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

Should you visit Messina 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 Messina 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: Messina or Coimbra?

Messina

Messina is a city in the northwest area of Sicily. There are only five kilometers across the Straits of Messina to the Calabria region of mainland Italy. You can reach Messina by boats which travel every hour from the town of Villa San Giovanni in mainland Italy. There are also a couple of hydrofoils that make the trip every day from Reggio di Calabria. During the summer season don't be surprised to see cruise ships arriving with crowds of tourists. They are usually docked right downtown and are therefore hard to miss. Messina is also connected to mainland Italy by train, which are transported across the Straits of Messina by ferry.

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


Which place is cheaper, Coimbra or Messina?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Messina 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 Messina and Coimbra in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Messina 65
    Coimbra 44
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Messina 130
    Coimbra 88
Compare Hotels in Messina and Coimbra

Looking for a hotel in Messina 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 Messina


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: Messina Hotel Prices and Coimbra Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Messina 22
    Coimbra 11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Messina

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Messina:

  • From Private Air-Conditioned Transfer to Taormina: $99

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Coimbra

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

  • Fátima Private Transfer to/from Lisbon: $147
  • Transfer Viseu - Porto: $157

Is it cheaper to fly into Messina or Coimbra?

Prices for flights to both Coimbra and Messina 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
    Messina 37
    Coimbra 48

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Messina

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

  • Private Home Cooking Demo with a Four-Course Meal: $112
  • Cesarine: Dining & Cooking Demo at Local's Home in Messina: $115
  • Market Tour & Lunch/Dinner at a Cesarina's Home: $149
  • Messina Private Home Cooking Class: $155
  • Home Cooking Class & Meal with a Local in Messina: $158
  • Market Tour, Private Home Cooking Class and Dinner: $202

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.
    Messina 21
    Coimbra 18

Tours and Activities in Messina

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

  • Full Day Taormina and Castelmola Tour with Messina Shore Excursion: $120
  • Messina Taormina: cultural heritage experience: $85
  • 2,5-Hour Messina Walking Tour: $46
  • 2-Hour Private Walking Tour of Messina: $271
  • 3-Hour Messina Segway PT Authorized Tour: $118
  • Alfotour 2/3 hour tour with swimming stop: $32
  • Cesarine: Market Tour & Dining at a Local's Home in Messina: $152
  • Etna Alcantara tour: the majestic lava landscape : $126
  • Etna Taormina and Castelmola The best excursion for cruise passengers from Messina: $208
  • Etna and Taormina Private Tour from Giardini Naxos: $240
  • From Private Guided Day Tour of Savoca and Taormina: $642
  • From Private Tour of Etna & Taormina with Pickup: $684

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: $3.21
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $3.21
  • Coimbra Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $5.45
  • Coimbra's Historical Highlights: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour of Historical Highlights: $6.99
  • Tomar: Unveiling the Templar Order with a Self-Guided Tour: $7.62
  • Scavenger Hunt and City Highlights Walking Tour: $7.65
  • Coimbra Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.84
  • Tomar Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.84
  • Discover Coimbra's Legacy through a Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Portugal dos Pequenitos entry ticket: $16

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Messina 18
    Coimbra 12

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 Messina and Coimbra, we can see that Messina 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 Messina Expensive? and Is Coimbra Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Messina or Coimbra?

Messina has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Coimbra. When comparing the sizes of Messina 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 Messina 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 Messina or Coimbra in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Messina as well as Coimbra. Many travelers come to Messina for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Messina is generally a little warmer than Coimbra. Daily temperatures in Messina average around 27°C (80°F), and Coimbra fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Coimbra. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Messina this time of the year. In the summer, Messina often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Coimbra. Messina gets 332 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Coimbra receives 308 hours of full sun.

Messina usually gets more rain in July than Coimbra. Messina gets 19 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Coimbra receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Messina 27°C (80°F) 
    Coimbra 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Messina or Coimbra in the Autumn?

Both Coimbra and Messina are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Messina in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Messina is a little warmer than Coimbra in the autumn. The daily temperature in Messina averages around 21°C (69°F) in October, and Coimbra fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

Messina usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Coimbra during autumn. Messina gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Coimbra receives 184 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Coimbra. It's quite rainy in Messina. In October, Messina usually receives more rain than Coimbra. Messina gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Coimbra receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Messina 21°C (69°F) 
    Coimbra 18°C (65°F)

Should I visit Messina or Coimbra in the Winter?

Both Coimbra and Messina during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Messina for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Messina is a little warmer than Coimbra. Typically, the winter temperatures in Messina in January average around 13°C (55°F), and Coimbra averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In the winter, Messina often gets less sunshine than Coimbra. Messina gets 115 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Coimbra receives 124 hours of full sun.

Coimbra gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Messina. Messina usually gets less rain in January than Coimbra. Messina gets 113 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Coimbra receives 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Messina 13°C (55°F) 
    Coimbra 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Messina or Coimbra in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Messina and Coimbra. The spring months attract visitors to Messina because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Messina is generally around the same temperature as Coimbra. Daily temperatures in Messina average around 16°C (60°F), and Coimbra fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Coimbra this time of the year. In Messina, it's very sunny this time of the year. Messina usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Coimbra during spring. Messina gets 207 hours of sunny skies, while Coimbra receives 217 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Messina usually receives less rain than Coimbra. Messina gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Coimbra receives 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for Coimbra and Messina

Messina Coimbra
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 13°C (55°F) 113 mm (4.5 in) 11°C (51°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 98 mm (3.9 in) 12°C (53°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Mar 14°C (57°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 13°C (56°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
May 20°C (67°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 17°C (63°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Jun 24°C (74°F) 14 mm (0.5 in) 21°C (69°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jul 27°C (80°F) 19 mm (0.8 in) 23°C (73°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 24 mm (1 in) 23°C (73°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 22°C (71°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 21°C (69°F) 109 mm (4.3 in) 18°C (65°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Nov 17°C (62°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 14°C (57°F) 128 mm (5 in)
Dec 14°C (57°F) 117 mm (4.6 in) 11°C (52°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)