A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Malaga vs. Pompeii for Backpackers, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Malaga or Pompeii?

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

Pompeii

Pompeii is a ancient, famous, and iconic archeological site. And you can't forget about the museums.

Malaga and Pompeii: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Malaga or Pompeii?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Malaga. Although Malaga and Pompeii 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, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Pompeii is known for its museums. Pompeii is more touristy than Malaga and is popular for its well preserved archaeological ruins that are still intact following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Malaga 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.

How is Malaga different from Pompeii?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Pompeii is a must-visit destination for its sights and museums. However, Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Pompeii are among the most recognizable in the world. Pompeii is a city frozen in time and it is truly a one-of-a-kind destination. The streets remain as they once stood, lined with shops and homes. Highlights of a visit include the Forum, the Antiquarium, the Temple of Isis, and the Teatro Grande.

Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Malaga is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

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.

While Pompeii is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. While there is a café near the Forum, the quality of the food isn't great and it can get crowded. You'd do best to bring your own food as the site is large and you'll want to eat on your own schedule.

Is Malaga or Pompeii Better for Nightlife?

Malaga is renowned for its evening party scene. However, Pompeii is lacking in options 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Pompeii. As a popular tourist destination, you'll find some bars nearby, but most people visit as a day trip and head out of town before the evening hours.

Is Malaga or Pompeii Better for Music?

Malaga is an excellent place to visit for its music scene. However, Pompeii is not a live music destination.

Whether you like big venues or smaller artists, Malaga has diverse options. 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.

Pompeii is not a live music destination.

Is Malaga or Pompeii Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Malaga is very good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Pompeii is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving 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.

Pompeii is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Malaga or Pompeii Better for Beaches?

Malaga is very good for the beach. However, Pompeii is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Malaga to enjoy the beach. There are some nice beaches around Malaga, but for the best options you'll have to travel further outside of the city.

Pompeii is not a beach destination.

Is Malaga or Pompeii Better for its Old Town?

Malaga is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Pompeii does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights 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.

Pompeii does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Malaga or Pompeii?

Malaga is very good for its shopping areas. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for shopping.

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.

Pompeii has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There are some souvenir stands outside of the site where you can buy trinkets to remember your visit.

Is Malaga or Pompeii Better for Families?

Pompeii is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Pompeii is a very kid-friendly archeological site. Its a city frozen in time, and even kids will get lost in the history and story behind Pompeii. The trick is to find a kid-friendly tour and understand the layout before you arrive. Because it's so big, you want to know which places to visit and which you might want to skip with kids who have short attention spans.

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

Is Malaga or Pompeii Better for Couples?

Malaga and Pompeii 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.

Pompeii is a good port city for couples to visit. It's an iconic destination in Italy, and should be added to any Italian trip itinerary. It's not exactly a romantic destination, but it's something that every visitor should see.

Is Malaga or Pompeii Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Malaga is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Pompeii is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Pompeii. It's touristy and crowded, but also world renowned and not-to-be-missed. Whether you're a backpacker or a luxury traveler, Pompeii is on most itineraries.

Is Malaga or Pompeii Better for Students?

Malaga is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, Pompeii is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for 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.

Pompeii is popular with students. It's history and educational significance make it a great study abroad destination, whether you visit alone, with friends, or as part of a tour group.

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

Both Malaga and Pompeii 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.

Pompeii has some public transit options. Many visitors from Sorrento and Naples arrive via the the Circumvesuviana train. There are also buses from many different locations.

Is Malaga or Pompeii a more walkable city?

Pompeii 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 Pompeii on foot. You can walk around the entire site in about 4 hours, but you'll really want to allow a full day if you want to see everything in depth.

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 Pompeii Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pompeii or Malaga?

How long in Malaga or Pompeii?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Malaga than Pompeii. 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 Pompeii 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 Pompeii?

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 when visiting the destination of Pompeii. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Malaga or Pompeii?

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.

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

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 Pompeii. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. 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 Pompeii?

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 museums when visiting the ancient destination of Pompeii. This archeological site 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, and The Best Walking Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Malaga and Pompeii, we can see that Pompeii 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 Pompeii Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Malaga or Pompeii?

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 Pompeii in the Summer?

Both Pompeii and Malaga during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Malaga for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Pompeii in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

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

In Pompeii, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Malaga. In the summer, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Pompeii. Malaga gets 348 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pompeii receives 313 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets less rain in July than Pompeii. Malaga gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Malaga or Pompeii in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Malaga and Pompeii. Many visitors come to Malaga in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Malaga is generally a little warmer than Pompeii. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 19°C (67°F), and Pompeii fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In Malaga, it's very sunny this time of the year. Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Pompeii during autumn. Malaga gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Pompeii receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Pompeii receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Malaga usually receives less rain than Pompeii. Malaga gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Malaga or Pompeii in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Malaga as well as Pompeii. Most visitors come to Malaga for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Pompeii because of the museums.

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

In the winter, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Pompeii. Malaga gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pompeii receives 115 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Pompeii. Malaga usually gets less rain in January than Pompeii. Malaga gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Malaga or Pompeii in the Spring?

Both Pompeii and Malaga are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Malaga because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Malaga. Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Pompeii during spring. Malaga gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Pompeii receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Malaga usually receives less rain than Pompeii. Malaga gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Pompeii and Malaga