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

Should you visit Malaga or Naples?

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 Naples. 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. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Naples

Naples is a authentic, gritty, and colorful city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Malaga and Naples: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Malaga or Naples?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Naples than Malaga, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Naples is more popular for its museums, food, shopping, and big city activities, while Malaga is known for its nightlife, music, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Malaga is more touristy than Naples and is known for its perfect blend of sandy beaches, beautiful culture, fascinating history, and a lively nightlife scene. Naples is popular for its colorful atmosphere, long running history, and influence on world cuisine as the birthplace of pizza. It is also home to Piazza del Plebiscito.

How is Malaga different from Naples?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Naples is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Naples. Most of the sights are concentrated in the city's historic center. The Naples Harbor is a gateway to the Mediterranean. Also worth visiting are the National Archeological Museum, Capodimonte Royal Palace, Castel Nuovo, and the Catacombs of San Gennaro.

Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Naples 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 Naples, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. As the birthplace of pizza, the city has a well known food reputation. Many local dishes, including an authentic Napoli pizza, use simple flavors such as olive oil, garlic, and tomatoes. The dishes are lighter than their northern counterparts and tomatoes are a very popular ingredient. In addition to the pizza, you should try Lasagna Al Forno Napoletana and Spaghetti Alla Vognole. Also check out a pizza making class.

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 Naples Better for Nightlife?

Malaga is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

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.

Many people head to Naples for the nightlife scene. The nightlife scene includes small bars, wineries, and dance clubs, but much of the energy and activity is actually focused on being outdoors. There is plenty of live music and many nightclubs are actually "disco bars" that are found tucked away in the city's historic center.

Is Malaga or Naples Better for Music?

Malaga is well known for its music scene. However, Naples 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.

Naples is not a live music destination.

Is Malaga or Naples Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Malaga is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Naples 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.

Naples is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Malaga or Naples Better for Beaches?

Malaga is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Naples is not a beach destination.

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.

Naples is not a beach destination.

Is Malaga or Naples Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the great old town areas in both Malaga and Naples.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of 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.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Naples. Most of the city's tourist attractions are found in the historic center, which includes beautiful fountains, grand churches, and an impressive network of catacombs and caves.

Is the Shopping Better in Malaga or Naples?

Naples is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its shopping areas.

Naples is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are shopping streets and districts that have boutique clothing vendors, high end brands, and major chains. There's plenty of diversity in the shopping scene and some of the best shopping areas include Via Toledo, the Chiaia District, and Poggioreale Market.

Malaga has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of shopping areas in the city with both local boutiques and name brands.

Is Malaga or Naples Better for Families?

Both Malaga and Naples 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.

Naples is a family-friendly port city. Despite its rough-around-the-edges reputation, the city actually has some fun kid-friendly activities. As the birthplace of pizza, a childhood favorite, eating is a kid approved activity. You can even try your hand at pizza making classes. Other fun kid-friendly activities include exploring the underground city, going to The Science Centre of Citta della Scienza, and running around Parco di Capodimonte.

Is Malaga or Naples Better for Couples?

Naples 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.

Naples is a very popular place to visit for couples. Dining on pizza, wine tasting, or taking a cruise on the Gulf of Naples all make this city a great couples destination. There are also many romantic day trips in the area, so many couples use Naples as a base for exploring the region.

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 Naples Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Malaga is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Naples is very popular with the backpacker crowd. It's more affordable than most of northern Italy, and it has plenty of hostels to choose from. The city makes a great stop for backpackers who want to see a different part of Italy. While not completely off the backpacker trail, Naples is not inundated with tourists the way some other Italian cities are.

Is Malaga or Naples Better for Students?

Malaga is well known for students. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

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.

It's common for students to visit Naples. It's a large city with a lot to see and do. Students also appreciate the many day trips that are available in the area.

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

Naples is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Naples has some very good public transit options. There's a metro with two metro lines as well as four suburban train lines. There are also funiculars, regional trains, and ferries to the surrounding areas.

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

Is Malaga or Naples a more walkable city?

Malaga and Naples both are great 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.

Naples is a very walkable destination. The historic center is flat and easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Naples or Malaga?

How long in Malaga or Naples?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Malaga and Naples. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Malaga than in Naples. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Malaga, and 1-3 days is enough time in Naples.

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Malaga. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Naples is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Malaga or Naples?

Malaga is a great place to explore. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Malaga. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Naples. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Naples?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the historic destination of Malaga. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the gritty big city of Naples. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Italy, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Malaga or Naples?

Naples has a larger population, and is about 80% larger than the population of Malaga. When comparing the sizes of Malaga and Naples, 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 Naples?

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 Naples in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Malaga and Naples. 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 Naples for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Malaga is around the same temperature as Naples. Typically, the summer temperatures in Malaga in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Naples averages at about 23°C (74°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Naples this time of the year. In Malaga, it's very sunny this time of the year. Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Naples during summer. Malaga gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Naples receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Malaga usually receives less rain than Naples. Malaga gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Naples receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Malaga or Naples in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Malaga as well as Naples. 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 Naples because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Malaga is generally a little warmer than Naples. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 19°C (67°F), and Naples fluctuates around 17°C (63°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 Naples. Malaga gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Naples receives 189 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Naples. Malaga usually gets less rain in October than Naples. Malaga gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Naples receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Malaga or Naples in the Winter?

Both Naples and Malaga are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Malaga because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Naples this time of year.

Malaga is much warmer than Naples in the winter. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Naples fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Naples during winter. Malaga gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Naples receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Naples. In January, Malaga usually receives less rain than Naples. Malaga gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Naples receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Malaga or Naples in the Spring?

Both Naples and Malaga during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Malaga this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Naples for the activities around the city.

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

It's quite sunny in Malaga. In the spring, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Naples. Malaga gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Naples receives 189 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets less rain in April than Naples. Malaga gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Naples receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Naples and Malaga