A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Chania vs. Marbella for Food, Nightlife, Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, and Beaches

Should you visit Chania or Marbella?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Chania or Marbella, 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.

Chania

Chania is a idyllic, charming, and picturesque city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Marbella

Marbella is a fun-filled, high energy, and ritzy resort town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Chania and Marbella: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chania or Marbella?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Chania than Marbella. While Marbella is larger than Chania, Chania has more sights and attractions for tourists. Chania is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, hiking, and big city activities, while Marbella is known for its nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, shopping, and impressive beauty. Chania is popular for its beautiful beaches, impressive historic sights, and diverse local cuisine. It is also home to The Venetian Harbor. Marbella is popular for its luxury hotels, beautiful beaches, and lively nightlife.

How is Chania different from Marbella?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Marbella and Chania. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Chania or Marbella?

Chania is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Marbella does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Chania can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is filled with historic sights such as the Venetian Lighthouse, the Castle of Gramvoussa, the Ottoman Baths, and the Clock Tower. There's also the Archeological Museum, where you can learn about the history of the area.

Marbella does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Chania or Marbella? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Chania is very popular for its restaurants. Also, Marbella is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Chania is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The city is filled with traditional and modern restaurants that serve fresh and delicious dishes. The local cuisine is heavily influenced by the many invaders of the island. You'll note culinary influences from the Venetians, Egyptians, and Ottomans. The island also traded with the Jewish, Arab, and European populations, so they have also influenced the cuisine.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Marbella area. The area is filled with tourists, so finding an authentic dining experience can be difficult. Several favorite dishes include croquetas, boquerones, and pulpo.

Is Chania or Marbella Better for Nightlife?

Marbella is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. Also, Chania is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

People head to Marbella just to party. European tourists flock to the town for its beaches and resorts. The town has a glamorous nightlife scene with exclusive clubs and ritzy cocktail bars, particularly in Puerto Banus and along the Golden Mile.

If you're looking for night time activities Chania has a few options to choose from. The town is more known for its relaxed vibe in the evening than its all-night parties. Many visitors enjoy a laid back night in one of the town's many local pubs. You'll find the most charming places tucked away down side alleys in the old town.

Is Chania or Marbella Better for Music?

Marbella is well known for its music scene. However, Chania is not a live music destination.

Music is a popular form of entertainment in Marbella. Some of the best music venues include Starlite, Kitch Social Club, and Momento.

Chania is not a live music destination.

Is Chania or Marbella Better for Resorts?

Marbella is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Chania is not a resort destination.

Marbella offers an unforgettable resort vacation. From luxury to family-friendly, this area has plenty of resorts to choose from. Popular resorts in the area include Marbella Club Hotel, Puente Romano Marbella, and Don Carlos Resort and Spa.

Chania is not a resort destination.

Is Chania or Marbella Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Marbella is a world-class destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. Also, Chania is still popular, but not quite as popular for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling.

People travel to Marbella specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. There are more than 100 dive sights and endless snorkeling opportunities in the area. There are deep offshore reefs that you can explore as well as shallower wrecks and caves.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Chania. There are snorkeling trips from town that take you to some of the better snorkeling sights in the area.

Is Chania or Marbella Better for Beaches?

Both Chania and Marbella have amazing beaches worth visiting.

The beaches in Chania are among the best in the world. You'll find picturesque beaches near town that have white sand or colored pebbles. The beaches range from urban and crowded to hidden gems, but each has striking blue water and the atmosphere of paradise. Favorite beaches in the area include Balos, Falassarna, and Elafonissi.

Marbella is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The area boasts some of the best beaches in Europe. They are hubs of activity with lots of energy, and there are more than 18 miles of sandy beach in the area. Popular options include Guadalmina Beach, San Pedro de Alcántara Beach, and Nueva Andalucía Beach.

Is Chania or Marbella Better for its Old Town?

Chania is a very popular place for its old town. Also, Marbella is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town charm.

Many visitors go to Chania to see the historical old town. Surrounding the Venetian Harbor is the town's old town. It's filled with restaurants, shops, and cafes that offer a quaint atmosphere for visitors.

Marbella offers a nice historic old town area. Head into the old town to explore a quaint area with small, meandering streets, churches, restaurants, shops, and cafes.

Is Chania or Marbella Better for Hiking?

Chania is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Marbella is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Chania. Outside of town there are many hikes that take you through beautiful gorges, along the scenic coastline, or through the unique countryside.

Marbella is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chania or Marbella?

Marbella is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Chania is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Marbella is a world class destination for shoppers. This area attracts vacationers from around Europe and the shopping is some of the best in Europe.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Chania. Head to the old town to browse shops selling local favorites such as traditional island knives and locally made ceramics. There are also jewelry boutiques and other clothing shops around town.

