Which place is cheaper, Coimbra or Heraklion?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Heraklion or Coimbra?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Heraklion and Coimbra can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Heraklion or Coimbra?
Heraklion
The largest city on the island of Crete, Heraklion on first glance is almost completely modern - a frenzy of traffic, concrete, and dust. Do not expect pristine beaches and glittering waves (those can be found on other parts of Crete). Heraklion is first and foremost a city. Once you get past its grittiness, you will find that there are some attractive features beneath first impressions. The antiquity of the place lies embedded in the modern and is presented in one of the best museums in Greece, the food is excellent, and the people are friendly and welcoming. And though the sea is not great for swimming, its presence along the Venetian port will take you to another time if you need a break from Heraklion's bustling center.
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 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Portugal, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Portugal.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHeraklion €158Coimbra €103
The average daily cost (per person) in Heraklion is €158, 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 Heraklion and Coimbra in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHeraklion €81Coimbra €44
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHeraklion €162Coimbra €88
Compare Hotels in Heraklion and Coimbra
Looking for a hotel in Heraklion 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: Heraklion Hotel Prices and Coimbra Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Heraklion €31Coimbra €11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Heraklion
Also for Heraklion, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Wine Tasting Experience @ Lyrarakis Winery (Transfer Included): $119
- VIP Private Transfer: Heraklion - Analipsi Hotels & Villas: $62
- Transfers in Crete from-to Airports/Ports/Hotels/Villas: $128
- Transfer Services From Heraklion To Rethymno Hotels: $96
- Transfer Heraklion Airport to SITIA area up to 7 customers: $280
- Transfer Heraklion Airport to RETHIMNO CITY area up to 7 : $157
- Transfer Heraklion Airport to PLAKA ELOUNTA area up to 7: $148
- Transfer Heraklion Airport to Makris Gialos area up to 7 : $228
- Transfer Heraklion Airport to MATALA area up to 7 customers: $149
- Transfer Heraklion Airport to MALIA area up to 7 customers: $80
- Transfer Heraklion Airport to KOUTOULOUFARI area up to 7 : $62
- Transfer Heraklion Airport to KOKKINI HANI area up to 7 customers: $44
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 Heraklion or Coimbra?
Prices for flights to both Coimbra and Heraklion 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 dayHeraklion €52Coimbra €48
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Heraklion
For Heraklion, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Troy Dinner-Show: $33
- Spectacular Dinner-Show: $44
- From Village Cretan Night, Live Dancers & dinner: $48
- Cretan Night with Dinner & Live Show: $49
- Crete: Olive Oil Festival, Farm Dinner, Live Show & Pickup: $59
- Cretan Farm with scenic view: Olive Mill Festival & dinner: $64
- Amazing Sunset Safari Route with Dinner: $84
- Cook with Locals | Cretan cooking Class at Archanes (transfer - lunch included): $86
- Crete: Land Rover Safari with Sunset Viewing, Dinner, & Wine: $90
- Full-Day Jeep Safari Tour with Cooking Lesson: $97
- Food tour tasting walking tour: $123
- E-bike Food Tour Tasting in Heraklion : $125
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.Heraklion €38Coimbra €18
Tours and Activities in Heraklion
For Heraklion, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 4x4 Safari tour Southern Crete Tripitis Gorge: $108
- Adventure Safari Tour Secrets of the southern Crete : $100
- Ηeraklion Walking Tour with Archaeological Museum: $82
- 3-Hour Trekking Mount Karfi Adventure with pickup from Heraklion: $118
- 4-Hour Giouchtas Trekking Hiking Experience from Heraklion: $90
- 4x4 self drive adventure_Cretan mainland: $87
- Adventure Jeep Safari Amazing sunset : $85
- Agios Nikolaos-Spinalonga-Elounda Tour TR: $47
- All Year Tour to Knossos Palace & Heraklion: $618
- All-Day Knossos Palace Tour & Olive Mill Visit: $695
- Archaeological Museum of Heraklion Tour: $86
- Archaeological Museum of Guided Walking Tour: $86
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHeraklion €26Coimbra €12
Sample the Local Flavors in Heraklion
Also in Heraklion, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Wine Tasting E-Bike Tour: $95
- Ecobike Wine Tasting Tour in Heraklion: $115
- Ecobike Tour with Wine Tasting: $118
- Luxury Private Wine Tasting Experience in Haralabakis Winery: $119
- Half Day Small Group Wine Tour with wine Tastings: $125
- Half Day Semi Private Wine Tour with Tastings: $134
- Semi Private Heraklion Valley Wine Tour with Lunch: $159
- The Gourmet Wine Tour of Heraklion area: $180
