Which place is cheaper, Marbella or Puerto de la Cruz?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Puerto de la Cruz or Marbella?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Puerto de la Cruz and Marbella. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Puerto de la Cruz or Marbella?
Puerto de la Cruz
The coast of the island of Tenerife is a dream destination for those seeking a luxurious getaway full of beaches and parties. However, for those of you traveling with families or looking to simply avoid the hustle and bustle of the nightclub crowd, there's Puerto de la Cruz. Known as a sophisticated destination, Puerto de la Cruz is one of the top places to visit yet still retains its authentic, Canarian charm.
Marbella
Marbella is a city in southern Spain in the province of Malaga. It is part of the Costa del Sol (Coast of the Sun) and is located on the Mediterranean Sea between Malaga and the Strait of Gibraltar. It is one of the most important tourist cities in the area and receives many national and international tourists year round due to its climate and tourism structures. Marbella is a bit of a glamorous city due to its beauty and resort-type environment. The old town with its narrow cobbled streets and flower-filled plazas is packed with shops and art galleries selling boutique clothes and accessories, and handmade wares. The city has significant archaeological and historical heritage and many events and performances throughout the year.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain, The Best Luxury Tours to Spain, The Best Budget Tours to Spain, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPuerto de la Cruz €112Marbella €117
The average daily cost (per person) in Puerto de la Cruz is €112, while the average daily cost in Marbella is €117. 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 Puerto de la Cruz and Marbella in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPuerto de la Cruz €51Marbella €61
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPuerto de la Cruz €102Marbella €122
Compare Hotels in Puerto de la Cruz and Marbella
Looking for a hotel in Puerto de la Cruz or Marbella? 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.
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: Puerto de la Cruz Hotel Prices and Marbella Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Puerto de la Cruz €40Marbella €24
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Marbella
Also for Marbella, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Vip Transfer from Malaga Airport to Fuengirola or Marbella: $21
- Private Transfer from Fuengirola to Malaga (AGP) airport: $64
- Private Transfer from Alhaurín El Grande to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $68
- Costa del Sol: Private 1-Way Transfer to/from Malaga Airport: $75
- Private Transfer from Coín to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $80
- Private Transfer from Torre del Mar to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $97
- Private Transfer from Lomas De Cabopino to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $97
- Private Transfer from Marbesa to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $97
- Private Transfer from Vélez-Málaga to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $97
- TRANSFER MALAGA AIRPORT from OR to MARBELLA-PRICE ALL INCLUSIVE: $104
- Private Transfer from Los Monteros to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $107
- Private Transfer from Algarrobo to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $109
Is it cheaper to fly into Puerto de la Cruz or Marbella?
Prices for flights to both Marbella and Puerto de la Cruz 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
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Food Meals for one dayPuerto de la Cruz €34Marbella €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: $87
- The Mediterranean Diet & Lifestyle Cooking Class.: $180
- Gourmet Cooking Class & Culture in the rural Montes de Malaga.: $191
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Puerto de la Cruz €28Marbella €19
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: $4.60
- Marbella Old Town Walking Tour : $15
- Sightseeing Walking Tour: $21
- Guided tour and olive oil tasting in Alhaurin el Grande (Málaga) : $22
- Marbella Old Town: Group Tour with a True Local: $24
- Marbella Old Town group tour with a True Local: $24
- group walking Tour: $26
- Explore Marbella Old Town: Tapas Tasting Adventure: $27
- Marbella like a Local: Customized Guided Tour: $32
- Bike City Tour Marbella: $32
- Dolphin Watching Adventure in Estepona Bay: $38
- 2 h Estepona Bay Tour: $47
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPuerto de la Cruz €5.00Marbella €5.71
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: $152
- From Manilva Sunset Wine Tasting Tour with Tapas: $159
- Ronda Full Day Wine Tour from Marbella: $195
- From Antequera Wine Tour with Tastings and Lunch: $213
- From Axarquia Wine Tour with Wine Pairing Lunch: $234
- Full-Day Private Ronda Wine Tour Experience from Marbella: $262
- VIP Ronda Wine Tour and Tasting and Gourmet Lunch Experience with Winemaker: $272
When comparing the travel costs between Puerto de la Cruz and Marbella, we can see that Marbella 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 Puerto de la Cruz Expensive? and Is Marbella Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Puerto de la Cruz or Marbella?
Marbella has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Puerto de la Cruz. When comparing the sizes of Puerto de la Cruz and Marbella, 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 Puerto de la Cruz or Marbella?
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 Puerto de la Cruz or Marbella in the Summer?
Both Marbella and Puerto de la Cruz during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Marbella for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Puerto de la Cruz is generally around the same temperature as Marbella. Daily temperatures in Puerto de la Cruz average around 24°C (75°F), and Marbella fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
In Marbella, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Puerto de la Cruz. In the summer, Puerto de la Cruz often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Marbella. Puerto de la Cruz gets 334 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marbella receives 348 hours of full sun.
Puerto de la Cruz usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Marbella. Puerto de la Cruz gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Marbella receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPuerto de la Cruz 24°C (75°F)Marbella 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Puerto de la Cruz or Marbella in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Puerto de la Cruz and Marbella. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Marbella because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Puerto de la Cruz is around the same temperature as Marbella in the autumn. The daily temperature in Puerto de la Cruz averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and Marbella fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marbella this time of the year. In Puerto de la Cruz, it's very sunny this time of the year. Puerto de la Cruz usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Marbella during autumn. Puerto de la Cruz gets 218 hours of sunny skies, while Marbella receives 213 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Puerto de la Cruz usually receives less rain than Marbella. Puerto de la Cruz gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Marbella receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPuerto de la Cruz 21°C (70°F)Marbella 19°C (67°F)
Should I visit Puerto de la Cruz or Marbella in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Puerto de la Cruz as well as Marbella. Additionally, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Marbella this time of year.
In the winter, Puerto de la Cruz is a little warmer than Marbella. Typically, the winter temperatures in Puerto de la Cruz in January average around 18°C (64°F), and Marbella averages at about 12°C (54°F).
In the winter, Puerto de la Cruz often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Marbella. Puerto de la Cruz gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marbella receives 171 hours of full sun.
Puerto de la Cruz usually gets less rain in January than Marbella. Puerto de la Cruz gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Marbella receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPuerto de la Cruz 18°C (64°F)Marbella 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Puerto de la Cruz or Marbella in the Spring?
Both Marbella and Puerto de la Cruz are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Marbella for the beaches and the natural beauty.
In April, Puerto de la Cruz is generally a little warmer than Marbella. Daily temperatures in Puerto de la Cruz average around 20°C (68°F), and Marbella fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
It's quite sunny in Marbella. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Puerto de la Cruz. Puerto de la Cruz usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Marbella during spring. Puerto de la Cruz gets 229 hours of sunny skies, while Marbella receives 220 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Puerto de la Cruz usually receives less rain than Marbella. Puerto de la Cruz gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Marbella receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPuerto de la Cruz 20°C (68°F)Marbella 16°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Marbella and Puerto de la Cruz
| Puerto de la Cruz | Marbella | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| Feb | 18°C (64°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Apr | 20°C (68°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| May | 21°C (70°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Jun | 23°C (73°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| Dec | 18°C (64°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.