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

Should you visit Marbella or Imperia?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marbella or Imperia, 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 ritzy, glamorous, and fun-filled resort town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Imperia

Imperia is a charming, undiscovered, and authentic town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Marbella and Imperia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marbella or Imperia?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Marbella. Although Marbella and Imperia are both popular with visitors, Marbella has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Marbella is more popular for its nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Imperia is known for its museums. Marbella is more touristy than Imperia and is popular for its luxury hotels, beautiful beaches, and lively nightlife. It is also home to Plaza de los Naranjos. Imperia is popular for its access to the Ligurian coastline.

How is Marbella different from Imperia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Imperia offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several interesting buildings of importance around town.

Marbella does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Marbella and Imperia offer good 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 Imperia area. Food ranges from typical Italian dishes to local recipes that use local ingredients. Unique ingredients in the area include trumpet zucchini, flat breads, and anchovies.

Is Marbella or Imperia Better for Nightlife?

Marbella is a must-visit destination for its evening party scene. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Imperia. There are some bars and lively restaurants around town where you can spend an enjoyable evening.

Is Marbella or Imperia Better for Music?

Marbella is notable for its music scene. However, Imperia is not a live music destination.

If you love music, you'll find something to enjoy in Marbella. Some of the best music venues include Starlite, Kitch Social Club, and Momento.

Imperia is not a live music destination.

Is Marbella or Imperia Better for Resorts?

Marbella is a must-visit destination for its resorts. However, Imperia 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.

Imperia is not a resort destination.

Is Marbella or Imperia Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Marbella is a must-visit destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Imperia 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.

Imperia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Marbella or Imperia Better for Beaches?

Marbella is a must-visit destination for the beach. However, Imperia 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.

Imperia is not a beach destination.

Is Marbella or Imperia Better for its Old Town?

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

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.

Imperia does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Marbella or Imperia?

Marbella is a must-visit destination for its shopping areas. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for shopping.

Marbella is a world class destination for shoppers. This area attracts vacationers from around Europe and the shopping is some of the best in Europe.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Imperia. There are some shopping streets in town that have a mix of local brands and standard clothing shops.

Is Marbella or Imperia Better for Families?

Marbella is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Marbella is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The area has beautiful, family-friendly beaches and many resorts with pools that are great for kids.

Imperia is a family-friendly resort town. There's some nice walking trails in the countryside that the kids will enjoy.

Is Marbella or Imperia Better for Couples?

Marbella is a must-visit destination for couples. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

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.

Imperia is a nice destination for couples. It's a beautiful town with a nice atmosphere that offers a nice break from the tourist crowds.

Is Marbella or Imperia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Marbella and Imperia are both good 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.

Imperia is a good resort town to visit for backpackers. Accommodation tends to be affordable and there's an off-the-beaten-path vibe that some backpackers will appreciate.

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

Imperia 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.

Imperia has some public transit options. There are buses that connect the city to different areas.

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 Imperia a more walkable city?

Marbella is notable for its ease of walking around. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

Marbella is a very walkable destination. 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.

Imperia is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are convenient to walk around.

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

Should I spend more time in Imperia or Marbella?

How long in Marbella or Imperia?

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

Families should spend more time in Marbella than Imperia. 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 Imperia. 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 Imperia 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 Imperia?

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 town of Imperia offers food and shopping. 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 Imperia?

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.

Imperia 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 Imperia, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Marbella or Imperia?

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.

Imperia 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 Imperia?

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.

Imperia 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 Walking Tours in Italy, and The Best Luxury Tours to Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Marbella and Imperia, 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 Imperia Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Marbella or Imperia?

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

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 Imperia in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Marbella as well as Imperia. 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 Imperia for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Marbella is around the same temperature as Imperia. Typically, the summer temperatures in Marbella in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Imperia averages at about 25°C (76°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Imperia. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marbella this time of the year. In the summer, Marbella often gets more sunshine than Imperia. Marbella gets 348 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Imperia receives 295 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Marbella or Imperia in the Autumn?

Both Imperia and Marbella are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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 Imperia because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Marbella is generally around the same temperature as Imperia. Daily temperatures in Marbella average around 19°C (67°F), and Imperia fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marbella. Marbella usually receives more sunshine than Imperia during autumn. Marbella gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Imperia receives 183 hours of full sun in the autumn.

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

Should I visit Marbella or Imperia in the Winter?

Both Imperia and Marbella during the winter are popular places to visit. 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 Imperia this time of year.

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

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

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

Should I visit Marbella or Imperia in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Marbella and Imperia. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Marbella this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Imperia for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Marbella is around the same temperature as Imperia. Typically, the spring temperatures in Marbella in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Imperia averages at about 15°C (58°F).

In Marbella, it's very sunny this time of the year. Marbella usually receives more sunshine than Imperia during spring. Marbella gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Imperia receives 198 hours of full sun in the spring.

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

Typical Weather for Imperia and Marbella