A Travel Price Comparison for Spain Malaga vs. Granada for Nightlife, Old Town, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Malaga or Granada?

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 Granada. 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.

Granada

Granada is a historic, beautiful, and charming city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and shopping.

Malaga and Granada: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Malaga or Granada?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Malaga than Granada. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Malaga is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Granada attracts visitors for its museums, historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty. Malaga is famous for its perfect blend of sandy beaches, beautiful culture, fascinating history, and a lively nightlife scene. It is also well known for The Alcazaba. Granada is famous for its Islamic architecture, charming old town, and the stunningly impressive Alhambra.

How is Malaga different from Granada?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Granada is a must-visit destination for its sights and museums. However, Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Granada are among the most recognizable in the world. Many visitors head to Granada specifically to visit the famed Alhambra. The palace and fortress complex will not disappoint. The gardens are beautifully maintained and the palace is filled with intricate details. It's easy to spend hours wandering around. In addition to The Alhambra, the Granada Cathedral is also impressive to visit. If you have kids or extra time to fill, head to Parque de las Ciencias, which is the city's Science Park.

Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Malaga is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Granada. It's a very touristy city so restaurants can be hit or miss. There are some amazing local eateries, but you'll also find a number of places with lower quality, overpriced food. Classic local dishes include Churros, Plato Alpujarreño, and Habas con Jamón. Tapas are very popular and many restaurants provide free tapas with drink orders. There are also a number of Moroccan restaurants around town.

Is Malaga or Granada Better for Nightlife?

Malaga is a world-class destination for nightlife. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

People head to Malaga just to party. 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.

The people in Granada know how to have a good time. The nightlife scene kicks off around 11 pm, when most people have finished up a late dinner. There's a laid-back atmosphere with pubs, live music, and dance clubs that stay open late into the night. There are several popular streets at night including Calle Elvira, Calle Reyes Católicos, and the Realejo District.

Is Malaga or Granada Better for Music?

Malaga is an excellent place to visit for live music. However, Granada is not a live music destination.

Whether you like big venues or smaller artists, Malaga has diverse options. 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.

Granada is not a live music destination.

Is Malaga or Granada Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Malaga is a popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Granada is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

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.

Granada is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Malaga or Granada Better for Beaches?

Malaga is a popular place for its beaches. However, Granada is not a beach destination.

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.

Granada is not a beach destination.

Is Malaga or Granada Better for its Old Town?

Granada 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 Granada can be explored in its historical center. The Old Town spills out around the Granada Cathedral and is filled with charming pedestrian streets, lively plazas, and many great shops.

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 Granada Better for Hiking?

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

Granada is a popular spot for hiking. Ruta de Los Cahorros is a great hike about 25 minutes outside of Granada that begins in the town of Monochil. It crosses many bridges and weaves through dramatic canyons. There are places where you can wade in the water or check out a hidden waterfall. It's well worth the time and can be reached by taxi or public bus.

Malaga is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Malaga or Granada?

Both Malaga and Granada are nice 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.

Granada has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The town is filled with souvenir shops and places to buy local items. It's fun to wander through the old town and pop into the many different shops.

Is Malaga or Granada Better for Families?

Both Malaga and Granada 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.

Granada is a family-friendly port city. While the highlight of the city is the Alhambra, kids will likely enjoy exploring the shops or seeing a Flamenco show a bit more. Just outside of town is a wonderful hike, Ruta de Los Cahorros. It begins near the town of Monachil which is easily accessible by taxi or public bus. The hike goes through canyons and across bridges and its a wonderful activity for the whole family.

Is Malaga or Granada Better for Couples?

Granada 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.

Granada is a very popular place to visit for couples. It is a beautiful city that is filled with charm and history. Couples will enjoy exploring the Alhambra, taking in a Flamenco show, or sipping Sangria with tapas. The city is incredibly beautiful with stunning views and many great restaurants.

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 Granada Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Malaga is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Granada 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.

Granada is a great port city to visit for backpackers. It's a touristy city and it's a popular destination for backpackers as well. There are plenty of hostels around town and the city has social atmosphere with many opportunities to meet other travelers.

Is Malaga or Granada Better for Students?

Malaga and Granada are both superb destinations for students and younger travelers.

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.

Granada is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. It's a popular study abroad destination. Accommodation for students is usually affordable and this is also a great city for integrating into the local culture. You may even end up with a Spanish roommate.

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

Both Malaga and Granada offer nice public transit options.

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

Granada has some public transit options. There is a comprehensive bus system around town that many tourists take advantage of. Taxis are also very affordable, so for many visitors, that is an easy option.

Is Malaga or Granada a more walkable city?

Malaga and Granada both are superb 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.

Granada is a very walkable destination. Most of the touristy areas are easy to explore on foot, but there are some steep hills so put on your walking shoes.

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

Should I spend more time in Granada or Malaga?

How long in Malaga or Granada?

It's fun to spend time in either Malaga or Granada. 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 Granada.

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

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

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 museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Granada. 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 Granada?

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.

Granada is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the museums, 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 Granada?

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 Granada. Don't miss the museums, 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 Granada?

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 shopping and museums when visiting the charming destination of Granada. This city 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 comparing the travel costs between Malaga and Granada, 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 Granada Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Malaga or Granada?

Malaga has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Granada. When comparing the sizes of Malaga and Granada, 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 Granada?

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 Granada in the Summer?

Both Granada and Malaga during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Malaga this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Granada for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Malaga is generally around the same temperature as Granada. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 25°C (77°F), and Granada fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In Granada, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Malaga. In the summer, Malaga often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Granada. Malaga gets 348 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Granada receives 348 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Granada. Malaga gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Granada receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Malaga or Granada in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Malaga and Granada. Many travelers come to Malaga for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Granada in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Malaga is around the same temperature as Granada in the autumn. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Granada fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Granada 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 Granada during autumn. Malaga gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Granada receives 213 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Malaga usually receives around the same amount of rain as Granada. Malaga gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Granada receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Malaga or Granada in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Malaga as well as Granada. Many visitors come to Malaga in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Granada for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Malaga is around the same temperature as Granada. Typically, the winter temperatures in Malaga in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Granada averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In the winter, Malaga often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Granada. Malaga gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Granada receives 171 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Granada. Malaga gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Granada receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Malaga or Granada in the Spring?

Both Granada and Malaga are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Malaga for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Granada because of the natural beauty.

In April, Malaga is generally around the same temperature as Granada. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 16°C (60°F), and Granada fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

It's quite sunny in Granada. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Malaga. Malaga usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Granada during spring. Malaga gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Granada receives 220 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Malaga usually receives around the same amount of rain as Granada. Malaga gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Granada receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Granada and Malaga