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

Should you visit Tenerife or Marbella?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Tenerife 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.

Tenerife

Tenerife is a adventure-filled, beautiful, and volcanic island. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

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.

Tenerife and Marbella: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tenerife or Marbella?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Marbella. Although Tenerife and Marbella are popular destinations, Marbella has more sights and attractions for tourists. Marbella is very popular for its music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Tenerife attracts visitors for its museums and hiking. Tenerife is more touristy than Marbella and is known for its volcanic landscapes, built-up resorts, and fun-filled beaches. Marbella is famous for its luxury hotels, beautiful beaches, and lively nightlife. It is also well known for Plaza de los Naranjos.

How is Tenerife different from Marbella?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Tenerife or Marbella?

Tenerife is not a good area for its museums and history. However, Marbella does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Tenerife. The island is filled with national parks, beautiful landscapes, and stunning beaches, but if you're not into outdoor activities, then you won't find many museums or other historical sights to visit.

Marbella does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Tenerife and Marbella offer nice local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Tenerife. Many visitors stick to the major touristy areas, eating in their resorts or other nearby restaurants. If you want to try a bit of the island's authentic Canarian cuisine, you'll need to do a little research. Head into the local areas near the markets for the best chance of finding something a little more authentic. Local dishes often include fish and seafood as well as local meats, but you'll rarely find beef as there isn't a lot of land for cows to graze on the island.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Marbella. The area is filled with tourists, so finding an authentic dining experience can be difficult. Several favorite dishes include croquetas, boquerones, and pulpo.

Is Tenerife or Marbella Better for Nightlife?

The amazing nightlife scene is relatively similar in Tenerife and Marbella.

Tenerife is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. The island has a variety of nightclubs that range in style and personality. There are all night wild beach parties as well as laid back beach clubs and hole-in-the-wall pubs. Many bars have happy hours where you can relax with a drink and many nightclubs host famous DJs that keep the party going into the early morning hours.

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.

Is Tenerife or Marbella Better for Music?

Marbella is a very popular place for live music. However, Tenerife is not a live music destination.

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.

Tenerife is not a live music destination.

Is Tenerife or Marbella Better for Resorts?

Marbella is very popular for its luxury resorts. Also, Tenerife is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its resorts.

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.

In Tenerife, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. You'll find everything from world-class resorts like the Ritz to more budget-friendly hotels and even some hostels around the island. You'll find most of the resorts on the south side of the island, which is also where you'll find the best weather.

Is Tenerife or Marbella Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Marbella is very popular for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. Also, Tenerife is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its diving and snorkeling.

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.

Tenerife is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. A highlight of snorkeling in this area is the opportunity to swim with sea turtles. Some of the best snorkeling is in El Puertito, which is known for its many turtles and there is no shortage of organized snorkeling trips to the area. The island also has excellent scuba diving trips with a variety of shipwrecks and marine species.

Is Tenerife or Marbella Better for Beaches?

Marbella is very popular for its beaches. Also, Tenerife is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the beache.

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.

The beaches at Tenerife attract visitors from all over. The island has a large number of beaches that attract tourists, particularly during the peak winter months. The island's volcanic nature means that many of its natural beaches have black sand. The golden sand from the more developed beaches typically comes from the Sahara Desert. A favorite beach on the island is the 2 kilometer long Playa de las Teresitas.

Is Tenerife or Marbella Better for its Old Town?

Marbella is a nice place to visit for its historic old town. However, Tenerife does not have a historic old town.

Marbella is a good destination for visiting its old town. Head into the old town to explore a quaint area with small, meandering streets, churches, restaurants, shops, and cafes.

Tenerife does not have a historic old town.

Is Tenerife or Marbella Better for Hiking?

Tenerife is very popular for its hiking trails. However, Marbella is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Tenerife draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The island's volcanic landscapes mean that there are dramatic and breathtaking hikes throughout the island. Some of the best hikes are found in the Anaga Rural Park, Teide National Park, and the Teno Mountains.

Marbella is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tenerife or Marbella?

Marbella is very popular for shopping. Also, Tenerife is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Tenerife is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The island's low tax rates make it a popular shopping destination for tourists. The are shopping streets, local markets, and luxury malls that you can explore.

