A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lagos vs. Malaga for Nightlife, Beaches, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Lagos or Malaga?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Lagos and Malaga. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Lagos

Lagos is a vibrant, beautiful, and scenic resort town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Malaga

Malaga is a historic, beautiful, and friendly port city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Lagos and Malaga: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lagos or Malaga?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Malaga. Although Lagos and Malaga are popular destinations, Malaga has more sights and attractions for tourists. Malaga is very popular for its nightlife, music, and historical sights, while Lagos attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Lagos is more touristy than Malaga and is known for its dramatic beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant nightlife. Malaga is famous for its perfect blend of sandy beaches, beautiful culture, fascinating history, and a lively nightlife scene. It is also well known for The Alcazaba.

How is Lagos different from Malaga?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both Lagos and Malaga offer a number of excellent restaurants to choose from.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Lagos makes for a great culinary experience. The city offers some of the best food in the Algarve. The old town has plenty of restaurants that are both affordable and high quality. Seafood is the obvious choice, but you'll also find tapas, paellas, and local dishes such as cataplana (a seafood and chorizo stew). Most restaurants serve up a local fish of the day as well as prawns and other seafood items.

Malaga has a huge number of terrific 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 Lagos or Malaga Better for Nightlife?

Malaga is a must-visit destination for nightlife. Also, Lagos is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Malaga is a world class party destination. 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.

Many people head to Lagos for the nightlife scene. The city has a mellow vibe, even at night, but that's not to say there aren't good parties going on, particularly during the peak of the travel season. There's a local charm to the nightlife scene here and you'll likely start to recognize other party-goers. Many of the bars are housed in character-filled old buildings which can feel a bit cramped, but that's all part of the charm.

Is Lagos or Malaga Better for Music?

Malaga is well known for live music. However, Lagos is not a live music destination.

Music is a popular form of entertainment in Malaga. 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.

Lagos is not a live music destination.

Is Lagos or Malaga Better for Resorts?

Lagos is a must-visit destination for its resorts. However, Malaga is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Lagos for its luxury resorts. As a resort town, you'll find no shortage of places to stay in the area. If you don't have a car, your best options are in the historic center. If transportation isn't a concern, then you'll find plenty of great resorts in the Marina, Meia Praia, Dona Ana Beach, Camilo Beach, and Porto de Mós Beach.

Malaga is not a resort destination.

Is Lagos or Malaga Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Lagos is a well-known place 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.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Lagos. With its unique rock formations and caves, there are many spots where you can snorkel or scuba dive nearby. There's also sparkling blue waters and plenty of marine life including lobster, shrimp, anemones, octopuses, and brightly colored fish.

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 Lagos or Malaga Better for Beaches?

Lagos 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.

Lagos offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The beaches are long, flat and sandy with beautifully dramatic rock formations. The largest beach in the area is Meia Praia and arguably one of the best beaches is Praia Dona Ana. For convenience, Praia da Batata is the closest beach to town. Praia de Porto de Mós is one of the more quiet beaches, but it's still along a bus line. For beautiful nature head to either Praia dos Estudantes or Praia dos Pinheiros.

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 Lagos or Malaga Better for its Old Town?

Malaga is well known for its historic old town. However, Lagos does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Malaga. 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.

Lagos does not have a historic old town.

Is Lagos or Malaga Better for Hiking?

Lagos is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Malaga is not a hiking destination.

Lagos is a popular spot for hiking. The city makes an excellent base for exploring some of the nearby hikes and walks. Favorite places to hike include the famous Ponte de Piedade Trail, which is the last part of the multi-day Fisherman's Trail. It takes you by many beautiful rock formations and scenic viewpoints. Another scenic hike is The Alvor Walkways, which is a series of boardwalks through sand dunes.

Malaga is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lagos or Malaga?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Malaga and Lagos.

Lagos is a great destination for shopping. The town has a long history of local artisan crafts. You can head to the seafront promenade and find local traditional items such as ceramics, leather goods, and jewelry.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Malaga. There are a number of shopping areas in the city with both local boutiques and name brands.

Is Lagos or Malaga Better for Families?

