Help! Coimbra is $$$ in mid-May

Bohemiana · May 8, 2023

We are beginning in Tomar on May 14. I have reservations along the way the next two nights (Cortica and Ansaio). But after that I was planning to book as we go the day prior. However, there must be some major event in Coimbra the rest of that week because everything is booked or $200 or much more per night anywhere within 50+ kilometers of Coimbra. I’m thinking there is no option but to skip ahead. Has anyone else run into this? I’ve researched what is going on that week but don’t find anything specific besides graduation.

thejoker · May 8, 2023

They are expensive because the hugely popular Coldplay are in concert at the big main stadium in Coimbra over that time. Tickets for their concert are even more expensive than accommodation prices - but then again, to see and hear Viva la Vida live,,,

henrythedog · May 8, 2023

Graduation would account for it also. The number of friends and family who will attend from out of town will have booked well in advance.

dougfitz · May 8, 2023

I think you will find that it is the week of the University of Coimbra graduation ceremonies. There are already a range of activities underway. I am staying there with my wife, but we have a long term booking done months ago. We are seeing what I expect are many more families, in addition to the normal tourist traffic, around the university and older sections of the town.

thejoker said:
They are expensive because the hugely popular Coldplay are in concert at the big main stadium in Coimbra over that time. Tickets for their concert are even more expensive than accommodation prices - but then again, to see and hear Viva la Via live,,,

This is part of the graduation celebrations. There are concerts most nights.

thejoker · May 8, 2023

On booking.com Bus Station Suites and Studios, with a fine rating of 8.5 (despite the somewhat unassuming name), is available for 118 Euros for 2 people on May 17.

jungleboy · May 8, 2023

Bohemiana said:
I’ve researched what is going on that week but don’t find anything specific besides graduation.

And there’s your answer. Coimbra is the biggest university town in Portugal and graduation is a huge deal, with street parades and many other activities.

Bohemiana · May 8, 2023

Thank you for the explanation!!

So we made this change…we will walk in May 14 from Tomar to Cortica; May 15 Cortica to Ansaio but then take a taxi to Coimbra for 2 nights before the prices skyrocket. (We just booked for $70 per night in Coimbra). But, after that the entire week is booked or crazy expensive anywhere within 50 miles of Coimbra so we are going to jump to Porto and continue from there up the coastal route. Thoughts?

CPK · May 8, 2023

How long are these ceremonies likely to last? I'd like to stop in Coimbra nearer the end of May but will skip if necessary.

lt56ny · May 8, 2023

The pilgrim hostel in Coimbra was clean and met the needs of a pilgrim and it is exclusively for pilgrims. I like Coimbra very much it is such a lovely city and I am sure with graduation ceremonies taking place it would be a fun and interesting experience.

peregrina2000 · May 8, 2023

lt56ny said:
The pilgrim hostel in Coimbra was clean and met the needs of a pilgrim and it is exclusively for pilgrims. I like Coimbra very much it is such a lovely city and I am sure with graduation ceremonies taking place it would be a fun and interesting experience.

Just to echo @lt56ny, this stretch of the Caminho has albergues, the one right outside Coimbra, one near Mealhada, one in Águeda Take a look at Gronze.com

Camino Portugués Central | Gronze.com

www.gronze.com

Some on the forum have given bad reviews of the Coimbra to Porto stretch, but I enjoyed it very much and would hate to have to hop ahead. Up to youof course.

Bohemiana · May 8, 2023

CPK said:
How long are these ceremonies likely to last? I'd like to stop in Coimbra nearer the end of May but will skip if necessary.

I looked at room rates May 16-21 and everything around Coimbra (even miles away) are $$$. A hostel bunk was $200. Of course places were booked in advance at a more reasonable price but I didn’t think about it. It’s ok—we are taking the train to Tomar, then taking the train to Coimbra before the rates go up and then heading to Porto to begin.

Bohemiana · May 8, 2023

peregrina2000 said:
Just to echo @lt56ny, this stretch of the Caminho has albergues, the one right outside Coimbra, one near Mealhada, one in Águeda Take a look at Gronze.com

Camino Portugués Central | Gronze.com

www.gronze.com

Some on the forum have given bad reviews of the Coimbra to Porto stretch, but I enjoyed it very much and would hate to have to hop ahead. Up to youof course.

Those north of Coimbra we’re already booked during the days we needed.

CPK · May 8, 2023

Bohemiana said:
I looked at room rates May 16-21 and everything around Coimbra (even miles away) are $$$. A hostel bunk was $200. Of course places were booked in advance at a more reasonable price but I didn’t think about it. It’s ok—we are taking the train to Tomar, then taking the train to Coimbra before the rates go up and then heading to Porto to begin.

I see what you mean. Everything seems to be back to normal from 22nd onwards.

Leigh Macklin · May 8, 2023

I found an apartment on Trivago & Bookings that is $104 CAN / nite for an entire apartment. Try booking something like that and then you'll be a savior for another pilgrim or two who can stay with you.

Akbunny59 · May 13, 2023

We are currently in Tomar for 2 nights. There are the celebrations at Fatima this weekend. I think the 'big' day is tomorrow. Will be taking a bus to Fatima to check it out.
Cold Play have picked a good time to hold a concert....!
Both probably explain a hike in prices / availability.
Buen Camino.....

jungleboy · May 13, 2023

Akbunny59 said:
We are currently in Tomar for 2 nights. There are the celebrations at Fatima this weekend. I think the 'big' day is tomorrow. Will be taking a bus to Fatima to check it out.

FYI, the big day in Fátima was today, or perhaps more accurately through the night last night. (I was there yesterday.)

dougfitz · May 14, 2023

Queima das Fitas, the University of Coimbra graduation and associated celebrations such as concerts, sports competitions, etc goes through to 26 May. Fatima pilgrims will have long gone other than some perhaps walking along the CP route and not along the roads. The Cold Play concerts are part of the Queima das Fintas program. Overall, an entirely predictable part of the annual cycle of life in Coimbra.

Enzed · May 14, 2023

Another thumbs up to the coimbra albergue, attached to the monastery.

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Help! Coimbra is $$$ in mid-May

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