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

Should you visit Saaremaa or Coimbra?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saaremaa or Coimbra, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Saaremaa or Coimbra?

Saaremaa

Saaremaa is the largest island in Estonia and it has a unique and rural atmosphere that makes it an interesting place to visit. Saaremaa has remained rural and frozen in time due to its isolated location, particularly during Soviet occupation when it was used as a military base. The island still has working windmills, hand placed stone walls, and old stone churches that feel like you've stepped back in time.

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 2-Week Tours from Tallinn, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Estonia, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Portugal, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Portugal.


Which place is cheaper, Coimbra or Saaremaa?

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 Saaremaa is €128, while the average daily cost in Coimbra is €138. 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 Saaremaa and Coimbra in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saaremaa 36
    Coimbra 44
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saaremaa 72
    Coimbra 88
Compare Hotels in Saaremaa and Coimbra

Looking for a hotel in Saaremaa 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 Saaremaa


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: Coimbra Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saaremaa 47
    Coimbra 11
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saaremaa

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


  • Rental Car and Gas for a Day
    34

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Saaremaa or Coimbra?

Prices for flights to both Coimbra and Saaremaa 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
    Saaremaa 63
    Coimbra 83
Typical Food Prices in Saaremaa

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Saaremaa:


  • Salmon
    1.28

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.
    Saaremaa 21
    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 : $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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saaremaa 11
    Coimbra 12

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 Saaremaa 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 Saaremaa Expensive? and Is Coimbra Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Saaremaa or Coimbra?

Coimbra has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Saaremaa. When comparing the sizes of Saaremaa 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 Saaremaa 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 Saaremaa or Coimbra in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saaremaa and Coimbra. Many visitors come to Saaremaa in the summer for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Saaremaa is cooler than Coimbra in the summer. The daily temperature in Saaremaa averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Coimbra fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Coimbra this time of the year. In Saaremaa, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saaremaa usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Coimbra during summer. Saaremaa gets 302 hours of sunny skies, while Coimbra receives 308 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Saaremaa usually receives more rain than Coimbra. Saaremaa gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Coimbra receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saaremaa 17°C (62°F) 
    Coimbra 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Saaremaa or Coimbra in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Saaremaa as well as Coimbra. Most visitors come to Saaremaa for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Saaremaa is much colder than Coimbra. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saaremaa in October average around 8°C (47°F), and Coimbra averages at about 18°C (65°F).

In the autumn, Saaremaa often gets less sunshine than Coimbra. Saaremaa gets 101 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Coimbra receives 184 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Coimbra. Saaremaa usually gets less rain in October than Coimbra. Saaremaa gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Coimbra receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saaremaa 8°C (47°F) 
    Coimbra 18°C (65°F)

Should I visit Saaremaa or Coimbra in the Winter?

Both Coimbra and Saaremaa are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Saaremaa because of the cuisine.

The weather in Saaremaa can be very cold. In January, Saaremaa is generally much colder than Coimbra. Daily temperatures in Saaremaa average around -3°C (27°F), and Coimbra fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Saaremaa usually receives less sunshine than Coimbra during winter. Saaremaa gets 33 hours of sunny skies, while Coimbra receives 124 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Coimbra. In January, Saaremaa usually receives less rain than Coimbra. Saaremaa gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Coimbra receives 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saaremaa -3°C (27°F) 
    Coimbra 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Saaremaa or Coimbra in the Spring?

Both Coimbra and Saaremaa during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Saaremaa this time of year.

It's quite cold in Saaremaa in the spring. Saaremaa is much colder than Coimbra in the spring. The daily temperature in Saaremaa averages around 4°C (38°F) in April, and Coimbra fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In Coimbra, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Saaremaa often gets less sunshine than Coimbra. Saaremaa gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Coimbra receives 217 hours of full sun.

Saaremaa usually gets less rain in April than Coimbra. Saaremaa gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Coimbra receives 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saaremaa 4°C (38°F) 
    Coimbra 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Coimbra and Saaremaa

Saaremaa Coimbra
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -3°C (27°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 11°C (51°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Feb -3°C (26°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 12°C (53°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Mar -1°C (30°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 13°C (56°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Apr 4°C (38°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
May 9°C (48°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 17°C (63°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Jun 14°C (57°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 21°C (69°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 51 mm (2 in) 23°C (73°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Sep 13°C (55°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 22°C (71°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 8°C (47°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 18°C (65°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Nov 4°C (39°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 14°C (57°F) 128 mm (5 in)
Dec 0°C (32°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)