A Travel Price Comparison for Spain Marbella vs. San Sebastian for Food, Nightlife, Resorts, and Beaches

Should you visit Marbella or San Sebastian?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marbella or San Sebastian, 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. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

San Sebastian

San Sebastian is a beautiful, splendid, and outdoorsy city. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Marbella and San Sebastian: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marbella or San Sebastian?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Marbella than San Sebastian. While San Sebastian is larger than Marbella, Marbella has more sights and attractions for tourists. Marbella is better known for its nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while San Sebastian is more popular for its museums and food. Marbella is well known for its luxury hotels, beautiful beaches, and lively nightlife. Also, Marbella is famous for Plaza de los Naranjos. San Sebastian is well known for its many Michelin-starred restaurants, its world class beaches, and its beautiful buildings.

How is Marbella different from San Sebastian?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

San Sebastian offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Head to Castillo de la Mota for nice views and walks. Museo San Telmo offers an overview of Basque culture and Palacio de Miramar is another interesting place to visit.

Marbella does not have museums and landmarks.

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

San Sebastian 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, San Sebastian is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. It is a famed culinary capital of not just Spain, but the entire world. The city has many Michelin-starred restaurants where you can experience modern or traditional recipes prepared by world class chefs. There are also pintxo bars, food markets, and gourmet food shops, that sell local ingredients and dishes. Much of the cuisine includes seafood, but you'll also find a local twist on traditional tapas. Dining is a true experience in this town.

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 San Sebastian Better for Nightlife?

Marbella is very popular for nightlife and partying. Also, San Sebastian is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Marbella is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

San Sebastian has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. You can expect a lively nightlife scene around town with many bars and places to hang out. Some of the best nightlife is found in and around Parte Vieja, Centro, Reyes Católicos and Gros.

Is Marbella or San Sebastian Better for Music?

Marbella is notable for its live music scene. However, San Sebastian 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.

San Sebastian is not a live music destination.

Is Marbella or San Sebastian Better for Resorts?

Marbella is very popular for its resorts. Also, San Sebastian is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its luxury resorts.

Marbella offers an unforgettable resort vacation. 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.

San Sebastian has a few great resort options. It's both a city and a resort vacation destination with many beachside resorts that are popular during the summer months.

Is Marbella or San Sebastian Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Marbella is very popular for its diving and snorkeling. However, San Sebastian is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel to Marbella specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. 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.

San Sebastian is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Marbella or San Sebastian Better for Beaches?

Marbella is very popular for the beache. Also, San Sebastian is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for the beach.

The beaches in Marbella are among the best in the world. 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.

The beaches at San Sebastian attract visitors from all over. The city has three urban beaches that are a huge attraction during the summer months. For surfing and a lively atmosphere, head to the Playa de la Zurriola. The playa de la Concha is the most photographed and famous beach in town and Ondarreta is another beautiful option.

Is Marbella or San Sebastian Better for its Old Town?

Marbella is a nice place to visit for its old town. However, San Sebastian does not have a historic old town.

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

San Sebastian does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Marbella or San Sebastian?

Marbella is very popular for its shopping opportunities. Also, San Sebastian is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Marbella make it a world-class shopping destination. This area attracts vacationers from around Europe and the shopping is some of the best in Europe.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in San Sebastian. A mix of familiar brands and locally made items make shopping a fun activity. You'll also find many artisan food shops around town where you can take home some local wine or other culinary treats.

Is Marbella or San Sebastian Better for Families?

Marbella and San Sebastian are both superb 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.

San Sebastian is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. This city is surprisingly family-friendly. Not only is there the beach, but there are playgrounds everywhere. There's also the fun Monte Igueldo San Sebastian Amusement Park and the San Sebastian Aquarium. You could also take a boat ride or explore the many parks and gardens around town. And, of course, there are the many ice cream shops to check out.

Is Marbella or San Sebastian Better for Couples?

