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

Should you visit Lagos or Coimbra?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Lagos and Coimbra. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Lagos or Coimbra?

Lagos

A coastal town in the south of Portugal, Lagos is known for its old world charm, plummeting cliffs, and Atlantic beaches. Many come to enjoy a full range of activities from beach-going and watersports to exploring cobbled streets lined with options for shopping and dining. Historic churches and castles add to the charm, as well as a clifftop lighthouse showing the way to Lagos for ships at sea.

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 place is cheaper, Coimbra or Lagos?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Lagos is €118, 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 Lagos and Coimbra in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lagos 61
    Coimbra 44
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lagos 122
    Coimbra 88
Compare Hotels in Lagos and Coimbra

Looking for a hotel in Lagos 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 Lagos


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: Lagos Hotel Prices and Coimbra Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lagos 31
    Coimbra 11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lagos

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lagos:

  • Transfer Praia da Luz - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $71
  • Transfer Praia da Luz - Alamos Golf (Portimão): $59
  • Transfer Lagos - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $77
  • Transfer Lagos - Alamos Golf (Portimão): $56
  • Transfer From Lagos Algarve To Lisboa: $277
  • Transfer Burgau - Boavista Golf (Lagos): $38
  • Transfer Burgau - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $71
  • Transfer Burgau - Alamos Golf (Portimão): $56
  • Private Transfer: Seville to Lagos: $381
  • Private Transfer: Seville to Algarve (Faro district): $348
  • Private Transfer: Lagos to Seville: $381
  • Private Transfer: Lagos to Lisbon: $436

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Coimbra

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

  • Fátima Private Transfer to/from Lisbon: $150
  • Private Transfer from Coimbra to Porto Airport: $200
  • Private transfer from Coimbra to Lisbon: $150
  • Private transfer from/to Fátima - Porto, Braga or Guimarães : $199
  • Transfer Fátima To Lisboa: $111
  • Transfer Viseu - Porto: $160

Is it cheaper to fly into Lagos or Coimbra?

Prices for flights to both Coimbra and Lagos 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
    Lagos 34
    Coimbra 48

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lagos

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Lagos.

  • Classic Food Tour - Lagos: $99
  • Wild West Coast Hiking Adventure with Sunset Dinner & Wine: $128

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.
    Lagos 26
    Coimbra 18

Tours and Activities in Lagos

Here are a few actual costs in Lagos for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Ponta da Piedade Costal cruise and Caves-2h: $33
  • 2-hour Kayak Tour of Ponta da Piedade Caves and Beaches: $44
  • 4x4 Off-road Algarve Natural Park West Coast Tour : $59
  • Adventure to the Benagil Caves on a Family Friendly Catamaran - Start at Lagos: $44
  • Algarve Private Tour: Sagres and Benagil from Lisbon: $849
  • Algarve: Aljezur, Arrifana, and Costa Vicentina Private Tour: $147
  • Algarve: Family photoshoot experience: $218
  • Algarve: Lagos Sightseeing guided Tour with e-bikes: $64
  • Algarve: Lagos sightseeing guided tour with E-bikes: $65
  • Amado Beach Walking Tour: $55
  • Benagil Caves- Speed Boat Tour: $40
  • Boat Cruise to Algar de Benagil from Lagos: $39

Tours and Activities in Coimbra

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

  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $3.27
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $3.27
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.27
  • Tomar: Unveiling the Templar Order with a Self-Guided Tour: $4.77
  • Coimbra Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $5.55
  • Coimbra's Historical Highlights: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour of Historical Highlights: $6.99
  • Scavenger Hunt and City Highlights Walking Tour: $7.91
  • Coimbra Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.10
  • Tomar Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.10
  • Convent of Christ Tour "Portugal in the Map" - Visit Tomar with a local guide!: $31
  • Mondego River Kayaking Tour: $33

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Lagos 6.79
    Coimbra 12

Sample the Local Flavors in Lagos

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Lagos:

  • Lagos Wine Tasting and Tapas: $39
  • Small group Wine Tasting Tour from Lagos: $67
  • Small-Group Day Tour of Silves and Monchique with Wine Tasting: $88
  • Benagil Secrets: Jeep and Boat Tour with Wine Tasting: $105

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: $28
  • Port Wine Tasting in Coimbra: $67
  • Self-drive Wine Tour in Bairrada Region: $178
  • Full-Day Private Bairrada Sparkling Wine Tour from Coimbra: $182


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


Which is Bigger, Lagos or Coimbra?

Coimbra has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Lagos. When comparing the sizes of Lagos 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 Lagos or Coimbra?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Lagos or Coimbra in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Lagos as well as Coimbra. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lagos this time of year.

In July, Lagos is generally around the same temperature as Coimbra. Daily temperatures in Lagos average around 25°C (77°F), and Coimbra fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Lagos receives a lot of rain in the summer. Lagos usually gets more rain in July than Coimbra. Lagos gets 243 mm (9.6 in) of rain, while Coimbra receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Lagos 25°C (77°F) 
    Coimbra 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Lagos or Coimbra in the Autumn?

Both Coimbra and Lagos are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Lagos for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Lagos is a little warmer than Coimbra in the autumn. The daily temperature in Lagos averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Coimbra fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Coimbra. It's quite rainy in Lagos. In October, Lagos usually receives more rain than Coimbra. Lagos gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Coimbra receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Lagos 26°C (79°F) 
    Coimbra 18°C (65°F)

Should I visit Lagos or Coimbra in the Winter?

Both Coimbra and Lagos during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Lagos in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In the winter, Lagos is much warmer than Coimbra. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lagos in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Coimbra averages at about 11°C (51°F).

Coimbra gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Lagos usually gets less rain in January than Coimbra. Lagos gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Coimbra receives 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Lagos 27°C (81°F) 
    Coimbra 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Lagos or Coimbra in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Lagos and Coimbra. Most visitors come to Lagos for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Lagos is generally much warmer than Coimbra. Daily temperatures in Lagos average around 28°C (82°F), and Coimbra fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

Lagos gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Lagos usually receives more rain than Coimbra. Lagos gets 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Coimbra receives 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Lagos 28°C (82°F) 
    Coimbra 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Coimbra and Lagos

Lagos Coimbra
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (81°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 11°C (51°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Feb 29°C (84°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 12°C (53°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Mar 29°C (84°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 13°C (56°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Apr 28°C (82°F) 146 mm (5.7 in) 15°C (59°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
May 27°C (81°F) 202 mm (8 in) 17°C (63°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Jun 26°C (79°F) 316 mm (12.4 in) 21°C (69°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 243 mm (9.6 in) 23°C (73°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 122 mm (4.8 in) 23°C (73°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Sep 26°C (79°F) 160 mm (6.3 in) 22°C (71°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 125 mm (4.9 in) 18°C (65°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 14°C (57°F) 128 mm (5 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 11°C (52°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)