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

Should you visit Malaga or Ravenna?

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 Ravenna. 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. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the live music, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Ravenna

Ravenna is a historic, off-the-beaten-path, and charming town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Malaga and Ravenna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Malaga or Ravenna?

You'll generally find more things to do in Malaga than Ravenna. Malaga is bigger than Ravenna, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Malaga is better known for its nightlife, music, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Ravenna is more popular for its museums and small town charm. Malaga is more touristy than Ravenna and is popular for its perfect blend of sandy beaches, beautiful culture, fascinating history, and a lively nightlife scene. Also, Malaga is famous for The Alcazaba. Ravenna is well known for its many stunning mosaics which date back to the early Christian and Byzantine empires.

How is Malaga different from Ravenna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Ravenna 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 Ravenna. Most sights in town are centered around the the beautiful mosaics. Neonian Baptistery is a good place to begin your visit. Other highlights include San Vitale, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, and Sant'Apollinare Nuovo.

Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Malaga and Ravenna offer a number of excellent restaurants to choose from.

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.

Ravenna has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The region is most known for its first course dishes, so pasta lovers will enjoy dining on homemade egg pasta dishes that are served with meat or cheese sauces. You'll also find lots of grilled meats and many great desserts.

Is Malaga or Ravenna Better for Nightlife?

Malaga is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Ravenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Malaga is a world class party destination. 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.

Ravenna has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find most of the pubs and clubs in town around Marina di Ravenna. There are a couple of places that attract a crowd, but many are open only during the summer months.

Is Malaga or Ravenna Better for Music?

Malaga is a very popular place for its live music scene. However, Ravenna is not a live music destination.

It's worth checking out the music scene in Malaga while you're in town. 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.

Ravenna is not a live music destination.

Is Malaga or Ravenna Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Malaga is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Ravenna 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.

Ravenna is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Malaga or Ravenna Better for Beaches?

Malaga is a good destination for the beache. However, Ravenna 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.

Ravenna is not a beach destination.

Is Malaga or Ravenna Better for its Old Town?

Malaga is a very popular place for its old town. However, Ravenna does not have a historic old town.

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.

Ravenna does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Malaga or Ravenna?

Both Malaga and Ravenna are notable 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.

Ravenna has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are some nice shopping streets in town where you can buy locally made mosaics. You'll also find art studios and artisan shops, as well as your typical souvenir shops and clothing stores. Via Cavour, via Diaz, and via Cairoli are some of the most popular shopping streets.

Is Malaga or Ravenna Better for Families?

Ravenna 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.

Ravenna is a very kid-friendly town. In town you'll find mosaics, museums, and a charming town, and ten kilometers outside of town you'll find Italy's largest amusement park - Mirabilandia. The city is also filled with parks where kids can explore and learn, and the food, like any Italian city, is very kid-friendly.

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

Is Malaga or Ravenna Better for Couples?

Ravenna 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.

Ravenna is a very popular place to visit for couples. Many visitors to Italy don't add this charming town to their itinerary, but for couples who want to experience a small town setting with beautiful art and architecture, then Ravenna is a great option. There are parks to explore and great restaurants to experience as well.

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 Ravenna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Malaga is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Ravenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Malaga is extremely popular for backpackers. From an endless supply of hostels to plenty of opportunities to meet other backpackers, this is a very backpacker friendly area.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Ravenna. It's a bit off-the-beaten path, so you won't find a large number of hostels or a lot of backpackers to hang out with. That doesn't mean it won't make a great addition to your itinerary though.

Is Malaga or Ravenna Better for Students?

Malaga is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Ravenna 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.

Ravenna is not popular with students.

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

Both Malaga and Ravenna 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.

Ravenna has some public transit options. Buses in and around town are managed by START ROMAGNA and offer access to many nearby towns.

Is Malaga or Ravenna a more walkable city?

Malaga and Ravenna 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.

Ravenna is a very walkable destination. There are care-free areas to the town that can only be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Ravenna or Malaga?

How long in Malaga or Ravenna?

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

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

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

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.

Ravenna might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Malaga or Ravenna?

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.

Ravenna 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 Ravenna?

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 Ravenna. 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 Ravenna?

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.

Ravenna is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This town 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Italy, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Malaga or Ravenna?

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

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 Ravenna in the Summer?

Both Ravenna and Malaga during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Malaga because of the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Ravenna this time of year.

Malaga is a little warmer than Ravenna in the summer. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Ravenna fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

Malaga usually gets less rain in July than Ravenna. Malaga gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Ravenna receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Malaga or Ravenna in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Malaga and Ravenna. The shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Malaga this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Ravenna for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In the autumn, Malaga is a little warmer than Ravenna. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Malaga in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Ravenna averages at about 14°C (58°F).

In October, Malaga usually receives around the same amount of rain as Ravenna. Malaga gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Ravenna receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Malaga or Ravenna in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Malaga as well as Ravenna. Many travelers come to Malaga for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Ravenna in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Ravenna can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Malaga is generally much warmer than Ravenna. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 12°C (54°F), and Ravenna fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Malaga usually gets more rain in January than Ravenna. Malaga gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Ravenna receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Malaga or Ravenna in the Spring?

Both Ravenna and Malaga are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Malaga in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Ravenna for the small town charm during these months.

Malaga is a little warmer than Ravenna in the spring. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Ravenna fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

In April, Malaga usually receives less rain than Ravenna. Malaga gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Ravenna receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Ravenna and Malaga