A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Malaga vs. Figueira da Foz for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Malaga or Figueira da Foz?

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 Figueira da Foz. 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.

Where Should I go: Malaga or Figueira da Foz?

Malaga

Malaga is a port city in the southern part of Spain. It is the 6th largest city in Spain and the southernmost large city in Europe. Malaga lies on the Mediterranean on the Costa del Sol, only 62 miles east of the Strait of Gibraltar, and 80 miles north of Africa. Malaga's history dates back about 2,800 years, which makes it one of the oldest cities in the world. The archaeological remains and monuments from the Phoenician, Roman, Arabic and Christian eras make the historic center of the city an "open museum", displaying its history of more than 3,000 years. Because of its important cultural infrastructure and the artistic heritage, Malaga has been nominated for the European Capital of Culture. Malaga's most important economic contributors include tourism, technology, and construction, but transportation and logistics are becoming increasingly important factors as well.

Figueira da Foz

Located along the glistening waters of the Atlantic Ocean, a bustling city thrives near its shores with towering skyscrapers guarding the city like metallic giants. Figueira da Foz, or simply Figueira, is nestled within the Columbia District and is both a city and municipality. Sheltered by the hills of Serra da Boa Viagem, Figueira is near the mouth of the Mondego River and right beside the Atlantic. Only about 40 kilometers from Coimbra, Figueira has a population of 46,600 and is the second largest city found throughout the region. Because it is a seaside city, Figueira subsists off of Portuguese as well as international tourism, maintaining its pristine beaches, supplying seaport facilities, and a plethora of restaurants, gift shops, cafes, and more. Some of the beaches include Quiaios, Cabedelo, Claridade, Costa de Lavos, Murtinheira, Leirosa, Molhe Norte, Cabo Mondego, and many more. Tourists are also attracted to Figueira because it is a well-known gambling spot in Portugal with the Casino da Figueira da Foz and the Casino da Figueira present and popular. There are also popular landmarks that are recommended by tourists to visit, such as Forte de Santa Catarina and Torre de Relogio. There is also a museum that features the history of the Figueira within the city. Whether you are looking to surf or sight-see, there is much to do in Figueira da Foz, Portugal.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid, The Best 10-Day Tours from Barcelona, The Best Luxury Tours to Portugal, and The Best Budget Tours to Portugal.


Which place is cheaper, Figueira da Foz or Malaga?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Malaga is €140, while the average daily cost in Figueira da Foz is €110. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Malaga and Figueira da Foz in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Malaga 75
    Figueira da Foz 49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Malaga 150
    Figueira da Foz 98
Compare Hotels in Malaga and Figueira da Foz

Looking for a hotel in Malaga or Figueira da Foz? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Malaga


Hotels in Figueira da Foz


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Malaga Hotel Prices and Figueira da Foz Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Malaga 31
    Figueira da Foz 34

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Malaga

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Malaga:

  • Malaga Airport (AGP) to Marbella - Arrival Private Transfer: $44
  • Airport Transfer: Malaga Airport AGP to Malaga by Business Car: $51
  • Airport Transfer: Malaga Airport AGP to Malaga by Luxury Van: $57
  • Airport Transfer: Malaga to Malaga Airport AGP by Business Car: $51
  • Arrival Transfer: Malaga Airport AGP to Malaga by Business Car: $51
  • Arrival Transfer: Malaga Airport AGP to Malaga by Luxury Van: $57
  • Departure Transfer: Malaga to Malaga Airport AGP by Business Car: $51
  • Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) to Malaga Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $37
  • Malaga Airport (AGP) to Granada - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $98
  • Malaga Airport (AGP) to Malaga - Arrival Private Transfer: $36
  • Malaga Airport (AGP) to Marbella - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $87
  • Malaga Airport (Costa del Sol) Private Departure Transfer: $44

Is it cheaper to fly into Malaga or Figueira da Foz?

Prices for flights to both Figueira da Foz and Malaga change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Malaga 35
    Figueira da Foz 41
Typical Food Prices in Malaga

Some typical examples of dining costs in Malaga are as follows:


  • Dinner for 2
    30
  • Dinner for 2
    44
  • Breakfast for 2
    8.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Malaga

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Malaga.

