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

Should you visit Volos or Sintra?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Volos and Sintra can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Volos or Sintra?

Volos

The coastal port city of Volos on the mainland of Greece sits on a very unique and important location in the agricultural region of Thessaly. Situated between Athens and Thessaloniki, Volos provides a commercial outlet to the sea, allowing a bridge between Europe, the Middle East and Asia. It is the most recent of Greece's port cities, and is highly populated with many modern buildings.

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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Athens, The Best 10-Day Tours from Athens, The Best Budget Tours to Portugal, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal.


Which place is cheaper, Sintra or Volos?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Volos is €95, while the average daily cost in Sintra is €115. 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 Volos and Sintra in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Volos 43
    Sintra 57
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Volos 86
    Sintra 114
Compare Hotels in Volos and Sintra

Looking for a hotel in Volos 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.

Hotels in Volos


Hotels in Sintra


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: Volos Hotel Prices and Sintra Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Volos 37
    Sintra 21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Volos

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

  • Volos to Athens, Athens Airport and Piraeus Port Private Transfer: $257
  • From Volos to Athens Airport / Athens / Piraeus Private Transfer: $280
  • Volos to Athens Easy & Economy Transfer: $524

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Volos or Sintra?

Prices for flights to both Sintra and Volos 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
    Volos 30
    Sintra 42

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Volos

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

  • Cooking Session "Pelion Flavours": $71
  • Cook like a local Greek Cooking lesson in Mt Pelion Greece: $109

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.
    Volos 17
    Sintra 23

Tours and Activities in Volos

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

  • Kayaking Adventure around Pelion Coastline : $33
  • East Pelion - Sea Kayak Tour "Short Paddle": $38
  • Half-Day Sea Kayak Tour "The Secret Cave": $49
  • HIKING PELION - Private Guided Full or Half Day Tour: $197
  • BIKING PELION Private Guided Full or Half Day Tour: $211
  • From Hidden Sights of Meteora Private Tour: $214
  • Volos Pelion Full Day Tour : $240
  • Pagasetic Gulf Full-Day Sailboat Experience: $735

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
    Volos 7.86
    Sintra 17

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 Volos and Sintra, we can see that Sintra is more expensive. And not only is Volos much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Volos would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Volos 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 Volos.

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


Which is Bigger, Volos or Sintra?

Volos has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Sintra. When comparing the sizes of Volos 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 Volos or Sintra?

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 Volos or Sintra in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Volos as well as Sintra. Most visitors come to Volos for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Volos is generally a little warmer than Sintra. Daily temperatures in Volos average around 26°C (78°F), and Sintra fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sintra. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Volos this time of the year. In the summer, Volos often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sintra. Volos gets 330 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sintra receives 352 hours of full sun.

Volos usually gets more rain in July than Sintra. Volos gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Sintra receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Volos 26°C (78°F) 
    Sintra 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Volos or Sintra in the Autumn?

Both Sintra and Volos are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Volos because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Volos is cooler than Sintra in the autumn. The daily temperature in Volos averages around 17°C (62°F) in October, and Sintra fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Sintra. Volos usually receives less sunshine than Sintra during autumn. Volos gets 165 hours of sunny skies, while Sintra receives 213 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Volos usually receives less rain than Sintra. Volos gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Sintra receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Volos 17°C (62°F) 
    Sintra 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Volos or Sintra in the Winter?

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

In the winter, Volos is much colder than Sintra. Typically, the winter temperatures in Volos in January average around 6°C (42°F), and Sintra averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In the winter, Volos often gets less sunshine than Sintra. Volos gets 112 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sintra receives 144 hours of full sun.

Sintra gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Volos usually gets less rain in January than Sintra. Volos gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Sintra receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Volos 6°C (42°F) 
    Sintra 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Volos or Sintra in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Volos and Sintra. Many travelers come to Volos for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Volos is generally cooler than Sintra. Daily temperatures in Volos average around 14°C (56°F), and Sintra fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sintra this time of the year. In Volos, it's very sunny this time of the year. Volos usually receives less sunshine than Sintra during spring. Volos gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Sintra receives 235 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Volos usually receives less rain than Sintra. Volos gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Sintra receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Volos 14°C (56°F) 
    Sintra 16°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Sintra and Volos

Volos Sintra
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (42°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Feb 7°C (45°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Mar 10°C (49°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 14°C (56°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Jun 23°C (74°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 26°C (78°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Sep 22°C (71°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Oct 17°C (62°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 11°C (52°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Dec 7°C (44°F) 52 mm (2 in) 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)