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

Should you visit Coimbra or Biarritz?

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

Should I visit Coimbra or Biarritz? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Coimbra or Biarritz?

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.

Biarritz

Biarritz is an elegant seaside town on southwestern France's Basque coast that has been a popular resort since European royalty started visiting the area in the 1800s. It is located on France's Atlantic Coast in the Bay of Biscay. Half ritzy coastal resort, half summer surfer's hang-out, the seaside resort of Biarritz has been a favorite seaside getaway ever since Napoleon III and his Spanish-born wife Eugenie arrived during the mid-19th century. To entertain her court, the empress built a grand palace, which is now a luxurious hotel with a Michelin-starred restaurant. Other than this exquisite villa by the sea, the names of the streets in Biarritz also hint at the city's royal past: Avenue de l'Imperatrice, Avenue de la Reine Victoria, and Esplanade Elizabeth II. Mansions decked with steeples and spectacular windows recall the city's 19th-century splendors. Though the royal influence of Biarritz has faded, the city is still a popular tourist destination for those looking for a classic summer holiday. Pristine sandy beaches, beautiful coastal villas, and stylish restaurants offer a sophisticated ambience. Wide seafront promenades and well-placed benches allow visitors to soak up the stunning natural landscape. Biarritz is also the capital of surfing in Europe.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Portugal, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Portugal, The Best Tours for Seniors to France, and The Best Contiki Tours to France.


Which place is cheaper, Biarritz or Coimbra?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Coimbra is €138, while the average daily cost in Biarritz is €156. 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 Coimbra and Biarritz in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Coimbra 44
    Biarritz 74
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Coimbra 88
    Biarritz 148
Compare Hotels in Coimbra and Biarritz

Looking for a hotel in Coimbra or Biarritz? 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 Coimbra


Hotels in Biarritz


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: Coimbra Hotel Prices and Biarritz Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Coimbra 11
    Biarritz 38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Coimbra

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

  • Transfers Aveiro or Coimbra to Lisbon Airport: $159
  • Private transfer in Coimbra City : $95
  • Private Transfer Coimbra to Take Christ's Convent : $274
  • Private Transfer Coimbra to Aveiro Costa Nova : $298
  • Fátima Private Transfer to/from Lisbon: $161

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Biarritz

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

  • Private transfer from Biarritz BIQ airport to San Sebastian: $251
  • Private Transfer from Biarritz city to San Sebastian Airport: $192
  • Private Transfer from Biarritz city to San Sebastian : $193
  • Chauffeured car Transfers to Saint Jean Pied de Port: $191
  • Chauffeured Car Transfers between Biarritz and San Sebastian: $215
  • Arrival Transfer BIQ Airport to Biarritz City by Minivan or SUV: $96

Is it cheaper to fly into Coimbra or Biarritz?

Prices for flights to both Biarritz and Coimbra 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
    Coimbra 83
    Biarritz 59

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Coimbra

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

  • Tomar Cooking Class & Garden-to-Table Meal with Lake Views: $142

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Biarritz

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

  • Gastronomic tour & Food Tour in the Halles de Biarritz: $76
  • Country Food Tour with a true native Basque !: $82
  • Biarritz Guided Walking and Gourmet Tour Food Tour: $101
  • Bayonne Food Tour: Journey Through Flavors (with food and drinks): $114
  • Basque Country Food Tour: $262

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Coimbra 18
    Biarritz 16

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 : $218
  • A tour between Cascades and Schist Villages, Piodão: $155
  • An adventure through the Forest and Palace of Bussaco - Coimbra: $89
  • An adventure through the Schist Villages of Lousã: $89
  • An adventure through the Schist Villages of Lousã (with walk): $155
  • Arista Tour - Penacova Windmills and Landscapes (noon): $89
  • Buggy Tour in Serra da Lousã 2Hours: $143
  • Buracas do Casmilo Private Hiking Tour from Coimbra: $101
  • Coimbra Adventure Discovery and Learning with a Local: $42
  • Coimbra City Tour : $24
  • Coimbra Downhill Tour Highlights History and Student Traditions: $5.96
  • Coimbra Downtown Walking Tour with uptown insights : $5.96

