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

Should you visit Coimbra or Cinque Terre?

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

Should I visit Coimbra or Cinque Terre? 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 Cinque Terre?

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.

Cinque Terre

Located on the rugged Italian Riviera coastline, Cinque Terra consists of five seaside villages exuding a charm that dates back to medieval times. Fishing boats bob in the harbors, bringing fresh seafood to the tables of the region, while age old vineyards make for fragrant signature wines. Cinque Terre is considered to be a National Park, with its five villages earning a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage List for their beauty and timelessness.

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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre is €140. 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 Cinque Terre in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Coimbra 44
    Cinque Terre 72
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Coimbra 88
    Cinque Terre 144
Compare Hotels in Coimbra and Cinque Terre

Looking for a hotel in Coimbra or Cinque Terre? 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 Cinque Terre


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 Cinque Terre Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Coimbra 11
    Cinque Terre 16

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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cinque Terre

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Cinque Terre:


  • Ferry Day Pass
    15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cinque Terre

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

  • Private Transfer from Cinque Terre to La Spezia by car or van: $142

Is it cheaper to fly into Coimbra or Cinque Terre?

Prices for flights to both Cinque Terre 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
    Cinque Terre 41

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

Typical Food Prices in Cinque Terre

For Cinque Terre, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Whole Pizza
    9.50
  • Panini
    3.75
  • Sitdown Dinner (for Two)
    52
  • Fresh Focaccia
    2.12

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cinque Terre

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

  • Home Cooking Class & Meal with a Local in Riomaggiore: $195
  • Cinque Terre Food Tour (half day): $273

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Coimbra 18
    Cinque Terre 13

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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Cinque Terre

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Cinque Terre's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Double Kayak Rental (One Hour)
    10
  • Bagni Eden Beach Club Umbrella
    16
  • Cinque Terre Card (One Day)
    5.00
  • Cinque Terre Card (Three Days)
    12

Tours and Activities in Cinque Terre

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

  • 2 Hour Cinque Terre Sunset Cruise with Swim Stop: $163
  • 2-Hour Boat Tour at sunset in the Cinque Terre with Pesto tasting and focaccia: $104
  • 3-Hour Private Boat Tour of the Cinque Terre: $251
  • Cinque Terre Hybrid Boat Tour: $109
  • Cinque Terre Kayak Adventure from Riomaggiore: $98
  • Cinque Terre Lunch boat tour: $218
  • Cinque Terre Morning Tour: $131
  • Cinque Terre Night Tour: $191
  • Cinque Terre Paddleboarding cruise at sunrise or sunset: $218
  • Cinque Terre Pesto experience in Riomaggiore: $49
  • Cinque Terre Private Boat Tour: $218
  • Cinque Terre Private half day tour with Official Tour Guide: $269

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Coimbra 12
    Cinque Terre 6.71

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

Typical Alcohol Prices in Cinque Terre

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Cinque Terre:


  • Glass of Local Wine
    2.90

Sample the Local Flavors in Cinque Terre

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

  • BarCa Winery Cinqueterre Tour with Wine Tasting & Pesto Class: $60
  • Cinque terre wine tour and tasting with the somelier: $74
  • Eco Hiking and Wine Tasting in Cinque Terre : $97
  • Cinque Terre Walking Tour with Food and Wine Tastings: $169


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Coimbra and Cinque Terre, we can see that Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Coimbra or Cinque Terre?

Coimbra has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Cinque Terre. When comparing the sizes of Coimbra and Cinque Terre, 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 Cinque Terre?

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 Cinque Terre in the Summer?

Both Cinque Terre and Coimbra are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Cinque Terre in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Coimbra is around the same temperature as Cinque Terre in the summer. The daily temperature in Coimbra averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Cinque Terre. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Coimbra. Coimbra usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cinque Terre during summer. Coimbra gets 308 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Coimbra usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Coimbra gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Coimbra 23°C (73°F) 
    Cinque Terre 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Coimbra or Cinque Terre in the Autumn?

Both Cinque Terre and Coimbra during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Cinque Terre for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Coimbra is around the same temperature as Cinque Terre. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Coimbra in October average around 18°C (65°F), and Cinque Terre averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Coimbra often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cinque Terre. Coimbra gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 177 hours of full sun.

Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre. Coimbra gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Coimbra 18°C (65°F) 
    Cinque Terre 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Coimbra or Cinque Terre in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Coimbra and Cinque Terre. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Cinque Terre because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In January, Coimbra is generally a little warmer than Cinque Terre. Daily temperatures in Coimbra average around 11°C (51°F), and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Coimbra usually receives more sunshine than Cinque Terre during winter. Coimbra gets 124 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

Cinque Terre receives a lot of rain in the winter. Coimbra gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Coimbra usually receives more rain than Cinque Terre. Coimbra gets 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Coimbra 11°C (51°F) 
    Cinque Terre 8°C (46°F)

Should I visit Coimbra or Cinque Terre in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Coimbra as well as Cinque Terre. Additionally, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cinque Terre this time of year.

Coimbra is around the same temperature as Cinque Terre in the spring. The daily temperature in Coimbra averages around 15°C (59°F) in April, and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 14°C (57°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 Cinque Terre. Coimbra gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 192 hours of full sun.

Coimbra usually gets more rain in April than Cinque Terre. Coimbra gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Coimbra 15°C (59°F) 
    Cinque Terre 14°C (57°F)

Typical Weather for Cinque Terre and Coimbra

Coimbra Cinque Terre
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 11°C (51°F) 139 mm (5.5 in) 8°C (46°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Feb 12°C (53°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 8°C (46°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Mar 13°C (56°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 14°C (57°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 77 mm (3 in) 18°C (64°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 22°C (72°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 24°C (75°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 24°C (75°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Sep 22°C (71°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 21°C (70°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Oct 18°C (65°F) 101 mm (4 in) 17°C (63°F) 150 mm (5.9 in)
Nov 14°C (57°F) 128 mm (5 in) 12°C (54°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 11°C (52°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 9°C (48°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)