A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Marbella vs. Ventimiglia for Beaches, Couples, Food, and Old Town

Should you visit Marbella or Ventimiglia?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marbella or Ventimiglia, 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. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Ventimiglia

Ventimiglia is a classic, authentic, and elegant seaside town. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the beaches, shopping, and food.

Marbella and Ventimiglia: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less attractive beach


Is there more to do in Marbella or Ventimiglia?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Marbella. Although Marbella and Ventimiglia 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, and shopping, while Ventimiglia is known for its food, historical sights, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Marbella is more touristy than Ventimiglia and is popular for its luxury hotels, beautiful beaches, and lively nightlife. It is also home to Plaza de los Naranjos. Ventimiglia is popular for its weekly market, colorful old town, and nice beaches.

How is Marbella different from Ventimiglia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Marbella
Ventimiglia

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

Ventimiglia has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Italian classics are abundant including tiramisus, Italian pizzas, risotto alla milanese, and traditional lasagna. If you're in town on a Friday you should visit the local market which has stalls selling local produce and foods.

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 Ventimiglia Better for Nightlife?

Marbella
Ventimiglia

Marbella is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. However, Ventimiglia is a seaside town with minimal options for nightlife.

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 nightlife scene is quiet in Ventimiglia Most people don't head to town for the nightlife, but there are some bars where you can grab a drink or sip a glass of wine.

Is Marbella or Ventimiglia Better for Music?

Marbella
Ventimiglia

Marbella is a great destination for its music scene. However, Ventimiglia 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.

Ventimiglia is not a live music destination.

Is Marbella or Ventimiglia Better for Resorts?

Marbella
Ventimiglia

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

Ventimiglia is not a resort destination.


Is Marbella or Ventimiglia Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Marbella
Ventimiglia

Marbella is a world-class destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Ventimiglia 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.

Ventimiglia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Marbella or Ventimiglia Better for Beaches?

Marbella
Ventimiglia

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

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.

Many people head to Ventimiglia to enjoy the beach. The lungomare is a promenade along the sea that allows visitors to wander and take in waterfront views. Most of the beaches are free to access and have been influenced by the coastal erosion efforts which have led to a series of scalloped bays. If you reach the end of the lungomare you'll find a natural area where the Roya and Nervia rivers meet the ocean. This is also a popular spot for breeding birds.

Is Marbella or Ventimiglia Better for its Old Town?

Marbella
Ventimiglia

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

Many visitors go to Ventimiglia to see the historical old town. The old town is filled with cobblestone streets and charming pastel buildings. There are also a number of historic buildings and monuments that give the town a special atmosphere.

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 the Shopping Better in Marbella or Ventimiglia?

Marbella
Ventimiglia

Marbella is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Ventimiglia is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Ventimiglia. Most people head in town on Friday for the market, which has stalls selling crafts and local products.

Is Marbella or Ventimiglia Better for Families?

Marbella
Ventimiglia

Marbella is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Ventimiglia is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Ventimiglia offers lots of family activities. The charming town is a great place for kids to explore. There is a botanical garden and hiking trails that the whole family can enjoy as well as quiet beaches where they can play. The Italian food is also perfect for young palates.

Is Marbella or Ventimiglia Better for Couples?

Marbella
Ventimiglia

Marbella is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Ventimiglia is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Ventimiglia is a great resort town if you're traveling as a couple. This quintessential Italian town offers a romantic setting with cobblestone streets and pastel buildings. There are many culinary delights and romantic settings that are perfect for couples. The hiking trails and botanical gardens are also fun places to explore.


Is Marbella or Ventimiglia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Marbella
Ventimiglia

Marbella is a popular place for backpackers. However, Ventimiglia is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Plenty of budget travelers 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.

Ventimiglia is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Marbella
Ventimiglia

Ventimiglia 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.

Ventimiglia has some public transit options. There are trains and buses to town. Once you're in town it's easy to explore on foot.

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 Ventimiglia a more walkable city?

Marbella
Ventimiglia

Marbella and Ventimiglia 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.

Ventimiglia is a very walkable destination. It's small size and charming atmosphere make it a great town to explore on foot.


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

Should I spend more time in Ventimiglia or Marbella?

