A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Peniche vs. Marbella for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Peniche or Marbella?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Peniche and Marbella can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Peniche or Marbella?

Peniche

Peniche is a beach destination with many attractions for travelers. First, the raging sea and the lay of the land make this a popular surfing destination. The best of many supreme beaches is Praia dos Supertubos, which has a tubular wave fit for big time international events. Peniche has also been a port since the Early Modern Age, when a fort was constructed to defend it. This monument has an absorbing history, first as a maritime defense and then a prison during the Estado Novo regime in the 20th century. The walled historic center makes for pleasant strolling, and the seaside fort where Salazar's regime detained political prisoners is a must-see for anyone interested in Portuguese history. Artisan lovers will enjoy Peniche's specialty, handmade lace, and it is even possible to see the lace-work in action. And on top of everything, Peniche also has the Berlingas Islands, a natural reserve off the coast, which are well worth a visit.

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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in Portugal, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Portugal, The Best Budget Tours to Spain, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Marbella or Peniche?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Peniche is €152, while the average daily cost in Marbella is €145. 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 Peniche and Marbella in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Peniche 50
    Marbella 61
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Peniche 100
    Marbella 122
Compare Hotels in Peniche and Marbella

Looking for a hotel in Peniche 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.

Hotels in Peniche


Hotels in Marbella


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: Peniche Hotel Prices and Marbella Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Peniche 53
    Marbella 24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Marbella

Also for Marbella, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Las Chapas to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $295
  • Private Transfer from Torreblanca to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $258
  • Private Transfer from Alhaurín El Grande to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $223
  • Private Transfer from La Quinta Golf Resort to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $171
  • Costa del Sol: Private 1-Way Transfer to/from Malaga Airport: $160
  • TRANSFER MALAGA AIRPORT from OR to MARBELLA-PRICE ALL INCLUSIVE: $120
  • Vip Transfer from Malaga Airport to Marbella: $112
  • Vip Malaga Private Transfer to Marbella: $100
  • Marbella to Malaga Airport (AGP) - Departure Private Transfer: $56
  • Vip One Way Transfer from Malaga Airport to Malaga City: $39

Is it cheaper to fly into Peniche or Marbella?

Prices for flights to both Marbella and Peniche 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Peniche 71
    Marbella 66

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Marbella

For Marbella, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Flamenco Show & Dinner in Fuengirola/Mijas - Tipi Tapa Restaurant: $34
  • Marbella Food Tour with Tapas & Drinks with a Local: $95
  • Explore Marbella Old Town: Authentic Tapas Food Tour: $105
  • Marbella Food Tour: Tapas, Drinks and Delights with a Local: $106
  • Marbella Old Town: Authentic Tapas Food Tour With Local Guide: $106

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Peniche 19
    Marbella 19

Tours and Activities in Peniche

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Peniche.

  • Baleal Exclusive Surfing Private Adventure: $60
  • Berlenga Island: Kayak Tour and Glass-bottom Boat Trip: $176
  • From 1-Hour Cabo Carvoeiro Boat Tour: $20
  • From Round-Trip Boat Tour of Berlengas Archipelago: $29
  • Peniche Private Walking Tour + Tasting | Trails & Nature: $70
  • Berlenga Island and Cave Tour: $41
  • Berlengas Island Catamaran Tour + Snorkeling: $40
  • Berlengas Island Catamaran Tour + Stand Up Paddle: $116
  • Berlengas Island Catamaran Tour - Round Trip: $29
  • Berlengas Island Catamaran Tour with Caves Trip: $40
  • Berlengas Island Caves Tour and Snorkeling: $53
  • Berlengas Island Trip, Hiking and Cave Tour: $46

Tours and Activities in Marbella

For Marbella, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Guided tour to Caminito del Rey from the Costa del Sol: $67
  • 2 Hour Private Picnic Brunch Experience: $82
  • 2 h Estepona Bay Tour: $47
  • 2 hours Quad Tour Marbella - 170€ per Quad up to 2 people: $100
  • 2 hours Quad Tour in Marbella - 1 quad for 1/2 persons 170€: $101
  • 2-Hour Catamaran Tour along the Costa Tropical and Malaga Coast: $45
  • 3-Hour Private Guided Bicycle Tour in Marbella: $82
  • Active Sailing Experience in Marbella: $118
  • Authentic Andalusia - Jeep Eco Tour (pick up from Marbella - Estepona) : $138
  • Boat experience in Marbella: $576
  • Buggy Adventure with Incredible Views of the Sea and the Reservoir: $119
  • Caminito del Rey and Ardales Guided Tour from Costa del Sol: $84

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Peniche 12
    Marbella 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:

  • From Antequera Wine Tour with Tastings and Lunch: $816
  • From Axarquia Wine Tour with Wine Pairing Lunch: $1,110


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


Which is Bigger, Peniche or Marbella?

Marbella has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Peniche. When comparing the sizes of Peniche 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 Peniche 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 Peniche or Marbella in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Peniche and Marbella. Furthermore, many travelers come to Marbella for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Peniche is around the same temperature as Marbella in the summer. The daily temperature in Peniche averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Marbella fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marbella this time of the year. In Peniche, it's very sunny this time of the year. Peniche usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Marbella during summer. Peniche gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Marbella receives 348 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Peniche usually receives more rain than Marbella. Peniche gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Marbella receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Peniche 23°C (73°F) 
    Marbella 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Peniche or Marbella in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Peniche as well as Marbella. Additionally, many visitors come to Marbella in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Peniche is around the same temperature as Marbella. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Peniche in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Marbella averages at about 19°C (67°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marbella. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Peniche this time of the year. In the autumn, Peniche often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Marbella. Peniche gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marbella receives 213 hours of full sun.

Peniche usually gets more rain in October than Marbella. Peniche gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Marbella receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Peniche 19°C (66°F) 
    Marbella 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Peniche or Marbella in the Winter?

Both Marbella and Peniche are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Marbella for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Peniche is generally around the same temperature as Marbella. Daily temperatures in Peniche average around 12°C (53°F), and Marbella fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Peniche usually receives less sunshine than Marbella during winter. Peniche gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Marbella receives 171 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Peniche. In January, Peniche usually receives more rain than Marbella. Peniche gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Marbella receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Peniche 12°C (53°F) 
    Marbella 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Peniche or Marbella in the Spring?

Both Marbella and Peniche during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Marbella because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Peniche is around the same temperature as Marbella in the spring. The daily temperature in Peniche averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Marbella fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In Marbella, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Peniche. In the spring, Peniche often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Marbella. Peniche gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marbella receives 220 hours of full sun.

Peniche usually gets more rain in April than Marbella. Peniche gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Marbella receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Peniche 16°C (60°F) 
    Marbella 16°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Marbella and Peniche

Peniche Marbella
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 12°C (54°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Mar 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 14°C (57°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 16°C (60°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 22°C (72°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 25°C (78°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in) 23°C (74°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 19°C (67°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 15°C (60°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 102 mm (4 in)