Is Chania or Marbella Better for Families?

Chania and Marbella are both superb destinations for the whole family.

Chania is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy exploring the old town, with its many markets and shops. Wandering around the harbor is also a highlight for many families. There are also several kid-friendly museums such as the Minoan's World 3D Museum and 9D Cinema, the Maritime Museum, and the Archaeological Museum of Chania. There are also kid-friendly activities just outside of town like a visit to Lake Kournas or any of the nearby archeological sites.

Marbella is a very family-friendly destination. The area has beautiful, family-friendly beaches and many resorts with pools that are great for kids.

Is Chania or Marbella Better for Couples?

Marbella is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Chania is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Marbella has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. The area has luxury resorts, nice beaches, water sports, golf, and water activities that are perfect for a honeymoon or a romantic weekend or a honeymoon.

Chania is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The old town, waterfront harbor, and outstanding restaurants make this a great place to stop on any romantic trip.

Is Chania or Marbella Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chania is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Marbella is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Chania. There is no shortage of hostels around town that make this an affordable place to stay for backpackers.

Marbella is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a few good hostels in the area for backpackers who want to enjoy this part of Spain's cost. There's also a lively nightlife scene and plenty of opportunities to meet others.

Is Chania or Marbella Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Chania is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Marbella is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Chania has some public transit options. KTEL bus service operates routes both within town and to nearby localities.

Public transit is generally limited in Marbella. There is a bus system through the area, but most visitors prefer to get around by car.

Is Chania or Marbella a more walkable city?

Chania and Marbella both are superb when exploring on foot.

Chania is a very walkable destination. The historic center and harbor areas are compact and walkable. There are some beaches outside of town that can be walked to as well if necessary.

Marbella is very walkable. The old town is particularly walkable and there are a number of hotels and nice resorts within a short walk of the town along a nice promenade.

For even more information, also check out Is Chania Worth Visiting? and Is Marbella Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Marbella or Chania?

How long in Chania or Marbella?

In either Chania or Marbella, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Marbella than Chania because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Chania, and 2-5 days is enough time in Marbella.

Families should spend more time in Chania than Marbella. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Chania, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Marbella than Chania. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Marbella that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Chania than Marbella if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Chania.

One day in Chania or Marbella?

The city of Chania offers museums and nightlife. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Marbella. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Chania or Marbella?

Chania is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Marbella is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Chania or Marbella?

Chania is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Marbella. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Chania or Marbella?

Chania is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the high energy destination of Marbella. This resort town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Greece, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Greece, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chania and Marbella, we can see that Marbella is more expensive. And not only is Chania much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Chania would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chania and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Marbella would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Marbella than you might in Chania.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Chania Expensive? and Is Marbella Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Chania or Marbella?

Marbella has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Chania. When comparing the sizes of Chania and Marbella, 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 Chania or Marbella?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Chania or Marbella in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Chania as well as Marbella. The summer months attract visitors to Chania because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Marbella this time of year.

In July, Chania is generally around the same temperature as Marbella. Daily temperatures in Chania average around 26°C (80°F), and Marbella fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marbella. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chania this time of the year. In the summer, Chania often gets more sunshine than Marbella. Chania gets 380 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marbella receives 348 hours of full sun.

Chania usually gets less rain in July than Marbella. Chania gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Marbella receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chania or Marbella in the Autumn?

Both Marbella and Chania are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene are the main draw to Chania this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Marbella for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Chania is around the same temperature as Marbella in the autumn. The daily temperature in Chania averages around 20°C (68°F) in October, and Marbella fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

It's quite sunny in Marbella. Chania usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Marbella during autumn. Chania gets 198 hours of sunny skies, while Marbella receives 213 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Chania usually receives more rain than Marbella. Chania gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Marbella receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Chania or Marbella in the Winter?

Both Marbella and Chania during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Chania for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Marbella in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In the winter, Chania is around the same temperature as Marbella. Typically, the winter temperatures in Chania in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Marbella averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In the winter, Chania often gets less sunshine than Marbella. Chania gets 118 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marbella receives 171 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Chania. Chania usually gets more rain in January than Marbella. Chania gets 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Marbella receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chania or Marbella in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Chania and Marbella. Many visitors come to Chania in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Marbella for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Chania is generally around the same temperature as Marbella. Daily temperatures in Chania average around 17°C (62°F), and Marbella fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marbella this time of the year. In Chania, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chania usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Marbella during spring. Chania gets 237 hours of sunny skies, while Marbella receives 220 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Chania usually receives less rain than Marbella. Chania gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Marbella receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Marbella and Chania