A Travel Price Comparison for Spain Marbella vs. Granada for Nightlife, Old Town, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Marbella or Granada?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marbella or Granada, 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. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Granada

Granada is a beautiful, charming, and cultural city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Marbella and Granada: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marbella or Granada?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Marbella than Granada. While Granada is larger than Marbella, Marbella has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Marbella is very popular for its nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Granada attracts visitors for its museums, historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty. Marbella is famous for its luxury hotels, beautiful beaches, and lively nightlife. It is also well known for Plaza de los Naranjos. Granada is famous for its Islamic architecture, charming old town, and the stunningly impressive Alhambra.

How is Marbella different from Granada?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

The museums and tourist attractions in Granada are world-renowned. Many visitors head to Granada specifically to visit the famed Alhambra. The palace and fortress complex will not disappoint. The gardens are beautifully maintained and the palace is filled with intricate details. It's easy to spend hours wandering around. In addition to The Alhambra, the Granada Cathedral is also impressive to visit. If you have kids or extra time to fill, head to Parque de las Ciencias, which is the city's Science Park.

Marbella does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Marbella and Granada offer nice 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 Granada area. It's a very touristy city so restaurants can be hit or miss. There are some amazing local eateries, but you'll also find a number of places with lower quality, overpriced food. Classic local dishes include Churros, Plato Alpujarreño, and Habas con Jamón. Tapas are very popular and many restaurants provide free tapas with drink orders. There are also a number of Moroccan restaurants around town.

Is Marbella or Granada Better for Nightlife?

Marbella is a world-class destination for nightlife. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

People head to Marbella just to party. 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.

The people in Granada know how to have a good time. The nightlife scene kicks off around 11 pm, when most people have finished up a late dinner. There's a laid-back atmosphere with pubs, live music, and dance clubs that stay open late into the night. There are several popular streets at night including Calle Elvira, Calle Reyes Católicos, and the Realejo District.

Is Marbella or Granada Better for Music?

Marbella is an excellent place to visit for live music. However, Granada is not a live music destination.

Whether you like big venues or smaller artists, Marbella has diverse options. Some of the best music venues include Starlite, Kitch Social Club, and Momento.

Granada is not a live music destination.

Is Marbella or Granada Better for Resorts?

Marbella is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. However, Granada 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.

Granada is not a resort destination.

Is Marbella or Granada Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Marbella is a world-class destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Granada 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.

Granada is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Marbella or Granada Better for Beaches?

Marbella is a world-class destination for its beaches. However, Granada 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.

Granada is not a beach destination.

Is Marbella or Granada Better for its Old Town?

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

Granada has a world-famous historical area. The Old Town spills out around the Granada Cathedral and is filled with charming pedestrian streets, lively plazas, and many great shops.

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 Marbella or Granada Better for Hiking?

Granada 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 Granada. Ruta de Los Cahorros is a great hike about 25 minutes outside of Granada that begins in the town of Monochil. It crosses many bridges and weaves through dramatic canyons. There are places where you can wade in the water or check out a hidden waterfall. It's well worth the time and can be reached by taxi or public bus.

Marbella is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Marbella or Granada?

Marbella is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

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

Granada offers some nice shopping areas. The town is filled with souvenir shops and places to buy local items. It's fun to wander through the old town and pop into the many different shops.

Is Marbella or Granada Better for Families?

Marbella is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Marbella is a very family-friendly destination. 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 Granada. While the highlight of the city is the Alhambra, kids will likely enjoy exploring the shops or seeing a Flamenco show a bit more. Just outside of town is a wonderful hike, Ruta de Los Cahorros. It begins near the town of Monachil which is easily accessible by taxi or public bus. The hike goes through canyons and across bridges and its a wonderful activity for the whole family.

Is Marbella or Granada Better for Couples?

Marbella is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Couples visit Granada frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It is a beautiful city that is filled with charm and history. Couples will enjoy exploring the Alhambra, taking in a Flamenco show, or sipping Sangria with tapas. The city is incredibly beautiful with stunning views and many great restaurants.

Is Marbella or Granada Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Granada is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Marbella is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Granada. It's a touristy city and it's a popular destination for backpackers as well. There are plenty of hostels around town and the city has social atmosphere with many opportunities to meet other travelers.

Marbella is a good resort town to visit for backpackers. 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.

Is Marbella or Granada Better for Students?

Granada is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Marbella is not popular with students.

Granada is a great city to visit as a student. It's a popular study abroad destination. Accommodation for students is usually affordable and this is also a great city for integrating into the local culture. You may even end up with a Spanish roommate.

Marbella is not popular with students.

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

Granada 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.

Granada has some public transit options. There is a comprehensive bus system around town that many tourists take advantage of. Taxis are also very affordable, so for many visitors, that is an easy option.

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 Granada a more walkable city?

Marbella and Granada 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.

Granada is a very walkable destination. Most of the touristy areas are easy to explore on foot, but there are some steep hills so put on your walking shoes.

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

Should I spend more time in Granada or Marbella?

How long in Marbella or Granada?

It's fun to spend time in either Marbella or Granada. 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 Granada.

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

One day in Marbella or Granada?

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.

The beautiful city of Granada 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 Granada?

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.

Granada is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city 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 Granada, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Marbella or Granada?

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.

Granada is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. 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 Granada?

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.

Granada is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. 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 city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Spain, The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain, The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain.

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

Which is Bigger, Marbella or Granada?

Granada has a larger population, and is about 99% larger than the population of Marbella. When comparing the sizes of Marbella and Granada, 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 Granada?

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 Granada in the Summer?

Both Granada and Marbella are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. 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 Granada for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

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

In July, Marbella usually receives around the same amount of rain as Granada. Marbella gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Granada receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Marbella or Granada in the Autumn?

Both Granada and Marbella during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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 Granada because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

In Granada, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Marbella. In the autumn, Marbella often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Granada. Marbella gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Granada receives 213 hours of full sun.

Marbella usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Granada. Marbella gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Granada receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marbella or Granada in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Marbella and Granada. The winter months attract visitors to Marbella because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Granada this time of year.

In the winter, Marbella is around the same temperature as Granada. Typically, the winter temperatures in Marbella in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Granada averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Marbella usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Granada during winter. Marbella gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Granada receives 171 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Marbella usually receives around the same amount of rain as Granada. Marbella gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Granada receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Marbella or Granada in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Marbella as well as Granada. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Marbella this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Granada for the natural beauty.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Granada. 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 Granada. Marbella gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Granada receives 220 hours of full sun.

Marbella usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Granada. Marbella gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Granada receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Granada and Marbella