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

Should you visit Malaga or Piazza Armerina?

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 Piazza Armerina. 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. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Piazza Armerina

Piazza Armerina is a historic, charming, and authentic town. And you can't forget about the food and museums.

Malaga and Piazza Armerina: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Malaga or Piazza Armerina?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Malaga than Piazza Armerina, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Malaga is better known for its food, nightlife, music, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Piazza Armerina is more popular for its museums. Malaga is more touristy than Piazza Armerina and is known for its perfect blend of sandy beaches, beautiful culture, fascinating history, and a lively nightlife scene. Also, Malaga is famous for The Alcazaba. Piazza Armerina is well known for it's local atmosphere and its premiere historic sight - the Villa Romana del Casale.

How is Malaga different from Piazza Armerina?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Malaga
Piazza Armerina

Piazza Armerina 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 Piazza Armerina. Most people head to town specifically to visit Villa Romana del Casale, which is a few kilometers away. It's a beautiful Roman villa that can be explored in a few hours. Also in town is an Aragonese Castle and an 18th century Duomo.

Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Malaga
Piazza Armerina

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

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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.

Piazza Armerina is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Most visitors pass through town, stopping to visit Villa Romana del Casale. There are some pizzerias and other casual restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat.

Is Malaga or Piazza Armerina Better for Nightlife?

Malaga
Piazza Armerina

Malaga is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. However, Piazza Armerina is a mediocre town for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Malaga is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

Piazza Armerina doesn't offer many options. While many tourists pass through town with the intent of visiting the Villa Romana del Casale, most don't linger long enough appreciate the town at night.

Is Malaga or Piazza Armerina Better for Music?

Malaga
Piazza Armerina

Malaga is notable for its live music scene. However, Piazza Armerina 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.

Piazza Armerina is not a live music destination.


Is Malaga or Piazza Armerina Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Malaga
Piazza Armerina

Malaga is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Piazza Armerina is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

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.

Piazza Armerina is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Malaga or Piazza Armerina Better for Beaches?

Malaga
Piazza Armerina

Malaga is a good destination for the beache. However, Piazza Armerina is not a beach destination.

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.

Piazza Armerina is not a beach destination.

Is Malaga or Piazza Armerina Better for its Old Town?

Malaga
Piazza Armerina

Visitors enjoy the excellent old town areas in both Malaga and Piazza Armerina.

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 Piazza Armerina. The old town has a bit of authenticity that is missing from some of the more popular Sicilian cities. While it may feel a little worn to some people, those who like to get away from the souvenir shops will appreciate a visit.


Is the Shopping Better in Malaga or Piazza Armerina?

Malaga
Piazza Armerina

Malaga is a good destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Piazza Armerina is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Malaga offers some nice shopping areas. There are a number of shopping areas in the city with both local boutiques and name brands.

Piazza Armerina is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Malaga or Piazza Armerina Better for Families?

Malaga
Piazza Armerina

Malaga is a good destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Piazza Armerina is a mediocre town for its kid-friendly activities.

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

Piazza Armerina is not always a place people visit with their families. Most people head to the town to explore the Villa Romana del Casale. The beauty and history may not thrill all kids, but if your kids enjoy a bit of history they will likely appreciate a visit. The town also has an Aragonese Castle that you can visit.

Is Malaga or Piazza Armerina Better for Couples?

Malaga
Piazza Armerina

Malaga and Piazza Armerina both notable 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.

Piazza Armerina is a good port city for couples to visit. For history enthusiasts, this is a popular place to visit. Like most visitors, couples will appreciate a visit to the town's main attraction Villa Romana del Casale.


Is Malaga or Piazza Armerina Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Malaga
Piazza Armerina

Malaga is an unbeatable place for backpackers. However, Piazza Armerina is a mediocre town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Malaga. From an endless supply of hostels to plenty of opportunities to meet other backpackers, this is a very backpacker friendly area.

Piazza Armerina is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Although it's a popular tourist destination, there are a limited number of hostels in town.

Is Malaga or Piazza Armerina Better for Students?

Malaga
Piazza Armerina

Malaga is notable for students. However, Piazza Armerina is not popular with students.

