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

Should you visit Malaga or Rijeka?

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

Rijeka

Rijeka is a slow-paced, coastal, and accessible town. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Malaga and Rijeka: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Malaga or Rijeka?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Malaga than Rijeka, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Malaga is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Rijeka is known for its museums and big city activities. Malaga is more touristy than Rijeka and is known for its perfect blend of sandy beaches, beautiful culture, fascinating history, and a lively nightlife scene. It is also home to The Alcazaba. Rijeka is popular for being a transportation hub in Croatia with a ferry and cruise ship port.

How is Malaga different from Rijeka?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Rijeka is a good destination for its sights and museums. However, Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

Rijeka offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Historical sights around town include Trsat Castle, the Petar Druzic Stairway, and Our Lady of Trsat. There are also museums such as PEEK&POKE Computer Museum and the Governor's Palace and Maritime and Historical Museum.

Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Malaga is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Malaga is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Rijeka. It's known for its Mediterranean cuisine which includes more than seafood. There are local vegetable specialties in the area as well including asparagus and white truffles. Codfish stew and cuttlefish risotto are also popular.

Is Malaga or Rijeka Better for Nightlife?

Malaga is renowned for its evening party scene. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit 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.

Rijeka has a large number of nightlife venues. The city center has plenty of bars and clubs. Restaurants also stay open late and are popular places to hang out for locals and tourists alike.

Is Malaga or Rijeka Better for Music?

Malaga is a well-known place for its music scene. However, Rijeka is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Malaga is very popular with diverse venues. 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.

Rijeka is not a live music destination.

Is Malaga or Rijeka Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Malaga is very good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Rijeka 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.

Rijeka is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Malaga or Rijeka Better for Beaches?

Malaga is very good for the beach. However, Rijeka is not a good town for its beaches.

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.

Rijeka is a good spot to see the beach. There are pebbly and gravelly beaches in the area, with the best beaches to the west of the city. You'll need to take a public bus to reach most of them.

Is Malaga or Rijeka Better for its Old Town?

Malaga is a well-known place for its historic old town charm. However, Rijeka 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.

Rijeka does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Malaga or Rijeka?

Both Malaga and Rijeka are good 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.

Rijeka has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are many shopping centers, retail stores, and souvenir shops around town.

Is Malaga or Rijeka Better for Families?

Rijeka 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.

Rijeka is a very kid-friendly town. The city has a number of outdoor activities for kids like nature parks and nearby beaches. There's also a puppet theater as well as the Astronomical Center of Rijeka.

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

Is Malaga or Rijeka Better for Couples?

Malaga and Rijeka 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.

Rijeka is a good port city for couples to visit. It's a gateway to the Croatian islands. Many couples enjoy walking down the waterfront promenade or dining at a nice local restaurant. There are also beaches, parks, and historical sights to explore.

Is Malaga or Rijeka Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Malaga is renowned for backpackers. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Rijeka. There's no shortage of affordable hostels around town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Malaga or Rijeka Better for Students?

Malaga is a well-known place for students. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its student-friendly activities.

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.

Plenty of students visit Rijeka. It's a laid back seaside city that makes a nice semester abroad destination. As a gateway to the Croatian islands, it also offers transportation connections to other points of interest.

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

Both Malaga and Rijeka 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.

Rijeka has some public transit options. KD Autrolej buses provide transit throughout the city.

Is Malaga or Rijeka a more walkable city?

Malaga is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

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.

Rijeka is somewhat walkable. Parts of the city are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Rijeka or Malaga?

How long in Malaga or Rijeka?

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

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

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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Rijeka. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Malaga or Rijeka?

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.

Rijeka 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 Rijeka?

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 Rijeka. 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 Rijeka?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the welcoming 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 accessible destination of Rijeka. 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 Adventure Tours to Croatia, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Croatia.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Malaga or Rijeka?

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

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 Rijeka in the Summer?

Both Rijeka and Malaga are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Malaga for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Rijeka in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Malaga is around the same temperature as Rijeka. Typically, the summer temperatures in Malaga in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Rijeka averages at about 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Rijeka. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Malaga. Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Rijeka during summer. Malaga gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 288 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Malaga usually receives less rain than Rijeka. Malaga gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Malaga or Rijeka in the Autumn?

Both Rijeka and Malaga during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Malaga in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Rijeka for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Malaga is generally a little warmer than Rijeka. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 19°C (67°F), and Rijeka fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

It's quite sunny in Malaga. In the autumn, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Rijeka. Malaga gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 167 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets less rain in October than Rijeka. Malaga gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Malaga or Rijeka in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Malaga and Rijeka. Most visitors come to Malaga for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Rijeka because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Malaga is much warmer than Rijeka in the winter. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Rijeka fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Rijeka during winter. Malaga gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 96 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Malaga usually receives more rain than Rijeka. Malaga gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Malaga or Rijeka in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Malaga as well as Rijeka. The spring months attract visitors to Malaga because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Rijeka this time of year.

In the spring, Malaga is a little warmer than Rijeka. Typically, the spring temperatures in Malaga in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Rijeka averages at about 13°C (56°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malaga this time of the year. In the spring, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Rijeka. Malaga gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 177 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets less rain in April than Rijeka. Malaga gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Rijeka and Malaga