A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Marbella vs. Chartres for Couples, Families, Food, and Backpackers

Should you visit Marbella or Chartres?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marbella or Chartres, 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 high energy, ritzy, and glamorous resort town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the live music, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Chartres

Chartres is a grand, spectacular, and historic town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Visitors also love the food and museums.

Marbella and Chartres: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marbella or Chartres?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Marbella than Chartres, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Marbella is better known for its nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Chartres is more popular for its museums and small town charm. Marbella is more touristy than Chartres and is known for its luxury hotels, beautiful beaches, and lively nightlife. Also, Marbella is famous for Plaza de los Naranjos. Chartres is well known for its beautiful cathedral and long running history.

How is Marbella different from Chartres?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Chartres offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Most visitors make the trip to see the spectacular Gothic cathedral, Cathédrale Notre-Dame. It was completed in 1220 and is famous for its beautiful stained glass windows.

Marbella does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Marbella and Chartres offer notable local cuisine and restaurants.

Marbella has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The area is filled with tourists, so finding an authentic dining experience can be difficult. Several favorite dishes include croquetas, boquerones, and pulpo.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Chartres area. There are a number of restaurants around town so it's easy to grab lunch during a day trip.

Is Marbella or Chartres Better for Nightlife?

Marbella is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. However, Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Marbella is a world class party destination. 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.

Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Marbella or Chartres Better for Music?

Marbella is great for its live music scene. However, Chartres is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Marbella draws a good crowd. Some of the best music venues include Starlite, Kitch Social Club, and Momento.

Chartres is not a live music destination.

Is Marbella or Chartres Better for Resorts?

Marbella is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. However, Chartres is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Marbella is a great choice. 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.

Chartres is not a resort destination.

Is Marbella or Chartres Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Marbella is a must-visit destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Chartres is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Marbella a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. 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.

Chartres is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Marbella or Chartres Better for Beaches?

Marbella is a must-visit destination for the beache. However, Chartres is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Marbella. 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.

Chartres is not a beach destination.

Is Marbella or Chartres Better for its Old Town?

Marbella is a popular place for its old town. However, Chartres does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Marbella. Head into the old town to explore a quaint area with small, meandering streets, churches, restaurants, shops, and cafes.

Chartres does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Marbella or Chartres?

Marbella is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Chartres is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Known for shopping, Marbella draws large crowds to its stores. This area attracts vacationers from around Europe and the shopping is some of the best in Europe.

Chartres is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Marbella or Chartres Better for Families?

Marbella is great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Chartres is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Marbella is very family-friendly. The area has beautiful, family-friendly beaches and many resorts with pools that are great for kids.

Chartres is not the most family-friendly destination. The main attraction in town is the cathedral, but the surrounding area is also filled with history. This may not keep your kids entertained for long, so you can also check out the Stained Glass Museum, La Tanière (a zoo), or one of the parks around town.

Is Marbella or Chartres Better for Couples?

Marbella is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Chartres is not as popular, but is still a nice town for couples.

Marbella makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Chartres is a good resort town for couples to visit. With its cathedral and rich history, many couples enjoy exploring the town. It is filled with history and interesting sights.

Is Marbella or Chartres Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Marbella and Chartres are both notable 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.

Chartres is a good resort town to visit for backpackers. It's easy enough to visit as a day trip from Paris, so backpackers and other tourists typically allow themselves a few hours to explore.

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

Chartres is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Marbella is lacking in good options for its public transit.

The public transit in Chartres can get you around easily. There are trains that leave Paris Montparnasse 1 Et 2 every half hour and travel to Chartres. The trip takes about 1 hour 15 minutes.

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 Chartres a more walkable city?

Marbella and Chartres are very good when it comes to walkability.

Marbella is a very walkable resort town. 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.

Chartres is a very walkable destination. It's easy to see the sights around town on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Chartres or Marbella?

How long in Marbella or Chartres?

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

Families should spend more time in Marbella than Chartres. 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 Chartres. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Marbella than Chartres 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 Chartres?

The beautiful resort town of Marbella offers shopping and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

The town of Chartres offers museums and food. 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 Chartres?

Marbella is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this resort town makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Marbella, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Chartres 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Chartres, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Marbella or Chartres?

Marbella is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Marbella, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Chartres 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 Chartres?

Marbella is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This resort town offers something for everyone.

Chartres is a great place to explore. 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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France.

When comparing the travel costs between Marbella and Chartres, we can see that Chartres is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Marbella or Chartres?

Marbella has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Chartres. When comparing the sizes of Marbella and Chartres, 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 Chartres?

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 Chartres in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Marbella and Chartres. Many visitors come to Marbella in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Chartres for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Marbella is a little warmer than Chartres in the summer. The daily temperature in Marbella averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Chartres fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chartres this time of the year. In Marbella, it's very sunny this time of the year. Marbella usually receives more sunshine than Chartres during summer. Marbella gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Chartres receives 239 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Marbella usually receives less rain than Chartres. Marbella gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Marbella or Chartres in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Marbella as well as Chartres. Most visitors come to Marbella for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Chartres because of the small town atmosphere.

In the autumn, Marbella is a little warmer than Chartres. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Marbella in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Chartres averages at about 13°C (56°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marbella this time of the year. In the autumn, Marbella often gets more sunshine than Chartres. Marbella gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chartres receives 126 hours of full sun.

Marbella usually gets more rain in October than Chartres. Marbella gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marbella or Chartres in the Winter?

Both Chartres and Marbella are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Marbella because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Chartres this time of year.

It's quite cold in Chartres in the winter. In January, Marbella is generally much warmer than Chartres. Daily temperatures in Marbella average around 12°C (54°F), and Chartres fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

Marbella usually receives more sunshine than Chartres during winter. Marbella gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Chartres receives 56 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Marbella usually receives more rain than Chartres. Marbella gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Marbella or Chartres in the Spring?

Both Chartres and Marbella during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Marbella this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Chartres for the small town charm.

Marbella is a little warmer than Chartres in the spring. The daily temperature in Marbella averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Chartres fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

It's quite sunny in Marbella. In the spring, Marbella often gets more sunshine than Chartres. Marbella gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chartres receives 173 hours of full sun.

Marbella usually gets less rain in April than Chartres. Marbella gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Chartres and Marbella