A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ericeira vs. Malaga for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Ericeira or Malaga?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Ericeira and Malaga can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Ericeira or Malaga?

Ericeira

Beneath an indigo sky, a city perches at the edge of sandstone cliffs that overlook the vast expanse of the Atlantic. A seaside resort and fishing community, Ericeira is located in western Portugal within the municipality of Mafra. A picturesque village, Ericeira is quaint, quiet, and absolutely breathtaking with a population of no more than 10,260. Because of its blue waters and pristine coastlines, it has been named the Surfing Mecca of Europe. The town was a famous summer retreat for the families of Lisbon during the 1940s and 1950s and still remains so today for families beyond Lisbon's borders. Ericeira also has a World Surfing Reserve, the first in Europe and second in the world. Besides the many beaches on Ericeira, including Ribeira d'Ilhas, Pescadores, and Mataduoro, the town also has a park called Parque de Santa Maria as well as an old town center that has a collection of cafes, shops, restaurants, and bars. There are also some important landmarks that can be explored as no more than a brief visit, such as Forte Mil Regos and Casa De Cultura Jaime Lobo E. Silvs. Whether you are a surfer, fisher, or simply a lover of the beach, Ericeira is the perfect place for those who wish to experience the Atlantic like never before.

Malaga

Malaga is a port city in the southern part of Spain. It is the 6th largest city in Spain and the southernmost large city in Europe. Malaga lies on the Mediterranean on the Costa del Sol, only 62 miles east of the Strait of Gibraltar, and 80 miles north of Africa. Malaga's history dates back about 2,800 years, which makes it one of the oldest cities in the world. The archaeological remains and monuments from the Phoenician, Roman, Arabic and Christian eras make the historic center of the city an "open museum", displaying its history of more than 3,000 years. Because of its important cultural infrastructure and the artistic heritage, Malaga has been nominated for the European Capital of Culture. Malaga's most important economic contributors include tourism, technology, and construction, but transportation and logistics are becoming increasingly important factors as well.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Portugal, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Lisbon, The Best Budget Tours to Spain, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Malaga or Ericeira?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Ericeira is €100, while the average daily cost in Malaga is €140. 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 Ericeira and Malaga in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ericeira 51
    Malaga 75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ericeira 102
    Malaga 150
Compare Hotels in Ericeira and Malaga

Looking for a hotel in Ericeira or Malaga? 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 Ericeira


Hotels in Malaga


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: Malaga Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ericeira 25
    Malaga 31

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ericeira

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

  • Transfer Privado de/para Aeroporto de Lisboa para Ericeira: $47
  • Lisbon: Private Transfer between the Airport & Ericeira Area: $75
  • Lisbon Airport Private Transfer: $80
  • Private Transfer To or From Ericeira: $91
  • Transfer from Lisbon Airport to Ericeira: $91

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Malaga

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Malaga:

  • Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Córdoba: $295
  • Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Ubrique: $291
  • Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (Agp) to Granada City: $289
  • Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Ferreirola: $267
  • Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Tarifa: $262
  • Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Adra: $262
  • Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Cortes de la Frontera: $247
  • Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Osuna: $242
  • Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Lanjarón: $242
  • Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to La Mamola: $242
  • Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Granada: $242
  • Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Algeciras: $232

Is it cheaper to fly into Ericeira or Malaga?

Prices for flights to both Malaga and Ericeira 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
    Ericeira 25
    Malaga 35

Typical Food Prices in Malaga

Some typical examples of dining costs in Malaga are as follows:


  • Dinner for 2
    30
  • Dinner for 2
    44
  • Breakfast for 2
    8.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Malaga

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Malaga.

  • Dinner and Show at Alegría Flamenco & Restaurant in Malaga: $65
  • Paella Cooking Class with English Guide in Malaga: $76
  • Paella Cooking Class in Malaga: $84
  • Malaga Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $86
  • Malaga Tapas Cooking Class: $89
  • Andalucia by Sunset - half day tour including dinner and Ronda pickup: $93
  • Sardines On Skewers Show Cooking in Malaga beach: $147

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ericeira 26
    Malaga 31

Tours and Activities in Ericeira

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ericeira.

