A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Malaga vs. Sorrento for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Malaga or Sorrento?

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 Malaga and Sorrento. 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.

Malaga

Malaga is a historic, beautiful, and friendly port city. Malaga is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food. See Malaga travel costs.

Sorrento

Sorrento is a colorful, historic, and relaxing small city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The beauty of Sorrento is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and hiking. See Sorrento travel costs.

Malaga and Sorrento: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Malaga or Sorrento?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sorrento. Although Malaga and Sorrento are popular destinations, Sorrento has more sights and attractions for tourists. Sorrento is very popular for its food, resorts, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Malaga attracts visitors for its nightlife, music, scuba diving & snorkeling, and historical sights. Malaga is famous for its perfect blend of sandy beaches, beautiful culture, fascinating history, and a lively nightlife scene. Sorrento is famous for its lemon groves and limoncello, charming cafes, and access to the Amalfi coast. It is also well known for Marina Grande and Marina Piccola.

How is Malaga different from Sorrento?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is the Food Better in Malaga or Sorrento? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Sorrento is a must-visit destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its restaurants.

Eat your way through Sorrento, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The food is world class and you'll find most Italian classics here including pizza, fine cheeses, and fresh seafood. Many visitors enjoy taking a pasta or pizza making class while they're in town. You'll also find Limoncello everywhere, made from the locally grown lemons, which are impressive in both their size and flavor. Also make sure you allow for plenty of stops at gelato shops.

Malaga has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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 Malaga or Sorrento Better for Nightlife?

Malaga is renowned for nightlife. Also, Sorrento is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Malaga is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Sorrento has a few options to choose from. The city is known for its laid back atmosphere, but there are still a number of clubs where you can dance the night away. While the main city center has its share of bars and activities, some of the best known clubs are actually a bit outside of the city center. Many visitors dress to impress and don't show up until after midnight, which is when the party really starts.

Is Malaga or Sorrento Better for Music?

Malaga is a great destination for live music. However, Sorrento is not a live music destination.

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.

Sorrento is not a live music destination.

Is Malaga or Sorrento Better for Resorts?

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

There are plenty of resorts in Sorrento to choose from. The city offers a wide selection of luxury and budget hotels, particularly in the Piazza Tasso area. Because of its accessibility, many people use it as a base for exploring the area, or stop off for a day or two in route to other towns.

Malaga is not a resort destination.

Is Malaga or Sorrento Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Malaga is a port city with good options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Sorrento is a small city with minimal options for its diving and snorkeling.

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.

There are few places where you can go snorkeling in Sorrento. There are snorkeling excursions that you can book in the area, but this is often an overlooked activity for many visitors.

Is Malaga or Sorrento Better for Beaches?

Malaga and Sorrento both offer nice beaches.

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

Sorrento is a good option for a beach vacation. The rugged coastline is filled with dramatic hills and rocky inlets that offer hidden beaches. Many of the most unique beaches can be challenging to access and the beaches closer to town get very crowded. Some of the best beaches in the area include Marina Piccola Beach, Regina Giovanna, and Puolo. Some beaches are public while others are private and come at a price.

Is Malaga or Sorrento Better for its Old Town?

Malaga is a great destination for its historic old town. However, Sorrento does not have a historic old town.

Malaga is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Sorrento does not have a historic old town.

Is Malaga or Sorrento Better for Hiking?

Sorrento is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Malaga is not a hiking destination.

Sorrento is a popular spot for hiking. The area has a number of walking trails that you can explore. Many follow historic donkey trails that once connected the villages and today offer a well-established route with stunning views and pristine landscapes. The trails navigate the region's steep hills and offer a breathtaking look at the rugged coastline.

Malaga is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Malaga or Sorrento?

Sorrento is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its shopping areas.

Sorrento is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Head to the heart of the city around Piazza Tasso for the best shopping opportunities. You can simply enjoy window shopping or pop in one of the many local boutiques or larger European brand stores. Popular items to purchase include leather goods, Limoncello, and inlaid wood items.

Malaga has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of shopping areas in the city with both local boutiques and name brands.

Is Malaga or Sorrento More Beautiful?

Malaga and Sorrento are somewhat similar when it comes to the very good scenery.

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.

With stunning beauty, Sorrento attracts visitors from all around. The city offers spectacular views of Mount Vesuvius as well as a scenic waterfront. You can stop by one of the many cafes around town and soak up the quintessential Italian atmosphere.

Is Malaga or Sorrento Better for Families?

Sorrento 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.

