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

Should you visit Marbella or Figueira da Foz?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marbella or Figueira da Foz, 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 Figueira da Foz?

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.

Figueira da Foz

Located along the glistening waters of the Atlantic Ocean, a bustling city thrives near its shores with towering skyscrapers guarding the city like metallic giants. Figueira da Foz, or simply Figueira, is nestled within the Columbia District and is both a city and municipality. Sheltered by the hills of Serra da Boa Viagem, Figueira is near the mouth of the Mondego River and right beside the Atlantic. Only about 40 kilometers from Coimbra, Figueira has a population of 46,600 and is the second largest city found throughout the region. Because it is a seaside city, Figueira subsists off of Portuguese as well as international tourism, maintaining its pristine beaches, supplying seaport facilities, and a plethora of restaurants, gift shops, cafes, and more. Some of the beaches include Quiaios, Cabedelo, Claridade, Costa de Lavos, Murtinheira, Leirosa, Molhe Norte, Cabo Mondego, and many more. Tourists are also attracted to Figueira because it is a well-known gambling spot in Portugal with the Casino da Figueira da Foz and the Casino da Figueira present and popular. There are also popular landmarks that are recommended by tourists to visit, such as Forte de Santa Catarina and Torre de Relogio. There is also a museum that features the history of the Figueira within the city. Whether you are looking to surf or sight-see, there is much to do in Figueira da Foz, Portugal.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Spain, The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain, The Best Luxury Tours to Portugal, and The Best Budget Tours to Portugal.


Which place is cheaper, Figueira da Foz 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 Figueira da Foz is €110. 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 Figueira da Foz in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Marbella 61
    Figueira da Foz 49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Marbella 122
    Figueira da Foz 98
Compare Hotels in Marbella and Figueira da Foz

Looking for a hotel in Marbella or Figueira da Foz? 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 Figueira da Foz


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 Figueira da Foz Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Marbella 24
    Figueira da Foz 34

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Marbella

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

  • Costa del Sol: Private 1-Way Transfer to/from Malaga Airport: $75
  • From Malaga: Private Transfer Malaga Airport to Marbella: $234
  • Private Transfer from Algarrobo to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $109
  • Private Transfer from Alhaurín El Grande to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $67
  • Private Transfer from Alozaina to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $112
  • Private Transfer from Atalaya Park to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $126
  • Private Transfer from Benahavís to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $131
  • Private Transfer from Benajarafe to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $70
  • Private Transfer from Benamargosa to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $120
  • Private Transfer from Benaoján to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $213
  • Private Transfer from Cancelada to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $135
  • Private Transfer from Elviria to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $97

Is it cheaper to fly into Marbella or Figueira da Foz?

Prices for flights to both Figueira da Foz 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
    Figueira da Foz 41

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: $86
  • Gourmet Cooking Class & Culture in the rural Montes de Malaga.: $190

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Marbella 19
    Figueira da Foz 13

Tours and Activities in Marbella

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

  • Discover the Old Town through a Self-Guided Tour: $4.58
  • Marbella Old Town Walking Tour : $15
  • Sightseeing Walking Tour: $21
  • Guided tour and olive oil tasting in Alhaurin el Grande (Málaga) : $22
  • Marbella Old Town: Group Tour with a True Local: $23
  • Marbella Old Town group tour with a True Local: $24
  • group walking Tour: $26
  • Marbella like a Local: Customized Guided Tour: $32
  • Bike City Tour Marbella: $32
  • Dolphin Watching Adventure in Estepona Bay: $38
  • Canyoning Experience Near Marbella (Benahavís River Walk): $43
  • 2 h Estepona Bay Tour: $47

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Marbella 5.71
    Figueira da Foz 21

Sample the Local Flavors in Marbella

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

  • E-Mountain Bike & Wine Tour from Marbella to Sierra Blanca: $108
  • Manilva & Gaucin Wine Tour from the Costa del Sol: $151
  • From Manilva Sunset Wine Tasting Tour with Tapas: $159
  • Ronda Full Day Wine Tour from Marbella: $194
  • From Antequera Wine Tour with Tastings and Lunch: $212
  • From Axarquia Wine Tour with Wine Pairing Lunch: $233
  • Full-Day Private Ronda Wine Tour Experience from Marbella: $261
  • VIP Ronda Wine Tour and Tasting and Gourmet Lunch Experience with Winemaker: $271


When comparing the travel costs between Marbella and Figueira da Foz, 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 Figueira da Foz Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Marbella or Figueira da Foz?

Marbella has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Figueira da Foz. When comparing the sizes of Marbella and Figueira da Foz, 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 Figueira da Foz?

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 Figueira da Foz in the Summer?

Both Figueira da Foz 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.

In the summer, Marbella is around the same temperature as Figueira da Foz. Typically, the summer temperatures in Marbella in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Figueira da Foz averages at about 23°C (73°F).

In Figueira da Foz, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Marbella. In the summer, Marbella often gets more sunshine than Figueira da Foz. Marbella gets 348 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Figueira da Foz receives 308 hours of full sun.

Marbella usually gets less rain in July than Figueira da Foz. Marbella gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Figueira da Foz receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Marbella 25°C (77°F) 
    Figueira da Foz 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Marbella or Figueira da Foz in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Marbella and Figueira da Foz. Many travelers come to Marbella for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Marbella is generally around the same temperature as Figueira da Foz. Daily temperatures in Marbella average around 19°C (67°F), and Figueira da Foz fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

In Marbella, it's very sunny this time of the year. Marbella usually receives more sunshine than Figueira da Foz during autumn. Marbella gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Figueira da Foz receives 184 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Figueira da Foz receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Marbella usually receives less rain than Figueira da Foz. Marbella gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Figueira da Foz receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Marbella 19°C (67°F) 
    Figueira da Foz 18°C (65°F)

Should I visit Marbella or Figueira da Foz in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Marbella as well as Figueira da Foz. Many visitors come to Marbella in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Marbella is a little warmer than Figueira da Foz in the winter. The daily temperature in Marbella averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Figueira da Foz fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the winter, Marbella often gets more sunshine than Figueira da Foz. Marbella gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Figueira da Foz receives 124 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Figueira da Foz. Marbella usually gets less rain in January than Figueira da Foz. Marbella gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Figueira da Foz receives 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Marbella 12°C (54°F) 
    Figueira da Foz 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Marbella or Figueira da Foz in the Spring?

Both Figueira da Foz 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.

In the spring, Marbella is around the same temperature as Figueira da Foz. Typically, the spring temperatures in Marbella in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Figueira da Foz averages at about 15°C (59°F).

It's quite sunny in Figueira da Foz. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marbella. Marbella usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Figueira da Foz during spring. Marbella gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Figueira da Foz receives 217 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Marbella usually receives less rain than Figueira da Foz. Marbella gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Figueira da Foz receives 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Marbella 16°C (60°F) 
    Figueira da Foz 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Figueira da Foz and Marbella

Marbella Figueira da Foz
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (54°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 75 mm (3 in) 12°C (53°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Mar 14°C (57°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 13°C (56°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 15°C (59°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 17°C (63°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 21°C (69°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 25°C (78°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Sep 23°C (74°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 22°C (71°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 18°C (65°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Nov 15°C (60°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 14°C (57°F) 128 mm (5 in)
Dec 13°C (55°F) 102 mm (4 in) 11°C (52°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)