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

Should you visit Malaga or Windsor?

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 Windsor. 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.

Windsor

Windsor is a beautiful, royal, and traditional town. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the food, museums, and nightlife.

Malaga and Windsor: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Windsor Castle
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Malaga or Windsor?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Malaga than Windsor, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Malaga is better known for its food, nightlife, music, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Windsor is more popular for its museums, small town charm, and impressive beauty. 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. Windsor is well known for being home to the largest and oldest operating castle in the world.

How is Malaga different from Windsor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Malaga
Windsor

Windsor 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 Windsor. The main draw is the Windsor Castle, which many people explore in a few hours. Then you can pass some time wandering around the town.

Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Malaga
Windsor

Malaga is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Windsor 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.

Windsor is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are cafes, pubs, and local restaurants that let you sample regional dishes. There are also chain restaurants and international options including Japanese and Thai food.

Is Malaga or Windsor Better for Nightlife?

Malaga
Windsor

Malaga is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

People head to Malaga just to party. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Windsor has a few options to choose from. There's a low key nightlife scene with local pubs and a theater. Dinner cruises are also a fun activity.

Is Malaga or Windsor Better for Music?

Malaga
Windsor

Malaga is well known for its live music scene. However, Windsor is not a live music destination.

Music is a popular form of entertainment in Malaga. 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.

Windsor is not a live music destination.


Is Malaga or Windsor Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Malaga
Windsor

Malaga is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Windsor is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

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.

Windsor is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Malaga or Windsor Better for Beaches?

Malaga
Windsor

Malaga is a popular place for the beache. However, Windsor is not a beach destination.

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.

Windsor is not a beach destination.

Is Malaga or Windsor Better for its Old Town?

Malaga
Windsor

Malaga is well known for its old town. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

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.

Windsor has an old town worth visiting. The old town is opposite the castle and caters specifically to tourists with its restaurants, pubs, and a few shops.


Is the Shopping Better in Malaga or Windsor?

Malaga
Windsor

Malaga is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Windsor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Malaga offers some nice shopping areas. There are a number of shopping areas in the city with both local boutiques and name brands.

Windsor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Malaga or Windsor Better for Families?

Malaga
Windsor

Both Malaga and Windsor are notable family-friendly destinations.

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

Windsor is a family-friendly port city. Kids will enjoy seeing a working castle when they visit Windsor Castle. While a visit to Windsor Castle is the obvious draw to the town, there are also river cruises, parks, and even the Royal Windsor Maze at the Goswells Park that the whole family will enjoy. There is also a Legoland in the area for those who have more time.

Is Malaga or Windsor Better for Couples?

Malaga
Windsor

Windsor 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.

Windsor is a very popular place to visit for couples. Exploring the Windsor Castle, taking a river cruise, and wandering the parks and gardens hand in hand make this a great place for a couples retreat.

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 Windsor Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Malaga
Windsor

Malaga is a world-class destination for backpackers. However, Windsor is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Windsor is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Malaga or Windsor Better for Students?

Malaga
Windsor

Malaga is well known for students. However, Windsor 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.

Windsor is not popular with students.

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

Malaga
Windsor

Both Malaga and Windsor 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.

Windsor has some public transit options. There is a bus system around town.


Is Malaga or Windsor a more walkable city?

Malaga
Windsor

Malaga and Windsor both are superb 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.

Windsor is a very walkable destination. The town is compact and relatively easy to walk around. There are also several walking routes in the area.

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

Should I spend more time in Windsor or Malaga?

How long in Malaga or Windsor?

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

Families should spend more time in Malaga than Windsor. 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 Windsor. 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 Windsor 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 Windsor? Ideal Length of Stay
    Malaga 3-7 
    Windsor 1-2

One day in Malaga or Windsor?

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.

Windsor 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 Windsor?

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.

Windsor 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 Windsor?

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 Windsor. 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 Windsor?

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.

Windsor 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 Historical Tours in United Kingdom, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom.


Which place is cheaper, Windsor 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 Windsor is €175. 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 Windsor in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Malaga 75
    Windsor 82
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Malaga 150
    Windsor 164
Compare Hotels in Malaga and Windsor

Looking for a hotel in Malaga or Windsor? 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 Windsor


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 Windsor Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Malaga 31
    Windsor 77

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Malaga

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Malaga:

  • Malaga Airport (AGP) to Marbella - Arrival Private Transfer: $44
  • Airport Transfer: Malaga Airport AGP to Malaga by Luxury Van: $57
  • Airport Transfer: Malaga to Malaga Airport AGP by Business Car: $51
  • Airport Transfer: Malaga to Malaga Airport AGP by Luxury Car: $73
  • Airport Transfer: Malaga to Malaga Airport AGP by Luxury Van: $53
  • Departure Transfer: Malaga to Malaga Airport AGP by Business Car: $51
  • Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) to Malaga Port - Arrival private Transfer: $19
  • Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) to Malaga Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $37
  • Malaga Airport (AGP) to Granada - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $98
  • Malaga Airport (AGP) to Malaga - Arrival Private Transfer: $36
  • Malaga Airport (AGP) to Marbella - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $87
  • Malaga Airport (Costa del Sol) Private Arrival Transfer: $44

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Windsor

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Windsor:

  • "Private Transfer: From London Heathrow Airport to Windsor": $56
  • London: Transfer to Southampton with Windsor Castle Visit: $161
  • Windsor Castle Ticket & Private Transfer: $319
  • London: Windsor Castle Private Tour with Hotel Transfers: $562

Is it cheaper to fly into Malaga or Windsor?

