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

Should you visit Kos or Malaga?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Kos and Malaga can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Kos

Kos is a cultural, party-hard, and vibrant island. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Malaga

Malaga is a welcoming, historic, and beautiful port city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Kos and Malaga: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Not as popular for scuba diving and snorkeling
  • Less attractive beach


Is there more to do in Kos or Malaga?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kos. Although Kos and Malaga are popular destinations, Kos has more sights and attractions for tourists. Kos is very popular for its museums, food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Malaga attracts visitors for its nightlife, music, and historical sights. Malaga is more touristy than Kos and is popular for its perfect blend of sandy beaches, beautiful culture, fascinating history, and a lively nightlife scene. Kos is famous for its sandy beaches and crystal clear blue water. It is also well known for Asklepieion Archeological Site.

How is Kos different from Malaga?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Kos or Malaga?

Kos
Malaga

Kos is a must-visit destination for its sights and museums. However, Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Kos are among the most recognizable in the world. The small island is packed with archaeological sites and interesting history. Famous places worth visiting include the ruins of Asklepion, the ancient Agora, Roman Odeon, Neratzia Castle, and so many more!

Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Kos or Malaga? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kos
Malaga

Kos is a must-visit destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its restaurants.

Eat your way through Kos, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The cuisine relies heavily on locally harvested ingredients with many dishes featuring cheese, seafood, vegetables, olive oil, and potatoes. The dishes are influenced by Italian and Turkish cuisines and common dishes include moussaka, souvlaki and tzatziki. Popular seafood options are prawns, squid, lobster and octopus. A great way to enjoy a sampling of local dishes is to visit an ouzeri, which is a Greek taverna that serves mezza style meals with small dishes that you can share.

Malaga has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Head to any of the local food markets and seafood shops to try local cuisine. Also make sure you try tapas and a filling Andalusian breakfast.

Is Kos or Malaga Better for Nightlife?

Kos
Malaga

Malaga is very popular for nightlife. Also, Kos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Malaga is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. The city has some of the most active nightlife in Europe. There are plenty of opportunities to party in Malaga and you'll find the most vibrant nightlife in the Centro Historico.

The people in Kos know how to have a good time. For such a small island you'll find a huge party scene during the peak summer months. There are almost nightly parties, beach raves, and late night clubs throughout the summer months. The bars and clubs are mostly concentrated around a couple of streets in the center of Kos Town, but Kardamena is also a lively party area. It's popular with British tourists who head here for the all-night clubs.

Is Kos or Malaga Better for Music?

Kos
Malaga

Malaga is an excellent place to visit for live music. However, Kos is not a live music destination.

Whether you like big venues or smaller artists, Malaga has diverse options. The city has venues that offer pop, rock, blues, soulful, and more. Some of the most popular include ZZ club, Clarence Jazz Club, and Velvet Club.

Kos is not a live music destination.


Is Kos or Malaga Better for Resorts?

Kos
Malaga

Kos is a good destination for its resorts. However, Malaga is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Kos makes a nice vacation spot. It's a smaller island and there aren't as many resorts here as there are on some of the larger Greek islands. Some of the best resort areas include Lamp and Psalidi to the northwest, Tigaki on the west coast (a good option for families), as well as Mastihari and Marmari which both have relaxed atmospheres. The younger crowd often hangs out around Kardemena on the east coast.

Malaga is not a resort destination.

Is Kos or Malaga Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kos
Malaga

Kos is a must-visit destination for its diving and snorkeling. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Kos. There are countless snorkeling sports around the island where you can immerse yourself in the undersea world. Popular snorkeling areas include Camel Beach and Limnionas Beach. Make sure you understand the water conditions before heading into the water.

Malaga has a few good snorkeling spots. Water temperatures are mild enough for diving or snorkeling near Malaga. For the best diving, head to Cala del Canuelo Beach. Closer by, Penon del Cuervo Beach offers diving and snorkeling as well.

Is Kos or Malaga Better for Beaches?

Kos
Malaga

Kos is a must-visit destination for the beache. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for the beach.

Kos offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The island is famous for its beautiful beaches, many of which are sandy with various shades of color. There are touristy beaches with plenty of amenities as well as less frequented beaches that offer a quieter and more remote atmosphere. Some of the most visited beaches on the island include Agios Stefanos, Kardamena, Kefalos and Lambi while some of the more peaceful areas are Cavo Paradiso and Helona Beach.

Malaga is a good option for a beach vacation. There are some nice beaches around Malaga, but for the best options you'll have to travel further outside of the city.


Is Kos or Malaga Better for its Old Town?

Kos
Malaga

Malaga is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town. However, Kos does not have a historic old town.

Malaga is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The city's old town is compact and small, making it a fun place to walk. There are historic buildings, museums, churches, and squares, as well as many restaurants and shops.

Kos does not have a historic old town.

