A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Marbella vs. Asilah for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Marbella or Asilah?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marbella or Asilah, 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.

Where Should I go: Marbella or Asilah?

Marbella

Marbella is a city in southern Spain in the province of Malaga. It is part of the Costa del Sol (Coast of the Sun) and is located on the Mediterranean Sea between Malaga and the Strait of Gibraltar. It is one of the most important tourist cities in the area and receives many national and international tourists year round due to its climate and tourism structures. Marbella is a bit of a glamorous city due to its beauty and resort-type environment. The old town with its narrow cobbled streets and flower-filled plazas is packed with shops and art galleries selling boutique clothes and accessories, and handmade wares. The city has significant archaeological and historical heritage and many events and performances throughout the year.

Asilah

Spend your summers like the rich and famous with a trip to Asilah, Morocco. With pristine, white buildings and wrought-iron windows, this gorgeous city still holds the traditions from a time when it was under Spanish rule. The town remains rather quiet for most of the year, with a population surge in the summer months. Beaches are packed and there are tourists as far as the eye can see. If you're not a fan of crowds, consider visiting in the spring or fall when the weather is nice, but the tourists are gone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain, The Best Cultural Tours in Morocco, and The Best Budget Tours to Morocco.


Which place is cheaper, Asilah or Marbella?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Marbella is €117, while the average daily cost in Asilah is €62. 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 Marbella and Asilah in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Marbella 61
    Asilah 27
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Marbella 122
    Asilah 54
Compare Hotels in Marbella and Asilah

Looking for a hotel in Marbella or Asilah? 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 Marbella


Hotels in Asilah


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: Marbella Hotel Prices and Asilah Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Marbella 24
    Asilah 14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Marbella

Also for Marbella, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • From Malaga: Private Transfer Malaga Airport to Marbella: $235
  • Private Transfer from Gaucín to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $223
  • Private Transfer from Benaoján to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $214
  • Private Transfer from La Alcaidesa to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $205
  • Private Transfer from Manilva to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $175
  • Private Transfer from Sabinillas to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $174
  • Private Transfer from Estepona to Malaga (AGP) airport: $155
  • Private Transfer from Cómpeta to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $138
  • Private Transfer from El Paraíso to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $135
  • Private Transfer from San Pedro de Alcántara to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $132
  • Private Transfer from Istán to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $132
  • Private Transfer from Benahavís to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $132

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Asilah

Also for Asilah, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Tangier: Private Transfer to Asilah: $72

Is it cheaper to fly into Marbella or Asilah?

Prices for flights to both Asilah and Marbella 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
    Marbella 38
    Asilah 23

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Marbella

For Marbella, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Food Tour: $87
  • The Mediterranean Diet & Lifestyle Cooking Class.: $180
  • Gourmet Cooking Class & Culture in the rural Montes de Malaga.: $191

Typical Food Prices in Asilah

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Asilah:


  • Cookies
    0.47
  • Breakfast for Two
    4.67
  • Tagine Dinner for 2
    7.01

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Marbella 19
    Asilah 20

Tours and Activities in Marbella

For Marbella, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 2 h Estepona Bay Tour: $47
  • 2 hours Quad Tour in Marbella - 1 quad for 1/2 persons 160€: $175
  • Antequera Classic Winery Tour: $206
  • Authentic Andalusia - Jeep Eco Tour (pick up from Marbella - Estepona) : $98
  • Bike City Tour Marbella: $32
  • Buggy Adventure with Incredible Views of the Sea and the Reservoir: $109
  • Caminito del Rey and Ardales Guided Tour from Costa del Sol: $75
  • Canyoning Experience Near Marbella (Benahavís River Walk): $49
  • Discover Marbella's Old Town with five-star private tour: $97
  • Dolphin Watching Adventure in Estepona Bay: $38
  • Dolphin Watching Tour on Sailboat in Marbella: $71
  • E-Bike Tour through Marbella/ Puerto Banús and San Pedro: $101

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Marbella 5.71
    Asilah 6.54

Sample the Local Flavors in Marbella

Also in Marbella, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Manilva & Gaucin Wine Tour from the Costa del Sol: $152
  • From Manilva Sunset Wine Tasting Tour with Tapas: $159
  • Ronda Full Day Wine Tour from Marbella: $195
  • From Antequera Wine Tour with Tastings and Lunch: $213
  • From Axarquia Wine Tour with Wine Pairing Lunch: $234
  • Full-Day Private Ronda Wine Tour Experience from Marbella: $262
  • VIP Ronda Wine Tour and Tasting and Gourmet Lunch Experience with Winemaker: $272


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Marbella and Asilah, we can see that Marbella is more expensive. And not only is Asilah much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Marbella is in Europe and Asilah is in Africa, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Asilah would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Asilah 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 Marbella would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Marbella than you might in Asilah.

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


Which is Bigger, Marbella or Asilah?

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

Marbella has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Asilah experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Marbella or Asilah in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Marbella and Asilah. The beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Marbella this time of year. Asilah attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the summer, Marbella is around the same temperature as Asilah. Typically, the summer temperatures in Marbella in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Asilah averages at about 24°C (74°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Asilah this time of the year. In Marbella, it's very sunny this time of the year. Marbella usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Asilah during summer. Marbella gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Asilah receives 346 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Marbella usually receives around the same amount of rain as Asilah. Marbella gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Asilah receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Marbella 25°C (77°F) 
    Asilah 24°C (74°F)

Should I visit Marbella or Asilah in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Marbella as well as Asilah. Many travelers come to Marbella for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. The warm climate attracts visitors to Asilah throughout the year.

In October, Marbella is generally around the same temperature as Asilah. Daily temperatures in Marbella average around 19°C (67°F), and Asilah fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Asilah. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marbella this time of the year. In the autumn, Marbella often gets less sunshine than Asilah. Marbella gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Asilah receives 235 hours of full sun.

Marbella usually gets less rain in October than Asilah. Marbella gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Asilah receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Marbella 19°C (67°F) 
    Asilah 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Marbella or Asilah in the Winter?

Both Asilah and Marbella are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Marbella in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Plenty of visitors come to Asilah because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Marbella is around the same temperature as Asilah in the winter. The daily temperature in Marbella averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Asilah fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Marbella usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Asilah during winter. Marbella gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Asilah receives 169 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Asilah. In January, Marbella usually receives less rain than Asilah. Marbella gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Asilah receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Marbella 12°C (54°F) 
    Asilah 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Marbella or Asilah in the Spring?

Both Asilah and Marbella during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Marbella for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Asilah year-round.

In the spring, Marbella is around the same temperature as Asilah. Typically, the spring temperatures in Marbella in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Asilah averages at about 15°C (60°F).

In Asilah, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Marbella. In the spring, Marbella often gets less sunshine than Asilah. Marbella gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Asilah receives 251 hours of full sun.

Marbella usually gets less rain in April than Asilah. Marbella gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Asilah receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Marbella 16°C (60°F) 
    Asilah 15°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Asilah and Marbella

Marbella Asilah
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (54°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 75 mm (3 in) 13°C (56°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Mar 14°C (57°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 14°C (57°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 15°C (60°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 21°C (69°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 24°C (74°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Aug 25°C (78°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Sep 23°C (74°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 23°C (73°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 15°C (60°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 16°C (61°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
Dec 13°C (55°F) 102 mm (4 in) 13°C (56°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)