A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Malaga vs. Saint-Tropez for Nightlife, Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Malaga or Saint-Tropez?

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 Saint-Tropez. 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 historic, beautiful, and friendly 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.

Saint-Tropez

Saint-Tropez is a extravagant, luxurious, and glamourous resort town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Malaga and Saint-Tropez: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Malaga or Saint-Tropez?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Malaga than Saint-Tropez, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Malaga is better known for its food, music, and historical sights, while Saint-Tropez is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. Malaga is well known for its perfect blend of sandy beaches, beautiful culture, fascinating history, and a lively nightlife scene. Also, Malaga is famous for The Alcazaba. Saint-Tropez is well known for its trendy beach clubs around the Bay of Pampelonne, as well as its popularity with celebrities and the extravagantly wealthy.

How is Malaga different from Saint-Tropez?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Saint-Tropez and Malaga. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is the Food Better in Malaga or Saint-Tropez? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Malaga is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Saint-Tropez is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Saint-Tropez is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The food is all about the local flavors. You'll find plenty of local seafood as well as local organic meats, fruits, vegetables, olive oil, garlic, and truffles. Cheese is a common ingredient as well. There are many different soups and stews, and bouillabaisse is a common fish soup found in the restaurants around town. Daube is another popular stew that is made with beef. Ratatouille is a vegetable casserole that has made a name for itself both inside and outside of France. And, of course, you have to try the local salads and pastries. Because it's such a touristy area, there are many restaurants geared specifically to the tourists, many of which are overpriced.

Is Malaga or Saint-Tropez Better for Nightlife?

Both Malaga and Saint-Tropez are amazing when it comes to partying.

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.

Saint-Tropez is a must-see party destination. It is a place to see and be seen, so if you're looking for A-list celebrities, glamourous yacht parties, and ritzy dance clubs, then this is your place. While the nightlife scene is filled with extravagance, there are still laid back clubs where you can sip a cocktail in style. The best season to come and party is during the summer months, but you'll still find plenty to do throughout the year.

Is Malaga or Saint-Tropez Better for Music?

Malaga is a great destination for its live music scene. However, Saint-Tropez is not a live music destination.

Malaga has become a hotbed of musicians and artists. 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.

Saint-Tropez is not a live music destination.

Is Malaga or Saint-Tropez Better for Resorts?

Saint-Tropez is a must-visit destination for its resorts. However, Malaga is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Saint-Tropez for its luxury resorts. Luxury and extravagance is what this resort town is all about. If you have the money to spend, you'll have no trouble finding a glamourous villa or luxury hotel where you can relax, party, or soak up the French Riviera sun.

Malaga is not a resort destination.

Is Malaga or Saint-Tropez Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Saint-Tropez is a must-visit destination for its diving and snorkeling. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Saint-Tropez. The Gulf of Saint Tropez is one of the best places to snorkel and scuba dive along the French Riviera. There are wreck dives including the most famous, The Rubis, a submarine that is surrounded by marine life. Although you're not allowed to enter the vessel, there is still plenty to see. There are also plenty of dive spots that feature rock formations, schools of fish, and lobsters.

Malaga has a few good snorkeling spots. 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.

Is Malaga or Saint-Tropez Better for Beaches?

Saint-Tropez is a well-known place for the beache. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for the beach.

Many people visit Saint-Tropez for it's beautiful beaches. The beaches are frequented by celebrities, so you'll find plenty of glitz and glamour by the water. For some of the best beaches, you'll want to head a little out of town. The most famous beach in the area is Pampelonne Beach which is popular with Hollywood celebrities during the summer months. Bouillabaisse Beach is the place to go if you want to look at the yachts, but for a more natural setting head to Graniers Beach.

Malaga is a good option for a beach vacation. There are some nice beaches around Malaga, but for the best options you'll have to travel further outside of the city.

Is Malaga or Saint-Tropez Better for its Old Town?

Malaga is a great destination for its old town. However, Saint-Tropez does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

Saint-Tropez does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Malaga or Saint-Tropez?

Saint-Tropez is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Saint-Tropez make it a world-class shopping destination. Surrounded by luxury, shopping is a must in this glamourous resort town. There are international luxury brands as well as local designer boutiques. Whether you're looking for yachting clothes, cigars, jewelry, or perfume, this is one of the best shopping destinations along the Cote d'Azur. Art is a particularly popular item to purchase while you're in town.

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.

Is Malaga or Saint-Tropez Better for Families?