Lagos is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Lagos is very family-friendly. You can spend days hanging out on the beautiful beaches, but there are so many other activities that the whole family will enjoy. Explore the caves in kayaks, take surfing lessons, head for the zoo, or go dolphin watching. There are also plenty of playgrounds and kid-friendly restaurants around town.

Malaga is a family-friendly resort town. The city has castles that you can explore as well as a waterpark.

Is Lagos or Malaga Better for Couples?

Lagos is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for couples.

Lagos is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The beaches and hotels in the area offer a truly romantic setting for couples, whether you're on a honeymoon or a couple's weekend getaway. Spend some time on the beach or go kayaking through the caves. Get a spa treatment at a luxury hotel or go wine tasting through the countryside. You can also enjoy the beautiful sunsets on a sunset boat cruise while sipping a glass of local wine.

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

Is Lagos or Malaga Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lagos and Malaga are terrific places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Lagos is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. The area is a favorite for backpackers who come to hang out on the beaches during the day or party late into the night after the sun goes down. There are plenty of hostels around town and many offer a social vibe where it's easy to meet other travelers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Malaga is extremely popular for backpackers. From an endless supply of hostels to plenty of opportunities to meet other backpackers, this is a very backpacker friendly area.

Is Lagos or Malaga Better for Students?

Malaga is well known for students. However, Lagos is not popular with students.

Many students visit 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.

Lagos is not popular with students.

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

Malaga is a good destination for its public transit. However, Lagos is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Malaga, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is an efficient bus system as well as a light metro system.

Public transit is mostly limited in Lagos. The area has buses, but they are limited in where they go. There is also reduced service on weekends and holidays.

Is Lagos or Malaga a more walkable city?

Malaga is well known for its walkability. However, Lagos is not particularly known for its high level of walkability.

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

Lagos is not a very walkable resort town. Most people prefer to have a car as some areas are very hilly and many resorts are outside of town. Depending on your fitness level and motivation, you may be able to get by without a vehicle, but it is generally not recommended.

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

Should I spend more time in Malaga or Lagos?

How long in Lagos or Malaga?

Both Lagos 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 Lagos. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Lagos, and 3-7 days is enough time in Malaga.

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

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

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

One day in Lagos or Malaga?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Lagos. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Malaga, many people enjoy the live music and food that this friendly destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the nightlife. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Lagos or Malaga?

Lagos is a great place to explore. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Malaga. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Lagos or Malaga?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lagos. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Malaga is a fun place to experience. In Malaga, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the nightlife. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Lagos or Malaga?

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the beautiful destination of Lagos. This resort town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

In Malaga, many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife that this beautiful destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the nightlife. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal, The Best Budget Tours to Spain, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lagos and Malaga, we can see that Malaga is more expensive. And not only is Lagos much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lagos would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lagos 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 Lagos.

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

Which is Bigger, Lagos or Malaga?

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

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Lagos or Malaga in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Lagos and Malaga. The summer months attract visitors to Lagos because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Malaga this time of year.

In the summer, Lagos is around the same temperature as Malaga. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lagos in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Malaga averages at about 25°C (77°F).

Lagos gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Lagos usually receives more rain than Malaga. Lagos gets 243 mm (9.6 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Lagos or Malaga in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Lagos as well as Malaga. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Lagos this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Malaga for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Lagos is generally a little warmer than Malaga. Daily temperatures in Lagos average around 26°C (79°F), and Malaga fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

Lagos receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Lagos usually gets more rain in October than Malaga. Lagos gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lagos or Malaga in the Winter?

Both Malaga and Lagos are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Lagos for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Malaga in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Lagos is much warmer than Malaga in the winter. The daily temperature in Lagos averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Malaga fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In January, Lagos usually receives less rain than Malaga. Lagos gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Lagos or Malaga in the Spring?

Both Malaga and Lagos during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Lagos in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Malaga for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Lagos is much warmer than Malaga. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lagos in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Malaga averages at about 16°C (60°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Lagos. Lagos usually gets more rain in April than Malaga. Lagos gets 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Malaga and Lagos