A Travel Price Comparison for Spain Malaga vs. Almeria for Food, Nightlife, Beaches, and Backpackers

Should you visit Malaga or Almeria?

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 Malaga and Almeria. 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.

Malaga

Malaga is a historic, beautiful, and friendly port city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Almeria

Almeria is a cultural, historic, and natural region. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Malaga and Almeria: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Malaga or Almeria?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Malaga than Almeria, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Malaga is more popular for its nightlife, music, scuba diving & snorkeling, and shopping, while Almeria is known for its food, resorts, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Malaga is popular for its perfect blend of sandy beaches, beautiful culture, fascinating history, and a lively nightlife scene. It is also home to The Alcazaba. Almeria is popular for its stunning beaches that feel pristine despite their popularity.

How is Malaga different from Almeria?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Almeria 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 Almeria, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The food is focused on local, fresh ingredients with many traditional recipes that have been passed down for centuries. Popular dishes change with the seasons because they rely so heavily on local produce. Particularly during the winter months you'll find hearty stews like patatas en ajopollo and gurullos con conejo, which is prepared with rabbit. Sardines are also popular year round.

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 Malaga or Almeria Better for Nightlife?

Malaga is a must-visit destination for its evening party scene. Also, Almeria is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Almeria has a few options to choose from. The city's nightlife vibe is about enjoying a cold beer on a terrace with friends. The city has a laid back Mediterranean atmosphere and plenty of terraced bars along the main streets, particularly in old town. With mild temperatures year around, you'll find yourself spending time outside most evenings while you enjoy tapas and drinks with friends. Flamenco and bullfighting are also popular in the evenings.

Is Malaga or Almeria Better for Music?

Malaga is a great destination for its music scene. However, Almeria is not a live music destination.

Malaga has become a hotbed of musicians and artists. 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.

Almeria is not a live music destination.

Is Malaga or Almeria Better for Resorts?

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

Vacationers flock to Almeria for its luxury resorts. Stretched along the coastline you'll find many high end resorts with pools and nice atmospheres. There are all inclusive resorts as well as family-friendly and romantic options to choose from.

Malaga is not a resort destination.

Is Malaga or Almeria Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Malaga is a good destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Almeria is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Malaga. 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.

Almeria is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Malaga or Almeria Better for Beaches?

Almeria 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.

Almeria offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. Outside of town you'll find kilometers of stunning coastline and beaches. There are pristine natural beaches that still feel undiscovered with beautiful long stretches of sand. One of the biggest resort areas is Roquetas de Mar.

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 Malaga or Almeria Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the excellent old town areas in both Malaga and Almeria.

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.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Almeria. The old town is at the cultural heart of the city. It has the most energy during the evenings, as well as many museums and sights worth visiting.

Is Malaga or Almeria Better for Hiking?

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

Almeria is a popular spot for hiking. The area has stunning hikes that run along the coastline or into the beautiful interior countryside. For some of the area's best hikes head into Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park.

Malaga is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Malaga or Almeria?

Malaga is a good destination for its shopping areas. However, Almeria is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors go to Malaga to go shopping. There are a number of shopping areas in the city with both local boutiques and name brands.

Almeria is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Malaga or Almeria Better for Families?

Almeria is a well-known place 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.

Almeria is a very kid-friendly region. The area has many beautiful beaches as well as waterparks, amusement parks, and fun activities like sailing and water sports. There's also a very impressive fort that the kids will enjoy exploring.

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

Is Malaga or Almeria Better for Couples?

Almeria 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.

Almeria is a very popular place to visit for couples. Nature lovers and beach enthusiasts will find this to be the perfect romantic getaway. There are many outdoor activities and places to immerse yourself in nature. A highlight of a trip is a visit to Crystal Cave.

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

Is Malaga or Almeria Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Malaga is a must-visit destination for backpackers. Also, Almeria is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Malaga is a very popular port city to visit for backpackers. From an endless supply of hostels to plenty of opportunities to meet other backpackers, this is a very backpacker friendly area.

Almeria is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There's plenty of affordable accommodation to choose from as well as all kinds of activities that backpackers will enjoy. If you like nature and enjoy spending time outside, then this is your place.

Is Malaga or Almeria Better for Students?

Malaga is a great destination for students. However, Almeria 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.

Almeria is not popular with students.

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

Both Malaga and Almeria offer good public transit options.

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

Almeria has some public transit options. There are a number of bus lines that run through Almeria city and to Cabo de Gata.

Is Malaga or Almeria a more walkable city?

Malaga is a great destination for its ease of walking around. However, Almeria is a region with minimal options for its walkability.

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

Almeria is generally not a very walkable port city. While there are many beautiful walks in the area, if you want to truly explore, you'll likely want to have access to a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Almeria or Malaga?

How long in Malaga or Almeria?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Malaga and Almeria. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Malaga than in Almeria. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Malaga, and 1-3 days is enough time in Almeria.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Malaga than Almeria 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 Malaga or Almeria?

In Malaga, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. This port city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting the destination of Almeria. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Malaga or Almeria?

In Malaga, you'll find shopping and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Almeria 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 Malaga or Almeria?

Malaga is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Malaga has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Almeria. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Malaga or Almeria?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Malaga. In Malaga, you'll find live music and food. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the natural destination of Almeria. This region 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Spain, The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain, The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Malaga or Almeria?

Malaga has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Almeria. When comparing the sizes of Malaga and Almeria, 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 Malaga or Almeria?

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 Malaga or Almeria in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Malaga is around the same temperature as Almeria. Typically, the summer temperatures in Malaga in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Almeria averages at about 26°C (78°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Almeria this time of the year. In Malaga, it's very sunny this time of the year. Malaga usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Almeria during summer. Malaga gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Almeria receives 343 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Malaga usually receives more rain than Almeria. Malaga gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Almeria receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Malaga or Almeria in the Autumn?

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

In October, Malaga is generally around the same temperature as Almeria. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 19°C (67°F), and Almeria fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Almeria. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malaga this time of the year. In the autumn, Malaga often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Almeria. Malaga gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Almeria receives 220 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets more rain in October than Almeria. Malaga gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Almeria receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Malaga or Almeria in the Winter?

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

Malaga is around the same temperature as Almeria in the winter. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Almeria fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Malaga usually receives less sunshine than Almeria during winter. Malaga gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Almeria receives 186 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Malaga usually receives more rain than Almeria. Malaga gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Almeria receives 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Malaga or Almeria in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Malaga is around the same temperature as Almeria. Typically, the spring temperatures in Malaga in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Almeria averages at about 16°C (61°F).

In Almeria, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Malaga. In the spring, Malaga often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Almeria. Malaga gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Almeria receives 235 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets more rain in April than Almeria. Malaga gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Almeria receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Almeria and Malaga