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

Should you visit Marbella or Coimbra?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marbella or Coimbra, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Marbella or Coimbra?

Marbella

Marbella is a city in southern Spain in the province of Malaga. It is part of the Costa del Sol (Coast of the Sun) and is located on the Mediterranean Sea between Malaga and the Strait of Gibraltar. It is one of the most important tourist cities in the area and receives many national and international tourists year round due to its climate and tourism structures. Marbella is a bit of a glamorous city due to its beauty and resort-type environment. The old town with its narrow cobbled streets and flower-filled plazas is packed with shops and art galleries selling boutique clothes and accessories, and handmade wares. The city has significant archaeological and historical heritage and many events and performances throughout the year.

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


Which place is cheaper, Coimbra or Marbella?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Marbella is €117, 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 Marbella and Coimbra in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Marbella 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 Marbella


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: Marbella Hotel Prices and Coimbra Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Marbella 24
    Coimbra 11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Marbella

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

  • Vip Transfer from Malaga Airport to Fuengirola or Marbella: $21
  • TRANSFER MALAGA AIRPORT from OR to MARBELLA-PRICE ALL INCLUSIVE: $104
  • Private Transfer from Vélez-Málaga to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $97
  • Private Transfer from Torrox to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $120
  • Private Transfer from Torrox Costa to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $120
  • Private Transfer from Torre del Mar to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $97
  • Private Transfer from San Pedro de Alcántara to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $132
  • Private Transfer from Sabinillas to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $174
  • Private Transfer from Mezquitilla to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $127
  • Private Transfer from Marbesa to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $97
  • Private Transfer from Manilva to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $175
  • Private Transfer from Los Monteros to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $107

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 Marbella or Coimbra?

Prices for flights to both Coimbra and Marbella 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
    Marbella 38
    Coimbra 48

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Marbella

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

  • Food Tour: $87
  • The Mediterranean Diet & Lifestyle Cooking Class.: $180
  • Gourmet Cooking Class & Culture in the rural Montes de Malaga.: $191

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.
    Marbella 19
    Coimbra 18

Tours and Activities in Marbella

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

  • 2 h Estepona Bay Tour: $47
  • 2 hours Quad Tour in Marbella - 1 quad for 1/2 persons 160€: $175
  • Antequera Classic Winery Tour: $206
  • Authentic Andalusia - Jeep Eco Tour (pick up from Marbella - Estepona) : $98
  • Bike City Tour Marbella: $32
  • Buggy Adventure with Incredible Views of the Sea and the Reservoir: $109
  • Caminito del Rey and Ardales Guided Tour from Costa del Sol: $75
  • Canyoning Experience Near Marbella (Benahavís River Walk): $49
  • Discover Marbella's Old Town with five-star private tour: $97
  • Dolphin Watching Adventure in Estepona Bay: $38
  • Dolphin Watching Tour on Sailboat in Marbella: $71
  • E-Bike Tour through Marbella/ Puerto Banús and San Pedro: $101

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
    Marbella 5.71
    Coimbra 12

Sample the Local Flavors in Marbella

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

  • Manilva & Gaucin Wine Tour from the Costa del Sol: $152
  • From Manilva Sunset Wine Tasting Tour with Tapas: $159
  • Ronda Full Day Wine Tour from Marbella: $195
  • From Antequera Wine Tour with Tastings and Lunch: $213
  • From Axarquia Wine Tour with Wine Pairing Lunch: $234
  • Full-Day Private Ronda Wine Tour Experience from Marbella: $262
  • VIP Ronda Wine Tour and Tasting and Gourmet Lunch Experience with Winemaker: $272

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


Which is Bigger, Marbella or Coimbra?

Marbella has a larger population, and is about 13% larger than the population of Coimbra. When comparing the sizes of Marbella 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 Marbella 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 Marbella or Coimbra in the Summer?

Both Coimbra and Marbella are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Marbella in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Marbella is around the same temperature as Coimbra. Typically, the summer temperatures in Marbella in July average around 25°C (77°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 Marbella. Marbella usually receives more sunshine than Coimbra during summer. Marbella gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Coimbra receives 308 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Marbella usually receives less rain than Coimbra. Marbella gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Coimbra receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Marbella or Coimbra in the Autumn?

Both Coimbra and Marbella during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Marbella for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Marbella is generally around the same temperature as Coimbra. Daily temperatures in Marbella average around 19°C (67°F), and Coimbra fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

It's quite sunny in Marbella. In the autumn, Marbella often gets more sunshine than Coimbra. Marbella gets 213 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. Marbella usually gets less rain in October than Coimbra. Marbella gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Coimbra receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Marbella 19°C (67°F) 
    Coimbra 18°C (65°F)

Should I visit Marbella or Coimbra in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Marbella and Coimbra. The winter months attract visitors to Marbella because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Marbella is a little warmer than Coimbra in the winter. The daily temperature in Marbella averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Coimbra fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Marbella usually receives more sunshine than Coimbra during winter. Marbella gets 171 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, Marbella usually receives less rain than Coimbra. Marbella gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Coimbra receives 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Marbella 12°C (54°F) 
    Coimbra 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Marbella or Coimbra in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Marbella as well as Coimbra. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Marbella this time of year.

In the spring, Marbella is around the same temperature as Coimbra. Typically, the spring temperatures in Marbella in April average around 16°C (60°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 Marbella this time of the year. In the spring, Marbella often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Coimbra. Marbella gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Coimbra receives 217 hours of full sun.

Marbella usually gets less rain in April than Coimbra. Marbella gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Coimbra receives 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Marbella 16°C (60°F) 
    Coimbra 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Coimbra and Marbella

Marbella Coimbra
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (54°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 75 mm (3 in) 12°C (53°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Mar 14°C (57°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 13°C (56°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 15°C (59°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 17°C (63°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 21°C (69°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 25°C (78°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Sep 23°C (74°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 22°C (71°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 18°C (65°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Nov 15°C (60°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 14°C (57°F) 128 mm (5 in)
Dec 13°C (55°F) 102 mm (4 in) 11°C (52°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)