Which place is cheaper, Coimbra or Portimao?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Portimao 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 Portimao 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: Portimao or Coimbra?
Portimao
The second biggest city in the Alrgarve region of Portugal, Portimao sits on the coast where the Arade River meets the Atlantic Ocean. It is renowned for its fresh fish restaurants and is also a popular destination for beachgoers at the Praia da Rocha to the south of the city.
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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Portugal, The Best Bicycle Tours in Portugal, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Portugal, and The Best Adventure Tours to Portugal.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPortimao €152Coimbra €103
The average daily cost (per person) in Portimao is €152, 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 Portimao and Coimbra in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPortimao €78Coimbra €44
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPortimao €156Coimbra €88
Compare Hotels in Portimao and Coimbra
Looking for a hotel in Portimao 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.
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: Portimao Hotel Prices and Coimbra Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Portimao €37Coimbra €11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Portimao
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Portimao:
- Transfer Portimão - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $59
- Transfer Lagoa - Boavista Golf (Lagos): $60
- Transfer Lagoa - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $41
- Transfer Lagoa - Alamos Golf (Portimão): $34
- Transfer From Portimão Algarve To Lisboa: $244
- Transfer Ferragudo - Boavista Golf (Lagos): $49
- Transfer Ferragudo - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $41
- Transfer Ferragudo - Alamos Golf (Portimão): $34
- Transfer Carvoeiro - Alamos Golf (Portimão): $47
- Transfer Armação de Pêra - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $34
- Transfer Alvor - Boavista Golf (Lagos): $49
- Transfer Alvor - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $58
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: $156
Is it cheaper to fly into Portimao or Coimbra?
Prices for flights to both Coimbra and Portimao 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
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Food Meals for one dayPortimao €45Coimbra €48
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Portimao
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Portimao.
- Algarve wine tour and mountain top trip with lunch or dinner at sunset time: $147
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Portimao €41Coimbra €18
Tours and Activities in Portimao
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Portimao are as follows:
- Kayak Tours to Benagil & Marine caves - From Benagil Beach: $38
- Portimão to Benagil: Adrenaline Wave - 90Mins Cave Tour: $25
- 1 Hour and 30 Minutes Benagil Caves Kayak Tour: $36
- 2 Hours Cruise Portimão to Benagil Cave & Marinha Beach: $27
- Afternoon Sailing and Caves Tour from Portimao: $39
- Albufeira - Salgados Reserve Segway Tour: $65
- Algarve - Exclusive horseriding in Portimao (no experience required): $55
- Algarve Coast Guided Boat Tour: $38
- Algarve Jeep Safari tours: $49
- Alone in Benagil, perfect pictures Kayak tour with @StarToursAlgarve: $60
- Benagil & Marinha Boat Tour: $38
- Benagil Cave Guided Kayaking Tour Caves & Secret Spots : $38
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: $5.43
- Self-Guided Audio Tour of Historical Highlights: $6.99
- Coimbra's Historical Highlights: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
- Tomar: Unveiling the Templar Order with a Self-Guided Tour: $7.59
- Scavenger Hunt and City Highlights Walking Tour: $7.65
- Tomar Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.87
- Coimbra Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.87
- Discover Coimbra's Legacy through a Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- Portugal dos Pequenitos entry ticket: $16
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPortimao €30Coimbra €12
Sample the Local Flavors in Portimao
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Portimao:
- Algarve Wine Tasting & Music Experience: $60
- Algarve Wine Tour of Two Wine Estates: $74
- Algarve wine tour of 2 wine estates and lunch at the countryside: $154
- Alentejo Wine Tour from the Algarve: $210
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
- Self-drive Wine Tour in Bairrada Region: $174
- Full-Day Private Bairrada Sparkling Wine Tour from Coimbra: $178
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Portimao and Coimbra, we can see that Portimao 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 Portimao would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Portimao 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 Portimao Expensive? and Is Coimbra Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Portimao or Coimbra?
Coimbra has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Portimao. When comparing the sizes of Portimao 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 Portimao 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 Portimao or Coimbra in the Summer?
Both Coimbra and Portimao during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Portimao this time of year.
Portimao is a little warmer than Coimbra in the summer. The daily temperature in Portimao averages around 25°C (78°F) in July, and Coimbra fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
Portimao usually gets less rain in July than Coimbra. Portimao gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Coimbra receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPortimao 25°C (78°F)Coimbra 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Portimao or Coimbra in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Portimao and Coimbra. Many travelers come to Portimao for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Portimao is around the same temperature as Coimbra. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Portimao in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Coimbra averages at about 18°C (65°F).
Coimbra receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Portimao usually receives less rain than Coimbra. Portimao gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Coimbra receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPortimao 19°C (67°F)Coimbra 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Portimao or Coimbra in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Portimao as well as Coimbra. Many visitors come to Portimao in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
In January, Portimao is generally around the same temperature as Coimbra. Daily temperatures in Portimao average around 11°C (52°F), and Coimbra fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
It's quite rainy in Coimbra. Portimao usually gets less rain in January than Coimbra. Portimao gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Coimbra receives 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPortimao 11°C (52°F)Coimbra 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Portimao or Coimbra in the Spring?
Both Coimbra and Portimao are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Portimao for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.
Portimao is around the same temperature as Coimbra in the spring. The daily temperature in Portimao averages around 15°C (60°F) in April, and Coimbra fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
In April, Portimao usually receives less rain than Coimbra. Portimao gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Coimbra receives 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPortimao 15°C (60°F)Coimbra 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Coimbra and Portimao
| Portimao | Coimbra | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 11°C (52°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) |
| Feb | 12°C (54°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (56°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (60°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| May | 19°C (65°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Jun | 23°C (73°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (78°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (78°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (58°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 128 mm (5 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (53°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.