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

Should you visit Palermo 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 Palermo 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: Palermo or Coimbra?

Palermo

Located on its north coast, Palermo is the capital city of Sicily. The city has a lot to offer visitors who decide to venture to this often overlooked part of Italy. There is an interesting history, some unique and delicious food, and a fascinating culture. Prices in Sicily are generally cheaper than elsewhere in Italy. There are a handful of budget accommodation options and plenty of mid range hotels that are spread throughout the city. The rooms are usually comfortable and clean but as always, read reviews before making your reservation.

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


Which place is cheaper, Coimbra or Palermo?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Palermo is €92, 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 Palermo and Coimbra in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Palermo 56
    Coimbra 44
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Palermo 112
    Coimbra 88
Compare Hotels in Palermo and Coimbra

Looking for a hotel in Palermo 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 Palermo


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: Palermo Hotel Prices and Coimbra Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Palermo 5.64
    Coimbra 11
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Palermo

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Palermo:


  • Bus to Monreale
    3.00
  • Bus From Airport
    6.00
  • 90 Minute Bus Pass
    1.30
  • Short Taxi Ride
    4.35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Palermo

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Palermo:

  • Transfers From / to Palermo Airport: $108
  • Transfer from Palermo Airport to Verdura Resort: $214
  • Transfer from Palermo Airport to Palermo: $131
  • Quintocanto Hotel & Spa to Palermo Airport, Private Transfer: $37
  • Private transfer from Palermo airport to ibis Styles hotel or vice versa: $37
  • Private transfer from Palermo airport to Verdura Resort Sciacca or vice versa: $233
  • Private transfer from Palermo airport to Palazzo Brunaccini or vice versa: $37
  • Private transfer from Palermo airport to NH Palermo Hotel or vice versa: $42
  • Private transfer from Palermo airport to Marsala port or vice versa: $109
  • Private transfer from Palermo airport to Hotel Tonic or vice versa: $37
  • Private transfer from Palermo airport to Hotel Politeama or vice versa: $44
  • Private transfer from Palermo airport to Bio Hotel Palermo or vice versa: $37

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 Palermo or Coimbra?

Prices for flights to both Coimbra and Palermo 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
    Palermo 29
    Coimbra 48
Typical Food Prices in Palermo

Some typical examples of dining costs in Palermo are as follows:


  • Sitdown Dinner (for Two)
    32
  • Fast Food Lunch
    5.32

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Palermo

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

  • Street Food Tour: $42
  • Street Food Tour: $65
  • Explore Palermo's with a Food Tour & Pizza Making Class: $68
  • Small Group Night Street Food Tour: $68
  • Pizza and Gelato Cooking Class with Dinner and Wine: $74
  • Palermo Traditional Food Tour: $74
  • Palermo's Delight: Unleash the Secrets of Pizza and Gelato Making: $75
  • Night Street Food Tour of Palermo : $75
  • Secret Food Tours Palermo: $85
  • Street Food Tour in Ballarò and Vucciria Markets: $86
  • Walking Street Food Tour with the Chef: $91
  • Sicilian Cooking Class: $101

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.
    Palermo 17
    Coimbra 18
Typical Entertainment Prices in Palermo

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Palermo are as follows:


  • Capuchin Catacombs (for 2)
    6.00
  • Castello della Zisa Entrance (for Two)
    12
  • Theater Tickets (for Two)
    49

Tours and Activities in Palermo

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Palermo are as follows:

  • 4 Hours Private Architectural Tour in Palermo: $165
  • Agrigento - Private Tour to the Valley of the Temples from Palermo: $295
  • Agrigento Valley of the Temples and Villa Romana del Casale Tour from Palermo: $133
  • Ballaro 'street food market tour & Santa Rosalia Sanctuary: $208
  • Cappella Palatina and Palazzo dei Normanni Tour: $91
  • Captivating Agrigento Sunset Tour of Valle dei Templi: $43
  • Capuchin Catacombs and Monreale Cathedral Private Tour: $192
  • Cesarine: Market Tour & Dining at a Local's Home in Palermo: $152
  • Discover the Charm of A 3-Hour UNESCO Sites Walking Tour: $38
  • Eating Street Food & Market Tour: $117
  • English or Spanish tour to immersive museum + lunch: $37
  • Entrance ticket to the Radici Piccolo Museo Della Natura: $11