Tours and Activities in Biarritz

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

  • Basque Coast: Private E-Bike Guided Tour: $194
  • Basque Country : Whale and Dolphin Watching Boat Tours: $199
  • Bayonne City Tour: $35
  • Bayonne Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $5.77
  • Bayonne Walking Tour: $30
  • Biarritz City Tour: $35
  • Biarritz Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $5.76
  • Biarritz happiness: Guided tour by Segway/e-bike + Pala: $65
  • Biarritz walking Tours : $30
  • Biarritz, Bayonne, and Basque Country: Private Driving Tour: $1,051
  • 2-Hour Private Guided Walking Tour: $211
  • 2-hour Best Intro Walking Tour with a Local: $152

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Coimbra 12
    Biarritz 8.05

Sample the Local Flavors in Coimbra

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

  • Port Wine Tasting in Coimbra: $72
  • Self-drive Wine Tour in Bairrada Region: $251


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


Which is Bigger, Coimbra or Biarritz?

Coimbra has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Biarritz. When comparing the sizes of Coimbra and Biarritz, 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 Coimbra or Biarritz?

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 Coimbra or Biarritz in the Summer?

Both Biarritz and Coimbra are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Biarritz this time of year.

In July, Coimbra is generally a little warmer than Biarritz. Daily temperatures in Coimbra average around 23°C (73°F), and Biarritz fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Biarritz. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Coimbra. Coimbra usually receives more sunshine than Biarritz during summer. Coimbra gets 308 hours of sunny skies, while Biarritz receives 209 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Coimbra usually receives less rain than Biarritz. Coimbra gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Coimbra 23°C (73°F) 
    Biarritz 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Coimbra or Biarritz in the Autumn?

Both Biarritz and Coimbra during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Biarritz for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

Coimbra is a little warmer than Biarritz in the autumn. The daily temperature in Coimbra averages around 18°C (65°F) in October, and Biarritz fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Coimbra often gets more sunshine than Biarritz. Coimbra gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Biarritz receives 144 hours of full sun.

Biarritz gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Coimbra. Coimbra usually gets less rain in October than Biarritz. Coimbra gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Coimbra 18°C (65°F) 
    Biarritz 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Coimbra or Biarritz in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Coimbra and Biarritz. Also, many visitors come to Biarritz in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Coimbra is a little warmer than Biarritz. Typically, the winter temperatures in Coimbra in January average around 11°C (51°F), and Biarritz averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Coimbra usually receives more sunshine than Biarritz during winter. Coimbra gets 124 hours of sunny skies, while Biarritz receives 85 hours of full sun in the winter.

Biarritz receives a lot of rain in the winter. Coimbra gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Coimbra usually receives less rain than Biarritz. Coimbra gets 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Coimbra 11°C (51°F) 
    Biarritz 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Coimbra or Biarritz in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Coimbra as well as Biarritz. Also, most visitors come to Biarritz for the beaches and the small town charm during these months.

In April, Coimbra is generally a little warmer than Biarritz. Daily temperatures in Coimbra average around 15°C (59°F), and Biarritz fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Coimbra this time of the year. In the spring, Coimbra often gets more sunshine than Biarritz. Coimbra gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Biarritz receives 141 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Biarritz. Coimbra usually gets less rain in April than Biarritz. Coimbra gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Coimbra 15°C (59°F) 
    Biarritz 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Biarritz and Coimbra

Coimbra Biarritz
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 11°C (51°F) 139 mm (5.5 in) 8°C (47°F) 183 mm (7.2 in)
Feb 12°C (53°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 9°C (49°F) 147 mm (5.8 in)
Mar 13°C (56°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 10°C (51°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 77 mm (3 in) 15°C (59°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 20°C (68°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 20°C (68°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Sep 22°C (71°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 18°C (65°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)
Oct 18°C (65°F) 101 mm (4 in) 16°C (60°F) 155 mm (6.1 in)
Nov 14°C (57°F) 128 mm (5 in) 11°C (52°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Dec 11°C (52°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 9°C (49°F) 184 mm (7.2 in)