A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Coimbra vs. Plitvice Lakes National Park for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Coimbra or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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

Should I visit Coimbra or Plitvice Lakes National Park? 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park

One of the most beautiful natural sights in Europe, Plitvice Lakes National Park is an area of green forests laced with a system of interconnected turquoise lakes. It was set aside as a national park in 1949, and was later designated an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.

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 10-Day Tours in Croatia, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Plitvice Lakes National Park or Coimbra?

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

  • Coimbra Prices
    Portugal Prices
    Plitvice Lakes National Park Prices
    Croatia Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Coimbra 138
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 154

The average daily cost (per person) in Coimbra is €138, while the average daily cost in Plitvice Lakes National Park is €154. 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Coimbra 44
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Coimbra 88
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 120
Compare Hotels in Coimbra and Plitvice Lakes National Park

Looking for a hotel in Coimbra or Plitvice Lakes National Park? 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Coimbra 11
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Coimbra

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

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Plitvice Lakes National Park

Also for Plitvice Lakes National Park, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • From Plitvice Lakes to Zagreb private one-way transfer: $179

Is it cheaper to fly into Coimbra or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Prices for flights to both Plitvice Lakes National Park 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
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 69

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Coimbra 18
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 34

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 Plitvice Lakes National Park

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Plitvice Lakes National Park.

  • Plitvice Lakes Tour: Secured Tickets, Train & Boat Ride: $42
  • 2 hour Guided Buggy Tour in Plitvice lakes: $118
  • 3,5 hours Guided Buggy Tour in Plitvice lakes: $154
  • 90-Minute Rastoke Guided Walking Tour: $8.35
  • Croatia Walking Tour in a Wonderland: $191
  • E-Bike tour Plitvice Big Waterfall Viewpoints & Tito's Villa: $179
  • Plitvice Lakes Group Walking Tour with Local Guide: $39
  • Plitvice Lakes Guided Tour: $41
  • Plitvice Lakes National Park Admission Ticket: $15
  • Plitvice Lakes Private Tour From Split: $239
  • Plitvice Lakes guided tour: $41
  • Private Guided Fairy Tale Tour in Ogulin: $48

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Coimbra 12
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 14

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 Plitvice Lakes National Park, we can see that Plitvice Lakes National Park 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Coimbra or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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 Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Coimbra and Plitvice Lakes National Park. Furthermore, many travelers come to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Coimbra is around the same temperature as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Typically, the summer temperatures in Coimbra in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park averages at about 22°C (72°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Plitvice Lakes National Park this time of the year. In Coimbra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Coimbra usually receives more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park during summer. Coimbra gets 308 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 266 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Coimbra usually receives less rain than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Coimbra gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Coimbra 23°C (73°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Coimbra or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Coimbra as well as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Additionally, many visitors come to Plitvice Lakes National Park in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Coimbra is generally a little warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Daily temperatures in Coimbra average around 18°C (65°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Coimbra often gets more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Coimbra gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 133 hours of full sun.

Coimbra receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Coimbra usually gets more rain in October than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Coimbra gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Coimbra 18°C (65°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Coimbra or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Winter?

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Coimbra are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the cuisine during these months.

Plitvice Lakes National Park can be very cold during winter. Coimbra is much warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park in the winter. The daily temperature in Coimbra averages around 11°C (51°F) in January, and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

Coimbra usually receives more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park during winter. Coimbra gets 124 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 54 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Coimbra. In January, Coimbra usually receives more rain than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Coimbra gets 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Coimbra 11°C (51°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 1°C (35°F)

Should I visit Coimbra or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Spring?

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Coimbra during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Plitvice Lakes National Park because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Coimbra is a little warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Typically, the spring temperatures in Coimbra in April average around 15°C (59°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park averages at about 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Coimbra. In the spring, Coimbra often gets more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Coimbra gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 163 hours of full sun.

Coimbra usually gets more rain in April than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Coimbra gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Coimbra 15°C (59°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Plitvice Lakes National Park and Coimbra

Coimbra Plitvice Lakes National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 11°C (51°F) 139 mm (5.5 in) 1°C (35°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 12°C (53°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 4°C (39°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 13°C (56°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 8°C (47°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 77 mm (3 in) 17°C (63°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 20°C (69°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 22°C (71°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Sep 22°C (71°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Oct 18°C (65°F) 101 mm (4 in) 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 14°C (57°F) 128 mm (5 in) 8°C (46°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 11°C (52°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 3°C (37°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)