A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Marbella vs. Finale Ligure for Nightlife, Resorts, Beaches, and Couples

Should you visit Marbella or Finale Ligure?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marbella or Finale Ligure, 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 fun-filled, high energy, and ritzy resort town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Finale Ligure

Finale Ligure is a relaxing, beautiful, and scenic area. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the museums, food, and beaches.

Marbella and Finale Ligure: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Not as many resort options
  • Less popular for shopping


Is there more to do in Marbella or Finale Ligure?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Marbella. Although Marbella and Finale Ligure are popular destinations, Marbella has more sights and attractions for tourists. Marbella is very popular for its nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Finale Ligure attracts visitors for its museums, food, and hiking. Marbella is more touristy than Finale Ligure and is popular for its luxury hotels, beautiful beaches, and lively nightlife. It is also well known for Plaza de los Naranjos. Finale Ligure is famous for its sandy beaches and great food.

How is Marbella different from Finale Ligure?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Marbella
Finale Ligure

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

Finale Ligure offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The natural beauty is the main attraction to this part of Liguria, but there are also medieval towns such as Finalborgo and historic places such as Castel Gavone.

Marbella does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Marbella
Finale Ligure

Finale Ligure is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Marbella is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Finale Ligure has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Seafood, local flavors, and even a couple of Michelin starred restaurants make this area a foodie's paradise. The dishes are rich in flavors and fine dining is common throughout the area.

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 Finale Ligure Better for Nightlife?

Marbella
Finale Ligure

Marbella is terrific for nightlife. However, Finale Ligure is a area with minimal options for nightlife and partying.

Marbella is a must-see 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.

Finale Ligure doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. This beautiful coastline is filled with fine dining restaurants and some nice wine and cocktail bars. It's not known for its party scene, but there are some nice places to spend the evening.

Is Marbella or Finale Ligure Better for Music?

Marbella
Finale Ligure

Marbella is a great destination for live music. However, Finale Ligure is not a live music destination.

Marbella has become a hotbed of musicians and artists. Some of the best music venues include Starlite, Kitch Social Club, and Momento.

Finale Ligure is not a live music destination.


Is Marbella or Finale Ligure Better for Resorts?

Marbella
Finale Ligure

Marbella is terrific for its resorts. Also, Finale Ligure is still popular, but not quite as popular for its luxury resorts.

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.

With a selection of resorts, Finale Ligure makes a nice vacation spot. You'll find a mix of smaller local hotels, many with pools, along the coastline. There are also a number of apartments to choose from.

Is Marbella or Finale Ligure Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Marbella
Finale Ligure

Marbella is terrific for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Finale Ligure 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.

Finale Ligure is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Marbella or Finale Ligure Better for Beaches?

Marbella
Finale Ligure

Marbella is terrific for its beaches. Also, Finale Ligure is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beache.

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.

Finale Ligure is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. This stretch of coastline has the longest sandy beaches in Liguria. You'll also find dramatic cliffs and beautiful views.


Is Marbella or Finale Ligure Better for its Old Town?

Marbella
Finale Ligure

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

Many visitors go to Marbella to see the historical old town. Head into the old town to explore a quaint area with small, meandering streets, churches, restaurants, shops, and cafes.

Finale Ligure does not have a historic old town.

Is Marbella or Finale Ligure Better for Hiking?

Marbella
Finale Ligure

Finale Ligure is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Marbella is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Finale Ligure. There are many walking and trekking trails along the coast and through the hills. You'll pass medieval towns and beautiful viewpoints that let you experience the Ligurian coastline in all of its beauty.

Marbella is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Marbella or Finale Ligure?

Marbella
Finale Ligure

Marbella is terrific for shopping. Also, Finale Ligure is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Marbella is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. This area attracts vacationers from around Europe and the shopping is some of the best in Europe.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Finale Ligure. You'll find clothing boutiques, food specialty stores, and places to pick up anything that you may have forgotten.


Is Marbella or Finale Ligure Better for Families?

Marbella
Finale Ligure

Marbella and Finale Ligure are both very good destinations for the whole family.

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.

Finale Ligure is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. This section of the Italian Riviera has the longest sandy beach in Liguria. There are also places where kids can swim and just relax from sightseeing and travel.

Is Marbella or Finale Ligure Better for Couples?

Marbella
Finale Ligure

Marbella is terrific for romance. Also, Finale Ligure is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

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.

Finale Ligure is a great resort town if you're traveling as a couple. With its sandy beaches and seaside cliffs, this area makes a great romantic getaway. Italian food on the Italian Riviera - what could be more romantic.

Is Marbella or Finale Ligure Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Marbella
Finale Ligure

Marbella and Finale Ligure are both nice 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.

Finale Ligure is a good resort town to visit for backpackers. While there aren't a lot of hostels, there are a few reasonably priced guesthouses to choose from.


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

Marbella
Finale Ligure

Finale Ligure 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.

Finale Ligure has some public transit options. There are both trains and buses through the area.

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 Finale Ligure a more walkable city?

Marbella
Finale Ligure

Marbella is a great destination for its walkability. Also, Finale Ligure is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Marbella is very walkable. 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.

Finale Ligure is a somewhat walkable place. There are many walking routes throughout this stretch of coastline.

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

Should I spend more time in Finale Ligure or Marbella?

How long in Marbella or Finale Ligure?

It's fun to spend time in either Marbella or Finale Ligure. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Marbella due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Marbella, and 2-4 days is enough time in Finale Ligure.

Families should spend more time in Marbella than Finale Ligure. 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 Finale Ligure. 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 Finale Ligure 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.


  • How many days in Marbella or Finale Ligure? Ideal Length of Stay
    Marbella 2-5 
    Finale Ligure 2-4

One day in Marbella or Finale Ligure?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the high energy destination of Marbella. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

The beautiful area of Finale Ligure offers food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.


