A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Marbella vs. Amalfi for Food, Nightlife, Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, and Beaches

Should you visit Marbella or Amalfi?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marbella or Amalfi, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Marbella

Marbella is a fun-filled, high energy, and ritzy resort town. 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.

Amalfi

Amalfi is a dramatic, charming, and picturesque town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Marbella and Amalfi: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marbella or Amalfi?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Amalfi than Marbella, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Amalfi is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Marbella is more popular for its nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. Amalfi is more touristy than Marbella and is popular for its dramatic views, charming character, and excellent limoncello. Also, Amalfi is famous for the dramatic coastline. Marbella is well known for its luxury hotels, beautiful beaches, and lively nightlife.

How is Marbella different from Amalfi?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Marbella or Amalfi?

Amalfi is a nice place to visit for its museums and history. However, Marbella does not have museums and landmarks.

Amalfi offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The town is an attraction in and off itself. It's filled with charm and character and visitors spend much of their time simply walking around and soaking up the atmosphere.

Marbella does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Marbella or Amalfi? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Amalfi is very popular for its restaurants. Also, Marbella is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Amalfi is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The town's access to the beautiful sea means that many dishes use a variety of seafood. Eggplant is also a common ingredient and you'll find everything from pastas to elegant desserts around town.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Marbella area. The area is filled with tourists, so finding an authentic dining experience can be difficult. Several favorite dishes include croquetas, boquerones, and pulpo.

Is Marbella or Amalfi Better for Nightlife?

Marbella is an amazing resort town to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Amalfi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Marbella has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. European tourists flock to the town for its beaches and resorts. The town has a glamorous nightlife scene with exclusive clubs and ritzy cocktail bars, particularly in Puerto Banus and along the Golden Mile.

Many people head to Amalfi for the nightlife scene. There's a good number of bars and clubs in town that often have live music or DJs. Alternatively, there are also clubs that dot the entire coastline.

Is Marbella or Amalfi Better for Music?

Marbella is well known for its live music scene. However, Amalfi is not a live music destination.

Music is a popular form of entertainment in Marbella. Some of the best music venues include Starlite, Kitch Social Club, and Momento.

Amalfi is not a live music destination.

Is Marbella or Amalfi Better for Resorts?

Marbella is an amazing resort town to visit for its resorts. However, Amalfi is not a resort destination.

Marbella is a world class resort vacation destination. From luxury to family-friendly, this area has plenty of resorts to choose from. Popular resorts in the area include Marbella Club Hotel, Puente Romano Marbella, and Don Carlos Resort and Spa.

Amalfi is not a resort destination.

Is Marbella or Amalfi Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Marbella is an amazing resort town to visit for its diving and snorkeling. Also, Amalfi is still popular, but not quite as popular for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Marbella is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. There are more than 100 dive sights and endless snorkeling opportunities in the area. There are deep offshore reefs that you can explore as well as shallower wrecks and caves.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Amalfi. You'll find snorkeling trips that take you along the coastline and stop at several places so you can take a peak at the underwater world.

Is Marbella or Amalfi Better for Beaches?

Marbella is an amazing resort town to visit for the beache. Also, Amalfi is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beach.

Marbella is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The area boasts some of the best beaches in Europe. They are hubs of activity with lots of energy, and there are more than 18 miles of sandy beach in the area. Popular options include Guadalmina Beach, San Pedro de Alcántara Beach, and Nueva Andalucía Beach.

Amalfi offers a nice beach destination. The beaches tend to be pebbly and rocky. During the summer months they can get very crowded, but taking a swim is a great way to escape the heat for a bit.

Is Marbella or Amalfi Better for its Old Town?

Amalfi is a very popular place for its old town. Also, Marbella is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town charm.

Many visitors go to Amalfi to see the historical old town. The town is charming and filled with great shops and restaurants. It's the perfect place to soak up the atmosphere of the Amalfi Coast.

Marbella offers a nice historic old town area. Head into the old town to explore a quaint area with small, meandering streets, churches, restaurants, shops, and cafes.

Is Marbella or Amalfi Better for Hiking?

Amalfi is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Marbella is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Amalfi. The coastline is filled with great trails that offer stunning views. Hiking is a top way to see the natural beauty of the Amalfi Coast and catch a glimpse at some of the best beaches.

Marbella is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Marbella or Amalfi?

Marbella is an amazing resort town to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Amalfi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Marbella make it a world-class shopping destination. This area attracts vacationers from around Europe and the shopping is some of the best in Europe.

Amalfi has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find many great shops that sell everything from clothing to fine wine, local foods, or limoncello.

