A Travel Price Comparison for Portugal Coimbra vs. Aveiro for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Coimbra or Aveiro?

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

Should I visit Coimbra or Aveiro? 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: Coimbra or Aveiro?

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.

Aveiro

Aveiro has great canals that are lined by houses. Because of this ambiance, the town has earned its nickname the "Portuguese Venice." While it's similar, don't put too much into the name. The town is also known for it's colorful boats, referred to as moliceiros, that ride along the canals and under the bridges.

While the canals are lovely, most visitors actually come for the beaches. Aveiro's beaches are known for their clean and pristine sand. The shore is referred to as the Silver Coast, and has comfortably warm water, which is another major draw to the area.

Aveiro is comfortable year around because it's winters are mild and warm and its summer is somewhat cool. The winter months get the most rain and the summer is usually the driest. If you're there during the fall and winter, the winds will be strong making it the best time for surfing, sailing, and other water sports.

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


Which place is cheaper, Aveiro or Coimbra?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Coimbra is €103, while the average daily cost in Aveiro is €80. 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 Coimbra and Aveiro in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Coimbra 44
    Aveiro 46
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Coimbra 88
    Aveiro 92
Compare Hotels in Coimbra and Aveiro

Looking for a hotel in Coimbra or Aveiro? 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 Coimbra


Hotels in Aveiro


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: Coimbra Hotel Prices and Aveiro Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Coimbra 11
    Aveiro 8.57

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Coimbra

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

  • Transfer Viseu - Porto: $156
  • Fátima Private Transfer to/from Lisbon: $147

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aveiro

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

  • Aveiro Private Transfer:To/From the Oporto Airport: $128

Is it cheaper to fly into Coimbra or Aveiro?

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

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.
    Coimbra 18
    Aveiro 8.57

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 tour from Leiria, Portugal to Peniche, Portugal: $173
  • A tour between Cascades and Schist Villages, Piodão: $119
  • An adventure through the Forest and Palace of Bussaco - Coim: $69
  • An adventure through the Schist Villages of Lousã: $76
  • An adventure through the Schist Villages of Lousã (with walk): $130
  • Arista Tour - Penacova Windmills and Landscapes (noon): $76
  • Bairrada Winery Route Experience, full-day from Coimbra: $134
  • Coimbra Private Walking Tour: $253
  • Coimbra Private Walking Tour with U.C. Tickets Early Access: $43
  • Coimbra Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $5.43
  • Coimbra Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.87
  • Coimbra's Historical Highlights: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99

Tours and Activities in Aveiro

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Aveiro.

  • Aveiro Privat City Tour w/ Local Boat 1 H Cruise & Egg Sweet: $96
  • Aveiro Private Tour, Bairrada Wine Cellars & Roasted Piglet: $116
  • Aveiro Tour: $139
  • Half Day Tour with Boat Ride: $107
  • Coimbra & Aveiro Amazing Cultural Full Day Tour from Porto: $101
  • From Lisbon: Aveiro, Moliceiro Boat and Coimbra Tour: $139
  • From Porto Private Tour Half Day in Aveiro and Costa Nova: $272
  • From Porto: e-Bike Tour in Aveiro, Boat Trip and Costa Nova!: $84
  • Porto to Lisbon private Tour, choose 2 or 3 stops on the way: $311
  • Private Tour to Aveiro and Costa Nova unique striped houses: $116

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Coimbra 12
    Aveiro 17

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
  • Self-drive Wine Tour in Bairrada Region: $174
  • Full-Day Private Bairrada Sparkling Wine Tour from Coimbra: $178


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

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


Which is Bigger, Coimbra or Aveiro?

Coimbra has a larger population, and is about 97% larger than the population of Aveiro. When comparing the sizes of Coimbra and Aveiro, 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 Coimbra or Aveiro?

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 Coimbra or Aveiro in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Coimbra and Aveiro.

Coimbra is a little warmer than Aveiro in the summer. The daily temperature in Coimbra averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Aveiro fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aveiro this time of the year. In Coimbra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Coimbra usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Aveiro during summer. Coimbra gets 308 hours of sunny skies, while Aveiro receives 308 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Coimbra usually receives less rain than Aveiro. Coimbra gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Aveiro receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Coimbra 23°C (73°F) 
    Aveiro 21°C (69°F)

Should I visit Coimbra or Aveiro in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Coimbra as well as Aveiro.

In the autumn, Coimbra is around the same temperature as Aveiro. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Coimbra in October average around 18°C (65°F), and Aveiro averages at about 17°C (62°F).

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

It's quite rainy in Aveiro. Coimbra receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Coimbra usually gets less rain in October than Aveiro. Coimbra gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Aveiro receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Coimbra 18°C (65°F) 
    Aveiro 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Coimbra or Aveiro in the Winter?

Both Aveiro and Coimbra are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.

In January, Coimbra is generally around the same temperature as Aveiro. Daily temperatures in Coimbra average around 11°C (51°F), and Aveiro fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Coimbra usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Aveiro during winter. Coimbra gets 124 hours of sunny skies, while Aveiro receives 124 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Aveiro. It's quite rainy in Coimbra. In January, Coimbra usually receives less rain than Aveiro. Coimbra gets 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Aveiro receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Coimbra 11°C (51°F) 
    Aveiro 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Coimbra or Aveiro in the Spring?

Both Aveiro and Coimbra during the spring are popular places to visit.

Coimbra is around the same temperature as Aveiro in the spring. The daily temperature in Coimbra averages around 15°C (59°F) in April, and Aveiro fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

In Aveiro, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Coimbra. In the spring, Coimbra often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Aveiro. Coimbra gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Aveiro receives 217 hours of full sun.

Aveiro gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Coimbra usually gets less rain in April than Aveiro. Coimbra gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Aveiro receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Coimbra 15°C (59°F) 
    Aveiro 14°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Aveiro and Coimbra

Coimbra Aveiro
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 11°C (51°F) 139 mm (5.5 in) 10°C (50°F) 171 mm (6.7 in)
Feb 12°C (53°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 11°C (51°F) 169 mm (6.7 in)
Mar 13°C (56°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 14°C (56°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 77 mm (3 in) 16°C (60°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 19°C (66°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 21°C (69°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 20°C (69°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Sep 22°C (71°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 20°C (67°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Oct 18°C (65°F) 101 mm (4 in) 17°C (62°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Nov 14°C (57°F) 128 mm (5 in) 13°C (55°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Dec 11°C (52°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 11°C (51°F) 176 mm (6.9 in)