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

Should you visit Marbella or Windsor?

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

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

Windsor

Windsor is a royal, traditional, and touristy 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 food, museums, and nightlife.

Marbella and Windsor: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marbella or Windsor?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Marbella than Windsor, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Marbella is better known for its nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Windsor is more popular for its museums, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Marbella is well known for its luxury hotels, beautiful beaches, and lively nightlife. Also, Marbella is famous for Plaza de los Naranjos. Windsor is well known for being home to the largest and oldest operating castle in the world.

How is Marbella different from Windsor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Windsor can be an interesting and educational experience. The main draw is the Windsor Castle, which many people explore in a few hours. Then you can pass some time wandering around the town.

Marbella does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Marbella and Windsor offer notable 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 Windsor area. There are cafes, pubs, and local restaurants that let you sample regional dishes. There are also chain restaurants and international options including Japanese and Thai food.

Is Marbella or Windsor Better for Nightlife?

Marbella is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Windsor has a few options to choose from. There's a low key nightlife scene with local pubs and a theater. Dinner cruises are also a fun activity.

Is Marbella or Windsor Better for Music?

Marbella is well known for its live music scene. However, Windsor 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.

Windsor is not a live music destination.

Is Marbella or Windsor Better for Resorts?

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

Windsor is not a resort destination.

Is Marbella or Windsor Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Marbella is a world-class destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Windsor 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.

Windsor is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Marbella or Windsor Better for Beaches?

Marbella is a world-class destination for the beache. However, Windsor 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.

Windsor is not a beach destination.

Is Marbella or Windsor Better for its Old Town?

Marbella and Windsor both have notable historical old towns that attract visitors.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Marbella. Head into the old town to explore a quaint area with small, meandering streets, churches, restaurants, shops, and cafes.

Windsor offers a nice historic old town area. The old town is opposite the castle and caters specifically to tourists with its restaurants, pubs, and a few shops.

Is the Shopping Better in Marbella or Windsor?

Marbella is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Windsor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Windsor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Marbella or Windsor Better for Families?

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

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

Windsor offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy seeing a working castle when they visit Windsor Castle. While a visit to Windsor Castle is the obvious draw to the town, there are also river cruises, parks, and even the Royal Windsor Maze at the Goswells Park that the whole family will enjoy. There is also a Legoland in the area for those who have more time.

Is Marbella or Windsor Better for Couples?

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

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.

Windsor is a great resort town if you're traveling as a couple. Exploring the Windsor Castle, taking a river cruise, and wandering the parks and gardens hand in hand make this a great place for a couples retreat.

Is Marbella or Windsor Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Marbella is a popular place for backpackers. However, Windsor 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.

Windsor is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Windsor 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.

Windsor has some public transit options. There is a bus system around town.

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 Windsor a more walkable city?

Marbella and Windsor 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.

Windsor is a very walkable destination. The town is compact and relatively easy to walk around. There are also several walking routes in the area.

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

Should I spend more time in Windsor or Marbella?

How long in Marbella or Windsor?

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

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

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.

Windsor is a small town where visitors enjoy the nightlife and food. 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 Windsor?

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.

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

Five days in Marbella or Windsor?

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.

Windsor 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 Windsor?

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.

Windsor 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 Historical Tours in United Kingdom, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Marbella or Windsor?

Marbella has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Windsor. When comparing the sizes of Marbella and Windsor, 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 Windsor?

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 Windsor in the Summer?

Both Windsor 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. Also, most visitors come to Windsor for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Marbella is a little warmer than Windsor in the summer. The daily temperature in Marbella averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Windsor fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Marbella. In the summer, Marbella often gets more sunshine than Windsor. Marbella gets 348 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Windsor receives 195 hours of full sun.

Marbella usually gets less rain in July than Windsor. Marbella gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Windsor receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marbella or Windsor in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Marbella and Windsor. 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 Windsor because of the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Marbella is much warmer than Windsor. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Marbella in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Windsor averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In Marbella, it's very sunny this time of the year. Marbella usually receives more sunshine than Windsor during autumn. Marbella gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Windsor receives 107 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Marbella usually receives around the same amount of rain as Windsor. Marbella gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Windsor receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Marbella or Windsor in the Winter?

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

It's quite cold in Windsor in the winter. In January, Marbella is generally much warmer than Windsor. Daily temperatures in Marbella average around 12°C (54°F), and Windsor fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

In the winter, Marbella often gets more sunshine than Windsor. Marbella gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Windsor receives 52 hours of full sun.

Marbella usually gets more rain in January than Windsor. Marbella gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Windsor receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marbella or Windsor in the Spring?

Both Windsor 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 Windsor for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Marbella is much warmer than Windsor in the spring. The daily temperature in Marbella averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Windsor fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marbella. Marbella usually receives more sunshine than Windsor during spring. Marbella gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Windsor receives 147 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Marbella usually receives less rain than Windsor. Marbella gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Windsor receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Windsor and Marbella