A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Malaga vs. Toulon for Nightlife, Backpackers, Food, and Old Town

Should you visit Malaga or Toulon?

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 Toulon. 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. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Toulon

Toulon is a authentic, off-the-beaten-path, and real world port city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and shopping.

Malaga and Toulon: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Not as popular for scuba diving and snorkeling
  • Less popular old town
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Malaga or Toulon?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Malaga than Toulon. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Malaga is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Toulon attracts visitors for its museums and shopping. Malaga is more touristy than Toulon and is known for its perfect blend of sandy beaches, beautiful culture, fascinating history, and a lively nightlife scene. It is also well known for The Alcazaba. Toulon is famous for its old town, its coastal setting, and its popularity with local vacationers.

How is Malaga different from Toulon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Malaga
Toulon

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

Toulon offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Many of the sights are found in the old town and harbor areas. Some of the most interesting attractions include the Opera House, the Allied Landings Museum, the Naval Museum, and Cathédrale Sainte-Marie-de-la-Seds.

Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Malaga
Toulon

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

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Malaga makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Toulon has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are a variety of cafes and restaurants that are found along the harbor or in the old town. Whether you want waterfront views or a charming street front cafe, there are great options available. Many restaurants offer local seafood but you'll also find pastries, traditional local food, a several Italian restaurants.

Is Malaga or Toulon Better for Nightlife?

Malaga
Toulon

Malaga is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Malaga is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Toulon. It's a relatively large city and traditionally a sailor's town, so the city has a long running tradition of partying into the night. While it doesn't have the party-hard reputation of some places, you likely won't be bored at night. Head to the harbor area or the beaches around Mourillon for the most lively bars and cafes.

Is Malaga or Toulon Better for Music?

Malaga
Toulon

Malaga is a well-known place for live music. However, Toulon 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.

Toulon is not a live music destination.


Is Malaga or Toulon Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Malaga
Toulon

Malaga is very good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Toulon is not a good port city for its diving and snorkeling.

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.

It's possible to go snorkeling in Toulon. There are a few beaches in the area that are worth checking out with a mask and snorkel. You'll likely see some underwater life hanging out by the rocks in the quieter areas.

Is Malaga or Toulon Better for Beaches?

Malaga
Toulon

Malaga and Toulon both offer nice beaches.

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.

Toulon is a good option for a beach vacation. The beaches are sandy and less crowded than some of the more popular areas. The most accessible beach is Mourillon Beach which has public facilities and restaurants. If you're willing to venture a little farther from the center of town you'll find Mitre Beach which has some snorkeling. Battere Basse Beach is a bit quieter and also has snorkeling. Anse de Méjean is a popular spot with the locals.

Is Malaga or Toulon Better for its Old Town?

Malaga
Toulon

Malaga is a well-known place for its historic old town. However, Toulon is not a good port city for its 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.

You can check out the historic old town in Toulon. The old town has plazas, terraced cafes, and plenty of outdoor shopping opportunities that visitors can enjoy.


Is the Shopping Better in Malaga or Toulon?

Malaga
Toulon

Toulon is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its shopping areas.

Toulon is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. If you're looking for traditional local shopping opportunities then this is your place. There are a number of traditional Provençal markets around town but the most famous is Cours Lafayette. You can shop with the locals looking for produce or flowers. There's also a weekend farmers market, Petit Cours, that is fun to explore.

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 Toulon Better for Families?

Malaga
Toulon

Both Malaga and Toulon are nice family-friendly destinations.

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

Toulon is a family-friendly port city. The city may be known as a hub for the French navy, but there are also activities that kids and adults alike can enjoy. There are several military themed museums, a few good beaches, and local shopping. There's also the enjoyable cable car ride that you can take to the top of Mont Faron as well as several nice seaside walks in the area.

Is Malaga or Toulon Better for Couples?

Malaga
Toulon

Malaga and Toulon both nice 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.

Toulon is a good port city for couples to visit. Couples will appreciate the walks along the coast or through the harbor. There are also nice restaurants, interesting art galleries, and a few good hotels around town that make for a nice couple's weekend.


