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 live music, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Lagos and Malaga: Pros and Cons

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 Lagos or Malaga Better for Food?

Both Lagos and Malaga offer a number of unique 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?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Lagos and Malaga.

Lagos is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

Malaga is a must-see 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.

Is Lagos or Malaga Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

You'll find places where you can go scuba diving or snorkeling in Lagos and Malaga.

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 provides a better beach experience than Malaga.

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.

You can check out the beach in Malaga. 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 Shopping?

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?

Families may find more to do in Lagos than Malaga.

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 offers lots of family activities. The city has castles that you can explore as well as a waterpark.

Is Lagos or Malaga Better for Couples?

Lagos offers a wider variety of romantic activities for couples than Malaga.

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 makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 comparable 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 Public Transit?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Lagos and Malaga.

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

While Malaga offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is an efficient bus system as well as a light metro system.

Is Lagos or Malaga a more walkable city?

Malaga is generally more walkable than Lagos.

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.

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 Lagos.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Lagos is 3-5 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Malaga is 3-7 days.

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 welcoming 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 vibrant 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 historic 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.

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 are around 25°C (77°F), and Malaga is 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. Temperatures in Lagos average around 26°C (79°F), and Malaga stays 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 temperature in Lagos is usually 27°C (81°F) in January, and Malaga stays 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 are around 28°C (82°F), and Malaga is 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