Is Kos or Malaga Better for Hiking?

Kos
Malaga

Kos is a good destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Malaga is not a hiking destination.

Kos offers some nice hiking trails. This is a great walking island with a number of easy walks or hikes that take you along the coastline or through interesting landscapes.

Malaga is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kos or Malaga?

Kos
Malaga

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Kos and Malaga.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Kos. There are a number of traditional items that you can pick up while you're in town. Fun souvenirs include jewelry, leather items, and perfumes.

Malaga offers some nice shopping areas. There are a number of shopping areas in the city with both local boutiques and name brands.


Is Kos or Malaga Better for Families?

Kos
Malaga

Both Kos and Malaga are nice to visit with kids.

Kos is a family-friendly island. It's comparable to other Greek islands when it comes to kids' activities. Kos Town can get a bit lively at night so if you want to avoid the party crowds, then those areas are easily avoided. Popular activities include exploring ancient ruins, going to the Kos Archaeological Museum, visiting The Castle of the Knights, and of course, hanging out at the beach. One of the best family-friendly resort areas is Tigaki along the west coast.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Malaga. The city has castles that you can explore as well as a waterpark.

Is Kos or Malaga Better for Couples?

Kos
Malaga

Kos is a well-known place for its romantic activities. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for couples.

Kos is a very popular place to visit for couples. This small island offers beautiful beaches and plenty of ancient ruins to explore. Kos Town is where you'll find the liveliest atmosphere but for some of the best resorts you'll want to stay in one of the resort suburbs like Lampi or Psalidi.

Malaga is a good island for couples to visit. It has a beautiful coastline and a rich history that makes it unique.

Is Kos or Malaga Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kos
Malaga

Malaga is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Kos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Malaga. From an endless supply of hostels to plenty of opportunities to meet other backpackers, this is a very backpacker friendly area.

Kos is a great island to visit for backpackers. It's a small island but has a few hostels and a variety of apartments available for rent. Despite its small size, there are areas where you'll want to have a car if you wish to explore, but if you stay in town you'll find getting around fairly easy. The island attracts its share of young travelers and you'll find plenty of people to hang out with.


Is Kos or Malaga Better for Students?

Kos
Malaga

Malaga is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Kos is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Malaga. The city has many opportunities to learn Spanish. It's also an affordable city with a young population and a lively atmosphere that appeals to international students.

Kos is not popular with students.

Is Kos or Malaga Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Kos
Malaga

Kos is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Kos has some very good public transit options. Buses connect many of the tourist destinations including beaches, cultural sights, are resort areas.

Malaga has some public transit options. There is an efficient bus system as well as a light metro system.

Is Kos or Malaga a more walkable city?

Kos
Malaga

Kos and Malaga are very good when it comes to walkability.

Kos is very walkable. It's small size means it's possible to explore parts of the island on foot or bicycle. There are some beautiful walks on the island, but some areas will require a car or bus.

Malaga is a very walkable island. It has a very compact and walkable historic center with most of the tourist attractions easily accessible on foot.


For even more information, also check out Is Kos Worth Visiting? and Is Malaga Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Malaga or Kos?

How long in Kos or Malaga?

Both Kos and Malaga have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Malaga than in Kos. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Kos, and 3-7 days is enough time in Malaga.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Malaga than Kos 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 Malaga.


  • How many days in Kos or Malaga? Ideal Length of Stay
    Kos 2-5 
    Malaga 3-7

One day in Kos or Malaga?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Kos. 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.

With shopping and nightlife around the welcoming destination of Malaga, there's plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A weekend in Kos or Malaga?

Kos 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.

Many people visit Malaga for a weekend. With nightlife and live music around the welcoming port city of Malaga, there's plenty to do. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Kos or Malaga?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kos. 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.

With live music and food around the destination of Malaga, there's plenty to do. Many people spend five days here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.


A week in Kos or Malaga?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant destination of Kos. This island 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.

Malaga, a popular port city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Visiting the old town is also a must. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Athens, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Greece, The Best Budget Tours to Spain, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Malaga or Kos?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Kos is €134, 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 Kos and Malaga in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kos 62
    Malaga 75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kos 124
    Malaga 150
Compare Hotels in Kos and Malaga

Looking for a hotel in Kos 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 Kos


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: Kos Hotel Prices and Malaga Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kos 37
    Malaga 31

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kos

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

  • Roundtrip Minivan Transfer to Therma Natural Spa Beach: $24
  • Lido Water Park Admission Ticket with Transfers: $24
  • Paradise Beach Return Transfer: $25
  • Roundtrip Bus Transfer to Mount Zia for Sunset Viewing: $27
  • Catamaran Ferry Transfer to/from Bodrum and Kos : $28
  • Kos Town: Kalymnos & Pserimos Day Cruise & Optional Transfer: $30
  • Kos - Airport Private Transfer: $55
  • Artemis Hamam and Spa with Hotel Transfers Kos Island: $59
  • Private Transfer Kos Airport to Kos Town: $60
  • Kos Hotels to Kos Airport Private One–Way Transfer: $60
  • Kalymnos, Pserimos & Plati Island Cruise with Hotel Transfer: $60
  • Arrival Transfer From Kos Airport : $61

