A Travel Price Comparison for Portugal Coimbra vs. Costa de Prata for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Coimbra or Costa de Prata?

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

Should I visit Coimbra or Costa de Prata? 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 Costa de Prata?

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.

Costa de Prata

Costa de Prata is a region located on the Silver Coast of Portugal, an hour north of Lisbon. The area is known for its beautiful beaches, ancient architecture, and relaxed, welcoming, atmosphere. The area experiences gorgeous weather nearly all year round, with temperatures in the high 70's and 80's Fahrenheit from May-September. June-August sees the warmest ocean temperatures, making these the best months for swimming. Even during their winter, temperatures rarely dip below 60°F, although ocean temperatures drop, making swimming a bit colder.

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.

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

When is the best time to visit Coimbra or Costa de Prata?

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 Costa de Prata in the Summer?

Both Costa de Prata and Coimbra are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.

In July, Coimbra is generally around the same temperature as Costa de Prata. Daily temperatures in Coimbra average around 23°C (73°F), and Costa de Prata fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

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

In July, Coimbra usually receives around the same amount of rain as Costa de Prata. Coimbra gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Costa de Prata receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Coimbra or Costa de Prata in the Autumn?

Both Costa de Prata and Coimbra during the autumn are popular places to visit.

Coimbra is around the same temperature as Costa de Prata in the autumn. The daily temperature in Coimbra averages around 18°C (65°F) in October, and Costa de Prata fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

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

Costa de Prata gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Coimbra. Coimbra usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Costa de Prata. Coimbra gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Costa de Prata receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Coimbra or Costa de Prata in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Coimbra and Costa de Prata.

In the winter, Coimbra is around the same temperature as Costa de Prata. Typically, the winter temperatures in Coimbra in January average around 11°C (51°F), and Costa de Prata averages at about 11°C (51°F).

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

Costa de Prata receives a lot of rain in the winter. Coimbra gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Coimbra usually receives around the same amount of rain as Costa de Prata. Coimbra gets 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Costa de Prata receives 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Coimbra or Costa de Prata in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Coimbra as well as Costa de Prata.

In April, Coimbra is generally around the same temperature as Costa de Prata. Daily temperatures in Coimbra average around 15°C (59°F), and Costa de Prata fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

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

Coimbra usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Costa de Prata. Coimbra gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Costa de Prata receives 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Costa de Prata and Coimbra