Business Class Flights to Coimbra, Portugal

For tourists interested in history, Coimbra is a city rich with connections to the past and modern flair. Coimbra’s history dates back to the ancient Romans. The Romans’ presence in the area can still be seen in the architectural remains of an aqueduct and other structures. The city is also known for its medieval architecture, much of which is located in the city’s Old Town.

Many of the people who book flights to Coimbra, Portugal, are students who attend the University of Coimbra, which has an enrollment of 28,000. Founded in 1290, it is the oldest university in Portugal as well as the oldest Portuguese language educational institution in the world. The University of Coimbra is also a popular tourist attraction as its historic campus is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Travelers looking to book flights to Coimbra can choose to arrive at one of several nearby airports. The largest international airport serving the region is Humberto Delgado International Airport in Lisbon (LIS). Located about 1.5 hours from Coimbra by train, this airport serves flights from cities around the world on a number of airlines. Cheap flights to Coimbra via Humberto Delgado International Airport are available on low-cost carriers such as Smartwings and Ryanair.

Other regional airports offering Coimbra flights are Francisco Sa Carneiro International Airport in Porto (OPO) and Goncalves Lobato International Airport in Viseu (VSE). Both of these airports are also within a two-hour train ride of Coimbra. Though extra travel is needed beyond just a flight to Coimbra, the sights and culture are revered among travelers.

In addition to the University of Coimbra, tourists often explore the Old Cathedral of Coimbra, which was built in the 12th century. This Roman-style cathedral serves as the final resting place for the first count of Coimbra and is one of the few remaining Romanesque cathedrals of its era in Portugal. Though it has been added onto over the centuries, many of its original elements and inspirations are surprisingly intact.

For religious visitors who book cheap flights to Coimbra, the Machado de Castro National Museum boasts one of the most extensive collections of sculptures across Portugal, as well an expansive selection of religious artwork.

Near the University of Coimbra is the Torre de Anto, which in another life was a medieval tower that today serves as a branch of Coimbra’s historic museums. Within this tower are exhibits on music and the rich history serenades and compositions have played in the city. At night, near this area and many of the other cafes within the city, tourists may even catch a Fado show, which is a cultural music that originated in Lisbon and found a home in Coimbra. Known as the Portuguese Blues, this type of music deals with heartache and loss, particularly with adventurers who met their fate (which is what “fado” translates to).

In addition to students, business travelers make up a large number of travelers who book tickets to Coimbra. The city is home to companies in the engineering and aerospace industries as well as to pharmaceutical manufacturers and food processing companies. Traditional businesses are also an important part of Coimbra’s economy. These include handcrafts makers who produce goods such as pottery, textiles, and tapestries.

Notable people from Coimbra include author and poet Miguel Torga, whose work was nominated for the Nobel Prize in literature; classical guitarist Carlos Paredes; and several Portuguese kings, including King Afonso Henriques, the first King of Portugal, crowned in 1109.