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

Should you visit Malaga or Kotor?

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 Kotor. 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 historic, beautiful, and friendly port city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Kotor

Kotor is a remote, dramatic, and scenic coastal 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. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Malaga and Kotor: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Malaga or Kotor?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Malaga. Although Malaga and Kotor are popular destinations, Malaga has more sights and attractions for tourists. Malaga is very popular for its nightlife, music, and shopping, while Kotor attracts visitors for its food, resorts, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Malaga is more touristy than Kotor and is known for its perfect blend of sandy beaches, beautiful culture, fascinating history, and a lively nightlife scene. It is also well known for The Alcazaba. Kotor is famous for its medieval old town and its dramatic setting on the coastline surrounded by limestone cliffs.

How is Malaga different from Kotor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Kotor 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 Kotor, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Food is fresh and hearty, with many dishes including meats, cheeses, and bread. Popular local dishes include börek, black risotto, and pasulj (a type of baked beans prepared with meats and spices). Seafood is an obvious choice around town as well. Ask for whatever is fresh and enjoy a delicious meal. There are also a number of dessert cafes where you can enjoy pastries at a very affordable price.

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 Kotor Better for Nightlife?

Malaga is a world-class destination for nightlife. However, Kotor is not particularly known 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.

Kotor doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It has some of the best nightlife in Montenegro, but outside of the summer months you'll find things are very calm. Head to the old town for the highest concentration of bars and clubs.

Is Malaga or Kotor Better for Music?

Malaga is well known for live music. However, Kotor is not a live music destination.

Music is a popular form of entertainment 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.

Kotor is not a live music destination.

Is Malaga or Kotor Better for Resorts?

Kotor is a moderate coastal town for its resorts. However, Malaga is not a resort destination.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Kotor offers a few options. The town has mostly boutique hotels and apartments, particularly if you want to stay in old town.

Malaga is not a resort destination.

Is Malaga or Kotor Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

You'll find nice places where you can go scuba diving or snorkeling in Malaga and Kotor.

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.

Kotor has a few good snorkeling spots. It's possible to book snorkeling trips with a local vendor, or you can pack your own mask and snorkel and venture into the water on your own.

Is Malaga or Kotor Better for Beaches?

Malaga and Kotor both offer nice beaches.

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.

Kotor is a good option for a beach vacation. Like many parts of the Mediterranean, the beaches are rocky and pebbly. Many of the beaches are small and quiet, giving them a personal and discovered vibe which many travelers appreciate.

Is Malaga or Kotor Better for its Old Town?

Kotor 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 Kotor can be explored in its historical center. The city walls and compact historic area make the old town a unique place to explore.

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 Kotor Better for Hiking?

Kotor is a must-visit destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Malaga is not a hiking destination.

Kotor is well-known for its hiking and trekking. The dramatic cliffs and sea views create some of the most beautiful coastal hikes that you'll find. Trails range from walking paths to more strenuous routes like the Ladder of Kotor Hike, which has many switchbacks and stunning views.

Malaga is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Malaga or Kotor?

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

Malaga is a great destination for shopping. There are a number of shopping areas in the city with both local boutiques and name brands.

Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Malaga or Kotor Better for Families?

Both Malaga and Kotor 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.

Kotor is a family-friendly port city. Kids will enjoy wandering the streets of old town, exploring the city's fortress, or making their way around the city walls. There are a few beaches to explore, but they are a bit rocky. It's also fun to get out on the water on a boat ride.

Is Malaga or Kotor Better for Couples?

Kotor 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.

Kotor is a very popular place to visit for couples. The charming old town, picturesque views, and quaint personality of the town make this a great couple's get away. Whether you want to lounge on the water's edge or soak up the unique culture, there are many hidden sides to the coastal town.

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 Kotor Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Malaga is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Kotor is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Malaga is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. From an endless supply of hostels to plenty of opportunities to meet other backpackers, this is a very backpacker friendly area.

Many backpackers visit Kotor. The town is affordable and reasonably accessible, making it a great option for backpackers. It's not as touristy as some of the more popular coastal towns in the area, so you can enjoy a bit of authenticity without spending big bucks.

Is Malaga or Kotor Better for Students?

Malaga is well known for students. However, Kotor 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.

Kotor is not popular with students.

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

Malaga is very good for its public transit. However, Kotor is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Malaga, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is an efficient bus system as well as a light metro system.

Public transit is mostly limited in Kotor. Cars aren't allowed in the old town, but you can travel to nearby town's by bus. Most leave from the town's main bus station with higher frequency during the summer months.

Is Malaga or Kotor a more walkable city?

Kotor is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Kotor on foot. The old town is best explored on foot.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Kotor or Malaga?

How long in Malaga or Kotor?

It's fun to spend time in either Malaga or Kotor. 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 3-4 days is enough time in Kotor.

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

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

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

In Malaga, many people enjoy the live music and food that this beautiful destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the nightlife. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Kotor 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 Kotor?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Malaga. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Kotor is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Malaga or Kotor?

Malaga is a fun place to experience. In Malaga, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the nightlife. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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

In Malaga, many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife that this beautiful destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the nightlife. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Kotor is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This coastal 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 10-Day Tours from Madrid, The Best 10-Day Tours from Barcelona, The Best Luxury Tours to Montenegro, and The Best Budget Tours to Montenegro.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Malaga or Kotor?

Malaga has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Kotor. When comparing the sizes of Malaga and Kotor, 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 Kotor?

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 Kotor in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Malaga and Kotor. Many travelers come to Malaga for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Kotor in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Malaga is generally around the same temperature as Kotor. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 25°C (77°F), and Kotor fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kotor 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 Kotor during summer. Malaga gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 341 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Malaga usually receives less rain than Kotor. Malaga gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Malaga or Kotor in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Malaga as well as Kotor. 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 Kotor for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Malaga is a little warmer than Kotor in the autumn. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Kotor fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kotor. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malaga this time of the year. In the autumn, Malaga often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kotor. Malaga gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 203 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kotor. Malaga usually gets less rain in October than Kotor. Malaga gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Malaga or Kotor in the Winter?

Both Kotor and Malaga are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Malaga for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Kotor because of the cuisine.

In the winter, Malaga is much warmer than Kotor. Typically, the winter temperatures in Malaga in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Kotor averages at about 6°C (42°F).

Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Kotor during winter. Malaga gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 121 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kotor. In January, Malaga usually receives less rain than Kotor. Malaga gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Malaga or Kotor in the Spring?

Both Kotor and Malaga during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Malaga because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Kotor this time of year.

In April, Malaga is generally around the same temperature as Kotor. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 16°C (60°F), and Kotor fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

It's quite sunny in Malaga. In the spring, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Kotor. Malaga gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 194 hours of full sun.

Kotor gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Malaga usually gets less rain in April than Kotor. Malaga gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kotor and Malaga