A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Marbella vs. Crete for Food, Nightlife, Resorts, and Scuba Diving & Snorkeling

Should you visit Marbella or Crete?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marbella or Crete, 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.

Marbella

Marbella is a fun-filled, high energy, and ritzy resort town. With stunning beauty, Marbella attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Marbella travel costs.

Crete

Crete is a breathtaking, world-renowned, and scenic island. The beauty of Crete is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Crete travel costs.

Marbella and Crete: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marbella or Crete?

Both Crete and Marbella have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Marbella is more popular for its nightlife, music, scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, and shopping, while Crete is known for its museums and attractions, food, and hiking. Crete is more touristy than Marbella and is popular for its breathtaking beaches, wild nightlife, and impressive archeological ruins. Marbella is popular for its luxury hotels, beautiful beaches, and lively nightlife.

How is Marbella different from Crete?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Crete is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Marbella does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Crete can be an interesting and educational experience. The island is filled with archeological sites including the famous Palace of Knossos. While most people come to Crete for the natural beauty, in the cities you'll find some great museums and landmarks.

Marbella does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Crete is very popular for its restaurants. Also, Marbella is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Crete is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Local cuisine is influenced by the island's fertile environment and excellent agriculture. You'll find olive oil in most dishes and seafood is a major staple. You'll also find a lot of stews and recipes that incorporate local ingredients.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Marbella area. The area is filled with tourists, so finding an authentic dining experience can be difficult. Several favorite dishes include croquetas, boquerones, and pulpo.

Is Marbella or Crete Better for Nightlife?

Marbella is an amazing resort town to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Crete is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Marbella has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

Many people head to Crete for the nightlife scene. The island has excellent nightlife with clubs and bars found in Chania, Malia and Stalis to Elounda. The area is popular with British tourists and you'll find many bars open until 2 or 3 in the morning.

Is Marbella or Crete Better for Music?

Marbella is well known for its music scene. However, Crete is not a live music destination.

Music is a popular form of entertainment in Marbella. Some of the best music venues include Starlite, Kitch Social Club, and Momento.

Crete is not a live music destination.

Is Marbella or Crete Better for Resorts?

With a similar set of options, fantastic resorts can be found in both Marbella and Crete.

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.

Crete is a world class resort vacation destination. The island has world class resorts that include pools and buffet meals. There are many beachfront resorts that range in style from romantic to family-friendly.

Is Marbella or Crete Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Marbella is an amazing resort town to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. Also, Crete is still popular, but not quite as popular for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Marbella a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. 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.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in Crete. The island is surrounded by clear waters that make for great snorkeling and diving. There's a number of beautiful fish and other sea life that you can see. Be on the lookout for crabs, sea stars, sponges, and even octopi.

Is Marbella or Crete Better for Beaches?

Both Marbella and Crete have fantastic beaches worth visiting.

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.

Crete is considered to be a world-class beach destination. There are some of the best beaches in the world on Crete. The areas around Chania have some of the island's best beaches, with one of the most beautiful being Balos. On the northern side of the island, be on the lookout for strong winds, particularly in August, which can make for larger waves. The island is large, so you'll find everything from secluded and quiet beaches to more active and lively places.

Is Marbella or Crete Better for its Old Town?

Marbella is a popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Crete does not have a historic old town.

Marbella offers a nice historic old town area. Head into the old town to explore a quaint area with small, meandering streets, churches, restaurants, shops, and cafes.

Crete does not have a historic old town.

Is Marbella or Crete Better for Hiking?

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

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Crete. The island is filled with beautiful hikes that run along the shoreline or head inland through the island's beautiful landscapes. There are hikes for every ability level that offer spectacular views and an incredible experience.

Marbella is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Marbella or Crete?

Marbella is an amazing resort town to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Crete is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Marbella is a world class destination for shoppers. This area attracts vacationers from around Europe and the shopping is some of the best in Europe.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Crete. The island has many markets that sell local foods and handicrafts. There are also shops and boutiques where you can buy anything from souvenirs to homemade artwork.

Is Marbella or Crete More Beautiful?

Marbella and Crete are somewhat similar when it comes to the very good scenery.

The beauty of Marbella is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. With its seemingly endless sunshine, miles of sandy beaches, and surrounding mountain landscape, this is a beautiful destination.

With stunning beauty, Crete attracts visitors from all around. The island has some of the world's most beautiful beaches. The blue waters and striking landscapes make this a world class destination.

Is Marbella or Crete Better for Families?

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

Crete is an amazing family-friendly island to visit. The island is large and filled with countless family-friendly activities. You can spend several days at the beach, explore Lake Kournas, visit a water park, or even take a pirate themed boat cruise. There's also the amusement park, ​​Labyrinth Park, aquariums and more.

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 Marbella or Crete Better for Couples?

Marbella and Crete are both fantastic to visit as a couple.

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.

Crete is a great resort town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. It's stunning beaches, beautiful landscapes, world renowned restaurants, and amazing resorts make this a top honeymoon spot for international travelers and romance seekers.

Is Marbella or Crete Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Crete is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Marbella is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Crete. It's a large island with a great social scene and no shortage of hostels for backpackers to choose from.

Marbella is a good resort town 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 Marbella or Crete Better for Students?

Crete is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Marbella is not popular with students.

Crete is a great island to visit as a student. It's affordability and great coastal activities is a big draw for students in the area.

Marbella is not popular with students.

Is Marbella or Crete Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Crete 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.

Crete has some public transit options. There's a decent bus system that travels around the island and offers access to many areas.

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 Marbella or Crete a more walkable city?

Marbella is well known for its ease of walking around. However, Crete is not particularly known for its walkability.

Marbella is a very walkable destination. 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.

Crete is generally not a very walkable resort town. The island is large and requires a vehicle to get around, but there are short strolls that let you enjoy the stunning landscapes.

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

Should I spend more time in Crete or Marbella?

How long in Marbella or Crete?

Both Marbella and Crete have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Crete than in Marbella. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Marbella, and 5-7 days is enough time in Crete.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Crete than Marbella 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 Crete.

One day in Marbella or Crete?

In Marbella, many people enjoy the live music and food that this glamorous destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This resort town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

The beautiful island of Crete offers museums and nightlife. 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.

A weekend in Marbella or Crete?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Marbella. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Crete 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.

Five days in Marbella or Crete?

Marbella is a fun place to experience. In Marbella, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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

A week in Marbella or Crete?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the high energy destination of Marbella. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Crete 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 Crete has to offer. This island offers something for everyone.

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 Greece, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Greece.

When comparing the travel costs between Marbella and Crete, 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 Marbella Expensive? and Is Crete Expensive?.

Which has a larger population, Marbella or Crete?

Crete has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Marbella. When comparing the sizes of Marbella and Crete, 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.