A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Malaga vs. Caen for Nightlife, Backpackers, Food, and Families

Should you visit Malaga or Caen?

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 Caen. 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 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.

Caen

Caen is a park-filled, important, and historic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the food, museums, and nightlife.

Malaga and Caen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Malaga or Caen?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Malaga than Caen. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Malaga is very popular for its nightlife, music, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Caen attracts visitors for its museums and big city activities. Malaga is more touristy than Caen and is popular for its perfect blend of sandy beaches, beautiful culture, fascinating history, and a lively nightlife scene. It is also well known for The Alcazaba. Caen is famous for its role in World War II and its memorials and historical buildings.

How is Malaga different from Caen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Caen 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 Caen?

Caen is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Caen. There are many monuments around town commemorating the city's long history. You'll want to see Château de Caen, Pegasus Bridge, Mémorial de Caen, Musée de Normandie, and Musée des beaux-arts de Caen.

Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Malaga. 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.

Caen has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There's a market that's at its best on Sundays where you'll find fresh produce and other local ingredients. There are also Michelin starred restaurants, seafood restaurants, and other traditional dishes. Head to the Vaugueux Quarter for traditional dishes.

Is Malaga or Caen Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

Caen has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene stays active thanks to the 30,000 students living in town. Head to the Rue Ecuyère for a pub crawl or hit up any of the other bars around town.

Is Malaga or Caen Better for Music?

Malaga is a very popular place for live music. However, Caen is not a live music destination.

It's worth checking out the music scene in Malaga while you're in town. 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.

Caen is not a live music destination.

Is Malaga or Caen Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Malaga is a good destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Caen 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.

Caen is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Malaga or Caen Better for Beaches?

Malaga is a good destination for its beaches. However, Caen is not a beach destination.

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

Caen is not a beach destination.

Is Malaga or Caen Better for its Old Town?

Malaga is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Caen 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.

Caen does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Malaga or Caen?

Malaga is a good destination for shopping. However, Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Malaga. There are a number of shopping areas in the city with both local boutiques and name brands.

Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Malaga or Caen Better for Families?

Both Malaga and Caen are nice family-friendly destinations.

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

Caen is a family-friendly port city. There are museums, parks, monasteries, and castles that kids and adults alike with enjoy visiting.

Is Malaga or Caen Better for Couples?

Malaga and Caen both nice destinations for a couple.

Malaga makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It has a beautiful coastline and a rich history that makes it unique.

Caen is a good port city for couples to visit. Couples that are fascinated by history will enjoy a visit to this town in Normandy. There are also abbeys, castles and parks.

Is Malaga or Caen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Malaga is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Caen 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Caen. You'll find more apartments and bed and breakfasts than hostels in town, but backpackers still make their way here.

Is Malaga or Caen Better for Students?

Malaga is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Caen 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.

Caen is not popular with students.

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

Caen 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.

Caen has some very good public transit options. There are buses and trams that travel throughout the city.

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

Is Malaga or Caen a more walkable city?

Malaga is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Caen is a somewhat walkable place. The city center is best explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Caen or Malaga?

How long in Malaga or Caen?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Malaga and Caen. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Malaga than in Caen. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Malaga, and 2-3 days is enough time in Caen.

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

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

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

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the destination of Malaga. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Many travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the destination of Caen. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Malaga or Caen?

Malaga is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the nightlife. 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 a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Caen 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 Caen?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the welcoming destination of Malaga. This port city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

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

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the historic port city of Malaga. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the historic destination of Caen. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

When comparing the travel costs between Malaga and Caen, 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 Malaga Expensive? and Is Caen Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Malaga or Caen?

Malaga has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Caen. When comparing the sizes of Malaga and Caen, 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 Caen?

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 Caen in the Summer?

Both Caen and Malaga during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Malaga because of the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Caen this time of year.

In July, Malaga is generally a little warmer than Caen. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 25°C (77°F), and Caen fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In Caen, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Malaga. In the summer, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Caen. Malaga gets 348 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caen receives 227 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets less rain in July than Caen. Malaga gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Caen receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Malaga or Caen in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Malaga and Caen. The shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Malaga this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Caen for the city's sights and attractions.

Malaga is much warmer than Caen in the autumn. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Caen fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In Malaga, it's very sunny this time of the year. Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Caen during autumn. Malaga gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Caen receives 128 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Malaga usually receives less rain than Caen. Malaga gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Caen receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Malaga or Caen in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Malaga as well as Caen. Many travelers come to Malaga for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Caen in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

Caen can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Malaga is much warmer than Caen. Typically, the winter temperatures in Malaga in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Caen averages at about 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Caen. Malaga gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caen receives 70 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets more rain in January than Caen. Malaga gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Caen receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Malaga or Caen in the Spring?

Both Caen and Malaga are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Malaga in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Caen for the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Malaga is generally much warmer than Caen. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 16°C (60°F), and Caen fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Malaga. Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Caen during spring. Malaga gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Caen receives 171 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Malaga usually receives less rain than Caen. Malaga gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Caen receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Caen and Malaga