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

Should you visit Marbella or Avignon?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marbella or Avignon, 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 glamorous, fun-filled, and high energy resort town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and live music.

Avignon

Avignon is a picturesque, historical, and quaint town. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and food.

Marbella and Avignon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marbella or Avignon?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Marbella than Avignon, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Marbella is more popular for its nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Avignon is known for its museums, food, historical sights, and small town charm. Marbella is popular for its luxury hotels, beautiful beaches, and lively nightlife. It is also home to Plaza de los Naranjos. Avignon is popular for its architectural beauty and historical importance.

How is Marbella different from Avignon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Avignon is very popular for its museums and history. However, Marbella does not have museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Avignon are world-renowned. The town is filled with historical landmarks such as Palais des Papes, Pont Saint Bénézet, Musée du Petit Palais, and Basilique Métropolitaine Notre-Dame des Doms.

Marbella does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Avignon 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, Avignon is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. For such a small town you'll find many great eateries where you can sample French cuisine. You'll find bakeries, patisseries, restaurants, chocolatiers, and cafes to try. Cooking classes are also a popular activity in 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 Avignon Better for Nightlife?

Marbella is renowned for its evening party scene. However, Avignon is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Marbella is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

Avignon is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. There's a limited nightlife scene but the bars you'll find are usually centered around Place de lHorloge, Place du Palais, Rue Carnot, and Place des Corps-Saints.

Is Marbella or Avignon Better for Music?

Marbella is a very popular place for its music scene. However, Avignon is not a live music destination.

It's worth checking out the music scene in Marbella while you're in town. Some of the best music venues include Starlite, Kitch Social Club, and Momento.

Avignon is not a live music destination.

Is Marbella or Avignon Better for Resorts?

Marbella is renowned for its luxury resorts. However, Avignon is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Marbella for its luxury resorts. 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.

Avignon is not a resort destination.

Is Marbella or Avignon Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Marbella is renowned for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Avignon is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Marbella. 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.

Avignon is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Marbella or Avignon Better for Beaches?

Marbella is renowned for the beach. However, Avignon is not a beach destination.

Marbella offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. 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.

Avignon is not a beach destination.

Is Marbella or Avignon Better for its Old Town?

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

Avignon has a world-famous historical area. The walled medieval old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it's filled with history.

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 the Shopping Better in Marbella or Avignon?

Marbella is renowned for its shopping areas. Also, Avignon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Marbella specifically to go shopping. This area attracts vacationers from around Europe and the shopping is some of the best in Europe.

Avignon is a great destination for shopping. There are several shopping streets in town like Rue de la Republique, Rue Joseph-Vernet, and Rue St Agricol.

Is Marbella or Avignon Better for Families?

Marbella is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Avignon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Marbella. The area has beautiful, family-friendly beaches and many resorts with pools that are great for kids.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Avignon. Families can enjoy cooking classes, boat tours, and exploring the old town together.

Is Marbella or Avignon Better for Couples?

Marbella is renowned for couples. Also, Avignon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Marbella is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Couples visit Avignon frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Filled with history, couples can enjoy strolling through the old town or dinner on amazing French food.

Is Marbella or Avignon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Marbella and Avignon are both good destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Marbella. 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.

Avignon is a good resort town to visit for backpackers. You'll find a few affordable hotels, but hostels are a little bit more difficult to come by.

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

Avignon 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.

Avignon has some public transit options. There are city buses as well as tourist shuttles around town.

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 Avignon a more walkable city?

Avignon 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 Avignon. There's almost no traffic in the city center 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 Avignon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Avignon or Marbella?

How long in Marbella or Avignon?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Marbella or Avignon to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Marbella than Avignon because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Marbella, and 1-2 days is enough time in Avignon.

Families should spend more time in Marbella than Avignon. 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.

Couples should spend more time in Marbella than Avignon. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Marbella that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

One day in Marbella or Avignon?

In Marbella, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This resort town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Avignon is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Marbella or Avignon?

In Marbella, you'll find shopping and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Marbella has to offer.

Avignon 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 Avignon, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Marbella or Avignon?

Marbella is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Marbella has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Avignon is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Marbella or Avignon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Marbella. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Marbella. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Avignon is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. 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 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Marbella and Avignon, we can see that Avignon 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 Avignon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Avignon 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 Avignon Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Marbella or Avignon?

Marbella has a larger population, and is about 34% larger than the population of Avignon. When comparing the sizes of Marbella and Avignon, 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 Avignon?

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 Marbella or Avignon in the Summer?

Both Avignon and Marbella are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Marbella for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Avignon in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Marbella is around the same temperature as Avignon. Typically, the summer temperatures in Marbella in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Avignon averages at about 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Avignon. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marbella. Marbella usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Avignon during summer. Marbella gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Avignon receives 354 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Marbella usually receives less rain than Avignon. Marbella gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Marbella or Avignon in the Autumn?

Both Avignon and Marbella during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Marbella in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Avignon for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere during these months.

In October, Marbella is generally a little warmer than Avignon. Daily temperatures in Marbella average around 19°C (67°F), and Avignon fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

It's quite sunny in Marbella. In the autumn, Marbella often gets more sunshine than Avignon. Marbella gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Avignon receives 178 hours of full sun.

Avignon gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Marbella usually gets less rain in October than Avignon. Marbella gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marbella or Avignon in the Winter?

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

Marbella is much warmer than Avignon in the winter. The daily temperature in Marbella averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Avignon fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Marbella usually receives more sunshine than Avignon during winter. Marbella gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Avignon receives 146 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Marbella usually receives more rain than Avignon. Marbella gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Marbella or Avignon in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Marbella as well as Avignon. The spring months attract visitors to Marbella because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the small town charm are the main draw to Avignon this time of year.

In the spring, Marbella is a little warmer than Avignon. Typically, the spring temperatures in Marbella in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Avignon averages at about 13°C (56°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Avignon. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marbella this time of the year. In the spring, Marbella often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Avignon. Marbella gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Avignon receives 218 hours of full sun.

Marbella usually gets less rain in April than Avignon. Marbella gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Avignon and Marbella