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
    Palermo 11
    Coimbra 12
Typical Alcohol Prices in Palermo

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Palermo:


  • Beer
    2.56
  • Bottle of Quality Wine
    11

Sample the Local Flavors in Palermo

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

  • Pub Crawl Palermo: $16
  • Wine Tasting with Snacks at Bottega Monteleone: $41
  • Natural Local Wine Tasting & Sicilian Tapas: $49
  • Natural Wine Tasting with snacks at Bottega Monteleone: $53
  • Eating Palermo Food & Wine Tour: $82
  • 2-Hour Sicilian Cheese and Wine Tasting Tour: $128
  • From Erice and Marsala Day Trip with Wine Tasting: $181
  • Wine Tasting for Small Groups in the Palermo Countryside: $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 comparing the travel costs between Palermo and Coimbra, we can see that Coimbra 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 Palermo Expensive? and Is Coimbra Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Palermo or Coimbra?

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

Both Coimbra and Palermo during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Palermo for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Palermo is around the same temperature as Coimbra in the summer. The daily temperature in Palermo averages around 25°C (76°F) in July, and Coimbra fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In Coimbra, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Palermo. In the summer, Palermo often gets more sunshine than Coimbra. Palermo gets 347 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Coimbra receives 308 hours of full sun.

Palermo usually gets less rain in July than Coimbra. Palermo gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Coimbra receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Palermo 25°C (76°F) 
    Coimbra 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Palermo or Coimbra in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Palermo and Coimbra. Many visitors come to Palermo in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Palermo is around the same temperature as Coimbra. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Palermo in October average around 20°C (67°F), and Coimbra averages at about 18°C (65°F).

In Palermo, it's very sunny this time of the year. Palermo usually receives more sunshine than Coimbra during autumn. Palermo gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Coimbra receives 184 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Coimbra receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Palermo usually receives less rain than Coimbra. Palermo gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Coimbra receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Palermo 20°C (67°F) 
    Coimbra 18°C (65°F)

Should I visit Palermo or Coimbra in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Palermo as well as Coimbra. Most visitors come to Palermo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Palermo is generally around the same temperature as Coimbra. Daily temperatures in Palermo average around 12°C (53°F), and Coimbra fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the winter, Palermo often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Coimbra. Palermo gets 133 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Coimbra receives 124 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Coimbra. Palermo usually gets less rain in January than Coimbra. Palermo gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Coimbra receives 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Palermo 12°C (53°F) 
    Coimbra 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Palermo or Coimbra in the Spring?

Both Coimbra and Palermo are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Palermo because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

Palermo is around the same temperature as Coimbra in the spring. The daily temperature in Palermo averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Coimbra fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

It's quite sunny in Coimbra. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Palermo. Palermo usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Coimbra during spring. Palermo gets 219 hours of sunny skies, while Coimbra receives 217 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Palermo usually receives less rain than Coimbra. Palermo gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Coimbra receives 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Palermo 15°C (58°F) 
    Coimbra 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Coimbra and Palermo

Palermo Coimbra
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (53°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 11°C (51°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Feb 12°C (53°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 12°C (53°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Mar 13°C (55°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 13°C (56°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Apr 15°C (58°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
May 18°C (65°F) 17 mm (0.7 in) 17°C (63°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Jun 22°C (71°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 21°C (69°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jul 25°C (76°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 9 mm (0.3 in) 23°C (73°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 42 mm (1.6 in) 22°C (71°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 20°C (67°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 18°C (65°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 65 mm (2.5 in) 14°C (57°F) 128 mm (5 in)
Dec 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 11°C (52°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)