- Private SUV Wine Tour with Lunch: $183
- Full Day Private Crete Wine Tour Experience from Heraklion : $190
- Full day Knossos Palace, Local Distillery, Lunch @ Archanes: $192
- Knossos, Olive Mill, Winery - Distillery with Tastings & Lunch : $196
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 Heraklion and Coimbra, we can see that Heraklion 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 Heraklion would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Heraklion 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 Heraklion Expensive? and Is Coimbra Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Heraklion or Coimbra?
Heraklion has a larger population, and is about 29% larger than the population of Coimbra. When comparing the sizes of Heraklion 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 Heraklion 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 Heraklion or Coimbra in the Summer?
Both Coimbra and Heraklion are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Heraklion for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Heraklion is a little warmer than Coimbra. Typically, the summer temperatures in Heraklion in July average around 25°C (78°F), and Coimbra averages at about 23°C (73°F).
It's quite sunny in Coimbra. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Heraklion. Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Coimbra during summer. Heraklion gets 366 hours of sunny skies, while Coimbra receives 308 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Coimbra. Heraklion 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 JulyHeraklion 25°C (78°F)Coimbra 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Heraklion or Coimbra in the Autumn?
Both Coimbra and Heraklion during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Heraklion in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In October, Heraklion is generally around the same temperature as Coimbra. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 20°C (68°F), and Coimbra fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).
In the autumn, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Coimbra. Heraklion gets 199 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Coimbra receives 184 hours of full sun.
Coimbra gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Heraklion usually gets less rain in October than Coimbra. Heraklion gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Coimbra receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHeraklion 20°C (68°F)Coimbra 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Heraklion or Coimbra in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Heraklion and Coimbra. Most visitors come to Heraklion for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Heraklion is a little warmer than Coimbra in the winter. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Coimbra fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
Heraklion usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Coimbra during winter. Heraklion gets 121 hours of sunny skies, while Coimbra receives 124 hours of full sun in the winter.
Coimbra receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Coimbra. Heraklion gets 92 mm (3.6 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 JanuaryHeraklion 12°C (54°F)Coimbra 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Heraklion or Coimbra in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Heraklion as well as Coimbra. The spring months attract visitors to Heraklion because of the beaches and the activities around the city.
In the spring, Heraklion is around the same temperature as Coimbra. Typically, the spring temperatures in Heraklion in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Coimbra averages at about 15°C (59°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Coimbra. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Heraklion this time of the year. In the spring, Heraklion often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Coimbra. Heraklion gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Coimbra receives 217 hours of full sun.
Heraklion usually gets less rain in April than Coimbra. Heraklion gets 30 mm (1.2 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 AprilHeraklion 16°C (61°F)Coimbra 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Coimbra and Heraklion
| Heraklion | Coimbra | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (54°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) |
| Feb | 12°C (54°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (56°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| May | 19°C (67°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Jun | 23°C (74°F) | 3 mm (0.1 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 | 25°C (77°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Oct | 20°C (68°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Nov | 17°C (63°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 128 mm (5 in) |
| Dec | 14°C (58°F) | 77 mm (3 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.