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

Should you visit Coimbra or Hondarribia?

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

Should I visit Coimbra or Hondarribia? 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 Hondarribia?

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.

Hondarribia

The characteristic Spanish buildings painted in the brightest, most vibrant of colors only match the true spirit of the town, Hondarribia, Spain. Hondarribia is located on the west shore of Bidasoa river's mouth in Gipuzkoa of Basque Country. The town is rich in its Spanish history, holding both an ancient old quarter with walls and a castle within. Hondarribia is also known for its gorgeous beach of bright blue water across the Bidasoa alongside the fertile, roaming mountain of Jaizkibel. What's more, Hondarribia faces the border of Hendaye, France, so if you are yearning to expand your cultural learning, take a service boat over to Spain's friendly neighbor! No matter if you want to explore the ancient architecture or enjoy the cooling waters of the bay, Hondarribia is definitely a location known for its beauty and activity!

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 Family-Friendly Tours to Spain, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Spain.

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

Which is Bigger, Coimbra or Hondarribia?

Coimbra has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Hondarribia. When comparing the sizes of Coimbra and Hondarribia, 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 Hondarribia?

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 Hondarribia in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Coimbra is a little warmer than Hondarribia. Typically, the summer temperatures in Coimbra in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Hondarribia averages at about 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Hondarribia. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Coimbra. Coimbra usually receives more sunshine than Hondarribia during summer. Coimbra gets 308 hours of sunny skies, while Hondarribia receives 209 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Coimbra usually receives less rain than Hondarribia. Coimbra gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Hondarribia receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Coimbra or Hondarribia in the Autumn?

Both Hondarribia and Coimbra during the autumn are popular places to visit.

In October, Coimbra is generally a little warmer than Hondarribia. Daily temperatures in Coimbra average around 18°C (65°F), and Hondarribia fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Coimbra often gets more sunshine than Hondarribia. Coimbra gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hondarribia receives 144 hours of full sun.

Hondarribia 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 Hondarribia. Coimbra gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Hondarribia receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Coimbra or Hondarribia in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Coimbra and Hondarribia.

Coimbra is a little warmer than Hondarribia in the winter. The daily temperature in Coimbra averages around 11°C (51°F) in January, and Hondarribia fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Coimbra usually receives more sunshine than Hondarribia during winter. Coimbra gets 124 hours of sunny skies, while Hondarribia receives 85 hours of full sun in the winter.

Hondarribia 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 Hondarribia. Coimbra gets 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Hondarribia receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Coimbra or Hondarribia in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Coimbra as well as Hondarribia.

In the spring, Coimbra is a little warmer than Hondarribia. Typically, the spring temperatures in Coimbra in April average around 15°C (59°F), and Hondarribia averages at about 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 Hondarribia. Coimbra gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hondarribia receives 141 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Hondarribia. Coimbra usually gets less rain in April than Hondarribia. Coimbra gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Hondarribia receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hondarribia and Coimbra