A Travel Price Comparison for Spain Palma de Mallorca vs. Malaga for Nightlife, Beaches, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Palma de Mallorca or Malaga?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Palma de Mallorca or Malaga, 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.

Palma de Mallorca

Palma de Mallorca is a beautiful, stunning, and cultural island. The beauty of Palma de Mallorca is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Palma de Mallorca travel costs.

Malaga

Malaga is a welcoming, historic, and beautiful port city. Malaga is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. See Malaga travel costs.

Palma de Mallorca and Malaga: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Palma de Mallorca or Malaga?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Palma de Mallorca than Malaga. While Malaga is larger than Palma de Mallorca, Palma de Mallorca has more sights and attractions for tourists. Palma de Mallorca is very popular for its resorts, beaches, and hiking, while Malaga attracts visitors for its historical sights. Palma de Mallorca is more touristy than Malaga and is popular for its strikingly blue waters, sandy beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant towns. It is also well known for the turquoise water and white sand beaches. Malaga is famous for its perfect blend of sandy beaches, beautiful culture, fascinating history, and a lively nightlife scene.

The turquoise water and white sand beaches

How is Palma de Mallorca different from Malaga?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is the Food Better in Palma de Mallorca or Malaga? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Palma de Mallorca and Malaga offer a number of great restaurants to choose from.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Palma de Mallorca. Food here is centered around pork, fish, and vegetables. It is flavored with garlic and olive oil and it offers that feeling of comfort that comes with home cooking.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Malaga. Head to any of the local food markets and seafood shops to try local cuisine. Also make sure you try tapas and a filling Andalusian breakfast.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Malaga Better for Nightlife?

Both Palma de Mallorca and Malaga have world-class vibes after the sun sets.

Palma de Mallorca is a world class party destination. Head to Magaluf and Palma for the most popular places.

Malaga is a must-see party destination. The city has some of the most active nightlife in Europe. There are plenty of opportunities to party in Malaga and you'll find the most vibrant nightlife in the Centro Historico.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Malaga Better for Music?

It can be fun to see live music in either Palma de Mallorca and Malaga.

Whether you like big venues or smaller artists, Palma de Mallorca has diverse options. Live concerts, international DJs, and a diverse range of styles have put the island's music scene on the map.

Malaga has become a hotbed of musicians and artists. The city has venues that offer pop, rock, blues, soulful, and more. Some of the most popular include ZZ club, Clarence Jazz Club, and Velvet Club.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Malaga Better for Resorts?

Palma de Mallorca is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Malaga is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Palma de Mallorca to choose from. Top resorts on the island include The St Regis Mardavall, Viva Cala Mesquida Resort and Spa, and Nixe Palace Hotel.

Malaga is not a resort destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Malaga Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

You'll find nice snorkeling or scuba diving in both Palma de Mallorca and Malaga.

Palma de Mallorca has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. Head to Cala Santanyi on the south side of the island for the best snorkeling. For scuba diving, National Park of Cabrera is one of the most popular spots.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Malaga. Water temperatures are mild enough for diving or snorkeling near Malaga. For the best diving, head to Cala del Canuelo Beach. Closer by, Penon del Cuervo Beach offers diving and snorkeling as well.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Malaga Better for Beaches?

Palma de Mallorca is a must-visit destination for the beach. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for the beach.

Palma de Mallorca offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The island is lined with sandy beaches and rocky coves, which have contributed to it becoming one of Europe's most popular beach destinations.

Malaga is a good option for a beach vacation. There are some nice beaches around Malaga, but for the best options you'll have to travel further outside of the city.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Malaga Better for its Old Town?

Malaga is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its old town.

Many visitors go to Malaga to see the historical old town. The city's old town is compact and small, making it a fun place to walk. There are historic buildings, museums, churches, and squares, as well as many restaurants and shops.

Many people head to Palma de Mallorca to see the old town. Alcudia is the best old town on the island. It has cobblestone streets and historic walls that give it charm and history.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Malaga Better for Hiking?

Palma de Mallorca is a good destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Malaga is not a hiking destination.

Palma de Mallorca offers some nice hiking trails. There are many beautiful hikes along the water and through the countryside that offer beautiful views and pass by quaint towns.

Malaga is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Palma de Mallorca or Malaga?

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Palma de Mallorca and Malaga.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Palma de Mallorca. Head to Palma for some of the areas best shopping.

Malaga offers some nice shopping areas. There are a number of shopping areas in the city with both local boutiques and name brands.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Malaga More Beautiful?

Palma de Mallorca and Malaga both are comparable with their great scenery and beauty.

Palma de Mallorca is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. With stunning blue water and beautiful countryside, Mallorca is a beautiful island to visit.

The beauty of Malaga is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The city has a rich history and beautiful architecture, making it one of the most beautiful cities in Spain.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Malaga Better for Families?

Palma de Mallorca is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Palma de Mallorca is a very kid-friendly island. The beaches are large and sandy with beautiful blue waters. There's also many activities that both adults and kids can enjoy around the island including waterparks, aquariums, and amusement areas.

Malaga is a family-friendly island. The city has castles that you can explore as well as a waterpark.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Malaga Better for Couples?

