A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cefalu vs. Coimbra for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Cefalu or Coimbra?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Cefalu and Coimbra. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Cefalu or Coimbra?

Cefalu

Cefalu is a fishing village and beach resort that is located on the northern coast of Sicily, Italy. It sits on the Tyerrhenian Sea and is just 70 kilometers from Palermo and 185 kilometers from Messina. The town has a small population of under 14,000 residents but is a significant tourist destination on the island of Sicily. The city is flooded with millions of tourists every year from around Sicily, elsewhere in Italy, and abroad. During the summer months it is not uncommon for the city's population to triple, putting a lot of pressure on the main streets and roads around town. The city is popular as a beach resort with a youthful vibe and an active nightlife.

Coimbra

Coimbra is located in Central Portugal in the Centro Region. It's the third largest city in the country with about 460,000 people living in the entire region. It is also where you'll find the University of Coimbra, which is one of the oldest universities in Europe and the oldest academic institution in the Portuguese speaking world. During the High Middle Ages, Coimbra served as the nation's capital and there are archaeological structures that date back to the Roman era.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Italy, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Portugal, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Portugal.


Which place is cheaper, Coimbra or Cefalu?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Cefalu is €119, while the average daily cost in Coimbra is €103. 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 Cefalu and Coimbra in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cefalu 87
    Coimbra 44
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cefalu 174
    Coimbra 88
Compare Hotels in Cefalu and Coimbra

Looking for a hotel in Cefalu or Coimbra? 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 Cefalu


Hotels in Coimbra


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: Cefalu Hotel Prices and Coimbra Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cefalu 4.29
    Coimbra 11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cefalu

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

  • Transfer Palermo Airport - Cefalù and vice versa: $174
  • Private transfer from Palermo airport to Cefalù or vice versa: $104
  • Le Calette, Cefalù to Palermo airport or vice versa, Private Transfer: $109
  • Hotel Kalura, Cefalù for Palermo airport or vice versa, Private Transfer: $109
  • Departure Private Transfer Cefalù to Palermo Airport PMO by Business Car or Van: $156
  • Costa Verde HOTEL Cefalù, for Palermo airport, Private Transfer: $87
  • Club Med Cefalù to Palermo airport or vice versa, Private Transfer: $109
  • Alberi del Paradiso, Cefalù for APT Palermo or vice versa, Private Transfer: $98

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Coimbra

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

  • Transfer Viseu - Porto: $157
  • Fátima Private Transfer to/from Lisbon: $147

Is it cheaper to fly into Cefalu or Coimbra?

Prices for flights to both Coimbra and Cefalu 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
    Cefalu 28
    Coimbra 48

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cefalu

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

  • Cooking Class in a Sicilian countryhouse: $251

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Coimbra

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

  • Chanfana: Cooking Traditional Portuguese Cuisine Experience: $49

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cefalu 5.71
    Coimbra 18

Tours and Activities in Cefalu

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

  • Nebrodi and Halaesa valley jeep tours: $125
  • Safari Jeep Wild Adventure: $136
  • Cefalu Etna wild jeep experience: $272
  • Etna tour from Cefalù: $62
  • High Madonie wild jeep adventure: $163
  • Madonie wild adventure: $224

Tours and Activities in Coimbra

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

  • 2 Hours Private Walking Tour in Coimbra : $199
  • A tour between Cascades and Schist Villages, Piodão: $120
  • An adventure through the Forest and Palace of Bussaco - Coim: $70
  • An adventure through the Schist Villages of Lousã: $76
  • An adventure through the Schist Villages of Lousã (with walk): $131
  • Arista Tour - Penacova Windmills and Landscapes (noon): $76
  • Bairrada Winery Route Experience, full-day from Coimbra: $134
  • Coimbra Private Walking Tour: $254
  • Coimbra Private Walking Tour with U.C. Tickets Early Access: $44
  • Coimbra Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $5.45
  • Coimbra Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.84
  • Coimbra's Historical Highlights: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cefalu 11
    Coimbra 12

Sample the Local Flavors in Cefalu

Also in Cefalu, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Castelbuono Tour and Wine Tasting in a Medieval Abbey: $49

Sample the Local Flavors in Coimbra

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Coimbra:

  • Wine Tasting Experience in Portugal: $27


When comparing the travel costs between Cefalu and Coimbra, we can see that Cefalu is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Cefalu or Coimbra?

Coimbra has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Cefalu. When comparing the sizes of Cefalu and Coimbra, 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 Cefalu or Coimbra?

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 Cefalu or Coimbra in the Summer?

Both Coimbra and Cefalu are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cefalu this time of year.

In the summer, Cefalu is a little warmer than Coimbra. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cefalu in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Coimbra averages at about 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Coimbra. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cefalu. Cefalu usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Coimbra during summer. Cefalu gets 325 hours of sunny skies, while Coimbra receives 308 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cefalu usually receives less rain than Coimbra. Cefalu gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Coimbra receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cefalu 26°C (79°F) 
    Coimbra 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Cefalu or Coimbra in the Autumn?

Both Coimbra and Cefalu during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Cefalu for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Cefalu is generally around the same temperature as Coimbra. Daily temperatures in Cefalu average around 19°C (67°F), and Coimbra fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

In the autumn, Cefalu often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Coimbra. Cefalu gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Coimbra receives 184 hours of full sun.

Coimbra gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Cefalu usually gets less rain in October than Coimbra. Cefalu gets 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Coimbra receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cefalu 19°C (67°F) 
    Coimbra 18°C (65°F)

Should I visit Cefalu or Coimbra in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cefalu and Coimbra. Many visitors come to Cefalu in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Cefalu is around the same temperature as Coimbra in the winter. The daily temperature in Cefalu averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Coimbra fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Cefalu usually receives more sunshine than Coimbra during winter. Cefalu gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Coimbra receives 124 hours of full sun in the winter.

Coimbra receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Cefalu usually receives less rain than Coimbra. Cefalu gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Coimbra receives 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cefalu 10°C (51°F) 
    Coimbra 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Cefalu or Coimbra in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cefalu as well as Coimbra. Most visitors come to Cefalu for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Cefalu is around the same temperature as Coimbra. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cefalu in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Coimbra averages at about 15°C (59°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Coimbra. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cefalu this time of the year. In the spring, Cefalu often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Coimbra. Cefalu gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Coimbra receives 217 hours of full sun.

Cefalu usually gets less rain in April than Coimbra. Cefalu gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Coimbra receives 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cefalu 15°C (58°F) 
    Coimbra 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Coimbra and Cefalu

Cefalu Coimbra
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Feb 11°C (52°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 12°C (53°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 13°C (56°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Apr 15°C (58°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
May 19°C (65°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 17°C (63°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 21°C (69°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 26°C (79°F) 14 mm (0.5 in) 23°C (73°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Sep 24°C (74°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 22°C (71°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 75 mm (2.9 in) 18°C (65°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 14°C (57°F) 128 mm (5 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 11°C (52°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)