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

Should you visit Malaga or Livorno?

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 Livorno. 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 beautiful, friendly, and welcoming port city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and live music.

Livorno

Livorno is a waterfront, friendly, and down-to-earth port 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, shopping, and nightlife.

Malaga and Livorno: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Malaga or Livorno?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Malaga than Livorno, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Malaga is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Livorno is known for its museums and big city activities. Malaga is more touristy than Livorno and is popular for its perfect blend of sandy beaches, beautiful culture, fascinating history, and a lively nightlife scene. It is also home to The Alcazaba. Livorno is popular for its large port and its great seafood.

How is Malaga different from Livorno?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Livorno is a moderate port city for its sights and museums. However, Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

Livorno offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. The waterfront promenade and New Venice are nice to explore. There's an aquarium in town as well as a fun central market.

Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Malaga is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Livorno is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Livorno offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. As a port city, this is the place to try seafood. Many dishes include calamari, shrimp, or freshly caught fish. The city is less touristy than most in Italy, so even the food has an authentic and down-to-earth vibe.

Is Malaga or Livorno Better for Nightlife?

Malaga is renowned for its evening party scene. Also, Livorno is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for nightlife.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Livorno. Most visitors arrive by cruise ship, and depart in the evening, but the city is large and for those that stay the night, there are a number of bars and clubs around town.

Is Malaga or Livorno Better for Music?

Malaga is great for its music scene. However, Livorno is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Malaga draws a good crowd. 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.

Livorno is not a live music destination.

Is Malaga or Livorno Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Malaga is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Livorno is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Malaga has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. 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.

Livorno is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Malaga or Livorno Better for Beaches?

Malaga is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Livorno is not a good destination for its beaches.

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

Livorno is a good spot to see the beach. The beaches are pebbly or rocky, so you won't really find a long stretch of sandy beach where you can relax. They can also stay very crowded.

Is Malaga or Livorno Better for its Old Town?

Malaga is great for its historic old town charm. However, Livorno does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Malaga to see the historical old town. 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.

Livorno does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Malaga or Livorno?

Both Malaga and Livorno 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.

Livorno has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The main shopping street in town is Via Grande. It's generally filled with major chain stores and familiar brands.

Is Malaga or Livorno Better for Families?

Both Malaga and Livorno 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.

Livorno is a family-friendly port city. The city has a nice aquarium as well as outdoor recreational activities like cycling and boating. There's a beach and parks where kids can stretch their legs and run around as well.

Is Malaga or Livorno Better for Couples?

Malaga and Livorno 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.

Livorno is a good port city for couples to visit. There are some nice museums as well as parks and boat rides that couples can enjoy. There's also an aquarium and a beach.

Is Malaga or Livorno Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Malaga is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Livorno is not a good destination for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Malaga, as it is a very popular port city for budget travelers. From an endless supply of hostels to plenty of opportunities to meet other backpackers, this is a very backpacker friendly area.

Livorno is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most backpackers skip this city, so you won't find many hostels around town. It's a relatively affordable place to stay with some fun entertainment options if you do pass through.

Is Malaga or Livorno Better for Students?

Malaga is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Livorno is not popular with students.

Malaga is a great port city to visit as a student. 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.

Livorno is not popular with students.

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

Both Malaga and Livorno 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.

Livorno has some public transit options. There are buses around town including lines that run from the central train station to the port.

Is Malaga or Livorno a more walkable city?

Malaga is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Livorno is not as popular, but is still a nice port city 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.

Livorno is somewhat walkable. Parts of the city are walkable, but if you're arriving by cruise ship, you'll want to take a shuttle bus from the port.

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

Should I spend more time in Livorno or Malaga?

How long in Malaga or Livorno?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Malaga or Livorno to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Malaga than Livorno 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 Livorno.

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

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 food and shopping when visiting the destination of Livorno. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Malaga or Livorno?

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.

Livorno 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 Livorno?

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 Livorno. 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 Livorno?

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 food and shopping when visiting the friendly destination of Livorno. This port 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 Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Malaga or Livorno?

Malaga has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Livorno. When comparing the sizes of Malaga and Livorno, 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 Livorno?

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 Livorno in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Malaga as well as Livorno. Many visitors come to Malaga in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Livorno for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Livorno. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malaga this time of the year. In the summer, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Livorno. Malaga gets 348 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Livorno receives 316 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets less rain in July than Livorno. Malaga gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Livorno receives 24 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Malaga or Livorno in the Autumn?

Both Livorno and Malaga are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Malaga for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Livorno because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Malaga is generally a little warmer than Livorno. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 19°C (67°F), and Livorno fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Malaga. Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Livorno during autumn. Malaga gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Livorno receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Livorno. In October, Malaga usually receives less rain than Livorno. Malaga gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Livorno receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Malaga or Livorno in the Winter?

Both Livorno and Malaga during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Malaga because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Livorno this time of year.

Malaga is much warmer than Livorno in the winter. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Livorno fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In the winter, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Livorno. Malaga gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Livorno receives 105 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets more rain in January than Livorno. Malaga gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Livorno receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Malaga or Livorno in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Malaga and Livorno. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Malaga this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Livorno for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Malaga is a little warmer than Livorno. Typically, the spring temperatures in Malaga in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Livorno averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In Malaga, it's very sunny this time of the year. Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Livorno during spring. Malaga gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Livorno receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Malaga usually receives less rain than Livorno. Malaga gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Livorno receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Livorno and Malaga