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

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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.

Which city 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 €75, while the average daily cost in Coimbra is €82. 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 city. 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 €41
    Coimbra €35
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Funchal €82
    Coimbra €70
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 €7.95
    Coimbra €8.58

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Funchal

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

  • Private Service Airport Transfer: $25
  • Private Airport Transfer: from Funchal to Madeira Airport (FNC): $19
  • One-Way Private Transfer from Madeira Airport to Funchal or Monte: $14
  • Madeira: Private Transfer to or from Palheiro Golf or Choupana: $15
  • Madeira: Private Transfer to or from Camara de Lobos: $15
  • Madeira: Funchal Shared Transfer to or from Airport: $11
  • Madeira Private Transfer: To/From Funchal Airport: $18
  • Madeira Private Arrival Transfer: $32
  • Madeira Funchal Airport FNC Arrival Private Transfer by Business Car: $34
  • Madeira Airport Round Trip Shuttle Transfers Service: $19
  • Madeira Airport Round Trip Private Transfers Services: $34
  • Madeira Airport Private Transfers Service To Funchal: $21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Coimbra

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

  • Transfer Coimbra/Figueira da Foz/Buçaco - Up to 7 People: $460
  • Transfer Coimbra/Figueira da Foz/Buçaco - Up to 3 People: $373
  • Private Transfer From Coimbra To Lisbon Stops in Batalha Fátima Tomar Alcobaça: $280
  • Transfer Lisbon visiting Fátima Sanctuary: $136
  • Private transfer from Coimbra to Lisbon: $126
  • Transfer Porto visiting Aveiro: $121
  • Lisbon Private Transfer to or from Coimbra: $108
  • Porto Private Transfer to or from Coimbra: $71

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 €25
    Coimbra €38
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 Evening Tour with Dinner and Performance: $44
  • Madeira Nights Tour - Dinner and Show: $45
  • “Petiscos” cooking experience & Market Tour: $70
  • Madeira Sunset by 4x4 with Dinner from Funchal: $70

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Funchal €12
    Coimbra €14

Tours and Activities in Funchal

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

  • 3-Hour Madeira Scenic Island Tour (Price per Sidecar - 1 or 2 passengers): $143
  • 3d Fun Art Museum Ticket: $11
  • 4x4 Full-Day Tour to Explore Portugal's Scents and Flavors: $51
  • Amazing Skywalk and more... Half day Tour in Open Roof 4x4: $40
  • Arieiro Peak & Nun´s Valley in Open Roof 4x4 Tour + Dolphins Watching: $81
  • Arieiro Peak and Nun´s Valley Half day Tour in Open Roof 4x4: $40
  • Ariero Peak, Santana "Biosphere Reserve" & more...Full day Tour in Open Roof 4x4: $49
  • Best of Funchal Private Tour: $243
  • Best of Funchal private walking tour with local specialities tasting: $467
  • Best of Madeira Private Tour Half Day: $54
  • Boat and Open Roof 4x4 Tour: $1,595
  • Botanic Garden Tour: $50

Tours and Activities in Coimbra

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

  • Aveiro, Barra and Costa Nova Fullday Tour: $149
  • Bairrada Route Wine and Gastronomic Experience: $123
  • Batalha Alcobaca Nazaré Óbidos Private Tour Full Day With Local From Coimbra: $218
  • Batalha Fátima Tomar Alcobaca Private Tour Full Day With Local From Coimbra: $218
  • Bussaco Forest Walking Experience: $44
  • Bussaco Palace, Gardens & Forest Halfday Tour: $100
  • Bôa Vista | Secret Palace - Fado & Drinks Experience: $15
  • Coimbra Exclusive Walking Tour: $20
  • Coimbra Experience Walking Tour: $25
  • Coimbra Hop-On Hop-Off Tour: $16
  • Coimbra Hop-On Hop-Off Tour and Mondego Cruise: $19
  • Coimbra Private Walking Tour: $199

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Funchal €13
    Coimbra €9.86

Sample the Local Flavors in Funchal

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

  • Funchal City Tour with Madeira Wine Tasting: $15
  • Half Day Traditions and Enchanting Valleys - Eira do Serrado, Curral das Freiras, Monte, Madeira Wine Tasting: $49
  • Skywalk & Professional Wine Tasting and Vineyards Tour in Open Roof 4x4: $60
  • Shore Excursion: Private Madeira Tour & Wine Tasting: $94
  • Cabo Girão Skywalk+Vineyards+Wine Tasting Tour in Open Roof 4x4+Dolphin Watching: $98
  • Full-Day Madeira Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch: $166
  • Madeira wine tasting and sightseeing private tour from Funchal: $534

About these numbers

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.


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 are around 22°C (72°F), and Coimbra is 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. Temperatures in Funchal average around 21°C (70°F), and Coimbra stays 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 temperature in Funchal is usually 16°C (61°F) in January, and Coimbra stays 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 are around 17°C (63°F), and Coimbra is 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)


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Funchal vs. Coimbra Travel Comparison

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