A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Marbella vs. Kotor for Food, Nightlife, Resorts, and Scuba Diving & Snorkeling

Should you visit Marbella or Kotor?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marbella or Kotor, 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.

Kotor

Kotor is a charming, historic, and peaceful coastal town. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Marbella and Kotor: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marbella or Kotor?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Marbella. Although Marbella and Kotor are popular destinations, Marbella has more sights and attractions for tourists. Marbella is very popular for its nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Kotor attracts visitors for its food, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Marbella is more touristy than Kotor and is popular for its luxury hotels, beautiful beaches, and lively nightlife. It is also well known for Plaza de los Naranjos. Kotor is famous for its medieval old town and its dramatic setting on the coastline surrounded by limestone cliffs.

How is Marbella different from Kotor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Kotor and Marbella. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

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

Kotor is very popular for its restaurants. Also, Marbella is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Kotor is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Food is fresh and hearty, with many dishes including meats, cheeses, and bread. Popular local dishes include börek, black risotto, and pasulj (a type of baked beans prepared with meats and spices). Seafood is an obvious choice around town as well. Ask for whatever is fresh and enjoy a delicious meal. There are also a number of dessert cafes where you can enjoy pastries at a very affordable price.

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 Kotor Better for Nightlife?

Marbella is a world-class destination for nightlife. However, Kotor is not particularly known 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.

Kotor doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It has some of the best nightlife in Montenegro, but outside of the summer months you'll find things are very calm. Head to the old town for the highest concentration of bars and clubs.

Is Marbella or Kotor Better for Music?

Marbella is well known for live music. However, Kotor is not a live music destination.

Music is a popular form of entertainment in Marbella. Some of the best music venues include Starlite, Kitch Social Club, and Momento.

Kotor is not a live music destination.

Is Marbella or Kotor Better for Resorts?

Marbella is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Kotor is not particularly known for its luxury resorts.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Marbella is a perfect 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.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Kotor offers a few options. The town has mostly boutique hotels and apartments, particularly if you want to stay in old town.

Is Marbella or Kotor Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Marbella is a world-class destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. Also, Kotor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its diving and snorkeling.

The scuba diving and snorkeling in Marbella is not to be missed. 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.

Kotor has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. It's possible to book snorkeling trips with a local vendor, or you can pack your own mask and snorkel and venture into the water on your own.

Is Marbella or Kotor Better for Beaches?

Marbella is a world-class destination for its beaches. Also, Kotor is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beache.

With world-famous beaches, Marbella is a very popular vacation destination. 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.

Kotor has a beach worth visiting. Like many parts of the Mediterranean, the beaches are rocky and pebbly. Many of the beaches are small and quiet, giving them a personal and discovered vibe which many travelers appreciate.

Is Marbella or Kotor Better for its Old Town?

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

Kotor has a world-famous historical area. The city walls and compact historic area make the old town a unique place to explore.

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 Kotor Better for Hiking?

Kotor is very popular for its hiking trails. However, Marbella is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Kotor draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The dramatic cliffs and sea views create some of the most beautiful coastal hikes that you'll find. Trails range from walking paths to more strenuous routes like the Ladder of Kotor Hike, which has many switchbacks and stunning views.

Marbella is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Marbella or Kotor?

Marbella is a world-class destination for shopping. However, Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Marbella or Kotor Better for Families?

Marbella is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Kotor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

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

Kotor offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy wandering the streets of old town, exploring the city's fortress, or making their way around the city walls. There are a few beaches to explore, but they are a bit rocky. It's also fun to get out on the water on a boat ride.

Is Marbella or Kotor Better for Couples?

Marbella is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Kotor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Marbella has plenty to offer. 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.

Kotor is a great resort town if you're traveling as a couple. The charming old town, picturesque views, and quaint personality of the town make this a great couple's get away. Whether you want to lounge on the water's edge or soak up the unique culture, there are many hidden sides to the coastal town.

Is Marbella or Kotor Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kotor 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 Kotor. The town is affordable and reasonably accessible, making it a great option for backpackers. It's not as touristy as some of the more popular coastal towns in the area, so you can enjoy a bit of authenticity without spending big bucks.

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 Kotor Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find reasonable public transit in both Marbella and Kotor.

Public transit is mostly limited in Marbella. There is a bus system through the area, but most visitors prefer to get around by car.

Public transit is generally limited in Kotor. Cars aren't allowed in the old town, but you can travel to nearby town's by bus. Most leave from the town's main bus station with higher frequency during the summer months.

Is Marbella or Kotor a more walkable city?

Kotor is very popular for its high level of walkability. Also, Marbella is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Kotor. The old town is best explored on foot.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Kotor or Marbella?

How long in Marbella or Kotor?

It's fun to spend time in either Marbella or Kotor. 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 3-4 days is enough time in Kotor.

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

One day in Marbella or Kotor?

In Marbella, many people enjoy the live music and food that this ritzy destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This resort town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Kotor is a small town where visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food. 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 Kotor?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Marbella. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Kotor is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Marbella or Kotor?

Marbella is a fun place to experience. In Marbella, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Kotor 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 Kotor?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the fun-filled destination of Marbella. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Kotor 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 coastal 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 Luxury Tours to Montenegro, and The Best Budget Tours to Montenegro.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Marbella and Kotor, we can see that Marbella is more expensive. And not only is Kotor much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kotor would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kotor 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 Marbella would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Marbella than you might in Kotor.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Marbella Expensive? and Is Kotor Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Marbella or Kotor?

Marbella has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Kotor. When comparing the sizes of Marbella and Kotor, 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 Kotor?

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 Kotor in the Summer?

Both Kotor and Marbella during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Marbella for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Kotor because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Marbella is generally around the same temperature as Kotor. Daily temperatures in Marbella average around 25°C (77°F), and Kotor fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

In Kotor, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Marbella. In the summer, Marbella often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kotor. Marbella gets 348 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 341 hours of full sun.

Marbella usually gets less rain in July than Kotor. Marbella gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marbella or Kotor in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Marbella and Kotor. The autumn months attract visitors to Marbella because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Kotor this time of year.

Marbella is a little warmer than Kotor in the autumn. The daily temperature in Marbella averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Kotor fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kotor this time of the year. In Marbella, it's very sunny this time of the year. Marbella usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kotor during autumn. Marbella gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 203 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Kotor receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Marbella usually receives less rain than Kotor. Marbella gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Marbella or Kotor in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Marbella as well as Kotor. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Marbella this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Kotor for the cuisine.

In the winter, Marbella is much warmer than Kotor. Typically, the winter temperatures in Marbella in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Kotor averages at about 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Marbella often gets more sunshine than Kotor. Marbella gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 121 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kotor. Marbella usually gets less rain in January than Kotor. Marbella gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marbella or Kotor in the Spring?

Both Kotor and Marbella are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Marbella for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Kotor in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Marbella is generally around the same temperature as Kotor. Daily temperatures in Marbella average around 16°C (60°F), and Kotor fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marbella. Marbella usually receives more sunshine than Kotor during spring. Marbella gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 194 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kotor. In April, Marbella usually receives less rain than Kotor. Marbella gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kotor and Marbella