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.

Piazza Armerina is not popular with students.

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

Malaga
Piazza Armerina

Both Malaga and Piazza Armerina offer notable public transit options.

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

Piazza Armerina has some public transit options. You can reach the town by bus and once there it's possible to explore on foot.


Is Malaga or Piazza Armerina a more walkable city?

Malaga
Piazza Armerina

Malaga and Piazza Armerina both are excellent 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.

Piazza Armerina is a very walkable destination. You can explore most of the old and new towns on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Piazza Armerina or Malaga?

How long in Malaga or Piazza Armerina?

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

Families should spend more time in Malaga than Piazza Armerina. 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 Piazza Armerina. 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 Piazza Armerina 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.


  • How many days in Malaga or Piazza Armerina? Ideal Length of Stay
    Malaga 3-7 
    Piazza Armerina 1-2

One day in Malaga or Piazza Armerina?

The beautiful destination of Malaga offers live music and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Piazza Armerina. 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 Piazza Armerina?

The port city of Malaga offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Piazza Armerina 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 Piazza Armerina?

Malaga is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. This port city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

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

The historic port city of Malaga offers shopping and nightlife. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. For many, it makes a great getaway for one week. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the historic destination of Piazza Armerina. This town 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 Bicycle Tours in Italy, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Piazza Armerina or Malaga?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Malaga is €140, while the average daily cost in Piazza Armerina is €93. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Malaga and Piazza Armerina in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Malaga 75
    Piazza Armerina 56
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Malaga 150
    Piazza Armerina 112
Compare Hotels in Malaga and Piazza Armerina

Looking for a hotel in Malaga or Piazza Armerina? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Malaga


Hotels in Piazza Armerina


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Malaga Hotel Prices and Piazza Armerina Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Malaga 31
    Piazza Armerina 4.29

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Malaga

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Malaga:

  • Malaga hotels to Malaga Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $19
  • Malaga Port to Malaga Airport (AGP) - Departure Private Transfer: $19
  • Private Transfer from Malaga hotels to Malaga Cruise Port: $19
  • Private Transfer from Malaga Cruise Port to Málaga Airport (AGP): $19
  • Private Transfer from Málaga Airport (AGP) to Malaga Cruise Port: $19
  • Malaga Cruise Port to Malaga Hotels - Arrival Private Transfer : $19
  • Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) to Malaga Port - Arrival private Transfer: $19
  • Private Transfer from Malaga City Center to Malaga Airport (AGP): $31
  • Private Transfer: Malaga to Malaga Airport (AGP): $33
  • Private One Way Airport Transfer (Malaga Airport To/From Malaga): $34
  • Malaga Airport (AGP) to Malaga - Arrival Private Transfer: $36
  • Malaga to Malaga Airport (AGP) - Departure Private Transfer: $36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Piazza Armerina

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Piazza Armerina:

  • From Catania: Return Transfer to Piazza Armerina & Agrigento: $106

Is it cheaper to fly into Malaga or Piazza Armerina?

Prices for flights to both Piazza Armerina and Malaga change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Malaga 35
    Piazza Armerina 33
Typical Food Prices in Malaga

Some typical examples of dining costs in Malaga are as follows:


  • Dinner for 2
    30
  • Dinner for 2
    44
  • Breakfast for 2
    8.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Malaga

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Malaga.

  • Dinner and Show at Alegría Flamenco & Restaurant in Malaga: $65
  • Malaga Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $86
  • Malaga Tapas Cooking Class: $89
  • Sardines On Skewers Show Cooking in Malaga beach: $147

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Malaga 31
    Piazza Armerina 4.29
Typical Entertainment Prices in Malaga

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Malaga are as follows:


  • Entrance to Castillos
    7.10
  • Concert
    31

Tours and Activities in Malaga

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Malaga are as follows:

