A Travel Price Comparison for Spain Palma de Mallorca vs. Marbella for Nightlife, Resorts, Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, and Beaches

Should you visit Palma de Mallorca or Marbella?

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 Marbella, 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 stunning, cultural, and historic island. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the nightlife, live music, and food.

Marbella

Marbella is a glamorous, fun-filled, and high energy resort town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

How is Palma de Mallorca different from Marbella?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Is Palma de Mallorca or Marbella better for Food?

Both Palma de Mallorca and Marbella offer a number of unique restaurants to choose from.

The food selection 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.

Marbella has a delicious food 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.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Marbella better for Nightlife?

Both Palma de Mallorca and Marbella have similar vibes after the sun sets.

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

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.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Marbella better for Music?

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

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.

It's worth checking out the music scene in Marbella while you're in town. Some of the best music venues include Starlite, Kitch Social Club, and Momento.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Marbella better for Resorts?

With a similar set of options, resorts can be found in both Palma de Mallorca and Marbella.

Palma de Mallorca is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Top resorts on the island include The St Regis Mardavall, Viva Cala Mesquida Resort and Spa, and Nixe Palace Hotel.

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.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Marbella better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Most visitors agree that scuba diving and snorkeling are better in Marbella than Palma de Mallorca.

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.

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.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Marbella better for Beaches?

Both Palma de Mallorca and Marbella have beaches worth visiting.

The beaches in Palma de Mallorca are among the best in 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.

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.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Marbella better for its Old Town?

Palma de Mallorca and Marbella both have historical old towns that attract visitors.

Palma de Mallorca is a good destination for visiting its old town. Alcudia is the best old town on the island. It has cobblestone streets and historic walls that give it charm and history.

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.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Marbella better for Shopping?

Marbella usually beats out Palma de Mallorca for shopping.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Marbella. This area attracts vacationers from around Europe and the shopping is some of the best in Europe.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Palma de Mallorca. Head to Palma for some of the areas best shopping.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Marbella better for Families?

Palma de Mallorca and Marbella are both fun destinations for the whole family.

Palma de Mallorca is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

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.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Marbella better for Couples?

There's generally more to do as a couple in Marbella than Palma de Mallorca.

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.

Palma de Mallorca makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With beautiful beaches and a fun Spanish flare, Mallorca makes for a memorable honeymoon.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Marbella better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Palma de Mallorca and Marbella are both good destinations for backpackers.

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.

Plenty of backpackers 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.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Marbella better for Public Transit?

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

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.

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

Is Palma de Mallorca or Marbella a more walkable city?

Palma de Mallorca and Marbella are similar when it comes to walkability.

Palma de Mallorca is somewhat walkable. 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.

Marbella is a very walkable island. 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.

Palma de Mallorca and Marbella: Pros and Cons

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

How long in Palma de Mallorca or Marbella?

In either Palma de Mallorca or Marbella, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. You can fill a similar amount of time in either place.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Palma de Mallorca is 3-5 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Marbella is 2-5 days.

One day in Palma de Mallorca or Marbella?

The beautiful island of Palma de Mallorca offers shopping and nightlife. 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.

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Marbella, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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 Marbella?

Palma de Mallorca is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 around the area.

With shopping and nightlife around the glamorous resort town of Marbella, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Five days in Palma de Mallorca or Marbella?

Palma de Mallorca is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Palma de Mallorca, five days is sufficent for most. The entire area has lots to do.

With nightlife and live music around the glamorous destination of Marbella, there's plenty to do. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. If you have five days, this resort town 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 Marbella?

Palma de Mallorca is a great place to explore. 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 island offers something for everyone.

Marbella is a popular choice for travelers. It's also a relaxing resort destination. This resort town offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time here unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.