A Travel Price Comparison for Spain Marbella vs. Ezcaray for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Marbella or Ezcaray?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marbella or Ezcaray, 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 Ezcaray?

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.

Ezcaray

Ezcaray, Spain is a great place to go if you are looking for a scenic, relaxing, and peaceful destination. It is located in the Sierra de la Demanda mountains on the banks of the Oja river. Because of the mountain range nearby, it is also a great place for mountaineers. Ezcaray is a small town with big charm and momentous possibilities. It is located right at the base of the San Lorenzo peak in the Oja valley in the La Rioja region of Spain. The town has a population of less than 2,000, so it is a far cry from big city life, but that's part of what makes it such a gem to visit. Some say it is one of the best locations to get an authentic feel of real Spain without the big touristy populations. Its sheer beauty has also been compared to something out of a fairy tale.

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


Which place is cheaper, Ezcaray 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 Ezcaray is €111. 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 Ezcaray in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Marbella 61
    Ezcaray 56
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Marbella 122
    Ezcaray 112
Compare Hotels in Marbella and Ezcaray

Looking for a hotel in Marbella or Ezcaray? 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 Ezcaray


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 Ezcaray Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Marbella 24
    Ezcaray 21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Marbella

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

  • Vip Transfer from Malaga Airport to Fuengirola or Marbella: $21
  • TRANSFER MALAGA AIRPORT from OR to MARBELLA-PRICE ALL INCLUSIVE: $104
  • Private Transfer from Vélez-Málaga to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $97
  • Private Transfer from Torrox to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $120
  • Private Transfer from Torrox Costa to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $120
  • Private Transfer from Torre del Mar to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $97
  • Private Transfer from San Pedro de Alcántara to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $132
  • Private Transfer from Sabinillas to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $174
  • Private Transfer from Mezquitilla to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $127
  • Private Transfer from Marbesa to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $97
  • Private Transfer from Manilva to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $175
  • Private Transfer from Los Monteros to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $107

Is it cheaper to fly into Marbella or Ezcaray?

Prices for flights to both Ezcaray 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
    Ezcaray 39

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Marbella 19
    Ezcaray 21

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): $43
  • 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
    Ezcaray 19

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 comparing the travel costs between Marbella and Ezcaray, we can see that Marbella 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 Ezcaray Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Marbella or Ezcaray?

Marbella has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Ezcaray. When comparing the sizes of Marbella and Ezcaray, 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 Ezcaray?

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 Ezcaray in the Summer?

Both Ezcaray and Marbella are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Marbella because of the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Marbella is generally a little warmer than Ezcaray. Daily temperatures in Marbella average around 25°C (77°F), and Ezcaray fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marbella. Marbella usually receives more sunshine than Ezcaray during summer. Marbella gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Ezcaray receives 188 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Marbella usually receives less rain than Ezcaray. Marbella gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Ezcaray receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Marbella 25°C (77°F) 
    Ezcaray 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Marbella or Ezcaray in the Autumn?

Both Ezcaray and Marbella during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Marbella this time of year.

Marbella is a little warmer than Ezcaray in the autumn. The daily temperature in Marbella averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Ezcaray fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).

It's quite sunny in Marbella. In the autumn, Marbella often gets more sunshine than Ezcaray. Marbella gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ezcaray receives 125 hours of full sun.

Ezcaray gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Marbella usually gets less rain in October than Ezcaray. Marbella gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Ezcaray receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Marbella 19°C (67°F) 
    Ezcaray 16°C (62°F)

Should I visit Marbella or Ezcaray in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Marbella and Ezcaray. Many travelers come to Marbella for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In the winter, Marbella is a little warmer than Ezcaray. Typically, the winter temperatures in Marbella in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Ezcaray averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Marbella usually receives more sunshine than Ezcaray during winter. Marbella gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Ezcaray receives 77 hours of full sun in the winter.

Ezcaray receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Marbella usually receives less rain than Ezcaray. Marbella gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Ezcaray receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Marbella 12°C (54°F) 
    Ezcaray 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Marbella or Ezcaray in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Marbella as well as Ezcaray. Many visitors come to Marbella in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Marbella is generally a little warmer than Ezcaray. Daily temperatures in Marbella average around 16°C (60°F), and Ezcaray fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marbella this time of the year. In the spring, Marbella often gets more sunshine than Ezcaray. Marbella gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ezcaray receives 117 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Ezcaray. Marbella usually gets less rain in April than Ezcaray. Marbella gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Ezcaray receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Marbella 16°C (60°F) 
    Ezcaray 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Ezcaray and Marbella

Marbella Ezcaray
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (54°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 9°C (48°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 75 mm (3 in) 10°C (50°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Mar 14°C (57°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Aug 25°C (78°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Sep 23°C (74°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 19°C (66°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 16°C (62°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Nov 15°C (60°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Dec 13°C (55°F) 102 mm (4 in) 10°C (50°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)