Prices for flights to both Windsor 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
    Windsor 46
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.

  • 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 Windsor

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Windsor:


  • Morning Tea
    2.92

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Malaga 31
    Windsor 31
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:

  • Skip the Line: Picasso's Birthplace Museum Entrance Ticket: $4.36
  • Guided Walking Tour of the Old Town of Frigiliana: $5.45
  • Sightseeing Outdoor Escape Game in Malaga: $7.08
  • Ronda Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.95
  • Malaga Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Skip the Line: Centre Pompidou in Malaga Ticket: $9.82
  • Museo Carmen Thyssen de Malaga Entrance Ticket: $12
  • Skip the Line: Malaga Automobile and Fashion Museum Entrance Ticket: $13
  • Guided tour in Ronda: $13
  • Andalucia's City Of Dreams: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Ronda: $15
  • Essential Malaga City Tour: $16
  • Tour around the Central Market of Malaga: $16

Tours and Activities in Windsor

Here are a few actual costs in Windsor for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 1,000 Years of Royal History from Windsor to Eton: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Daily Walking Tour with Local Guide (11am & 2pm): $17
  • Windsor Daily Town Walking Tour: 11am & 2pm: $18
  • Windsor : Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz Tour App: $19
  • Golden Tours Open Top Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour: $24
  • Windsor Hop-on Hop-off Open Top Bus Tour: $24
  • Windsor Duck Tour: Bus and Boat Ride: $34
  • Windsor Quest: Self Guided Sightseeing & Immersive Treasure Hunt: $37
  • Windsor and Thames Valley Bike Tour: $38
  • LEGOLAND Windsor Resort: Entrance Ticket: $44
  • LEGOLAND Windsor Resort 2 Day Admission Ticket: $66
  • Windsor Castle Afternoon Tour from London: $86

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Malaga 22
    Windsor 8.82

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


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Malaga and Windsor, we can see that Windsor is more expensive. And not only is Malaga much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Malaga would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Malaga 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 Windsor would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Windsor than you might in Malaga.

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


Which is Bigger, Malaga or Windsor?

Malaga has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Windsor. When comparing the sizes of Malaga and Windsor, 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 Windsor?

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 Windsor in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Malaga and Windsor. The beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Malaga this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Windsor for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

Malaga is a little warmer than Windsor in the summer. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Windsor fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In Malaga, it's very sunny this time of the year. Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Windsor during summer. Malaga gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Windsor receives 195 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Malaga usually receives less rain than Windsor. Malaga gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Windsor receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Malaga 25°C (77°F) 
    Windsor 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Malaga or Windsor in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Malaga as well as Windsor. Many travelers come to Malaga for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Windsor in the autumn for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Malaga is much warmer than Windsor. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Malaga in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Windsor averages at about 12°C (53°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malaga this time of the year. In the autumn, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Windsor. Malaga gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Windsor receives 107 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Windsor. Malaga gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Windsor receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Malaga 19°C (67°F) 
    Windsor 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Malaga or Windsor in the Winter?

Both Windsor 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 Windsor for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

Windsor can be very cold during winter. In January, Malaga is generally much warmer than Windsor. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 12°C (54°F), and Windsor fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Windsor during winter. Malaga gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Windsor receives 52 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Malaga usually receives more rain than Windsor. Malaga gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Windsor receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Malaga 12°C (54°F) 
    Windsor 4°C (40°F)

Should I visit Malaga or Windsor in the Spring?

Both Windsor 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. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Windsor because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Malaga is much warmer than Windsor in the spring. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Windsor fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

It's quite sunny in Malaga. In the spring, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Windsor. Malaga gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Windsor receives 147 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets less rain in April than Windsor. Malaga gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Windsor receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Malaga 16°C (60°F) 
    Windsor 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for Windsor and Malaga

Malaga Windsor
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (54°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 4°C (40°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 75 mm (3 in) 5°C (40°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Mar 14°C (57°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 7°C (44°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 9°C (48°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 13°C (55°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 16°C (61°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Aug 25°C (78°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 18°C (64°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Sep 23°C (74°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 15°C (59°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 12°C (53°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Nov 15°C (60°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 7°C (45°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 13°C (55°F) 102 mm (4 in) 5°C (42°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)