  • Dinner and Show at Alegría Flamenco & Restaurant in Malaga: $65
  • Paella Cooking Class with English Guide in Malaga: $76
  • Paella Cooking Class in Malaga: $84
  • Malaga Tapas Cooking Class: $89
  • Andalucia by Sunset - half day tour including dinner and Ronda pickup: $93
  • Sardines On Skewers Show Cooking in Malaga beach: $147

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Malaga 31
    Figueira da Foz 13
Typical Entertainment Prices in Malaga

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Malaga are as follows:


  • Entrance to Castillos
    7.10
  • Concert
    31

Tours and Activities in Malaga

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Malaga are as follows:

  • Skip the Line: Picasso's Birthplace Museum Entrance Ticket: $4.35
  • Guided Walking Tour of the Old Town of Frigiliana: $5.44
  • Malaga Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Mythological and Historical Tour of Almuñecar: $11
  • Museo Carmen Thyssen de Malaga Entrance Ticket: $12
  • Skip the Line: Malaga Automobile and Fashion Museum Entrance Ticket: $13
  • Guided tour in Ronda: $13
  • Andalucia's City Of Dreams: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Ronda: $15
  • 1.5-Hour Roman Theater and Alcazaba Castle Walking Tour: $16
  • City Sightseeing Benalmadena Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $16
  • Dolphin Sightseeing Boat Tour from Benalmadena: $22
  • Guided Tour and Olive Oil Tasting in Ronda: $22

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Malaga 22
    Figueira da Foz 21

Sample the Local Flavors in Malaga

Also in Malaga, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Malaga Nightlife Pub Crawl Tour with Drinks and Clubs Entry: $17
  • Evening Tapas Tour and Wine Tasting in Malaga: $87
  • Malaga Food Walking Tour with Tapas & Wine Tasting: $98
  • Traditional Malaga Tapas and Wine Tour: $118
  • Axarquia VIP Wine Tour with Gourmet Winery Lunch Experience: $227


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

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


Which is Bigger, Malaga or Figueira da Foz?

Malaga has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Figueira da Foz. When comparing the sizes of Malaga and Figueira da Foz, 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 Figueira da Foz?

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 Figueira da Foz in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Malaga and Figueira da Foz. Most visitors come to Malaga for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Malaga is around the same temperature as Figueira da Foz. Typically, the summer temperatures in Malaga in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Figueira da Foz averages at about 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Figueira da Foz this time of the year. In Malaga, it's very sunny this time of the year. Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Figueira da Foz during summer. Malaga gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Figueira da Foz receives 308 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Malaga usually receives less rain than Figueira da Foz. Malaga gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Figueira da Foz receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Malaga 25°C (77°F) 
    Figueira da Foz 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Malaga or Figueira da Foz in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Malaga as well as Figueira da Foz. The autumn months attract visitors to Malaga because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Malaga is generally around the same temperature as Figueira da Foz. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 19°C (67°F), and Figueira da Foz fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malaga this time of the year. In the autumn, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Figueira da Foz. Malaga gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Figueira da Foz receives 184 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Figueira da Foz. Malaga usually gets less rain in October than Figueira da Foz. Malaga gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Figueira da Foz receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Malaga 19°C (67°F) 
    Figueira da Foz 18°C (65°F)

Should I visit Malaga or Figueira da Foz in the Winter?

Both Figueira da Foz and Malaga are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Malaga this time of year.

Malaga is a little warmer than Figueira da Foz in the winter. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Figueira da Foz fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Figueira da Foz during winter. Malaga gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Figueira da Foz receives 124 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Figueira da Foz. In January, Malaga usually receives less rain than Figueira da Foz. Malaga gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Figueira da Foz receives 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Malaga 12°C (54°F) 
    Figueira da Foz 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Malaga or Figueira da Foz in the Spring?

Both Figueira da Foz and Malaga during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Malaga for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Malaga is around the same temperature as Figueira da Foz. Typically, the spring temperatures in Malaga in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Figueira da Foz averages at about 15°C (59°F).

In Figueira da Foz, 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 Figueira da Foz. Malaga gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Figueira da Foz receives 217 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets less rain in April than Figueira da Foz. Malaga gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Figueira da Foz receives 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Malaga 16°C (60°F) 
    Figueira da Foz 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Figueira da Foz and Malaga

Malaga Figueira da Foz
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (54°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 75 mm (3 in) 12°C (53°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Mar 14°C (57°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 13°C (56°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 15°C (59°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 17°C (63°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 21°C (69°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 25°C (78°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Sep 23°C (74°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 22°C (71°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 18°C (65°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Nov 15°C (60°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 14°C (57°F) 128 mm (5 in)
Dec 13°C (55°F) 102 mm (4 in) 11°C (52°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)