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

Should you visit Gran Canaria or Coimbra?

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

Should I visit Gran Canaria 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: Gran Canaria or Coimbra?

Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria is one of Spain's Canary Islands, located just off the coast of northwestern Africa. It is the third largest of the islands, and is known for its variety of volcanic beaches. This island is sometimes called a "Miniature Continent" due to the different climates and variety of landscapes found, which allow for a range of activities like hiking, biking, surfing, and scuba diving.

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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain, The Best Luxury Tours to Spain, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Portugal, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Portugal.


Which place is cheaper, Coimbra or Gran Canaria?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Gran Canaria is €125, 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 Gran Canaria and Coimbra in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Gran Canaria 63
    Coimbra 44
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Gran Canaria 126
    Coimbra 88
Compare Hotels in Gran Canaria and Coimbra

Looking for a hotel in Gran Canaria 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 Gran Canaria


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: Coimbra Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Gran Canaria 46
    Coimbra 11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gran Canaria

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

  • Private Transfer: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria to Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) : $53
  • Private Transfer: Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria: $53
  • Private Transfer from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $98
  • Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to San Bartolomé de Tirajana: $89
  • Private Transfer from Gran Canaria Port to Gran Canaria Airport: $33
  • Playa del Ingles to Gran Canaria Airport(LPA)- Departure Transfer: $33
  • Playa Del Ingles: Discover Scuba Diving - Free Transfers: $91
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Vecindario to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $31
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Valsequillo to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $43
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Tejeda to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $98
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Tauro to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $72
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Taurito to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $72

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 Gran Canaria or Coimbra?

Prices for flights to both Coimbra and Gran Canaria 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
    Gran Canaria 34
    Coimbra 48

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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Gran Canaria 20
    Coimbra 18

Tours and Activities in Gran Canaria

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

  • Firgas, Tejeda, Guayadeque - VIP Tour Gran Canaria: $52
  • Guided Tour With Electric Moped: $71
  • Tour in a real VW 70's Buggy in Gran Canaria 4 People. : $153
  • 1 Day Vespa | Gran Canaria by Vespa GPS Guided Tour: $82
  • 2-Hour Afternoon Snorkeling Experience in Gran Canaria by Boat: $49
  • 2-Hours Sunset Segway experience near by Sand Dunes: $85
  • 3-Hour Hiking Experience in Roque Nublo: $70
  • 4 Hour Boat Tour with Snorkeling from Puerto Rico and Mogan: $82
  • 40-minute Submarine Tour in Mogán: $38
  • Agüimes: Cocodrilo Park Zoo Entry Ticket: $11
  • Agaete: Gran Canaria Coasteering Tour with Snorkeling: $70
  • Airsoft Park Ticket: $36

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Gran Canaria 7.14
    Coimbra 12

Sample the Local Flavors in Gran Canaria

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Gran Canaria:

  • Spanish Tapas and Wine Tasting Tour in Mogan: $52
  • Spanish Cured Meats & Wine Tasting Tour in Mogan: $60
  • Gran Canaria Picnic Experience & Wine Tasting: $102

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


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Gran Canaria and Coimbra, we can see that Gran Canaria 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 Gran Canaria would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Gran Canaria 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 Gran Canaria Expensive? and Is Coimbra Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Gran Canaria or Coimbra?

Gran Canaria has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Coimbra. When comparing the sizes of Gran Canaria 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 Gran Canaria 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 Gran Canaria or Coimbra in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Gran Canaria and Coimbra.

Gran Canaria is around the same temperature as Coimbra in the summer. The daily temperature in Gran Canaria averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Coimbra fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Coimbra this time of the year. In Gran Canaria, it's very sunny this time of the year. Gran Canaria usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Coimbra during summer. Gran Canaria gets 293 hours of sunny skies, while Coimbra receives 308 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Gran Canaria usually receives less rain than Coimbra. Gran Canaria gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Coimbra receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Gran Canaria 23°C (73°F) 
    Coimbra 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Coimbra in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Gran Canaria as well as Coimbra.

In the autumn, Gran Canaria is a little warmer than Coimbra. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Gran Canaria in October average around 23°C (73°F), and Coimbra averages at about 18°C (65°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gran Canaria this time of the year. In the autumn, Gran Canaria often gets more sunshine than Coimbra. Gran Canaria gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Coimbra receives 184 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Coimbra. Gran Canaria usually gets less rain in October than Coimbra. Gran Canaria gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Coimbra receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Gran Canaria 23°C (73°F) 
    Coimbra 18°C (65°F)

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Coimbra in the Winter?

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

In January, Gran Canaria is generally much warmer than Coimbra. Daily temperatures in Gran Canaria average around 18°C (64°F), and Coimbra fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Gran Canaria usually receives more sunshine than Coimbra during winter. Gran Canaria gets 187 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, Gran Canaria usually receives less rain than Coimbra. Gran Canaria gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Coimbra receives 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Gran Canaria 18°C (64°F) 
    Coimbra 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Coimbra in the Spring?

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

Gran Canaria is a little warmer than Coimbra in the spring. The daily temperature in Gran Canaria averages around 19°C (66°F) in April, and Coimbra fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In Coimbra, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Gran Canaria. In the spring, Gran Canaria often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Coimbra. Gran Canaria gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Coimbra receives 217 hours of full sun.

Gran Canaria usually gets less rain in April than Coimbra. Gran Canaria gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Coimbra receives 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Gran Canaria 19°C (66°F) 
    Coimbra 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Coimbra and Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria Coimbra
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°C (64°F) 25 mm (1 in) 11°C (51°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Feb 18°C (64°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 12°C (53°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Mar 19°C (66°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 13°C (56°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Apr 19°C (66°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 15°C (59°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 1 mm (0 in) 17°C (63°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 0 mm (0 in) 21°C (69°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 0 mm (0 in) 23°C (73°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 0 mm (0 in) 23°C (73°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 22°C (71°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 23°C (73°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 18°C (65°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Nov 21°C (70°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 14°C (57°F) 128 mm (5 in)
Dec 19°C (66°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 11°C (52°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)