sands to Varna (VAR) Airport: $35
- Private One-way Transfer Varna Airport to Hotel or vice versa: $53
- Private Transfer from Balchik to Varna (VAR) Airport: $58
- Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Balchik: $58
- Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Byala: $63
- Private Transfer from Albena to Varna (VAR) Airport : $65
- Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Albena: $65
- Private Transfer from Varna Airport (VAR) to Burgas Cruise Port: $65
- Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Obzor: $71
- Private Transfer from Sunny Beach to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $72
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sintra
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sintra:
- Algarve vs Lisbon: Private Transfer to/from Algarve /Lisbon: $513
- Estoril, Cascais or Sintra Private Transfer to Lisbon: $27
- Lisbon Airport Transfer to Cascais / Sintra / Estoril: $51
- Lisbon Airport: Cascais/Estoril/Sintra Private Transfer: $57
- Lisbon transfer, national and Iberian trips: $86
- Private Guided Transfer in Sintra and Lisbon: $87
- Private Transfer Lisbon & Cascais by Van or Car: $73
- Private transfer from Sintra to Porto with 2 hours for sightseeing: $289
- TRANSFER Cascais to Lisbon Airport: $82
- Tours and Transfers: $89
- Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(3pax): $98
- Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(8pax): $109
Is it cheaper to fly into Varna or Sintra?
Prices for flights to both Sintra and Varna 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 dayVarna $23Sintra $45
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Varna $8.55Sintra $25
Tours and Activities in Varna
Here are a few actual costs in Varna for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Self-guided tour in Varna Archaeological Museum + ticket: $11
- Archaeological Museum Ticket & E-Guide: $13
- Audio Guide for All Varna Sights, Attractions or Experiences: $15
- Pokémon GO Varna Private Tour: $19
- Action Aqua Park Entrance Ticket: $25
- Half Day Private Bicycle Tour in Varna: $29
- Private Virtual Tour in Varna with a Local Guide : $32
- Nessebar: Guided City Tour: $49
- Bulgaria Day Bike & E-bike Tours - country & sea: $63
- The OFFroad Adventure : $64
- The Ultimate Private Communist Tour of Varna: $64
- Half-Day Tsarev Brod Winery and Walking Tour: $64
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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVarna $8.52Sintra $19
Sample the Local Flavors in Varna
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Varna:
- Private Exploration: French Influence in Varna + Walking + Wine tasting tour: $53
- Bulgarian Wine Tasting & Art Gallery Experience in Varna: $53
- Varna Exquisite Wine Tasting: $64
- Private Varna Gourmet Tour with Superb Wine Tasting: $64
- The Ultimate Private Varna Walking, Culture & Wine Tasting Tour: $75
- E-bike & Wine Tour to the Bulgarian Coast: $104
- Varna Gourmet Tour including Wine Tasting: $127
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 Varna and Sintra, we can see that Sintra is more expensive. And not only is Varna much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Varna would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Varna 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 Varna.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Varna Expensive? and Is Sintra Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Varna or Sintra?
Varna has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Sintra. When comparing the sizes of Varna and Sintra, 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 Varna or Sintra?
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 Varna or Sintra in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Varna and Sintra.
In the summer, Varna is around the same temperature as Sintra. Typically, the summer temperatures in Varna in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Sintra averages at about 23°C (73°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sintra this time of the year. In Varna, it's very sunny this time of the year. Varna usually receives less sunshine than Sintra during summer. Varna gets 268 hours of sunny skies, while Sintra receives 352 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Varna usually receives more rain than Sintra. Varna gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Sintra receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVarna 23°C (73°F)Sintra 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Varna or Sintra in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Varna as well as Sintra.
In October, Varna is generally cooler than Sintra. Daily temperatures in Varna average around 14°C (57°F), and Sintra fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sintra. In the autumn, Varna often gets less sunshine than Sintra. Varna gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sintra receives 213 hours of full sun.
Varna usually gets less rain in October than Sintra. Varna gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Sintra receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVarna 14°C (57°F)Sintra 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Varna or Sintra in the Winter?
Both Sintra and Varna are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.
Varna can be very cold during winter. Varna is much colder than Sintra in the winter. The daily temperature in Varna averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Sintra fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
Varna usually receives less sunshine than Sintra during winter. Varna gets 83 hours of sunny skies, while Sintra receives 144 hours of full sun in the winter.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Sintra. In January, Varna usually receives less rain than Sintra. Varna gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Sintra receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVarna 3°C (37°F)Sintra 12°C (53°F)
Should I visit Varna or Sintra in the Spring?
Both Sintra and Varna during the spring are popular places to visit.
In the spring, Varna is cooler than Sintra. Typically, the spring temperatures in Varna in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Sintra averages at about 16°C (60°F).
In Sintra, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Varna often gets less sunshine than Sintra. Varna gets 156 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sintra receives 235 hours of full sun.
Varna usually gets less rain in April than Sintra. Varna gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Sintra receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVarna 11°C (52°F)Sintra 16°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Sintra and Varna
| Varna | Sintra | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (37°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Feb | 3°C (37°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Apr | 11°C (52°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| May | 16°C (61°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Sep | 19°C (66°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Oct | 14°C (57°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 9°C (48°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Dec | 5°C (41°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 108 mm (4.3 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.