Sorrento is a very kid-friendly small city. It makes a good base or first stop for families who want to enjoy the area. It's well connected with transportation and has all the kid approved foods you could need. The whole family will also enjoy taking a pasta making class or going for a swim in the Mediterranean. And make sure you allow plenty of time for everyone to eat their fill of gelato.

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

Is Malaga or Sorrento Better for Couples?

Sorrento is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for couples.

Sorrento is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. This beautiful romantic destination is one of the world's top honeymoon areas. It's a small city that offers access to the many nearby destinations, so it makes a good base or gateway city for visiting places like Capri and the Blue Grotto as well as the Amalfi Coast. You can enjoy romantic hikes full of stunning views, explore by kayak, dine at romantic restaurants, or experience a one-of-a-kind farm tour. If you base yourself in Sorrento, you'll likely be doing a lot of day trips.

Malaga is a good port city for couples to visit. It has a beautiful coastline and a rich history that makes it unique.

Is Malaga or Sorrento Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Malaga and Sorrento are fantastic destinations for backpackers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Malaga. From an endless supply of hostels to plenty of opportunities to meet other backpackers, this is a very backpacker friendly area.

A large number of backpackers visit Sorrento, as it is a very popular port city for budget travelers. Because its a small city with accessible transportation, you'll find a decent number of hostels that make it an affordable base for exploring the area. You can hit many nearby sights as day trips or use this as a first stop off point as you make your way along the coast.

Is Malaga or Sorrento Better for Students?

Malaga is a great destination for students. However, Sorrento is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Malaga. 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.

Sorrento is not popular with students.

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

Sorrento is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Sorrento has some very good public transit options. Buses travel around town and you can also visit nearby areas using the Circumvesuviana train line, EAV and Sita buses, Cooperativa Tasso minibuses, or one of the many ferry companies.

Malaga has some public transit options. There is an efficient bus system as well as a light metro system.

Is Malaga or Sorrento a more walkable city?

Malaga and Sorrento both are very good when exploring on foot.

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

Sorrento is a very walkable destination. The old town is fun to walk around and window shop, but bring good walking shoes as the area has a lot of hills.

For even more information, also check out Is Malaga Worth Visiting? and Is Sorrento Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sorrento or Malaga?

How long in Malaga or Sorrento?

Both Malaga and Sorrento have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Sorrento has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Sorrento than Malaga. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Malaga than Sorrento 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 Malaga or Sorrento?

The beautiful port city of Malaga offers shopping and nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Sorrento. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Malaga or Sorrento?

Malaga is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

Sorrento is a great place to explore. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Malaga or Sorrento?

Malaga is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Malaga, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sorrento. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Malaga or Sorrento?

Malaga is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. It is common to spend one week here. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Malaga has to offer. This port city offers something for everyone.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the colorful destination of Sorrento. This small city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. 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 10-Day Tours from Madrid, The Best 10-Day Tours from Barcelona, The Best Adventure Tours to Italy, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Malaga or Sorrento?

Malaga has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Sorrento. When comparing the sizes of Malaga and Sorrento, 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 Malaga or Sorrento?

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 Malaga or Sorrento in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Malaga and Sorrento. Most visitors come to Malaga for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Sorrento because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Malaga is generally around the same temperature as Sorrento. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 25°C (77°F), and Sorrento fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sorrento this time of the year. In Malaga, it's very sunny this time of the year. Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Sorrento during summer. Malaga gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Sorrento receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Malaga usually receives less rain than Sorrento. Malaga gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Malaga or Sorrento in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Malaga as well as Sorrento. The autumn months attract visitors to Malaga because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Sorrento this time of year.

Malaga is a little warmer than Sorrento in the autumn. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Sorrento fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malaga this time of the year. In the autumn, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Sorrento. Malaga gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sorrento receives 189 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sorrento. Malaga usually gets less rain in October than Sorrento. Malaga gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Malaga or Sorrento in the Winter?

Both Sorrento and Malaga are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Malaga this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Sorrento for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In the winter, Malaga is much warmer than Sorrento. Typically, the winter temperatures in Malaga in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Sorrento averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Sorrento during winter. Malaga gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Sorrento receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sorrento. In January, Malaga usually receives less rain than Sorrento. Malaga gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Malaga or Sorrento in the Spring?

Both Sorrento and Malaga during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Malaga for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Sorrento in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, Malaga is generally a little warmer than Sorrento. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 16°C (60°F), and Sorrento fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Malaga. In the spring, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Sorrento. Malaga gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sorrento receives 189 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets less rain in April than Sorrento. Malaga gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Sorrento and Malaga