Palma de Mallorca and Malaga are both nice to visit as a couple.

Palma de Mallorca is a nice destination for couples. With beautiful beaches and a fun Spanish flare, Mallorca makes for a memorable honeymoon.

Malaga makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It has a beautiful coastline and a rich history that makes it unique.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Malaga Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Malaga is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Malaga. From an endless supply of hostels to plenty of opportunities to meet other backpackers, this is a very backpacker friendly area.

Palma de Mallorca is a great island to visit for backpackers. There is no shortage of hostels in Mallorca so it's easy to find an affordable place to stay and a young crowd to hang out with.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Malaga Better for Students?

Malaga is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Palma de Mallorca is not popular with students.

Malaga is a great port city to visit as a student. The city has many opportunities to learn Spanish. It's also an affordable city with a young population and a lively atmosphere that appeals to international students.

Palma de Mallorca is not popular with students.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Malaga Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Palma de Mallorca and Malaga.

Palma de Mallorca has some public transit options. There is an efficient bus system that can get you around the island, but trips are less frequent on weekends. Pick up the Intermodal Card which can get you from town to town.

You'll find some public transit in Malaga, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is an efficient bus system as well as a light metro system.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Malaga a more walkable city?

Malaga is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

Malaga is very walkable. It has a very compact and walkable historic center with most of the tourist attractions easily accessible on foot.

Palma de Mallorca is a somewhat walkable place. It is a larger island that is not walkable, but Palma is generally a walkable area. If you stay in the central area you should be fine to explore on foot but if you want to get out into more rural areas, you'll need access to some type of transportation.

For even more information, also check out Is Palma de Mallorca Worth Visiting? and Is Malaga Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Malaga or Palma de Mallorca?

How long in Palma de Mallorca or Malaga?

Both Palma de Mallorca and Malaga have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Malaga than in Palma de Mallorca. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Palma de Mallorca, and 3-7 days is enough time in Malaga.

Families should spend more time in Palma de Mallorca than Malaga. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Palma de Mallorca, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Palma de Mallorca than Malaga. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Palma de Mallorca that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Malaga than Palma de Mallorca 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 Malaga.

One day in Palma de Mallorca or Malaga?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Palma de Mallorca. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Malaga, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

A weekend in Palma de Mallorca or Malaga?

Palma de Mallorca is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

With shopping and nightlife around the historic port city of Malaga, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Five days in Palma de Mallorca or Malaga?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Palma de Mallorca. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

With nightlife and live music around the welcoming destination of Malaga, there's plenty to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. If you have five days, this port city makes for a great vacation. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here.

A week in Palma de Mallorca or Malaga?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the cultural destination of Palma de Mallorca. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Malaga is a popular choice for travelers. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week here is typical. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Spain, The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain, The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain.

When comparing the travel costs between Palma de Mallorca and Malaga, we can see that Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca Expensive? and Is Malaga Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Palma de Mallorca or Malaga?

Malaga has a larger population, and is about 46% larger than the population of Palma de Mallorca. When comparing the sizes of Palma de Mallorca and Malaga, 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 Palma de Mallorca or Malaga?

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 Palma de Mallorca or Malaga in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Palma de Mallorca as well as Malaga. Many travelers come to Palma de Mallorca for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Malaga in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Palma de Mallorca is around the same temperature as Malaga. Typically, the summer temperatures in Palma de Mallorca in July average around 24°C (76°F), and Malaga averages at about 25°C (77°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Malaga. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Palma de Mallorca this time of the year. In the summer, Palma de Mallorca often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Malaga. Palma de Mallorca gets 334 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Malaga receives 348 hours of full sun.

Palma de Mallorca usually gets more rain in July than Malaga. Palma de Mallorca gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Palma de Mallorca or Malaga in the Autumn?

Both Malaga and Palma de Mallorca are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Palma de Mallorca in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Malaga for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

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

It's quite sunny in Malaga. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Palma de Mallorca. Palma de Mallorca usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Malaga during autumn. Palma de Mallorca gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Malaga receives 213 hours of full sun in the autumn.

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

Should I visit Palma de Mallorca or Malaga in the Winter?

Both Malaga and Palma de Mallorca during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Palma de Mallorca for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Malaga because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Palma de Mallorca is cooler than Malaga in the winter. The daily temperature in Palma de Mallorca averages around 11°C (52°F) in January, and Malaga fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the winter, Palma de Mallorca often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Malaga. Palma de Mallorca gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Malaga receives 171 hours of full sun.

Palma de Mallorca usually gets less rain in January than Malaga. Palma de Mallorca gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Palma de Mallorca or Malaga in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Palma de Mallorca and Malaga. The spring months attract visitors to Palma de Mallorca because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Malaga this time of year.

In the spring, Palma de Mallorca is cooler than Malaga. Typically, the spring temperatures in Palma de Mallorca in April average around 14°C (57°F), and Malaga averages at about 16°C (60°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malaga this time of the year. In Palma de Mallorca, it's very sunny this time of the year. Palma de Mallorca usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Malaga during spring. Palma de Mallorca gets 210 hours of sunny skies, while Malaga receives 220 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Palma de Mallorca usually receives more rain than Malaga. Palma de Mallorca gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Malaga and Palma de Mallorca