Which place is cheaper, Pontevedra or Malaga?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Malaga or Pontevedra?
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 Pontevedra. 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.
Where Should I go: Malaga or Pontevedra?
Malaga
Malaga is a port city in the southern part of Spain. It is the 6th largest city in Spain and the southernmost large city in Europe. Malaga lies on the Mediterranean on the Costa del Sol, only 62 miles east of the Strait of Gibraltar, and 80 miles north of Africa. Malaga's history dates back about 2,800 years, which makes it one of the oldest cities in the world. The archaeological remains and monuments from the Phoenician, Roman, Arabic and Christian eras make the historic center of the city an "open museum", displaying its history of more than 3,000 years. Because of its important cultural infrastructure and the artistic heritage, Malaga has been nominated for the European Capital of Culture. Malaga's most important economic contributors include tourism, technology, and construction, but transportation and logistics are becoming increasingly important factors as well.
Pontevedra
An important port city with a medieval past, Pontevedra sits on the northwestern coast of Spain where the Lerez River opens out into the ocean. It is a part of the Galicia region and is known for its seafood, charming plazas, and old world architecture that include a number of chapels, churches, and cathedrals.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Spain, The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain, The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMalaga €140Pontevedra €120
The average daily cost (per person) in Malaga is €140, while the average daily cost in Pontevedra is €120. 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 Pontevedra in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMalaga €75Pontevedra €61
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMalaga €150Pontevedra €122
Compare Hotels in Malaga and Pontevedra
Looking for a hotel in Malaga or Pontevedra? 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.
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 Pontevedra Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Malaga €31Pontevedra €23
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Malaga
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Malaga:
- Vip Transfer from Malaga Airport to Malaga Fuengirola or Marbella: $55
- Vip Private Transfer from Malaga Airport to Gibraltar Border: $164
- Transfer from Malaga Airport to Costa del Sol Hotels (Any Hotel): $42
- TRANSFER MALAGA AIRPORT from OR to ESTEPONA-PRICE ALL INCLUSIVE: $125
- Private Transfer: Malaga to Malaga Airport (AGP): $33
- Private Transfer from/to Seville to/from Malaga & Stop Alhambra: $230
- Private Transfer from/to Motril to/from Malaga with private driver: $159
- Private Transfer from airport to Malaga : $69
- Private Transfer from Torrequebrada to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $57
- Private Transfer from Torremuelle to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $57
- Private Transfer from Torremolinos to Malaga (AGP) airport: $39
- Private Transfer from Sitio de Calahonda to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $87
Is it cheaper to fly into Malaga or Pontevedra?
Prices for flights to both Pontevedra 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
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Food Meals for one dayMalaga €35Pontevedra €42
Typical Food Prices in Malaga
Some typical examples of dining costs in Malaga are as follows:
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Dinner for 2€30
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Dinner for 2€44
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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
Typical Food Prices in Pontevedra
For Pontevedra, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch for 2€11
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pontevedra
For Pontevedra, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Galician Cooking Class with Chef Instructor: $159
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Malaga €31Pontevedra €19
Typical Entertainment Prices in Malaga
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Malaga are as follows:
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Entrance to Castillos€7.10
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Concert€31
Tours and Activities in Malaga
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Malaga are as follows:
- Half-Day Luxury Motor Yacht Cruise in Granada: $153
- Private Tour of Ronda and Setenil de Las Bodegas: $240
- Sealife Benalmadena Entrance Ticket: $21
- Winery and Olive Mill Guided and Tasting Tour with Tapas: $120
- 1 Hour Buggy Safari Experience in the Mountains of Mijas with Guide: $87
- 1.5-Hour Roman Theater and Alcazaba Castle Walking Tour: $16
- 1h buggy tour: $115
- 2 Hour Family Buggy Tour, Off-Road Adventure in Mijas: $164
- 2 Hour Quad/ATV Tour Off-Road Adventure in Mijas: $142
- 2 Hours Buggy Safari Experience in the Mountains of Mijas with Guide: $125
- 2 Hours Kayak Tour in Cerro Gordo Natural Park, La Herradura: $28
- 2-Hour French Guided Walking Tour in Malaga: $20
Tours and Activities in Pontevedra
For Pontevedra, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Pontevedra Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.75
- O Grove Aquarium Experience: $16
- Private Guided Walking Tour: $43
- NEW!! Private Walking Tour with local guide: $64
- Walking Tour and Galician Food Tasting: $64
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMalaga €22Pontevedra €20
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Pontevedra
Also in Pontevedra, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Albariño Wine Tasting with Winery Tour: $32
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Malaga and Pontevedra, we can see that Malaga is more expensive. And not only is Pontevedra much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Pontevedra would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Pontevedra 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 Pontevedra.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Malaga Expensive? and Is Pontevedra Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Malaga or Pontevedra?
Malaga has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Pontevedra. When comparing the sizes of Malaga and Pontevedra, 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 Pontevedra?
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 Pontevedra in the Summer?
Both Pontevedra and Malaga during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Malaga in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
Malaga is a little warmer than Pontevedra in the summer. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Pontevedra fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
In Pontevedra, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Malaga. In the summer, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Pontevedra. Malaga gets 348 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pontevedra receives 299 hours of full sun.
Malaga usually gets less rain in July than Pontevedra. Malaga gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Pontevedra receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMalaga 25°C (77°F)Pontevedra 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Malaga or Pontevedra in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Malaga and Pontevedra. Most visitors come to Malaga for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In the autumn, Malaga is a little warmer than Pontevedra. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Malaga in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Pontevedra averages at about 17°C (62°F).
In Malaga, it's very sunny this time of the year. Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Pontevedra during autumn. Malaga gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Pontevedra receives 174 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Pontevedra receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Malaga usually receives less rain than Pontevedra. Malaga gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Pontevedra receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMalaga 19°C (67°F)Pontevedra 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Malaga or Pontevedra in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Malaga as well as Pontevedra. The winter months attract visitors to Malaga because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.
In January, Malaga is generally a little warmer than Pontevedra. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 12°C (54°F), and Pontevedra fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
In the winter, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Pontevedra. Malaga gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pontevedra receives 110 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Pontevedra. Malaga usually gets less rain in January than Pontevedra. Malaga gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Pontevedra receives 232 mm (9.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMalaga 12°C (54°F)Pontevedra 10°C (50°F)
Should I visit Malaga or Pontevedra in the Spring?
Both Pontevedra and Malaga are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Malaga this time of year.
Malaga is a little warmer than Pontevedra in the spring. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Pontevedra fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Malaga. Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Pontevedra during spring. Malaga gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Pontevedra receives 198 hours of full sun in the spring.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Pontevedra. In April, Malaga usually receives less rain than Pontevedra. Malaga gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Pontevedra receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMalaga 16°C (60°F)Pontevedra 13°C (56°F)
Typical Weather for Pontevedra and Malaga
| Malaga | Pontevedra | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (54°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 232 mm (9.1 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (57°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| Aug | 25°C (78°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (74°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (60°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 186 mm (7.3 in) |
| Dec | 13°C (55°F) | 102 mm (4 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 228 mm (9 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.