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

Should you visit Malaga or Imperia?

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

Imperia

Imperia is a charming, undiscovered, and authentic town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Malaga and Imperia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Malaga or Imperia?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Malaga. Although Malaga and Imperia are both popular with visitors, Malaga has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Malaga is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Imperia is known for its museums. Malaga is more touristy than Imperia and is known for its perfect blend of sandy beaches, beautiful culture, fascinating history, and a lively nightlife scene. It is also home to The Alcazaba. Imperia is popular for its access to the Ligurian coastline.

How is Malaga different from Imperia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Imperia offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several interesting buildings of importance around town.

Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Malaga is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Malaga is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Imperia. Food ranges from typical Italian dishes to local recipes that use local ingredients. Unique ingredients in the area include trumpet zucchini, flat breads, and anchovies.

Is Malaga or Imperia Better for Nightlife?

Malaga is a must-visit destination for its evening party scene. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Imperia. There are some bars and lively restaurants around town where you can spend an enjoyable evening.

Is Malaga or Imperia Better for Music?

Malaga is notable for its music scene. However, Imperia is not a live music destination.

If you love music, you'll find something to enjoy in Malaga. 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.

Imperia is not a live music destination.

Is Malaga or Imperia Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Malaga is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Imperia 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.

Imperia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Malaga or Imperia Better for Beaches?

Malaga is a popular place for the beach. However, Imperia 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.

Imperia is not a beach destination.

Is Malaga or Imperia Better for its Old Town?

Malaga is notable for its historic old town charm. However, Imperia does not have a historic old town.

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.

Imperia does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Malaga or Imperia?

Both Malaga and Imperia are good 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.

Imperia has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are some shopping streets in town that have a mix of local brands and standard clothing shops.

Is Malaga or Imperia Better for Families?

Both Malaga and Imperia are good family-friendly destinations.

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

Imperia is a family-friendly port city. There's some nice walking trails in the countryside that the kids will enjoy.

Is Malaga or Imperia Better for Couples?

Malaga and Imperia both good 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.

Imperia is a good port city for couples to visit. It's a beautiful town with a nice atmosphere that offers a nice break from the tourist crowds.

Is Malaga or Imperia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Malaga is a must-visit destination for backpackers. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit 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.

Imperia is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Accommodation tends to be affordable and there's an off-the-beaten-path vibe that some backpackers will appreciate.

Is Malaga or Imperia Better for Students?

Malaga is notable for students. However, Imperia is not popular with students.

Malaga is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. 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.

Imperia is not popular with students.

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

Both Malaga and Imperia 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.

Imperia has some public transit options. There are buses that connect the city to different areas.

Is Malaga or Imperia a more walkable city?

Malaga is notable for its ease of walking around. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit 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.

Imperia is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are convenient to walk around.

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

Should I spend more time in Imperia or Malaga?

How long in Malaga or Imperia?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Malaga or Imperia to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Malaga than Imperia because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Malaga, and 1-2 days is enough time in Imperia.

Families should spend more time in Malaga than Imperia. 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 Imperia. 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 Imperia 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 Imperia?

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 Imperia. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Malaga or Imperia?

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.

Imperia 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 Imperia?

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 Imperia. 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 Imperia?

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 undiscovered destination of Imperia. This town 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 Walking Tours in Italy, and The Best Luxury Tours to Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Malaga or Imperia?

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

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 Imperia in the Summer?

Both Imperia and Malaga are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Malaga this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Imperia for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Malaga is around the same temperature as Imperia. Typically, the summer temperatures in Malaga in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Imperia averages at about 25°C (76°F).

It's quite sunny in Imperia. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Malaga. Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Imperia during summer. Malaga gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Imperia receives 295 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Malaga usually receives less rain than Imperia. Malaga gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Malaga or Imperia in the Autumn?

Both Imperia and Malaga during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Malaga for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Imperia in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Malaga is generally around the same temperature as Imperia. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 19°C (67°F), and Imperia fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Malaga. In the autumn, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Imperia. Malaga gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Imperia receives 183 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets less rain in October than Imperia. Malaga gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Malaga or Imperia in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Malaga and Imperia. Many visitors come to Malaga in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Imperia for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

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

Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Imperia during winter. Malaga gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Imperia receives 127 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Malaga usually receives more rain than Imperia. Malaga gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Malaga or Imperia in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Malaga as well as Imperia. Most visitors come to Malaga for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Imperia because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Malaga is around the same temperature as Imperia. Typically, the spring temperatures in Malaga in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Imperia averages at about 15°C (58°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malaga this time of the year. In the spring, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Imperia. Malaga gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Imperia receives 198 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets less rain in April than Imperia. Malaga gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Imperia and Malaga