Saint-Tropez is a must-visit destination 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.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Saint-Tropez is very family-friendly. With great beaches, several amusement parks, waterparks, and even Marineland, there are an endless supply of activities for kids. There's also a zoo and nature reserve for wildlife enthusiasts. For adventure lovers, there are a number of different watersports to try and if the weather isn't cooperating, there are a few good museums and other indoor activities as well.

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

Is Malaga or Saint-Tropez Better for Couples?

Saint-Tropez is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for couples.

Saint-Tropez is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Whether you're honeymooning or taking a short getaway to the French Riviera, this is a great option for couples. You can take a stroll at sunset, relax on one of the beautiful beaches, dine on local seafood, and soak up the rich local culture. The romance and beauty of this French Riviera city make it a world class romantic destination.

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 Saint-Tropez Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Malaga is an amazing port city to visit for backpackers. Also, Saint-Tropez is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Saint-Tropez is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. For many backpackers it may seem cost prohibitive to visit the French Riviera, but for those with the money, it is well worth the splurge. You can save some money by staying outside of town or finding a vacation rental where you can cook meals. There are also hostels and rooms in local homes that come at a more reasonable price.

Is Malaga or Saint-Tropez Better for Students?

Malaga is a great destination for students. However, Saint-Tropez is not popular with students.

Malaga is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. 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.

Saint-Tropez is not popular with students.

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

Both Malaga and Saint-Tropez 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.

Saint-Tropez has some public transit options. There is a bus system that connects many parts of the area.

Is Malaga or Saint-Tropez a more walkable city?

Saint-Tropez 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 Saint-Tropez on foot. It's easy to explore many places on foot, passing by beautiful beaches, stunning views, impressive yachts, and glamourous villas.

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 Saint-Tropez Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Saint-Tropez or Malaga?

How long in Malaga or Saint-Tropez?

It's fun to spend time in either Malaga or Saint-Tropez. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Malaga due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Malaga, and 2-4 days is enough time in Saint-Tropez.

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

Couples should spend more time in Saint-Tropez than Malaga. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Saint-Tropez that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Malaga than Saint-Tropez 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 Saint-Tropez?

In Malaga, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this welcoming port city offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Saint-Tropez. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Malaga or Saint-Tropez?

Malaga is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the nightlife. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Saint-Tropez 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 Saint-Tropez?

In Malaga, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this friendly destination offers. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Lots of people come for the nightlife. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint-Tropez. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Saint-Tropez?

Malaga is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the opulent destination of Saint-Tropez. This resort town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting 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 Food and Culinary Tours in France, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Malaga or Saint-Tropez?

Malaga has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Saint-Tropez. When comparing the sizes of Malaga and Saint-Tropez, 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 Saint-Tropez?

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 Saint-Tropez in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Malaga and Saint-Tropez. The beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Malaga this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Saint-Tropez for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

Malaga is around the same temperature as Saint-Tropez in the summer. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Saint-Tropez fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint-Tropez this time of the year. In Malaga, it's very sunny this time of the year. Malaga usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Saint-Tropez during summer. Malaga gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Tropez receives 366 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Malaga usually receives less rain than Saint-Tropez. Malaga gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Saint-Tropez receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Malaga or Saint-Tropez in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Malaga as well as Saint-Tropez. Many travelers come to Malaga for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, many visitors come to Saint-Tropez in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Malaga is a little warmer than Saint-Tropez. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Malaga in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Saint-Tropez averages at about 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint-Tropez. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malaga this time of the year. In the autumn, Malaga often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Saint-Tropez. Malaga gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Tropez receives 205 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Saint-Tropez. Malaga usually gets less rain in October than Saint-Tropez. Malaga gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Saint-Tropez receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Malaga or Saint-Tropez in the Winter?

Both Saint-Tropez and Malaga are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Malaga in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Saint-Tropez for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Malaga is generally a little warmer than Saint-Tropez. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 12°C (54°F), and Saint-Tropez fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Saint-Tropez during winter. Malaga gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Tropez receives 150 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Malaga usually receives around the same amount of rain as Saint-Tropez. Malaga gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Saint-Tropez receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Malaga or Saint-Tropez in the Spring?

Both Saint-Tropez and Malaga during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Malaga for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Saint-Tropez because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Malaga is a little warmer than Saint-Tropez in the spring. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Saint-Tropez fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In Saint-Tropez, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Malaga. In the spring, Malaga often gets less sunshine than Saint-Tropez. Malaga gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Tropez receives 245 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets less rain in April than Saint-Tropez. Malaga gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Saint-Tropez receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Saint-Tropez and Malaga