Which place is cheaper, Pontevedra or Coimbra?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Coimbra or Pontevedra?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Coimbra or Pontevedra? 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 Pontevedra?
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.
Pontevedra
An important port city with a medieval past, Pontevedra sits on the northwestern coast of Spain where the Lerez River opens out into the ocean. It is a part of the Galicia region and is known for its seafood, charming plazas, and old world architecture that include a number of chapels, churches, and cathedrals.
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 10-Day Tours in Spain, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCoimbra €103Pontevedra €120
The average daily cost (per person) in Coimbra is €103, while the average daily cost in Pontevedra is €120. 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 Pontevedra in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCoimbra €44Pontevedra €61
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCoimbra €88Pontevedra €122
Compare Hotels in Coimbra and Pontevedra
Looking for a hotel in Coimbra or Pontevedra? 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.
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 Pontevedra Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Coimbra €11Pontevedra €23
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Coimbra or Pontevedra?
Prices for flights to both Pontevedra 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
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Food Meals for one dayCoimbra €48Pontevedra €42
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 Pontevedra
For Pontevedra, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch for 2€11
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pontevedra
For Pontevedra, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Galician Cooking Class with Chef Instructor: $159
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Coimbra €18Pontevedra €19
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
Tours and Activities in Pontevedra
For Pontevedra, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- NEW!! Private Walking Tour with local guide: $64
- Pontevedra Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.75
- O Grove Aquarium Experience: $16
- Private Guided Walking Tour: $43
- Walking Tour and Galician Food Tasting: $64
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCoimbra €12Pontevedra €20
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Pontevedra
Also in Pontevedra, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Albariño Wine Tasting with Winery Tour: $32
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Coimbra and Pontevedra, we can see that Pontevedra 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 Pontevedra would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Pontevedra 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 Pontevedra Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Coimbra or Pontevedra?
Coimbra has a larger population, and is about 34% larger than the population of Pontevedra. When comparing the sizes of Coimbra and Pontevedra, 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 Pontevedra?
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 Pontevedra in the Summer?
Both Pontevedra and Coimbra are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.
In July, Coimbra is generally around the same temperature as Pontevedra. Daily temperatures in Coimbra average around 23°C (73°F), and Pontevedra fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
It's quite sunny in Pontevedra. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Coimbra. Coimbra usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Pontevedra during summer. Coimbra gets 308 hours of sunny skies, while Pontevedra receives 299 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Coimbra usually receives less rain than Pontevedra. Coimbra gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Pontevedra receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyCoimbra 23°C (73°F)Pontevedra 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Coimbra or Pontevedra in the Autumn?
Both Pontevedra and Coimbra during the autumn are popular places to visit.
Coimbra is around the same temperature as Pontevedra in the autumn. The daily temperature in Coimbra averages around 18°C (65°F) in October, and Pontevedra fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).
In the autumn, Coimbra often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Pontevedra. Coimbra gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pontevedra receives 174 hours of full sun.
Pontevedra 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 Pontevedra. Coimbra gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Pontevedra receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCoimbra 18°C (65°F)Pontevedra 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Coimbra or Pontevedra in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Coimbra and Pontevedra.
In the winter, Coimbra is around the same temperature as Pontevedra. Typically, the winter temperatures in Coimbra in January average around 11°C (51°F), and Pontevedra averages at about 10°C (50°F).
Coimbra usually receives more sunshine than Pontevedra during winter. Coimbra gets 124 hours of sunny skies, while Pontevedra receives 110 hours of full sun in the winter.
Pontevedra 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 Pontevedra. Coimbra gets 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Pontevedra receives 232 mm (9.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCoimbra 11°C (51°F)Pontevedra 10°C (50°F)
Should I visit Coimbra or Pontevedra in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Coimbra as well as Pontevedra.
In April, Coimbra is generally a little warmer than Pontevedra. Daily temperatures in Coimbra average around 15°C (59°F), and Pontevedra fluctuates around 13°C (56°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 Pontevedra. Coimbra gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pontevedra receives 198 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Pontevedra. Coimbra usually gets less rain in April than Pontevedra. Coimbra gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Pontevedra receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilCoimbra 15°C (59°F)Pontevedra 13°C (56°F)
Typical Weather for Pontevedra and Coimbra
| Coimbra | Pontevedra | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 11°C (51°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 232 mm (9.1 in) |
| Feb | 12°C (53°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) |
| Mar | 13°C (56°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (59°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (71°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (65°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Nov | 14°C (57°F) | 128 mm (5 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 186 mm (7.3 in) |
| Dec | 11°C (52°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 228 mm (9 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.