Is Malaga or Toulon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Malaga
Toulon

Malaga is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Malaga is a mecca for backpackers and 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 Toulon. It doesn't have the reputation of many nearby towns along the French Riviera, so you can still find some affordable hostels and cafes in the area. You also won't find the crowds so you can enjoy a touch of the authentic local culture.

Is Malaga or Toulon Better for Students?

Malaga
Toulon

Malaga is a well-known place for students. However, Toulon is not popular with 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.

Toulon is not popular with students.

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

Malaga
Toulon

Both Malaga and Toulon offer nice public transit options.

Malaga has a few public transit options. There is an efficient bus system as well as a light metro system.

Toulon has some public transit options. There are buses as well as petits trains (little tourist trains) that you can take around town.


Is Malaga or Toulon a more walkable city?

Malaga
Toulon

Malaga and Toulon both are high quality 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.

Toulon is a very walkable destination. You can walk around the old town and harbor area where many of the sights are concentrated.

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

Should I spend more time in Toulon or Malaga?

How long in Malaga or Toulon?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Malaga than Toulon. 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 Toulon 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.


  • How many days in Malaga or Toulon? Ideal Length of Stay
    Malaga 3-7 
    Toulon 1-2

One day in Malaga or Toulon?

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 Toulon. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Malaga or Toulon?

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.

Toulon 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 Toulon?

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 Toulon. 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 Toulon?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the beautiful 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 authentic destination of Toulon. This port city 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 Luxury Tours to France, and The Best Budget Tours to France.


Which place is cheaper, Toulon or Malaga?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Malaga is €140, while the average daily cost in Toulon is €119. 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 Toulon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Malaga 75
    Toulon 79
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Malaga 150
    Toulon 158
Compare Hotels in Malaga and Toulon

Looking for a hotel in Malaga or Toulon? 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.

Hotels in Malaga


Hotels in Toulon


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 Toulon Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Malaga 31
    Toulon 7.14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Malaga

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Malaga:

  • Private Transfer from Malaga Cruise Port to Málaga Airport (AGP): $19
  • Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) to Malaga Port - Arrival private Transfer: $19
  • Malaga Port to Malaga Airport (AGP) - Departure Private Transfer: $19
  • Malaga hotels to Malaga Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $19
  • Malaga Cruise Port to Malaga Hotels - Arrival Private Transfer : $19
  • Private Transfer from Málaga Airport (AGP) to Malaga Cruise Port: $19
  • Private One Way Airport Transfer (Malaga Airport To/From Malaga): $34
  • Malaga Airport (AGP) to Malaga - Arrival Private Transfer: $36
  • Malaga to Malaga Airport (AGP) - Departure Private Transfer: $36
  • Malaga Cruise Port to Malaga hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $38
  • Private Transfer from Torremolinos to Malaga (AGP) airport: $40
  • Private Transfer from Malaga airport (AGP) to Torremolinos: $40

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Toulon

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Toulon:

  • Transfer from Toulon Cruise Port to Marseille Provence Airport: $118
  • Private Transfer from Toulon Cruise Port to Marseille city Hotels: $118

Is it cheaper to fly into Malaga or Toulon?

Prices for flights to both Toulon 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Malaga 35
    Toulon 30
Typical Food Prices in Malaga

Some typical examples of dining costs in Malaga are as follows:


  • Dinner for 2
    30
  • Dinner for 2
    44
  • 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.

  • Paella Cooking Class in Malaga: $85
  • Malaga Tapas Cooking Class: $90
  • Andalucia by Sunset - half day tour including dinner and Ronda pickup: $94

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Toulon

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Toulon.

