Which place is cheaper, Coimbra or Faro?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Faro or Coimbra?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Faro or Coimbra, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Faro or Coimbra?
Faro
Faro (or sometimes Faros) is the capital city of the scenic Algarve Region of Portugal, located at the edge of the Ria Formosa National Park. This is a fantastic place to experience the beauty, culture, and traditions of Portugal in laid back atmosphere, away from the hustle and bustle of the larger cities. Faro offers everything from ancient architecture to beautiful beaches all while being surrounded by the natural beauty of the Algarve Region.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Portugal, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Portugal.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFaro €133Coimbra €103
The average daily cost (per person) in Faro is €133, while the average daily cost in Coimbra is €103. 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 Faro and Coimbra in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFaro €75Coimbra €44
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFaro €150Coimbra €88
Compare Hotels in Faro and Coimbra
Looking for a hotel in Faro or Coimbra? 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: Faro Hotel Prices and Coimbra Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Faro €9.52Coimbra €11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Faro
Also for Faro, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Faro HTL-APT (FAO): $36
- Transfers taxi tours golf wedding: $55
- Transfers airport Faro X Albufeira: $90
- Transfers From Faro Airport to Muthu Club Praia da Oura: $70
- Transfers From Faro Airport to Hotel Paraiso Albufeira: $69
- Transfers Algarve: Airport Faro - Albufeira, 4 or 8 PAX: $61
- Transfer from Faro airport to Hotel Vila Recife: $42
- Transfer from Faro airport to Hotel São Rafael Atlântico: $42
- Transfer from Faro airport to Cabanas de Tavira: $56
- Transfer from Faro airport to Brisa Sol Hotel Albufeira: $42
- Transfer from Faro airport to Almancil: $29
- Transfer from Faro airport to Algoz: $50
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Coimbra
Also for Coimbra, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Fátima Private Transfer to/from Lisbon: $146
Is it cheaper to fly into Faro or Coimbra?
Prices for flights to both Coimbra and Faro 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 dayFaro €36Coimbra €48
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Faro
For Faro, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- The Most Delicious Private Food Tour of 6 or 10 Tastings: $82
- 3 Hours Classic Food Tour in Faro: $97
- Authentic Portuguese Cooking Experience in Algarve: $162
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Faro €9.41Coimbra €18
Tours and Activities in Faro
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Faro.
- Faro to Benagil Hiking Tour and Marinha beach: $60
- 1 Hour Private Speed Boat Tour: $49
- 1 or 2 Hour Speed Boat Tour - Ria Formosa: $26
- 2 Hours Kayak Island Tour in the Natural Park of Ria Formosa: $60
- 2:30 Hours Tour: $273
- 3-Hour Boat Tour in Ria Formosa on Olhão Algarve: $33
- 30-minute Jet Ski experience through Punta del Moral: $107
- 3:30 hours Guided Tour on Classic boat in Ria Formosa, Olhão..: $38
- 5 Hour Boat Tour in Ria Formosa: $43
- 5-hour island hopping tour: $60
- 6 hour boat tour navegating through the Islands of Ria Formosa National Park : $65
- Algarve Buggy Tours: $201
Tours and Activities in Coimbra
For Coimbra, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- A tour between Cascades and Schist Villages, Piodão: $119
- An adventure through the Forest and Palace of Bussaco - Coim: $69
- An adventure through the Forest and Palace of Bussaco - Coimbra: $76
- An adventure through the Schist Villages of Lousã: $76
- An adventure through the Schist Villages of Lousã (with walk): $130
- Bairrada Winery Route Experience, full-day from Coimbra: $133
- Coimbra Private Walking Tour: $253
- Coimbra Private Walking Tour with U.C. Tickets Early Access: $43
- Coimbra Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $5.42
- Coimbra Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.85
- Coimbra's Historical Highlights: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
- City Exploration Game and Tour: $3.19
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFaro €3.13Coimbra €12
Sample the Local Flavors in Faro
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Faro:
- Wine tastings, with Tour option - Authentic Algarve Flavours by Quinta da Tôr: $18
- Visit to a Family Brewery in Loulé with Tasting: $27
- Algarve Traditional Food and Wine Tasting: $48
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
- Port Wine Tasting in Coimbra: $65
- Self-drive Wine Tour in Bairrada Region: $174
- Full-Day Private Bairrada Sparkling Wine Tour from Coimbra: $178
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Faro and Coimbra, we can see that Faro 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 Faro would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Faro 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 Faro Expensive? and Is Coimbra Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Faro or Coimbra?
Coimbra has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Faro. When comparing the sizes of Faro and Coimbra, 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 Faro or Coimbra?
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 Faro or Coimbra in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Faro and Coimbra. Many visitors come to Faro in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Faro is generally a little warmer than Coimbra. Daily temperatures in Faro average around 25°C (78°F), and Coimbra fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Coimbra this time of the year. In Faro, it's very sunny this time of the year. Faro usually receives more sunshine than Coimbra during summer. Faro gets 374 hours of sunny skies, while Coimbra receives 308 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Faro usually receives less rain than Coimbra. Faro gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Coimbra receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyFaro 25°C (78°F)Coimbra 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Faro or Coimbra in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Faro as well as Coimbra. Most visitors come to Faro for the shopping scene during these months.
Faro is around the same temperature as Coimbra in the autumn. The daily temperature in Faro averages around 20°C (68°F) in October, and Coimbra fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Faro this time of the year. In the autumn, Faro often gets more sunshine than Coimbra. Faro gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Coimbra receives 184 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Coimbra. Faro usually gets less rain in October than Coimbra. Faro gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Coimbra receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberFaro 20°C (68°F)Coimbra 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Faro or Coimbra in the Winter?
Both Coimbra and Faro are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Faro because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.
In the winter, Faro is a little warmer than Coimbra. Typically, the winter temperatures in Faro in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Coimbra averages at about 11°C (51°F).
Faro usually receives more sunshine than Coimbra during winter. Faro gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Coimbra receives 124 hours of full sun in the winter.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Coimbra. In January, Faro usually receives less rain than Coimbra. Faro gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Coimbra receives 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryFaro 12°C (54°F)Coimbra 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Faro or Coimbra in the Spring?
Both Coimbra and Faro during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches are the main draw to Faro this time of year.
In April, Faro is generally a little warmer than Coimbra. Daily temperatures in Faro average around 17°C (62°F), and Coimbra fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
In Coimbra, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Faro. In the spring, Faro often gets more sunshine than Coimbra. Faro gets 248 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Coimbra receives 217 hours of full sun.
Faro usually gets less rain in April than Coimbra. Faro gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Coimbra receives 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilFaro 17°C (62°F)Coimbra 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Coimbra and Faro
| Faro | Coimbra | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (54°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (56°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Mar | 15°C (58°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (62°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| May | 19°C (67°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (78°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (78°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Oct | 20°C (68°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Nov | 16°C (60°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 128 mm (5 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 130 mm (5.1 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.