A Travel Price Comparison for Portugal Funchal vs. Coimbra for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Funchal or Coimbra?

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

Should I visit Funchal or Coimbra? 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: Funchal or Coimbra?

Funchal

Funchal is the capital city of the autonomous region of Madeira on the island of Madeira. The city is located to the south between the cities of Santa Cruz and Camara de Lobos. It is actually named for the fennel plant which grows liberally on the island. The city was most significant as a shipping center between the 15th and 17th centuries. Today it has a population of over 100,000 people and is, arguably, one of the most picturesque cities in Portugal. It's appeal as a tourist destination has made it the leading Portuguese port for cruise line dockings.

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 Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best G Adventures Tours to Portugal, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Lisbon, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Lisbon.


Which place is cheaper, Coimbra or Funchal?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Funchal is €93, 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 Funchal and Coimbra in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Funchal 52
    Coimbra 44
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Funchal 104
    Coimbra 88
Compare Hotels in Funchal and Coimbra

Looking for a hotel in Funchal 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.

Hotels in Funchal


Hotels in Coimbra


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: Funchal Hotel Prices and Coimbra Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Funchal 9.94
    Coimbra 11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Funchal

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

  • Transfers Wheelchair Scooter Transfers Airport / Funchal: $88
  • Transfer to Hiking Achada Teixeira - Pico Ruivo: $61
  • Private Transfer from Madeira North area resorts to Madeira Funchal airport: $89
  • Private Transfer from Funchal airport to Madeira south area: $60
  • Private Transfer from Funchal Airport to Madeira Island: $124
  • Private Transfer from Cristiano Ronaldo Airport to Funchal Hotels: $69
  • Private One way Transfer Madeira Airport to or from Funchal: $22
  • PR18 Levada do Rei Private transfer: $72
  • Morning Self-Guided Hike Pico Arieiro to Pico Ruivo w/ Transfers: $33
  • Minibus Transfer: Funchal - Madeira Airport: $39
  • Madeira: Private Monte Tour By Cable Car with Transfer: $110
  • Madeira airport transfer for up to 8 people: $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: $149
  • Transfer Fátima To Lisboa: $110

Is it cheaper to fly into Funchal or Coimbra?

Prices for flights to both Coimbra and Funchal 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
    Funchal 31
    Coimbra 48
Typical Food Prices in Funchal

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Funchal:


  • Coffee
    1.40

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Funchal

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

  • Madeira Nights Tour - Dinner and Show: $42
  • Sunset Tour to Pico do Arieiro with Dinner and Drinks included: $77
  • Gourmet Wine & Food Tour: $114
  • Gourmet Wine & Food Tour: $114

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: $50

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Funchal 15
    Coimbra 18

Tours and Activities in Funchal

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

  • Wheelchair Handicap Full Day East Tour Santana Tour : $193
  •  Magnificent East Tour: $33
  • 4 hours Unique Classic Jeep Tour to Pico do Arieiro, Madeira: $63
  • 4-Hour Private Outdoor Tour in Madeira: $176
  • 4x4 Full-Day Tour to Explore Portugal's Scents and Flavors: $64
  • 4x4 Jeep Safari Porto Moniz - the "Farowest" tour - Full Day Small Groups : $72
  • 4x4 Jeep Tour to the West & Northwest of Madeira: $66
  • 4x4 tour Porto Moniz & Cabo Girão 7 hours: $77
  • Agriculture Green Tour : $94
  • All Madeira In 2 Days Tour: $72
  • Amazing East Tour : $31
  • Arieiro Peak, Santo da Serra and Cristo Rei 4x4 Experience: $50

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: $121
  • An adventure through the Forest and Palace of Bussaco - Coim: $71
  • An adventure through the Forest and Palace of Bussaco - Coimbra: $77
  • An adventure through the Schist Villages of Lousã: $77
  • An adventure through the Schist Villages of Lousã (with walk): $132
  • Arista Tour - Penacova Windmills and Landscapes (noon): $77
  • Bairrada Winery Route Experience, full-day from Coimbra: $136
  • Coimbra Private Walking Tour: $258
  • Coimbra Private Walking Tour with U.C. Tickets Early Access: $44
  • Coimbra Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.96
  • Coimbra's Historical Highlights: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $3.26