  • Culinary Heritage Guided Walking Food Tour: $103
  • Toulon Traditional Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience : $105

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Malaga 31
    Toulon 13
Typical Entertainment Prices in Malaga

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Malaga are as follows:


  • Entrance to Castillos
    7.10
  • Concert
    31

Tours and Activities in Malaga

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Malaga are as follows:

  • Historical Free Tour of the Inquisition through Malaga (Dark Malaga): $3.28
  • Skip the Line: Picasso's Birthplace Museum Entrance Ticket: $4.39
  • Guided Walking Tour of the Old Town of Frigiliana: $5.49
  • Sightseeing Outdoor Escape Game in Malaga: $5.70
  • A Self-Guided Tour of Ancient Malaga’s History: $5.99
  • Malaga Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.59
  • Malaga Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Malaga Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $9.16
  • Skip the Line: Centre Pompidou in Malaga Ticket: $9.88
  • Guided tour of Castillo Colomares: $9.88
  • Museo Carmen Thyssen de Malaga Entrance Ticket: $12
  • Skip the Line: Malaga Automobile and Fashion Museum Entrance Ticket: $13

Tours and Activities in Toulon

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Toulon are as follows:

  • Little Train Ticket: $9.77
  • Provence Abbey of Thoronet Entrance Ticket: $9.91
  • Guided Tour in Port & Old City: $55
  • Private Heritage Walking Tour in Toulon: $180
  • Toulon Private Tour: $282

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Malaga 22
    Toulon 14

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: $18
  • Frigiliana Small-Group Hike and Wine Tasting Tour from Malaga: $61
  • Winederlust Wine Tasting: $66
  • Sun and Wine Route - Small group, wine tasting and lunch included: $77
  • Evening Tapas Tour and Wine Tasting in Malaga: $88
  • Day trip from White Washed Town, Vineyard & Wine Tasting: $94
  • Traditional Malaga Tapas and Wine Tour: $120
  • Malaga Tapas and Wine Tour: $138
  • Axarquia VIP Wine Tour with Gourmet Winery Lunch Experience: $231

Sample the Local Flavors in Toulon

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Toulon:

  • Cellar Visit & Bandol Wine Tasting (in French): $13
  • Horse riding in the vineyards of Ramatuelle + wine tasting: $98
  • Porquerolles Island and Carmignac Museum of Art with wine tasting: $275


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

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


Which is Bigger, Malaga or Toulon?

Malaga has a larger population, and is about 83% larger than the population of Toulon. When comparing the sizes of Malaga and Toulon, 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 Toulon?

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 Toulon in the Summer?

Both Toulon 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 Toulon in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Malaga is generally around the same temperature as Toulon. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 25°C (77°F), and Toulon fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Toulon. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Malaga. Malaga usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Toulon during summer. Malaga gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Toulon receives 366 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Malaga usually receives less rain than Toulon. Malaga gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Malaga 25°C (77°F) 
    Toulon 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Malaga or Toulon in the Autumn?

Both Toulon 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 Toulon for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Malaga is a little warmer than Toulon in the autumn. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Toulon fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In Toulon, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Malaga. In the autumn, Malaga often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Toulon. Malaga gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulon receives 205 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets less rain in October than Toulon. Malaga gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Malaga 19°C (67°F) 
    Toulon 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Malaga or Toulon in the Winter?

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

In the winter, Malaga is much warmer than Toulon. Typically, the winter temperatures in Malaga in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Toulon averages at about 7°C (44°F).

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

In January, Malaga usually receives more rain than Toulon. Malaga gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Malaga 12°C (54°F) 
    Toulon 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Malaga or Toulon in the Spring?

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

In April, Malaga is generally a little warmer than Toulon. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 16°C (60°F), and Toulon fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Toulon. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malaga this time of the year. In the spring, Malaga often gets less sunshine than Toulon. Malaga gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulon receives 245 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets less rain in April than Toulon. Malaga gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Malaga 16°C (60°F) 
    Toulon 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Toulon and Malaga

Malaga Toulon
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (54°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 7°C (44°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 75 mm (3 in) 8°C (46°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Mar 14°C (57°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 10°C (50°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 13°C (56°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 17°C (63°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 21°C (69°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 24°C (75°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Aug 25°C (78°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (74°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Sep 23°C (74°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 20°C (69°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 16°C (61°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 15°C (60°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 11°C (51°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Dec 13°C (55°F) 102 mm (4 in) 7°C (45°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)