  • Skip the Line: Picasso's Birthplace Museum Entrance Ticket: $4.36
  • Guided Walking Tour of the Old Town of Frigiliana: $5.45
  • Sightseeing Outdoor Escape Game in Malaga: $7.08
  • Ronda Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.95
  • Malaga Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Skip the Line: Centre Pompidou in Malaga Ticket: $9.82
  • Museo Carmen Thyssen de Malaga Entrance Ticket: $12
  • Skip the Line: Malaga Automobile and Fashion Museum Entrance Ticket: $13
  • Guided tour in Ronda: $13
  • Andalucia's City Of Dreams: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Ronda: $15
  • Essential Malaga City Tour: $16
  • Tour around the Central Market of Malaga: $16

Tours and Activities in Piazza Armerina

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Piazza Armerina are as follows:

  • Villa Romana del Casale Guided Tour: $42
  • From Catania: Agrigento-Piazza Armerina Audio-guided Tour: $128
  • Private Tour of Villa Romana del Casale & Valley of Temples: $225
  • Roman Villa del Casale Mosaics Tour: $241

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Malaga 22
    Piazza Armerina 13

Sample the Local Flavors in Malaga

Also in Malaga, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Malaga Nightlife Pub Crawl Tour with Drinks and Clubs Entry: $17
  • Guided Cellar Tour and wine tasting: $35
  • Frigiliana Small-Group Hike and Wine Tasting Tour from Malaga: $60
  • Sun and Wine Route - Small group, wine tasting and lunch included: $76
  • Malaga Food Walking Tour with Tapas & Wine Tasting: $98
  • Ronda Tour & Winery Experience with Wine Tasting from Malaga: $109
  • Malaga Tapas and Wine Tour: $136


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

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


Which is Bigger, Malaga or Piazza Armerina?

Malaga has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Piazza Armerina. When comparing the sizes of Malaga and Piazza Armerina, 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 Piazza Armerina?

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 Piazza Armerina in the Summer?

Both Piazza Armerina and Malaga are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Malaga because of the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Piazza Armerina this time of year.

Malaga is around the same temperature as Piazza Armerina in the summer. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Piazza Armerina fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

It's quite sunny in Piazza Armerina. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Malaga. Malaga usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Piazza Armerina during summer. Malaga gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Piazza Armerina receives 325 hours of full sun in the summer.

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


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Malaga 25°C (77°F) 
    Piazza Armerina 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Malaga or Piazza Armerina in the Autumn?

Both Piazza Armerina and Malaga during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Malaga this time of year.

In the autumn, Malaga is around the same temperature as Piazza Armerina. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Malaga in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Piazza Armerina averages at about 19°C (67°F).

It's quite sunny in Malaga. In the autumn, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Piazza Armerina. Malaga gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Piazza Armerina receives 189 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets less rain in October than Piazza Armerina. Malaga gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Piazza Armerina receives 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Malaga 19°C (67°F) 
    Piazza Armerina 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Malaga or Piazza Armerina in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Malaga and Piazza Armerina. Many travelers come to Malaga for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Piazza Armerina in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

In January, Malaga is generally a little warmer than Piazza Armerina. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 12°C (54°F), and Piazza Armerina fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Piazza Armerina during winter. Malaga gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Piazza Armerina receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Malaga usually receives more rain than Piazza Armerina. Malaga gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Piazza Armerina receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Malaga 12°C (54°F) 
    Piazza Armerina 10°C (51°F)

Should I visit Malaga or Piazza Armerina in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Malaga as well as Piazza Armerina. Many visitors come to Malaga in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Malaga is around the same temperature as Piazza Armerina in the spring. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Piazza Armerina fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Piazza Armerina. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malaga this time of the year. In the spring, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Piazza Armerina. Malaga gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Piazza Armerina receives 204 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets more rain in April than Piazza Armerina. Malaga gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Piazza Armerina receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Malaga 16°C (60°F) 
    Piazza Armerina 15°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Piazza Armerina and Malaga

Malaga Piazza Armerina
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (54°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 10°C (51°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 75 mm (3 in) 11°C (52°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 14°C (57°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 12°C (54°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 15°C (58°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 19°C (65°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 23°C (73°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 26°C (79°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Aug 25°C (78°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 14 mm (0.5 in)
Sep 23°C (74°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 24°C (74°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 19°C (67°F) 75 mm (2.9 in)
Nov 15°C (60°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Dec 13°C (55°F) 102 mm (4 in) 12°C (53°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)