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

Should you visit Zermatt or Sintra-Cascais National Park?

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 Zermatt and Sintra-Cascais National Park can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Zermatt or Sintra-Cascais National Park?

Zermatt

Located at the foot of the Matterhorn, Zermatt is a Swiss village best known for its skiing, climbing, and hiking opportunities. It has become a popular mountain resort town due to its location and also features a number of boutique shops, hotels, and restaurants that cater to the vacationers who come to enjoy the many winter activities of the Alps.

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 Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Portugal, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Portugal.


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

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Zermatt is $223, 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 Zermatt and Sintra-Cascais National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Zermatt $126
    Sintra-Cascais National Park $68
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Zermatt $252
    Sintra-Cascais National Park $136
Compare Hotels in Zermatt and Sintra-Cascais National Park

Looking for a hotel in Zermatt 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 Zermatt


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

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Zermatt $53
    Sintra-Cascais National Park $66

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zermatt

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zermatt:

  • Breuil-Cervinia to Milan Malpensa Airport MXP-Departure Transfer: $118
  • Cervinia, Italy to Malpensa Airport (MXP) - Departure Private Transfer: $127
  • Zermatt to Malpensa Airport (MXP) - Departure Private Transfer: $141
  • 3-Hour Private Transfer from Zermatt and Saa to Geneva Airport: $235
  • Private Transfer Zurich Airport to Zermatt Tasch Station: $1,087

Is it cheaper to fly into Zermatt or Sintra-Cascais National Park?

Prices for flights to both Sintra-Cascais National Park and Zermatt 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
    Zermatt $57
    Sintra-Cascais National Park $44

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zermatt

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zermatt.

  • Evening Tapas Tour with Dinner and Drinks: $119

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Zermatt $56
    Sintra-Cascais National Park $29

Tours and Activities in Zermatt

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Zermatt are as follows:

  • Sion Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $16
  • Sunnegga Funicular Ticket for Iconic Matterhorn Viewpoint: $51
  • Sunnegga Funicular Ticket for Iconic Matterhorn Viewpoint: $63
  • Matterhorn Glacier Paradise Cable Car Ticket: $104
  • Gornergrat Bahn Cogwheel Train Ticket: $108
  • Tapas tour in Zermatt: $111
  • Alpine Village Tour 2 hours: $126
  • Mount Gornergrat: Zermatt's Spectacular Summit Ticket: $152
  • Ticket for Zermatt Matterhorn Glacier Paradise: $154
  • Majestic Matterhorn: Zermatt to Glacier Paradise Cableway Ticket: $181
  • Mount Gornergrat Spectacular Summit Train Ticket: $183
  • Romance and Charms of Zermatt – Walking Tour: $221

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Zermatt $28
    Sintra-Cascais National Park $14

Sample the Local Flavors in Zermatt

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Zermatt:

  • Wine Tasting in Valais: $84


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

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



When is the best time to visit Zermatt 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 Zermatt or Sintra-Cascais National Park in the Summer?

Both Sintra-Cascais National Park and Zermatt are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Zermatt because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Zermatt is around the same temperature as Sintra-Cascais National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Zermatt averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, 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 Zermatt. Zermatt usually receives less sunshine than Sintra-Cascais National Park during summer. Zermatt gets 250 hours of sunny skies, while Sintra-Cascais National Park receives 352 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Zermatt. In July, Zermatt usually receives more rain than Sintra-Cascais National Park. Zermatt gets 133 mm (5.2 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
    Zermatt 23°C (73°F) 
    Sintra-Cascais National Park 23°C (73°F)

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

Both Sintra-Cascais National Park and Zermatt during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Zermatt this time of year.

In the autumn, Zermatt is cooler than Sintra-Cascais National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Zermatt in October average around 15°C (58°F), and Sintra-Cascais National Park averages at about 19°C (66°F).

In Sintra-Cascais National Park, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Zermatt often gets less sunshine than Sintra-Cascais National Park. Zermatt gets 152 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sintra-Cascais National Park receives 213 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Zermatt. Zermatt usually gets more rain in October than Sintra-Cascais National Park. Zermatt gets 140 mm (5.5 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
    Zermatt 15°C (58°F) 
    Sintra-Cascais National Park 19°C (66°F)

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

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Zermatt. In January, Zermatt is generally much colder than Sintra-Cascais National Park. Daily temperatures in Zermatt average around 5°C (41°F), and Sintra-Cascais National Park fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Zermatt usually receives less sunshine than Sintra-Cascais National Park during winter. Zermatt gets 119 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, Zermatt usually receives less rain than Sintra-Cascais National Park. Zermatt gets 76 mm (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
    Zermatt 5°C (41°F) 
    Sintra-Cascais National Park 12°C (53°F)

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

The spring brings many poeple to Zermatt as well as Sintra-Cascais National Park. Many visitors come to Zermatt in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Zermatt is cooler than Sintra-Cascais National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Zermatt averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, 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. In the spring, Zermatt often gets less sunshine than Sintra-Cascais National Park. Zermatt gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sintra-Cascais National Park receives 235 hours of full sun.

Zermatt receives a lot of rain in the spring. Zermatt usually gets more rain in April than Sintra-Cascais National Park. Zermatt gets 152 mm (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
    Zermatt 13°C (55°F) 
    Sintra-Cascais National Park 16°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Sintra-Cascais National Park and Zermatt

Zermatt Sintra-Cascais National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (41°F) 76 mm (3 in) 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Feb 6°C (44°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Mar 10°C (49°F) 106 mm (4.2 in) 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 152 mm (6 in) 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
May 17°C (62°F) 194 mm (7.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Jun 20°C (69°F) 171 mm (6.7 in) 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 133 mm (5.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Aug 22°C (72°F) 166 mm (6.5 in) 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Sep 19°C (67°F) 153 mm (6 in) 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Oct 15°C (58°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 9°C (49°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Dec 6°C (42°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)