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

Should you visit Playa Blanca 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 Playa Blanca 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: Playa Blanca or Coimbra?

Playa Blanca

Located on the southern tip of the Canary Island of Lanzarote, Playa Blanca is a resort area popular with families and couples seeking a quieter vacation alternative to the lively neighbor resort of Puerto del Carmen. The resort's white sandy beaches are peaceful and sheltered from the higher winds found on other parts of the island. Timanfaya National Park is also nearby, as well as a number of other spectacular volcanic features.

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 3-Week Tours in Spain, The Best Bicycle Tours 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 Playa Blanca?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Playa Blanca is €155, 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 Playa Blanca and Coimbra in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Playa Blanca 81
    Coimbra 44
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Playa Blanca 162
    Coimbra 88
Compare Hotels in Playa Blanca and Coimbra

Looking for a hotel in Playa Blanca 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 Playa Blanca


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: Playa Blanca Hotel Prices and Coimbra Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Playa Blanca 49
    Coimbra 11

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 Playa Blanca or Coimbra?

Prices for flights to both Coimbra and Playa Blanca 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
    Playa Blanca 45
    Coimbra 48

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.
    Playa Blanca 20
    Coimbra 18

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
    Playa Blanca 9.29
    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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Playa Blanca and Coimbra, we can see that Playa Blanca 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 Playa Blanca would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Playa Blanca 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 Playa Blanca Expensive? and Is Coimbra Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Playa Blanca or Coimbra?

Coimbra has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Playa Blanca. When comparing the sizes of Playa Blanca 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 Playa Blanca 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 Playa Blanca or Coimbra in the Summer?

Both Coimbra and Playa Blanca are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.

In the summer, Playa Blanca is around the same temperature as Coimbra. Typically, the summer temperatures in Playa Blanca in July average around 23°C (73°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 Playa Blanca. Playa Blanca usually receives less sunshine than Coimbra during summer. Playa Blanca gets 282 hours of sunny skies, while Coimbra receives 308 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Playa Blanca usually receives less rain than Coimbra. Playa Blanca gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Coimbra receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Playa Blanca 23°C (73°F) 
    Coimbra 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Playa Blanca or Coimbra in the Autumn?

Both Coimbra and Playa Blanca during the autumn are popular places to visit.

In October, Playa Blanca is generally a little warmer than Coimbra. Daily temperatures in Playa Blanca average around 22°C (72°F), and Coimbra fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

It's quite sunny in Playa Blanca. In the autumn, Playa Blanca often gets more sunshine than Coimbra. Playa Blanca gets 224 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. Playa Blanca usually gets less rain in October than Coimbra. Playa Blanca gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Coimbra receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Playa Blanca 22°C (72°F) 
    Coimbra 18°C (65°F)

Should I visit Playa Blanca or Coimbra in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa Blanca and Coimbra.

Playa Blanca is much warmer than Coimbra in the winter. The daily temperature in Playa Blanca averages around 17°C (63°F) in January, and Coimbra fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In Playa Blanca, it's very sunny this time of the year. Playa Blanca usually receives more sunshine than Coimbra during winter. Playa Blanca gets 204 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, Playa Blanca usually receives less rain than Coimbra. Playa Blanca gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Coimbra receives 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Playa Blanca 17°C (63°F) 
    Coimbra 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Playa Blanca or Coimbra in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Playa Blanca as well as Coimbra.

In the spring, Playa Blanca is a little warmer than Coimbra. Typically, the spring temperatures in Playa Blanca in April average around 19°C (66°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 Playa Blanca this time of the year. In the spring, Playa Blanca often gets more sunshine than Coimbra. Playa Blanca gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Coimbra receives 217 hours of full sun.

Playa Blanca usually gets less rain in April than Coimbra. Playa Blanca gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Coimbra receives 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Playa Blanca 19°C (66°F) 
    Coimbra 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Coimbra and Playa Blanca

Playa Blanca Coimbra
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 17°C (63°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 11°C (51°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Feb 17°C (63°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 12°C (53°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Mar 18°C (64°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 13°C (56°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Apr 19°C (66°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 15°C (59°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 0 mm (0 in) 21°C (69°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 0 mm (0 in) 23°C (73°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 0 mm (0 in) 23°C (73°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 22°C (71°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 22°C (72°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 18°C (65°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 14°C (57°F) 128 mm (5 in)
Dec 18°C (64°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)