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

Should you visit Coimbra or Cordoba?

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

Should I visit Coimbra or Cordoba? 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 Cordoba?

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.

Cordoba

Cordoba is the capital of the Cordoba province and the second largest city in all of Argentina. The city is in a beautiful setting surrounded by valleys and hills. Within the city you will find many colonial buildings and beautiful architecture. Cordoba also has many universities and scientific institutes, giving it the nickname "La Docta." Because of the large number of students, Cordoba's population is young and active, which keeps the atmosphere light and fun.

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 3-Week Tours in Argentina, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Buenos Aires.


Which place is cheaper, Cordoba or Coimbra?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Coimbra is €138, while the average daily cost in Cordoba is €58. 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 Cordoba in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Coimbra or Cordoba? 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 Cordoba


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 Cordoba Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Coimbra 11
    Cordoba 2.71

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Coimbra

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

  • Private Transfer Coimbra to Aveiro Costa Nova : $298
  • Private Transfer Coimbra to Take Christ's Convent : $274
  • Fátima Private Transfer to/from Lisbon: $161
  • Transfers Aveiro or Coimbra to Lisbon Airport: $159
  • Private transfer in Coimbra City : $95

Is it cheaper to fly into Coimbra or Cordoba?

Prices for flights to both Cordoba 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 83
    Cordoba 6.26

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Coimbra

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

  • Tomar Cooking Class & Garden-to-Table Meal with Lake Views: $142

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Coimbra 18
    Cordoba 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 : $218
  • A tour between Cascades and Schist Villages, Piodão: $155
  • An adventure through the Forest and Palace of Bussaco - Coimbra: $89
  • An adventure through the Schist Villages of Lousã: $89
  • An adventure through the Schist Villages of Lousã (with walk): $155
  • Arista Tour - Penacova Windmills and Landscapes (noon): $89
  • Buggy Tour in Serra da Lousã 2Hours: $143
  • Buracas do Casmilo Private Hiking Tour from Coimbra: $101
  • Coimbra Adventure Discovery and Learning with a Local: $42
  • Coimbra City Tour : $24
  • Coimbra Downhill Tour Highlights History and Student Traditions: $5.96
  • Coimbra Downtown Walking Tour with uptown insights : $5.96

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Coimbra 12
    Cordoba 6.58

Sample the Local Flavors in Coimbra

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

  • Port Wine Tasting in Coimbra: $72
  • Self-drive Wine Tour in Bairrada Region: $251


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Coimbra and Cordoba, we can see that Coimbra is more expensive. And not only is Cordoba much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Coimbra is in Europe and Cordoba is in South America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Cordoba would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cordoba 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 Cordoba.

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


Which is Bigger, Coimbra or Cordoba?

Cordoba has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Coimbra. When comparing the sizes of Coimbra and Cordoba, 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 Cordoba?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Cordoba is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Coimbra has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Coimbra or Cordoba in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Coimbra is much warmer than Cordoba. Typically, the summer temperatures in Coimbra in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Cordoba averages at about 10°C (50°F)in January.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cordoba this time of the year. In Coimbra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Coimbra usually receives more sunshine than Cordoba during summer. Coimbra gets 308 hours of sunny skies, while Cordoba receives 277 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Coimbra usually receives less rain than Cordobain January. Coimbra gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Cordoba receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Coimbra 23°C (73°F) 
    Cordoba 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Coimbra or Cordoba in the Autumn?

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

In October, Coimbra is generally a little warmer than Cordobain April. Daily temperatures in Coimbra average around 18°C (65°F), and Cordoba fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Coimbra often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cordobain April. Coimbra gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cordoba receives 196 hours of full sun.

Coimbra receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Coimbra usually gets more rain in October than Cordobain April. Coimbra gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Cordoba receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Coimbra 18°C (65°F) 
    Cordoba 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Coimbra or Cordoba in the Winter?

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

Coimbra is much colder than Cordoba in the winter. The daily temperature in Coimbra averages around 11°C (51°F) in January, and Cordoba fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in July.

Coimbra usually receives less sunshine than Cordoba during winter. Coimbra gets 124 hours of sunny skies, while Cordoba receives 189 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Coimbra. In January, Coimbra usually receives more rain than Cordobain July. Coimbra gets 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Cordoba receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Coimbra 11°C (51°F) 
    Cordoba 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Coimbra or Cordoba in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Coimbra is cooler than Cordoba. Typically, the spring temperatures in Coimbra in April average around 15°C (59°F), and Cordoba averages at about 19°C (66°F)in October.

In Cordoba, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Coimbra. In the spring, Coimbra often gets less sunshine than Cordobain October. Coimbra gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cordoba receives 243 hours of full sun.

Coimbra usually gets more rain in April than Cordobain October. Coimbra gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Cordoba receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Coimbra 15°C (59°F) 
    Cordoba 19°C (66°F)

Typical Weather for Cordoba and Coimbra

Coimbra Cordoba
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 11°C (51°F) 139 mm (5.5 in) 10°C (50°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 12°C (53°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Mar 13°C (56°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 14°C (57°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 16°C (61°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 77 mm (3 in) 19°C (66°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 24°C (75°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 28°C (82°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Sep 22°C (71°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Oct 18°C (65°F) 101 mm (4 in) 19°C (66°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 14°C (57°F) 128 mm (5 in) 14°C (57°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Dec 11°C (52°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 11°C (52°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)