  • Custom-Tailored Immersive Photo Experiences: $48
  • Highlights & Culinary Kickstart of Ericeira | PRIVATE Tour: $71
  • Ericeira Private Tour: Hidden Gastronomic Gems with lunch: $106
  • Lisbon: Wellington's Defensive Lines Tour: $384

Typical Entertainment Prices in Malaga

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Malaga are as follows:


  • Entrance to Castillos
    7.10
  • Concert
    31

Tours and Activities in Malaga

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Malaga are as follows:

  • Half-Day Luxury Motor Yacht Cruise in Granada: $153
  • Private Tour of Ronda and Setenil de Las Bodegas: $239
  • Sealife Benalmadena Entrance Ticket: $21
  • Winery and Olive Mill Guided and Tasting Tour with Tapas: $120
  • 1 Hour Buggy Safari Experience in the Mountains of Mijas with Guide: $87
  • 1 Hour Buggy Tour Off-Road Adventure in Mijas: $98
  • 1 Hour Quad/ATV Tour Off-Road Adventure in Mijas: $98
  • 1.5-Hour Roman Theater and Alcazaba Castle Walking Tour: $16
  • 1h buggy tour: $115
  • 2 Hour Buggy Tour Off-Road Adventure in Mijas: $142
  • 2 Hour Family Buggy Tour, Off-Road Adventure in Mijas: $163
  • 2 Hour Quad/ATV Tour Off-Road Adventure in Mijas: $142

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ericeira 17
    Malaga 22

Sample the Local Flavors in Ericeira

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Ericeira:

  • Portuguese Wine Tasting - 4 Wines: $43
  • Private Portuguese Wine Tasting - 4 Wines & Snacks: $61

Sample the Local Flavors in Malaga

Also in Malaga, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Malaga Nightlife Pub Crawl Tour with Drinks and Clubs Entry: $17
  • Guided Cellar Tour and wine tasting: $35
  • Frigiliana Small-Group Hike and Wine Tasting Tour from Malaga: $60
  • Evening Tapas Tour and Wine Tasting in Malaga: $87
  • Malaga Wine tour | Visit a white Town & Winery with Wine Tasting: $93
  • Malaga Food Walking Tour with Tapas & Wine Tasting: $98
  • Flamenco, Tapas and Wine Tour: Best of Málaga in one Evening: $104
  • Traditional Malaga Tapas and Wine Tour: $118
  • Axarquia VIP Wine Tour with Gourmet Winery Lunch Experience: $228


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ericeira and Malaga, we can see that Malaga is more expensive. And not only is Ericeira much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ericeira would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ericeira 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 Malaga would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Malaga than you might in Ericeira.

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


Which is Bigger, Ericeira or Malaga?

Malaga has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Ericeira. When comparing the sizes of Ericeira and Malaga, 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 Ericeira or Malaga?

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 Ericeira or Malaga in the Summer?

Both Malaga and Ericeira during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Malaga for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Ericeira is generally around the same temperature as Malaga. Daily temperatures in Ericeira average around 23°C (73°F), and Malaga fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In Malaga, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Ericeira. In the summer, Ericeira often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Malaga. Ericeira gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Malaga receives 348 hours of full sun.

Ericeira usually gets more rain in July than Malaga. Ericeira gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ericeira 23°C (73°F) 
    Malaga 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Ericeira or Malaga in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Ericeira and Malaga. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Malaga because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Ericeira is around the same temperature as Malaga in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ericeira averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Malaga fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malaga this time of the year. In Ericeira, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ericeira usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Malaga during autumn. Ericeira gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Malaga receives 213 hours of full sun in the autumn.

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


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ericeira 19°C (66°F) 
    Malaga 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Ericeira or Malaga in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Ericeira as well as Malaga. Additionally, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Malaga this time of year.

In the winter, Ericeira is around the same temperature as Malaga. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ericeira in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Malaga averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In the winter, Ericeira often gets less sunshine than Malaga. Ericeira gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Malaga receives 171 hours of full sun.

Ericeira receives a lot of rain in the winter. Ericeira usually gets more rain in January than Malaga. Ericeira gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ericeira 12°C (53°F) 
    Malaga 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Ericeira or Malaga in the Spring?

Both Malaga and Ericeira are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Malaga for the beaches and the natural beauty.

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

It's quite sunny in Malaga. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ericeira. Ericeira usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Malaga during spring. Ericeira gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Malaga receives 220 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Ericeira usually receives more rain than Malaga. Ericeira gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ericeira 16°C (60°F) 
    Malaga 16°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Malaga and Ericeira

Ericeira Malaga
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 12°C (54°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Mar 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 14°C (57°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 16°C (60°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 22°C (72°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 25°C (78°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in) 23°C (74°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 19°C (67°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 15°C (60°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 102 mm (4 in)