Which place is cheaper, Biarritz or Coimbra?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Coimbra or Biarritz?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Coimbra or Biarritz? 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 Biarritz?
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.
Biarritz
Biarritz is an elegant seaside town on southwestern France's Basque coast that has been a popular resort since European royalty started visiting the area in the 1800s. It is located on France's Atlantic Coast in the Bay of Biscay. Half ritzy coastal resort, half summer surfer's hang-out, the seaside resort of Biarritz has been a favorite seaside getaway ever since Napoleon III and his Spanish-born wife Eugenie arrived during the mid-19th century. To entertain her court, the empress built a grand palace, which is now a luxurious hotel with a Michelin-starred restaurant. Other than this exquisite villa by the sea, the names of the streets in Biarritz also hint at the city's royal past: Avenue de l'Imperatrice, Avenue de la Reine Victoria, and Esplanade Elizabeth II. Mansions decked with steeples and spectacular windows recall the city's 19th-century splendors. Though the royal influence of Biarritz has faded, the city is still a popular tourist destination for those looking for a classic summer holiday. Pristine sandy beaches, beautiful coastal villas, and stylish restaurants offer a sophisticated ambience. Wide seafront promenades and well-placed benches allow visitors to soak up the stunning natural landscape. Biarritz is also the capital of surfing in Europe.
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 Tours for Seniors to France, and The Best Contiki Tours to France.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCoimbra €103Biarritz €131
The average daily cost (per person) in Coimbra is €103, while the average daily cost in Biarritz is €131. 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 Biarritz in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCoimbra €44Biarritz €74
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCoimbra €88Biarritz €148
Compare Hotels in Coimbra and Biarritz
Looking for a hotel in Coimbra or Biarritz? 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.
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 Biarritz Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Coimbra €11Biarritz €39
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Biarritz
Also for Biarritz, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- San Sebastian: Optimized transfer to Biarritz & surroundings: $262
- Private transfer from Biarritz BIQ airport to San Sebastian: $229
- Private Transfer from Biarritz city to San Sebastian Airport: $167
- Private Transfer from Biarritz city to San Sebastian : $167
- Chauffeured Transfer between Biarritz Airport, Train Station and City Center: $71
- Biarritz : Private transfer to/from airport & train Station: $70
- Biarritz : Optimized transfer to/from Bordeaux: $749
- Arrival Private Transfer BIQ Airport to Biarritz by Luxury Vehicle: $85
Is it cheaper to fly into Coimbra or Biarritz?
Prices for flights to both Biarritz 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
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Food Meals for one dayCoimbra €48Biarritz €34
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Biarritz
For Biarritz, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Biarritz Food Tour Gastronomique- Taste 10 Basque specialties: $76
- Bayonne Food Tour: Journey Through Flavors (with food and drinks): $97
- Traditional Bayonne Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $104
- Basque Country Food Tour: $240
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Coimbra €18Biarritz €16
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
Tours and Activities in Biarritz
For Biarritz, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Basque tour of Biarritz: $49
- Bayonne Food Gastronomic Tour - Taste 10 Basque specialties: $97
- Bayonne Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $279
- Biarritz guided walking & gourmet tour: $74
- Biarritz, Bayonne, and Basque Country: Private Driving Tour: $957
- 2-Hour Private Guided Walking Tour: $187
- City Exploration Game & Tour on your Phone: $6.36
- Complete Self-guided Audio Tour on your Phone: $8.45
- E-bike Guided Tour With Sunset local Aperitif Ride: $32
- E-bike Guided Tour to Small California: $37
- French Basque Country Coastline tour in a 70'sVW Van: $457
- French Basque Country Private Day Tour in an 70's VW Combi: $599
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCoimbra €12Biarritz €8.05
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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Coimbra and Biarritz, we can see that Biarritz is more expensive. And not only is Coimbra much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Coimbra would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Coimbra 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 Biarritz would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Biarritz than you might in Coimbra.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Coimbra Expensive? and Is Biarritz Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Coimbra or Biarritz?
Coimbra has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Biarritz. When comparing the sizes of Coimbra and Biarritz, 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 Biarritz?
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 Biarritz in the Summer?
Both Biarritz and Coimbra are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Biarritz this time of year.
In July, Coimbra is generally a little warmer than Biarritz. Daily temperatures in Coimbra average around 23°C (73°F), and Biarritz fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
It's quite sunny in Biarritz. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Coimbra. Coimbra usually receives more sunshine than Biarritz during summer. Coimbra gets 308 hours of sunny skies, while Biarritz receives 209 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Coimbra usually receives less rain than Biarritz. Coimbra gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyCoimbra 23°C (73°F)Biarritz 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Coimbra or Biarritz in the Autumn?
Both Biarritz and Coimbra during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Biarritz for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.
Coimbra is a little warmer than Biarritz in the autumn. The daily temperature in Coimbra averages around 18°C (65°F) in October, and Biarritz fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
In the autumn, Coimbra often gets more sunshine than Biarritz. Coimbra gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Biarritz receives 144 hours of full sun.
Biarritz gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Coimbra. Coimbra usually gets less rain in October than Biarritz. Coimbra gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCoimbra 18°C (65°F)Biarritz 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Coimbra or Biarritz in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Coimbra and Biarritz. Also, many visitors come to Biarritz in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Coimbra is a little warmer than Biarritz. Typically, the winter temperatures in Coimbra in January average around 11°C (51°F), and Biarritz averages at about 8°C (47°F).
Coimbra usually receives more sunshine than Biarritz during winter. Coimbra gets 124 hours of sunny skies, while Biarritz receives 85 hours of full sun in the winter.
Biarritz receives a lot of rain in the winter. Coimbra gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Coimbra usually receives less rain than Biarritz. Coimbra gets 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCoimbra 11°C (51°F)Biarritz 8°C (47°F)
Should I visit Coimbra or Biarritz in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Coimbra as well as Biarritz. Also, most visitors come to Biarritz for the beaches and the small town charm during these months.
In April, Coimbra is generally a little warmer than Biarritz. Daily temperatures in Coimbra average around 15°C (59°F), and Biarritz fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Coimbra this time of the year. In the spring, Coimbra often gets more sunshine than Biarritz. Coimbra gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Biarritz receives 141 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Biarritz. Coimbra usually gets less rain in April than Biarritz. Coimbra gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilCoimbra 15°C (59°F)Biarritz 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for Biarritz and Coimbra
| Coimbra | Biarritz | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 11°C (51°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) |
| Feb | 12°C (53°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) |
| Mar | 13°C (56°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (59°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (71°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (65°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 155 mm (6.1 in) |
| Nov | 14°C (57°F) | 128 mm (5 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Dec | 11°C (52°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 184 mm (7.2 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.