Is Marbella or Amalfi Better for Families?

Marbella is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Amalfi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Marbella is a very kid-friendly resort town. The area has beautiful, family-friendly beaches and many resorts with pools that are great for kids.

Amalfi offers lots of family activities. The town is positioned in the middle of the Amalfi Coast, making it a great base for exploring the area. It's also one of the larger towns so you'll find more energy and things to do with kids, including the Museum of Paper.

Is Marbella or Amalfi Better for Couples?

Marbella and Amalfi are both first-rate to visit as a couple.

Marbella has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. The area has luxury resorts, nice beaches, water sports, golf, and water activities that are perfect for a honeymoon or a romantic weekend or a honeymoon.

Amalfi is a great resort town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The Amalfi Coast is a world class honeymoon destination and couples will enjoy staying in the lively town of Amalfi. It's a quaint and beautiful town in the middle of everything, so you'll have access to all that the area has to offer.

Is Marbella or Amalfi Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Marbella is a resort town with good options for backpackers. However, Amalfi is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Marbella is a good resort town to visit for backpackers. There are a few good hostels in the area for backpackers who want to enjoy this part of Spain's cost. There's also a lively nightlife scene and plenty of opportunities to meet others.

Amalfi is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The area has a couple of hostels around, but in general this is a difficult place to visit as a backpacker. There are SITA buses that offer transportation, and because the town is in the middle of the coastline, it offers decent access to everything.

Is Marbella or Amalfi Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Amalfi is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Marbella is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Amalfi has some public transit options. The SITA buses offer transit between many of the towns along the Amalfi Coast.

Public transit is generally limited in Marbella. There is a bus system through the area, but most visitors prefer to get around by car.

Is Marbella or Amalfi a more walkable city?

Amalfi is very popular for its high level of walkability. Also, Marbella is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Amalfi. It's a compact and charming town that is a bit flatter than some nearby villages so it's easy to explore on foot.

Marbella is a very walkable destination. The old town is particularly walkable and there are a number of hotels and nice resorts within a short walk of the town along a nice promenade.

For even more information, also check out Is Marbella Worth Visiting? and Is Amalfi Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Amalfi or Marbella?

How long in Marbella or Amalfi?

Both Marbella and Amalfi have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Amalfi than in Marbella. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Marbella, and 2-7 days is enough time in Amalfi.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Marbella than Amalfi 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 Marbella.

One day in Marbella or Amalfi?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Marbella. 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.

The beautiful town of Amalfi offers museums and nightlife. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Marbella or Amalfi?

Marbella 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.

Amalfi is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Amalfi, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Marbella or Amalfi?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Marbella. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Amalfi is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Amalfi, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Marbella or Amalfi?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the high energy destination of Marbella. 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.

Amalfi is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Amalfi has to offer. This town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain, The Best 2-Week Tours from Rome, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Marbella or Amalfi?

Marbella has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Amalfi. When comparing the sizes of Marbella and Amalfi, 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 Marbella or Amalfi?

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 Marbella or Amalfi in the Summer?

Both Amalfi and Marbella during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Marbella this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Amalfi for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Marbella is around the same temperature as Amalfi in the summer. The daily temperature in Marbella averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Amalfi fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

In Amalfi, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Marbella. In the summer, Marbella often gets more sunshine than Amalfi. Marbella gets 348 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amalfi receives 313 hours of full sun.

Marbella usually gets less rain in July than Amalfi. Marbella gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marbella or Amalfi in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Marbella and Amalfi. Many travelers come to Marbella for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Amalfi in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

In Marbella, it's very sunny this time of the year. Marbella usually receives more sunshine than Amalfi during autumn. Marbella gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Amalfi receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Amalfi receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Marbella usually receives less rain than Amalfi. Marbella gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Marbella or Amalfi in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Marbella as well as Amalfi. Many visitors come to Marbella in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Amalfi for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Marbella is generally much warmer than Amalfi. Daily temperatures in Marbella average around 12°C (54°F), and Amalfi fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Marbella often gets more sunshine than Amalfi. Marbella gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amalfi receives 115 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Amalfi. Marbella usually gets less rain in January than Amalfi. Marbella gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marbella or Amalfi in the Spring?

Both Amalfi and Marbella are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Marbella for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Amalfi because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Marbella is a little warmer than Amalfi in the spring. The daily temperature in Marbella averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Amalfi fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marbella. Marbella usually receives more sunshine than Amalfi during spring. Marbella gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Amalfi receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Marbella usually receives less rain than Amalfi. Marbella gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Amalfi and Marbella