A weekend in Marbella or Finale Ligure?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Marbella. Most people come for the beaches. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Finale Ligure is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this area makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Finale Ligure, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Marbella or Finale Ligure?

Many travelers enjoy the live music and food when visiting the fun-filled destination of Marbella. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This resort town offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Finale Ligure 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 Finale Ligure?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the beautiful resort town of Marbella. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Finale Ligure is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This area 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 Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Finale Ligure 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 Finale Ligure is €143. 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 Finale Ligure in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Marbella 61
    Finale Ligure 74
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Marbella 122
    Finale Ligure 148
Compare Hotels in Marbella and Finale Ligure

Looking for a hotel in Marbella or Finale Ligure? 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 Finale Ligure


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 Finale Ligure Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Marbella 24
    Finale Ligure 56

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: $86
  • Marbella to Malaga Airport (AGP) - Departure Private Transfer: $44
  • Private Transfer from Atalaya Park to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $128
  • Private Transfer from Benahavís to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $133
  • Private Transfer from Benajarafe to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $71
  • Private Transfer from Benamargosa to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $121
  • Private Transfer from Benaoján to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $216
  • Private Transfer from Cómpeta to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $139
  • Private Transfer from Cancelada to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $137
  • Private Transfer from Casares to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $176
  • Private Transfer from Coín to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $80
  • Private Transfer from Comares to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $108

Is it cheaper to fly into Marbella or Finale Ligure?

Prices for flights to both Finale Ligure 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
    Finale Ligure 34

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: $88

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Marbella 19
    Finale Ligure 28

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: $4.67
  • Sightseeing Walking Tour: $22
  • Marbella Old Town: Group Tour with a True Local: $24
  • group walking Tour: $26
  • Bike City Tour Marbella: $33
  • Marbella like a Local: Customized Guided Tour: $33
  • Dolphin Watching Adventure in Estepona Bay: $39
  • Sunset Sailing Experience in Estepona: $39
  • Paddle Boarding Tour on the beautiful Marbella Coast: $43
  • Canyoning Experience Near Marbella (Benahavís River Walk): $44
  • Private Customizable Walking Tour with Guide: $49
  • Private custom tour with a local guide: $49

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Marbella 5.71
    Finale Ligure 6.99

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: $153
  • From Manilva Sunset Wine Tasting Tour with Tapas: $162
  • Ronda Full Day Wine Tour from Marbella: $197
  • From Antequera Wine Tour with Tastings and Lunch: $216
  • From Axarquia Wine Tour with Wine Pairing Lunch: $238
  • Full-Day Private Ronda Wine Tour Experience from Marbella: $264
  • VIP Ronda Wine Tour and Tasting and Gourmet Lunch Experience with Winemaker: $274
  • Ronda Organic Wine Tour from Marbella: $275


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


Which is Bigger, Marbella or Finale Ligure?

Marbella has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Finale Ligure. When comparing the sizes of Marbella and Finale Ligure, 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 Finale Ligure?

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 Finale Ligure in the Summer?

Both Finale Ligure and Marbella during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Marbella in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Finale Ligure for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Marbella is generally around the same temperature as Finale Ligure. Daily temperatures in Marbella average around 25°C (77°F), and Finale Ligure fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).

In Finale Ligure, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Marbella. In the summer, Marbella often gets more sunshine than Finale Ligure. Marbella gets 348 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Finale Ligure receives 295 hours of full sun.

Marbella usually gets less rain in July than Finale Ligure. Marbella gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Finale Ligure receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Marbella 25°C (77°F) 
    Finale Ligure 25°C (76°F)

Should I visit Marbella or Finale Ligure in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Marbella and Finale Ligure. Most visitors come to Marbella for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Finale Ligure because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Marbella is around the same temperature as Finale Ligure in the autumn. The daily temperature in Marbella averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Finale Ligure fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In Marbella, it's very sunny this time of the year. Marbella usually receives more sunshine than Finale Ligure during autumn. Marbella gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Finale Ligure receives 183 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Marbella usually receives less rain than Finale Ligure. Marbella gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Finale Ligure receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Marbella 19°C (67°F) 
    Finale Ligure 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Marbella or Finale Ligure in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Marbella as well as Finale Ligure. The winter months attract visitors to Marbella because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Finale Ligure this time of year.

In the winter, Marbella is a little warmer than Finale Ligure. Typically, the winter temperatures in Marbella in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Finale Ligure averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In the winter, Marbella often gets more sunshine than Finale Ligure. Marbella gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Finale Ligure receives 127 hours of full sun.

Marbella usually gets more rain in January than Finale Ligure. Marbella gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Finale Ligure receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Marbella 12°C (54°F) 
    Finale Ligure 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Marbella or Finale Ligure in the Spring?

Both Finale Ligure and Marbella are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Marbella this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Finale Ligure for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Marbella is generally around the same temperature as Finale Ligure. Daily temperatures in Marbella average around 16°C (60°F), and Finale Ligure fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marbella. Marbella usually receives more sunshine than Finale Ligure during spring. Marbella gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Finale Ligure receives 198 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Marbella usually receives less rain than Finale Ligure. Marbella gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Finale Ligure receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Marbella 16°C (60°F) 
    Finale Ligure 15°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Finale Ligure and Marbella

Marbella Finale Ligure
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (54°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 75 mm (3 in) 11°C (51°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Mar 14°C (57°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 12°C (54°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 15°C (58°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 21°C (71°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 25°C (76°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)
Aug 25°C (78°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Sep 23°C (74°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 22°C (72°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Nov 15°C (60°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 14°C (58°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 13°C (55°F) 102 mm (4 in) 12°C (53°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)