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Funchal 16
    Coimbra 12

Sample the Local Flavors in Funchal

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

  • Skywalk and 4x4 Adventure with Amazing Views and Wine Tasting: $50
  • Half-Day Wine Tour in Madeira: $77
  • Shore Excursion: Private Madeira Tour & Wine Tasting: $87
  • Amazing Skywalk, Wine Tasting & 4x4 Adventure + Dolphin Watching: $98
  • Guided Toboggan Ride and Madeira Wine Tasting Tour: $99
  • Tuk Tuk Wine Tour - Madeira Island: $103
  • Weekends Madeira Wine Tasting São Vicente: $110
  • Visiting local Vineyard With Wine Tasting & Lunch included: $160
  • Full Day Private Madeira Wine Tour from Funchal: $173
  • Full-Day Madeira Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch: $193

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: $66
  • Self-drive Wine Tour in Bairrada Region: $176
  • Full-Day Private Bairrada Sparkling Wine Tour from Coimbra: $181


When comparing the travel costs between Funchal and Coimbra, we can see that Coimbra 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 Funchal Expensive? and Is Coimbra Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Funchal or Coimbra?

Coimbra has a larger population, and is about 6% larger than the population of Funchal. When comparing the sizes of Funchal 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 Funchal 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 Funchal or Coimbra in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Funchal and Coimbra.

In the summer, Funchal is around the same temperature as Coimbra. Typically, the summer temperatures in Funchal in July average around 22°C (72°F), and Coimbra averages at about 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Coimbra this time of the year. In Funchal, it's very sunny this time of the year. Funchal usually receives less sunshine than Coimbra during summer. Funchal gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Coimbra receives 308 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Funchal usually receives less rain than Coimbra. Funchal gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Coimbra receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Funchal 22°C (72°F) 
    Coimbra 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Funchal or Coimbra in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Funchal as well as Coimbra.

In October, Funchal is generally a little warmer than Coimbra. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 21°C (70°F), and Coimbra fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

In the autumn, Funchal often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Coimbra. Funchal gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Coimbra receives 184 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Coimbra. Funchal receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Funchal usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Coimbra. Funchal gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Coimbra receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Funchal 21°C (70°F) 
    Coimbra 18°C (65°F)

Should I visit Funchal or Coimbra in the Winter?

Both Coimbra and Funchal are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.

Funchal is a little warmer than Coimbra in the winter. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 16°C (61°F) in January, and Coimbra fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Funchal usually receives more sunshine than Coimbra during winter. Funchal gets 141 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. It's quite rainy in Funchal. In January, Funchal usually receives less rain than Coimbra. Funchal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Coimbra receives 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Funchal 16°C (61°F) 
    Coimbra 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Funchal or Coimbra in the Spring?

Both Coimbra and Funchal during the spring are popular places to visit.

In the spring, Funchal is a little warmer than Coimbra. Typically, the spring temperatures in Funchal in April average around 17°C (63°F), and Coimbra averages at about 15°C (59°F).

In Coimbra, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Funchal often gets less sunshine than Coimbra. Funchal gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Coimbra receives 217 hours of full sun.

Funchal usually gets less rain in April than Coimbra. Funchal gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Coimbra receives 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Funchal 17°C (63°F) 
    Coimbra 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Coimbra and Funchal

Funchal Coimbra
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 16°C (61°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 12°C (53°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Mar 16°C (61°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 13°C (56°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Apr 17°C (63°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 15°C (59°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 17°C (63°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 21°C (69°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jul 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 22°C (71°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 21°C (70°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 18°C (65°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 14°C (57°F) 128 mm (5 in)
Dec 18°C (64°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 11°C (52°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)