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

Should you visit Coimbra or Split?

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

Should I visit Coimbra or Split? 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 Split?

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.

Split

Spit is a historic city in Central Dalmatia with many opportunities to glimpse its fascinating past in its historic city center. Centuries ago the city grew up around a Diocletian palace that was used as refuge by the locals.

Today, as you wander around the historic center, you can see the remains of the Roman walls, temples, and squares. Despite it's appeal to tourists, Split is much more than just a tourist destination. It is larger than you might initially realize and it spreads well beyond the historic center. There is a population of about 300,000 in the larger area and it is an economic center for the region.

Split has a beautiful climate with mild winters, countless sunny days, and a generally pleasant temperature. As such, there are many opportunities to enjoy yourself outdoors, whether by participating in sports or walking around the city's quaint streets. Winters in Split are also quite mild, but there may be one snowy day, on average, every year. This rare snowfall can cause a significant disruption in the flow of traffic.

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 Croatia, and The Best Luxury Tours to Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Split or Coimbra?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Coimbra is €103, while the average daily cost in Split is €109. 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 Split in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Coimbra 44
    Split 73
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Coimbra 88
    Split 146
Compare Hotels in Coimbra and Split

Looking for a hotel in Coimbra or Split? 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 Split


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 Split Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Coimbra 11
    Split 14

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Split

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

  • private transfer from Split airport to Novalja/Zrće: $535
  • private transfer from Split airport or Trogir to Šibenik: $182
  • Zagreb to Private Transfer with Plitvice Lakes: $1,016
  • Transfers from Split Airport to City Center and surrounding: $75
  • Transfer from Split to Zagreb with Entry Ticket to Plitvice Lakes: $185
  • Transfer from Split to Dubrovnik with 2 hours stop in Ston Town: $94
  • Transfer Split airport to Split: $66
  • Transfer Split airport to Split: $86
  • Transfer Split airport to Makarska: $149
  • Taxi Transfer from airport Split to Murter Tisno or Sibenik: $86
  • Transfer to Zagreb with Plitvice Lakes Entry Tickets: $181
  • Private Transfer to Zagreb with Plitvice Lakes Stop: $735

Is it cheaper to fly into Coimbra or Split?

Prices for flights to both Split 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 48
    Split 23

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Split

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

  • Small Group Food Tour: $37
  • Homemade Dinner under the Stars in Split: $85
  • Food Tour in Split ( Small Group): $96
  • Split Food Tour (Small Group): $98
  • Vegan Food tour of Split with local gastronomy: $102
  • Walking Vegan Food Tour of Split: $104
  • Old Town Food Tour: $107
  • Split Food Tour: Discover Split One Bite At A Time: $131
  • Split Cooking Class - Afternoon Edition Shared Activity: $191
  • Private Authentic Wine & Food tour from Split: $240
  • Culinary Experience – Cooking Class & Walking Tour Split: $251

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Coimbra 18
    Split 3.71

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 Split

For Split, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Blue Lagoon and 3 Islands Small Group Tour with Lunch: $82
  • History tour: $33
  • SPLIT-"Emperor's City for History Lovers"/PRIVATE Walking Tour+Cellars Museum : $210
  • "Blue Lagoon" Half day Chill out tour from Split: $75
  • "Not Today" - Game of Thrones and History of Split Private Guided Walking Tour: $66
  • 2 Day Pass with Sightseeing Bus: $33
  • 2 Hour Walking Tour of Split with an Art Historian: $24
  • 2 Hours Split Walking tour with free food tasting: $33
  • 2-Hour Private Guided Tour of Split in a Classic Ford T: $45
  • 2-Hour Sunset Cruise Split: $87
  • 2-Hour Sunset Cruise Split: $86
  • 2-hours Split Segway Tour: $87

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Coimbra 12
    Split 7.95

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 Split

Also in Split, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • From Krka Waterfalls & Swimming & Wine tasting: $24
  • From Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting Tour: $26
  • Tower Pub Crawl in Split: $29
  • Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting tour from Split: $31
  • Split/Trogir: Krka National Park Day Trip with Wine Tasting: $38
  • Wine Tasting and Sunset Klis Fortress Tour from Split: $38
  • Krka National Park Tour with tour Guide & Wine tasting from Split & Trogir: $46
  • Split&Sip: Educational wine tasting: $51
  • Wine Tasting in the Diocletian's Palace: $53
  • Wine Tasting in the Diocletian’s Palace: $55
  • Diocletian's Palace Walking and Wine Tasting Tour: $71
  • From Split/Trogir: Mostar and Medjugorje Tour with Wine Tasting: $74


When comparing the travel costs between Coimbra and Split, we can see that Split is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Coimbra or Split?

Split has a larger population, and is about 65% larger than the population of Coimbra. When comparing the sizes of Coimbra and Split, 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 Split?

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 Split in the Summer?

Both Split and Coimbra are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Split because of the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Coimbra is generally cooler than Split. Daily temperatures in Coimbra average around 23°C (73°F), and Split fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

It's quite sunny in Split. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Coimbra. Coimbra usually receives less sunshine than Split during summer. Coimbra gets 308 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Coimbra usually receives less rain than Split. Coimbra gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Split receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Coimbra 23°C (73°F) 
    Split 26°C (80°F)

Should I visit Coimbra or Split in the Autumn?

Both Split and Coimbra during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Split this time of year.

Coimbra is around the same temperature as Split in the autumn. The daily temperature in Coimbra averages around 18°C (65°F) in October, and Split fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In Split, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Coimbra often gets less sunshine than Split. Coimbra gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 200 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Coimbra. Coimbra usually gets more rain in October than Split. Coimbra gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Split receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Coimbra 18°C (65°F) 
    Split 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Coimbra or Split in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Coimbra and Split. Also, many travelers come to Split for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Coimbra is a little warmer than Split. Typically, the winter temperatures in Coimbra in January average around 11°C (51°F), and Split averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Coimbra usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Split during winter. Coimbra gets 124 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

Coimbra gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Coimbra usually receives more rain than Split. Coimbra gets 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Split receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Coimbra 11°C (51°F) 
    Split 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Coimbra or Split in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Coimbra as well as Split. Also, many visitors come to Split in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Split. 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 Split. Coimbra gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 212 hours of full sun.

Coimbra usually gets more rain in April than Split. Coimbra gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Split receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Coimbra 15°C (59°F) 
    Split 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Split and Coimbra

Coimbra Split
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 11°C (51°F) 139 mm (5.5 in) 8°C (47°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 12°C (53°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 9°C (48°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Mar 13°C (56°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 15°C (59°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 77 mm (3 in) 20°C (67°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 23°C (74°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 26°C (80°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 26°C (79°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 22°C (71°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 22°C (72°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 18°C (65°F) 101 mm (4 in) 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 14°C (57°F) 128 mm (5 in) 13°C (56°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 11°C (52°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 10°C (49°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)