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

Should you visit Coimbra or Ocho Rios?

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

Should I visit Coimbra or Ocho Rios? 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 Ocho Rios?

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.

Ocho Rios

Ocho Rios, or "Ochi" is a town located on the northeastern shore of Jamaica and is a popular hub for cruise ships. It is a great destination for tourists as it has many resorts and beautiful beaches.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Portugal, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Portugal.


Which place is cheaper, Ocho Rios 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 Ocho Rios is €73. 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 Ocho Rios in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Coimbra 44
    Ocho Rios 43
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Coimbra 88
    Ocho Rios 86
Compare Hotels in Coimbra and Ocho Rios

Looking for a hotel in Coimbra or Ocho Rios? 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 Ocho Rios


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 Ocho Rios Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Coimbra 11
    Ocho Rios 6.23

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ocho Rios

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

  • VIP***Private KINGSTON Airport Transfers to***OCHO RIOS**HOTELS**: $292
  • Sandals Ocho Rios Resort Airport Transfer: $67
  • Runaway Bay Hotels Transfers between Montego Bay Airport: $60
  • Runaway Bay Hotels Private Round Trip Transfers from MBJ: $160
  • Runaway Bay Airport Transfer: $48
  • Roundtrip Airport Transfer from Montego Bay to Ocho Rios and Runaway Bay Hotels: $240
  • Round-Trip or Direct Private Airport Transfers to Runaway Bay: $50
  • Private Transfers from Montego Bay Airport to Runaway Bay Hotels: $54
  • Private Transfers To/From Ocho Rios & OCJ Airport Across Jamaica: $143
  • Private Transfer to horseback,Bluehole,River rafting in OchoRios.: $70
  • Private Transfer to Mystic Mountain from Ocho Rios: $20
  • Private Transfer to Konoko Falls Botanical Gardens: $27

Is it cheaper to fly into Coimbra or Ocho Rios?

Prices for flights to both Ocho Rios 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
    Ocho Rios 23

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ocho Rios

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

  • Flavors of Jamaica Food Tour from Ocho Rios: $128
  • Taste of Jamaica Food Tour from Ocho Rios: $150

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Coimbra 18
    Ocho Rios 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 : $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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Ocho Rios

For Ocho Rios, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Tour of Brimmer Hall Estate
    8.97
  • Admission to Coyaba Gardens
    4.49
  • Tour of Prospect Plantation
    15

Tours and Activities in Ocho Rios

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ocho Rios.

  • Black River Safari & YS Falls Tour from Runaway Bay: $285
  • Blue Hole Tour From Ocho Rios: $60
  • Blue Hole Waterfalls + Bamboo River Rafting Tour from Ocho Rios: $109
  • Dunn's River Falls Party Cruise, Blue Hole with Snorkeling, free beverages: $165
  • Dunn's River Falls and Ocho Rios Sightseeing with Shopping: $50
  • Dunn's River Falls and Tubing Combo Tour from Ocho Rios: $140
  • Private Dunn's River and Blue hole tour from Ocho Rios : $110
  • Private Sightseeing Tour from Ocho Rios : $60
  • Shopping Tour From Runaway Bay Hotels : $75
  • 1 Hour Private Rafting Experience in Jamaica: $65
  • ATV Adventure and Shopping from Falmouth (Minimum 4 persons): $165
  • ATV Guided Tour To Blue Hole & Spanish Bridge In Ocho Rios: $270

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Coimbra 12
    Ocho Rios 6.32

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Ocho Rios

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

  • Bar Hopping, Pub Crawl, Shopping and Sightseeing Tour Ocho Rios: $113


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Coimbra and Ocho Rios, we can see that Coimbra is more expensive. And not only is Ocho Rios much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Coimbra is in Europe and Ocho Rios is in Caribbean Islands, 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 Ocho Rios would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ocho Rios 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 Ocho Rios.

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


Which is Bigger, Coimbra or Ocho Rios?

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

Coimbra has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Ocho Rios experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Coimbra or Ocho Rios in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Coimbra and Ocho Rios. Ocho Rios attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Coimbra is cooler than Ocho Rios in the summer. The daily temperature in Coimbra averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Ocho Rios fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ocho Rios this time of the year. In Coimbra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Coimbra usually receives more sunshine than Ocho Rios during summer. Coimbra gets 308 hours of sunny skies, while Ocho Rios receives 254 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Coimbra usually receives less rain than Ocho Rios. Coimbra gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Ocho Rios receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Coimbra 23°C (73°F) 
    Ocho Rios 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Coimbra or Ocho Rios in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Coimbra as well as Ocho Rios. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ocho Rios throughout the year.

In the autumn, Coimbra is much colder than Ocho Rios. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Coimbra in October average around 18°C (65°F), and Ocho Rios averages at about 28°C (82°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ocho Rios. In the autumn, Coimbra often gets less sunshine than Ocho Rios. Coimbra gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ocho Rios receives 229 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Ocho Rios. Coimbra receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Coimbra usually gets less rain in October than Ocho Rios. Coimbra gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Ocho Rios receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Coimbra 18°C (65°F) 
    Ocho Rios 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Coimbra or Ocho Rios in the Winter?

Both Ocho Rios and Coimbra are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Ocho Rios because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In January, Coimbra is generally much colder than Ocho Rios. Daily temperatures in Coimbra average around 11°C (51°F), and Ocho Rios fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

It's quite sunny in Ocho Rios. Coimbra usually receives less sunshine than Ocho Rios during winter. Coimbra gets 124 hours of sunny skies, while Ocho Rios receives 257 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Coimbra. In January, Coimbra usually receives more rain than Ocho Rios. Coimbra gets 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Ocho Rios receives 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Coimbra 11°C (51°F) 
    Ocho Rios 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Coimbra or Ocho Rios in the Spring?

Both Ocho Rios and Coimbra during the spring are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ocho Rios year-round.

Coimbra is much colder than Ocho Rios in the spring. The daily temperature in Coimbra averages around 15°C (59°F) in April, and Ocho Rios fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

In Ocho Rios, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Coimbra. In the spring, Coimbra often gets less sunshine than Ocho Rios. Coimbra gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ocho Rios receives 251 hours of full sun.

Coimbra usually gets more rain in April than Ocho Rios. Coimbra gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Ocho Rios receives 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Coimbra 15°C (59°F) 
    Ocho Rios 26°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Ocho Rios and Coimbra

Coimbra Ocho Rios
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 11°C (51°F) 139 mm (5.5 in) 26°C (79°F) 18 mm (0.7 in)
Feb 12°C (53°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 26°C (79°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Mar 13°C (56°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 26°C (80°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 26°C (80°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 77 mm (3 in) 28°C (82°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 28°C (83°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 29°C (83°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 29°C (83°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Sep 22°C (71°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 29°C (83°F) 107 mm (4.2 in)
Oct 18°C (65°F) 101 mm (4 in) 28°C (82°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
Nov 14°C (57°F) 128 mm (5 in) 28°C (82°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Dec 11°C (52°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 27°C (80°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)