Is Tenerife or Marbella Better for Families?

Tenerife is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Marbella is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Tenerife is an amazing family-friendly island to visit. The island has many great waterparks for kids, with one of the best being Siam Park. Other family-friendly destinations include Aqualand, Loro Parque, Jungle Park, and Monkey Park. There are whale watching trips, outdoor adventures, and kid-friendly beaches as well.

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.

Is Tenerife or Marbella Better for Couples?

Marbella is very popular for romance. Also, Tenerife is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

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.

Couples visit Tenerife frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The natural beauty, great landscapes, and lively beaches make this a great island for a romantic getaway. There's hiking and outdoor adventures as well as swimming, boat rides, and even whale watching.

Is Tenerife or Marbella Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tenerife and Marbella are both nice destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Tenerife. The island is large enough that there are a decent number of hostels and budget-friendly places to stay for backpackers.

Marbella is a good island to visit for backpackers. 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 Tenerife or Marbella Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Tenerife 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.

Tenerife has some public transit options. The island has a decent bus service that is operated by a company called "TITSA".

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 Tenerife or Marbella a more walkable city?

Marbella is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, Tenerife is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

Marbella is very walkable. 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.

Tenerife is a somewhat walkable place. There are many walks on the island that make for a fun way to explore the setting.

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

Should I spend more time in Marbella or Tenerife?

How long in Tenerife or Marbella?

In either Tenerife or Marbella, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Tenerife than Marbella because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Tenerife, and 2-5 days is enough time in Marbella.

Couples should spend more time in Marbella than Tenerife. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Marbella that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Marbella than Tenerife 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 Tenerife or Marbella?

The beautiful island of Tenerife offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

The beautiful resort town of Marbella 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.

A weekend in Tenerife or Marbella?

Tenerife 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 here.

Marbella is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this resort town makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Marbella, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Tenerife or Marbella?

Tenerife is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Tenerife, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Marbella is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Marbella, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Tenerife or Marbella?

Tenerife is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Tenerife has to offer. This island offers something for everyone.

Marbella 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 resort town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Spain, The Best 10-Day Tours in Spain, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Spain, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Spain.

When comparing the travel costs between Tenerife and Marbella, we can see that Tenerife 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 Tenerife Expensive? and Is Marbella Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Tenerife or Marbella?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Tenerife or Marbella in the Summer?

Both Marbella and Tenerife are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Tenerife because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Marbella this time of year.

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

It's quite sunny in Marbella. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tenerife. Tenerife usually receives less sunshine than Marbella during summer. Tenerife gets 268 hours of sunny skies, while Marbella receives 348 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Tenerife usually receives around the same amount of rain as Marbella. Tenerife gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Marbella receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tenerife or Marbella in the Autumn?

Both Marbella and Tenerife during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Tenerife this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Marbella for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Tenerife is generally a little warmer than Marbella. Daily temperatures in Tenerife average around 22°C (72°F), and Marbella fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

In Marbella, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tenerife. In the autumn, Tenerife often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Marbella. Tenerife gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marbella receives 213 hours of full sun.

Tenerife usually gets less rain in October than Marbella. Tenerife gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Marbella receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tenerife or Marbella in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tenerife and Marbella. Many travelers come to Tenerife for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Marbella in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Tenerife is a little warmer than Marbella in the winter. The daily temperature in Tenerife averages around 17°C (63°F) in January, and Marbella fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Tenerife usually receives more sunshine than Marbella during winter. Tenerife gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Marbella receives 171 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tenerife usually receives less rain than Marbella. Tenerife gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Marbella receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tenerife or Marbella in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Tenerife as well as Marbella. Many visitors come to Tenerife in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Marbella for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Tenerife is a little warmer than Marbella. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tenerife in April average around 18°C (64°F), and Marbella averages at about 16°C (60°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marbella. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tenerife this time of the year. In the spring, Tenerife often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Marbella. Tenerife gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marbella receives 220 hours of full sun.

Tenerife usually gets less rain in April than Marbella. Tenerife gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Marbella receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Marbella and Tenerife