A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Malaga vs. Annecy for Food, Nightlife, Old Town, and Couples

Should you visit Malaga or Annecy?

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 Annecy. 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 beautiful, friendly, and welcoming port city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the live music, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Annecy

Annecy is a breathtaking, quaint, and storybook alpine town. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and shopping.

Malaga and Annecy: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Malaga or Annecy?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Malaga than Annecy, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Malaga is better known for its nightlife, music, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Annecy is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Annecy is more touristy than Malaga and is popular for its charming old town and its beautiful, lakefront, alpine setting. Malaga is well known for its perfect blend of sandy beaches, beautiful culture, fascinating history, and a lively nightlife scene. Also, Malaga is famous for The Alcazaba.

How is Malaga different from Annecy?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Annecy is a good destination for its sights and museums. However, Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

Annecy offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The old town and lakefront setting is what brings the tourists, but there are several unique landmarks around town as well. Palais de l'Île is the most photographed spot in the old town. Also worth visiting are Musée-Château d'Annecy, Eglise Saint-Maurice, and Cathédrale Saint-Pierre.

Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Annecy 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 Annecy, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Fresh caught fish and local French specialties make this town a wonderful culinary destination. The old town is filled with restaurants, cafes, and markets where you can enjoy local ingredients. There are many local dishes to try with some of the most popular being Tartiflette, Raclette, and Gratin de crozets. Fondue is also popular. You'll find cheese is a common component in many dishes.

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 Annecy Better for Nightlife?

Malaga is renowned for nightlife and partying. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine town for its evening party scene.

Malaga is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Annecy. There are bars and pubs to visit with one of the most popular bar-hopping streets being Rue Sainte-Claire.

Is Malaga or Annecy Better for Music?

Malaga is a great port city for its live music scene. However, Annecy is not a live music destination.

Malaga has a thriving music scene. 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.

Annecy is not a live music destination.

Is Malaga or Annecy Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Malaga is very good for its diving and snorkeling. However, Annecy is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving 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.

Annecy is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Malaga or Annecy Better for Beaches?

Malaga is very good for the beache. However, Annecy is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Malaga to enjoy the beach. There are some nice beaches around Malaga, but for the best options you'll have to travel further outside of the city.

Annecy is not a beach destination.

Is Malaga or Annecy Better for its Old Town?

Annecy is a must-visit destination for its old town. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its historic old town charm.

The rich history of Annecy can be explored in its historical center. This is among the most beautiful old towns in Europe. It sits along the banks of Lake Annecy and the water integrates beautifully into the setting.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

Is Malaga or Annecy Better for Hiking?

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

Annecy is a popular spot for hiking. There are a range of hikes just out of town that cover all ability levels. There are flat, waterfront strolls as well as more strenuous mountain treks. La Tournette is one of the most famous hikes in the area. Other options include Circuit des 3 Croix de Sevrier and Gorges du Fier.

Malaga is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Malaga or Annecy?

Both Malaga and Annecy are notable shopping destinations.

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

Annecy has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Three times a week you can check out the Old Town Market. Another popular shopping street is Rue Royale.

Is Malaga or Annecy Better for Families?

Annecy 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.

Annecy is a very kid-friendly alpine town. Families can enjoy getting out on the lake by renting a boat or going for a swim. Check out Wibit Water Park or let the kids play at Leisure Center Orange Montisel. There's also a great playground for kids right by the waterfront. Hiking and exploring are also fun for the whole family.

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

Is Malaga or Annecy Better for Couples?

Annecy 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.

Annecy is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. It's a romantic French mountain town with beautiful scenery and a wonderful lake. Couples can enjoy outdoor activities or wandering through one of the best old towns in the region. The beauty and natural setting make this a wonderful couples destination.

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 Annecy Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Malaga is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine town for backpackers.

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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Annecy. It's a world class mountain destination that attracts families and vacationers, but there aren't as many hostels around town as backpackers would like.

Is Malaga or Annecy Better for Students?

Malaga is a great port city for its student-friendly activities. However, Annecy is not popular with students.

Malaga is very popular with students. 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.

Annecy is not popular with students.

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

Both Malaga and Annecy offer notable public transit options.

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

Annecy has some public transit options. The Sibra public transport system offers buses that travel through Annecy and around the lake, stopping at many towns along the way.

Is Malaga or Annecy a more walkable city?

Malaga and Annecy both are high quality when exploring on foot.

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

Annecy is a very walkable destination. The old town is filled with pedestrian streets that are perfect to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Annecy or Malaga?

How long in Malaga or Annecy?

It's fun to spend time in either Malaga or Annecy. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Malaga due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Malaga, and 2-4 days is enough time in Annecy.

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

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Malaga. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Annecy might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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.

A weekend in Malaga or Annecy?

Malaga is a great place to explore. Don't miss the nightlife, 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.

Annecy is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. 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 Annecy?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Annecy. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. 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 Annecy?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the welcoming destination of Malaga. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Annecy is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This alpine 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Spain, The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain, The Best Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Malaga or Annecy?

Malaga has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Annecy. When comparing the sizes of Malaga and Annecy, 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 Annecy?

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 Malaga or Annecy in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Malaga as well as Annecy. Many travelers come to Malaga for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Annecy in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Malaga is a little warmer than Annecy in the summer. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Annecy fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Annecy. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malaga this time of the year. In the summer, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Annecy. Malaga gets 348 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Annecy receives 285 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets less rain in July than Annecy. Malaga gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Malaga or Annecy in the Autumn?

Both Annecy and Malaga are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Malaga in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Annecy for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Malaga is a little warmer than Annecy. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Malaga in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Annecy averages at about 14°C (56°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Malaga. Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Annecy during autumn. Malaga gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Annecy receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Malaga usually receives less rain than Annecy. Malaga gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Malaga or Annecy in the Winter?

Both Annecy and Malaga during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Malaga for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Annecy because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Annecy can be very cold. In January, Malaga is generally much warmer than Annecy. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 12°C (54°F), and Annecy fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Annecy. Malaga gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Annecy receives 62 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets more rain in January than Annecy. Malaga gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Malaga or Annecy in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Malaga and Annecy. The spring months attract visitors to Malaga because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Annecy this time of year.

Malaga is a little warmer than Annecy in the spring. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Annecy fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

In Malaga, it's very sunny this time of the year. Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Annecy during spring. Malaga gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Annecy receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Malaga usually receives less rain than Annecy. Malaga gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Annecy and Malaga