How long in Marbella or Ventimiglia?

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

Families should spend more time in Marbella than Ventimiglia. 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 Ventimiglia. 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 Ventimiglia 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 Ventimiglia? Ideal Length of Stay
    Marbella 2-5 
    Ventimiglia 1-2

One day in Marbella or Ventimiglia?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the high energy resort town of Marbella. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Ventimiglia is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Ventimiglia?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the ritzy destination of Marbella. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This resort town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

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

Five days in Marbella or Ventimiglia?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the ritzy resort town of Marbella. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Ventimiglia 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 Ventimiglia?

Many people enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting Marbella. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Ventimiglia is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This seaside 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 Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Ventimiglia 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 Ventimiglia is €121. 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 Ventimiglia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Marbella 61
    Ventimiglia 51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Marbella 122
    Ventimiglia 102
Compare Hotels in Marbella and Ventimiglia

Looking for a hotel in Marbella or Ventimiglia? 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 Ventimiglia


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 Ventimiglia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Marbella 24
    Ventimiglia 49

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 Ventimiglia?

Prices for flights to both Ventimiglia 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
    Ventimiglia 38

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ventimiglia

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Ventimiglia.

  • Cooking Class Pesto Sauce: $76
  • Cooking Class Tiramisu': $88
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Sanremo with Show Cooking: $94
  • SANREMO FOOD TOUR - Authentic Ligurian street food and Medieval town: $96
  • Pizza Making Class in Sanremo: $142
  • Private Cooking Class at a Cesarina's Home in Sanremo: $160
  • Sanremo Home Cooking Class: $224

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Marbella 19
    Ventimiglia 27

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

Tours and Activities in Ventimiglia

Here are a few actual costs in Ventimiglia for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 1 Day road bike tour of Ligurian mountains from Italian Riviera : $77
  • Small Group E-bike Tour in the Ligurian Riviera with Lunch: $110
  • Vespa Tour in Sanremo for half a day: $94

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Marbella 5.71
    Ventimiglia 7.19

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


Which is Bigger, Marbella or Ventimiglia?

Marbella has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Ventimiglia. When comparing the sizes of Marbella and Ventimiglia, 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 Ventimiglia?

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 Ventimiglia in the Summer?

Both Ventimiglia 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 Ventimiglia for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Marbella is around the same temperature as Ventimiglia. Typically, the summer temperatures in Marbella in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Ventimiglia averages at about 23°C (73°F).

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

Marbella usually gets less rain in July than Ventimiglia. Marbella gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Ventimiglia receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Marbella 25°C (77°F) 
    Ventimiglia 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Marbella or Ventimiglia in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Marbella and Ventimiglia. 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 Ventimiglia because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Marbella is generally a little warmer than Ventimiglia. Daily temperatures in Marbella average around 19°C (67°F), and Ventimiglia fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

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

Ventimiglia receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Marbella usually receives less rain than Ventimiglia. Marbella gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Ventimiglia receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Marbella 19°C (67°F) 
    Ventimiglia 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Marbella or Ventimiglia in the Winter?

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

Marbella is a little warmer than Ventimiglia in the winter. The daily temperature in Marbella averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Ventimiglia fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

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

Marbella usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Ventimiglia. Marbella gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Ventimiglia receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Marbella 12°C (54°F) 
    Ventimiglia 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Marbella or Ventimiglia in the Spring?

Both Ventimiglia 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 Ventimiglia for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Marbella is a little warmer than Ventimiglia. Typically, the spring temperatures in Marbella in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Ventimiglia averages at about 13°C (56°F).

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

In April, Marbella usually receives less rain than Ventimiglia. Marbella gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Ventimiglia receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Marbella 16°C (60°F) 
    Ventimiglia 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Ventimiglia and Marbella

Marbella Ventimiglia
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (54°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 9°C (48°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 75 mm (3 in) 9°C (49°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Mar 14°C (57°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 13°C (56°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 16°C (62°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 20°C (68°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 25°C (78°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Sep 23°C (74°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 21°C (69°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 15°C (60°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Dec 13°C (55°F) 102 mm (4 in) 10°C (49°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)