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Malaga

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Malaga:

  • Vip Transfer from Malaga Airport to Algeciras or Tarifa: $150
  • Vip Private Transfer from Malaga Airport to Gibraltar Border: $133
  • Transfer from Malaga Airport to Costa del Sol Hotels (Any Hotel): $42
  • TRANSFER MALAGA AIRPORT from OR to ESTEPONA-PRICE ALL INCLUSIVE: $127
  • Private transfer from Malaga airport to hotels on the Costa del Sol: $110
  • Private Vip Transfer from Malaga Airport to Sevilla: $177
  • Private Transfer from/to Seville to/from Malaga & Stop Alhambra: $233
  • Private Transfer from airport to Malaga : $70
  • Private Transfer from Torremuelle to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $57
  • Private Transfer from Ronda to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $216
  • Private Transfer from Rincón de la Victoria to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $68
  • Private Transfer from Puerto Banús to Malaga (AGP) airport: $128

Is it cheaper to fly into Kos or Malaga?

Prices for flights to both Malaga and Kos 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
    Kos 43
    Malaga 35

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kos

For Kos, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Greek Dinner with Music, Dancing, and Unlimited Wine: $43
  • Tavern Dinner Experience with Greek Dancing and Wine: $66
  • Kos Cooking Classes by Mama Contessa: $87
  • Private Greek Cooking Class in Kos with Lunch: $89
  • Sunset Safari Tour with Dinner: $97
  • Private Cooking Class in Kos, Local Recipes: $98
  • Half Day Wine Tasting with Dinner in Kos: $115

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.

  • Paella Cooking Class in Malaga: $85
  • Malaga Tapas Cooking Class: $90
  • Andalucia by Sunset - half day tour including dinner and Ronda pickup: $94

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kos 33
    Malaga 31

Tours and Activities in Kos

For Kos, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.26
  • Kos Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.61
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt and Walking Tour: $8.14
  • Escape Game and Tour: $8.14
  • Kos Town: Glass-Bottom Boat Cruise with Swimming Stops: $22
  • From Zia Sunset Tour: $27
  • Dory's Glass Bottom Boat Adventure in Pserimos and Pserimos Beach: $30
  • From Kalymnos, Pserimos and Plati Day Cruise: $33
  • Kos Island: 3-Island Wooden Ship Cruise w/ Lunch: $33
  • From the Port of Full Day Boat Cruise to 3 Islands: $33
  • 3-Island Cruise with Greek BBQ Lunch and Swimming: $33
  • Full-Day Tour to Nisyros The Volcano Island: $33

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:

  • Sealife Benalmadena Entrance Ticket: $22
  • 1 Hour Buggy Safari Experience in the Mountains of Mijas with Guide: $88
  • 1 Hour Malaga Panoramic Segway Tour : $39
  • 1.5-Hour Roman Theater and Alcazaba Castle Walking Tour: $17
  • 1h buggy tour: $116
  • 2 Hour Family Buggy Tour, Off-Road Adventure in Mijas: $166
  • 2 Hour Quad/ATV Tour Off-Road Adventure in Mijas: $144
  • 2 Hours Kayak Tour in Cerro Gordo Natural Park, La Herradura: $29
  • 2 hours guided Quad tour in Mijas, Malaga.: $127
  • 3-Hours Catamaran Tour in Malaga with Paella: $50
  • 3-hour Buggy Tour in Almuñecar with Picnic: $210
  • Alcazaba, Gibralfaro and Nasrid Palace in Malaga Private Tour: $276

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kos 19
    Malaga 22

Sample the Local Flavors in Kos

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Kos:

  • Wineries Tour w/ Wine Tastings, Lunch & Transportation: $60
  • Kos Island: Wine Tasting & Zia Village Visit for Sunset: $152

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: $18
  • Frigiliana Small-Group Hike and Wine Tasting Tour from Malaga: $61
  • Winederlust Wine Tasting: $66
  • Sun and Wine Route - Small group, wine tasting and lunch included: $77
  • Evening Tapas Tour and Wine Tasting in Malaga: $88
  • Day trip from White Washed Town, Vineyard & Wine Tasting: $94
  • Malaga Tapas and Wine Tour: $138
  • Axarquia VIP Wine Tour with Gourmet Winery Lunch Experience: $231


When comparing the travel costs between Kos and Malaga, we can see that Malaga 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 Kos Expensive? and Is Malaga Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Kos or Malaga?

Malaga has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Kos. When comparing the sizes of Kos 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.