A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Zadar vs. Sintra-Cascais National Park for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Zadar or Sintra-Cascais National Park?

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

Should I visit Zadar or Sintra-Cascais National Park? 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: Zadar or Sintra-Cascais National Park?

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.

Sintra-Cascais National Park

The Sintra-Cascais Natural Park is located on the west coast of Portugal and is often called the place where "the land ends and the sea begins". The UNESCO listed park is famous for being home to Cabo da Roca, a seaside cliff that is actually the westernmost part of Europe. Sintra-Cascais is interesting due to their large diversity in landscape which includes sand dunes, lakes, forests, and ocean cliffs.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Croatia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Croatia, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Portugal, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Portugal.


Which place is cheaper, Sintra-Cascais National Park or Zadar?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Zadar is $95, while the average daily cost in Sintra-Cascais National Park is $152. 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 Zadar and Sintra-Cascais National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Zadar $54
    Sintra-Cascais National Park $68
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Zadar $108
    Sintra-Cascais National Park $136
Compare Hotels in Zadar and Sintra-Cascais National Park

Looking for a hotel in Zadar or Sintra-Cascais National Park? 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 Zadar


Hotels in Sintra-Cascais National Park


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: Zadar Hotel Prices and Sintra-Cascais National Park Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Zadar $10
    Sintra-Cascais National Park $66

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 Zadar or Sintra-Cascais National Park?

Prices for flights to both Sintra-Cascais National Park and Zadar 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
    Zadar $30
    Sintra-Cascais National Park $44

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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Zadar $20
    Sintra-Cascais National Park $29

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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Zadar $12
    Sintra-Cascais National Park $14

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 Zadar and Sintra-Cascais National Park, we can see that Sintra-Cascais National Park 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-Cascais National Park would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sintra-Cascais National Park 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 Zadar Expensive? and Is Sintra-Cascais National Park Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Zadar or Sintra-Cascais National Park?

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 Zadar or Sintra-Cascais National Park in the Summer?

Both Sintra-Cascais National Park and Zadar are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Zadar this time of year.

In July, Zadar is generally a little warmer than Sintra-Cascais National Park. Daily temperatures in Zadar average around 26°C (80°F), and Sintra-Cascais National Park fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Sintra-Cascais National Park. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zadar. Zadar usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sintra-Cascais National Park during summer. Zadar gets 345 hours of sunny skies, while Sintra-Cascais National Park receives 352 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Zadar usually receives more rain than Sintra-Cascais National Park. Zadar gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Sintra-Cascais National Park receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Zadar 26°C (80°F) 
    Sintra-Cascais National Park 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Zadar or Sintra-Cascais National Park in the Autumn?

Both Sintra-Cascais National Park and Zadar during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Zadar for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Zadar is around the same temperature as Sintra-Cascais National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Zadar averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Sintra-Cascais National Park fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In Sintra-Cascais National Park, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Zadar. In the autumn, Zadar often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sintra-Cascais National Park. Zadar gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sintra-Cascais National Park receives 213 hours of full sun.

Zadar usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Sintra-Cascais National Park. Zadar gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Sintra-Cascais National Park receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Zadar 18°C (64°F) 
    Sintra-Cascais National Park 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Zadar or Sintra-Cascais National Park in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Zadar and Sintra-Cascais National Park. Many visitors come to Zadar in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Zadar is cooler than Sintra-Cascais National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zadar in January average around 8°C (47°F), and Sintra-Cascais National Park averages at about 12°C (53°F).

Zadar usually receives less sunshine than Sintra-Cascais National Park during winter. Zadar gets 128 hours of sunny skies, while Sintra-Cascais National Park receives 144 hours of full sun in the winter.

Sintra-Cascais National Park receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Zadar usually receives less rain than Sintra-Cascais National Park. Zadar gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Sintra-Cascais National Park receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Zadar 8°C (47°F) 
    Sintra-Cascais National Park 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Zadar or Sintra-Cascais National Park in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Zadar as well as Sintra-Cascais National Park. Most visitors come to Zadar for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Zadar is generally around the same temperature as Sintra-Cascais National Park. Daily temperatures in Zadar average around 15°C (59°F), and Sintra-Cascais National Park fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sintra-Cascais National Park. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zadar this time of the year. In the spring, Zadar often gets less sunshine than Sintra-Cascais National Park. Zadar gets 212 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sintra-Cascais National Park receives 235 hours of full sun.

Zadar usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Sintra-Cascais National Park. Zadar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Sintra-Cascais National Park receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Zadar 15°C (59°F) 
    Sintra-Cascais National Park 16°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Sintra-Cascais National Park and Zadar

Zadar Sintra-Cascais National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 8°C (47°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Feb 9°C (48°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Mar 11°C (52°F) 75 mm (3 in) 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
May 20°C (67°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Jun 23°C (74°F) 51 mm (2 in) 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 26°C (80°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Aug 26°C (79°F) 50 mm (2 in) 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 13°C (56°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Dec 10°C (49°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)