Marbella is very popular for its romantic activities. Also, San Sebastian is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Marbella has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

San Sebastian makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With its nice beaches, stunning view points, and world class restaurants, this city makes an excellent couple's destination. There are Michelin star restaurants to dine in and many parks and gardens where you can take a stroll as well.

Is Marbella or San Sebastian Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

San Sebastian 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 San Sebastian. There are a number of hostels around town, and you'll find enough other backpackers looking to meet up so you'll never be lonely.

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 San Sebastian Better for Students?

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

San Sebastian is a great city to visit as a student. There are good educational programs in town, as well as nice beaches and a good student population. The locals are also welcoming and friendly.

Marbella is not popular with students.

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

San Sebastian 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.

San Sebastian has some public transit options. There's a comprehensive bus system around town that's operated by Dbus.

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 San Sebastian a more walkable city?

Marbella and San Sebastian are superb 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.

San Sebastian is a very walkable destination. It's a great city for walking, with many pedestrian areas and places where you can take a stroll along the river or seaside.

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

Should I spend more time in San Sebastian or Marbella?

How long in Marbella or San Sebastian?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Marbella and San Sebastian. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Marbella than in San Sebastian. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Marbella, and 2-3 days is enough time in San Sebastian.

Families should spend more time in Marbella than San Sebastian. 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 San Sebastian. 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 San Sebastian 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 San Sebastian.

One day in Marbella or San Sebastian?

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 city of San Sebastian offers food and shopping. Most people come for the beaches. 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 San Sebastian?

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.

San Sebastian 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. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in San Sebastian, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Marbella or San Sebastian?

Many travelers enjoy the live music and food when visiting the ritzy 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.

San Sebastian is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food 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 San Sebastian?

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.

San Sebastian is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. It's also a great beach destination, 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 Sightseeing Tours in Spain, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain, The Best Luxury Tours to Spain, and The Best Budget Tours to Spain.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Marbella and San Sebastian, we can see that Marbella is more expensive. And not only is San Sebastian much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to San Sebastian would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in San Sebastian 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 San Sebastian.

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

Which is Bigger, Marbella or San Sebastian?

San Sebastian has a larger population, and is about 53% larger than the population of Marbella. When comparing the sizes of Marbella and San Sebastian, 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 San Sebastian?

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 San Sebastian in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Marbella as well as San Sebastian. The summer months attract visitors to Marbella because of the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to San Sebastian this time of year.

Marbella is a little warmer than San Sebastian in the summer. The daily temperature in Marbella averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and San Sebastian fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Sebastian. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marbella this time of the year. In the summer, Marbella often gets more sunshine than San Sebastian. Marbella gets 348 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 209 hours of full sun.

Marbella usually gets less rain in July than San Sebastian. Marbella gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marbella or San Sebastian in the Autumn?

Both San Sebastian and Marbella are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Marbella this time of year. Also, many travelers come to San Sebastian for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Marbella is a little warmer than San Sebastian. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Marbella in October average around 19°C (67°F), and San Sebastian averages at about 16°C (60°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marbella. Marbella usually receives more sunshine than San Sebastian during autumn. Marbella gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while San Sebastian receives 144 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in San Sebastian. In October, Marbella usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Marbella gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Marbella or San Sebastian in the Winter?

Both San Sebastian and Marbella during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Marbella for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to San Sebastian in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Marbella is generally a little warmer than San Sebastian. Daily temperatures in Marbella average around 12°C (54°F), and San Sebastian fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Marbella often gets more sunshine than San Sebastian. Marbella gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 85 hours of full sun.

San Sebastian gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Marbella usually gets less rain in January than San Sebastian. Marbella gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marbella or San Sebastian in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Marbella and San Sebastian. Many visitors come to Marbella in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to San Sebastian for the beaches during these months.

Marbella is a little warmer than San Sebastian in the spring. The daily temperature in Marbella averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and San Sebastian fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In Marbella, it's very sunny this time of the year. Marbella usually receives more sunshine than San Sebastian during spring. Marbella gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while San Sebastian receives 141 hours of full sun in the spring.

San Sebastian receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Marbella usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Marbella gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for San Sebastian and Marbella